College Democrats of SEMO empower student voices at General Body Meeting

The upcoming presidential election allows students to make their political voices heard. At Southeast Missouri State University, one group informs student voters through community service and education.

A crowd of politically curious students gathered in the UC Redhawks Room on Wednesday, Aug. 28, at 5:30 p.m. for the College Democrats of SEMO General Body Meeting.

Dan Presson, assistant vice president for SEMO Economic & Workforce Development, presents to students during the College Democrats of SEMO General Body Meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 28.Photo by Molly Foust

Following the speakers, the primarily minority-led SEMO College Democrats Executive Board shared highlights from last year and rallied excitement for the fall semester and November election. Four of the group’s six board members were present: Brock Freeman, Jaqori Williams, LaShea Shelton and Leola Poe. They listed upcoming organization events and advised students on how to dive into the on-campus political atmosphere.

Leola Poe, SEMO College Democrats director of public affairs and secretary and junior public relations & marketing major, shares how the group fosters an environment where students can share their ideas and helps equip students to become informed voters.

“I feel students benefit from having a political space on-campus. That way, they're able to share their different opinions and find people like-minded that may not be as majority in their space or environment,” Leola Poe, SEMO College Democrats director of Public Affairs and secretary and junior public relations & marketing major, said. “That way, you have people that connect to you, and have some beliefs and values that you're able to express openly.”

The College Democrats pose for a group photo.Photo by Molly Foust

Public administration master’s student Brock Freeman, the group’s current director of Development and outgoing president, emphasizes the importance of student participation in community events, voting and speaking out on political and campus issues.

Last August, Freeman was one of two students who restarted this chapter of the College Democrats. The SEMO College Democrats teach leadership by empowering students to form and share their thoughts and opinions.

Students attending the College Democrats of SEMO General Body Meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 28 in the UC Redhawks Room.Photo by Molly Foust

At the end of the meeting, Freeman reiterated the power of the student voice. According to Freeman, diverse representation in organizations, student government and politics is paramount, and students must educate themselves and act as their own representatives to make changes happen.

To get involved in the SEMO College Democrats, students can reach out to community leaders or attend a SEMO College Democrats meeting.

Visit the College Democrat's webpage or attend their next meeting on Sept. 11 at 5:30 p.m. in the UC Terrace Room to learn more about the SEMO College Democrats. To help register to vote, visit the SEMO College Democrats in the UC Lobby any Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. for nonpartisan voter information and registration.