Lauren Groulx

The Dartmouth Political Union

Before coming to Dartmouth, I wouldn't have considered myself a very politically active person. I kept up with current events and did what I could to stand up for what I believed in, but I did not engage in politics beyond that. 

Since coming to college, I have been presented with the opportunity to actively participate in politics and explore my own beliefs much more deeply. One organization on campus in particular has contributed heavily to my increased interest and involvement in politics: the Dartmouth Political Union (DPU). 

The DPU, according to the organization's website, is "the preeminent nonpartisan, student-led political organization at Dartmouth College." It works to promote discourse through hosting speakers, holding debates, and organizing campus-wide political discussions.  

Posters from the Rep. Dean Phillips event last term!

At DPU meetings, attendees arrange their chairs in a circle facing inwards upon each other. The topic at hand is introduced (which is shared prior to the beginning of the meeting), and speakers both "for" and "against" the issue of the week share a short, previously prepared speech to provide relevant background information and their opinion. Then, the conversation begins. 

For the next hour, a moderated and time-limited discussion of the issue occurs. Speakers raise their hands and are called on, providing them with a chance to share their opinions, raise a question about the topic, and respond to each other. The discussion is always respectful, and attendees from across the political spectrum enjoy discovering common ground.

Last week's DPU meeting!

As I mentioned previously, in addition to these weekly meetings, the DPU occasionally hosts political speakers on campus. During my time on campus so far, I have attended events with Marianne Williamson, Nancy Fraser, Governor Chris Christie, Representative Dean Phillips, and Liz Cheney. The access that Dartmouth provides to these speakers is unparalleled, and something I did not value until I experienced it for the first time.

I have been able to directly ask politicans my questions and get answers from them on the issues that matter the most to me. Each speaker has been genuinely interested, and they often share excitement about seeing so many college students who want to talk about politics. 

Sometimes, when I tell people I'm looking forward to a DPU meeting, they seem confused. "Why would you want to listen to the other side's opinions?" After attending talks and meet-and-greets with figures from across party lines and diverse backgrounds, I have been exposed to a multitude of interesting perspectives and new ideas. I have also learned that in order to make this country (and our world) a better place, we must work together to find solutions. 

I am grateful for the students who founded the Dartmouth Political Union, and those who regularly attend meetings and events. They provide a space on campus for young, bright minds to come together and discuss pressing political issues in a civil manner. I encourage anyone interested in attending a DPU meeting to do so. You don't even have to speak, if you don't want to! You can just come by and listen to the discussion.