Students are invited to attend future Reform Club meetings. Photo by Henry Holben
The new Milligan Reform Club hosted its first meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 23, inviting any Milligan students to attend.
The club organizer, Benjamin Campbell, a dual economics and mathematics student explained that he had been considering issues with state and local voting practices during the fall semester and discussed his concerns with other students. Subsequent discussions led Campbell and four other students: Chris Aldmon, Aaron Connor, Bryan Leigh and Holly Leigh to establish the Milligan Reform Club.
With the support of their advisor, Dr. Amy Edmonds, the group aims to create a welcoming environment for students to discuss and research political issues. The club intends to host non-partisan gatherings, welcoming voices from either side of the political spectrum. Although Campbell noted, “You can’t completely avoid party politics.”
Campbell explained that the club’s eagerness to entertain opposing points of view will encourage productive political discussions and will be especially accommodating for students who resist embracing any side. Campbell explained that the club members will be required to research political topics and share their research and conclusions to maintain their voting privileges at club meetings.
Other activities the group plans to pursue include inviting guest lecturers to Milligan, and campaigning for the members’ consensus concerning state and local government decisions. While the club aspires to contest weighty political concerns, Campbell noted that the club will initially study less controversial subjects. Currently, the club members plan to educate themselves on such topics as voting systems, and campaign finance practices. While the club welcomes all Milligan students to attend, Campbell emphasized the group’s eagerness to learn from political science students who involve themselves with the Political Reform Club.
“We really want political science majors in this group,” Campbell emphasized. The club is in the early stages of organizing with intentions to appoint officers: a treasurer, a coordinator and a secretary. The group is also looking for someone to monitor current events in state and local government. The Reform Club plans to hold future open meetings.