The newly-formed Houghton College Republicans Club is a group of students who seek to foster growth on campus and aspire to build a community that is comfortable talking to each other about political issues. The last time Houghton College hosted an on-campus Republicans Club was approximately fifteen years ago. Eliza Burdick-Risser ‘18, Jonathan Libby ‘20 and Skylar Hillman ‘20 decided to bring back the club in February 2016.
Hillman, the club’s treasurer, values how the Republicans Club aligns with Houghton’s mission and seeks to create an engaging, thought-provoking atmosphere. “Houghton is uniquely different than most colleges. The students and faculty welcome not only racial diversity, but also diversity of thought,” he says. “The Republicans Club’s mission is to create a friendly environment where everyone’s opinions are shared, and more importantly, respected. Our job is not to make others Republicans, rather we seek to help others share their thoughts.”
The Republicans Club primarily began as an effort to promote growth and build community. “College is a great time to grow and really challenge yourself,” Burdick-Risser, President of the Republicans Club, says. “We should use this time to really think about how we feel about certain issues, and even if we disagree, ask ourselves: why do we disagree?”
On September 7, the club gathered for their first official meeting in Chamberlain Center 123. The premise of their weekly meetings is to have a discussion. “We want to encourage discussion from all different perspectives,” Burdick-Risser says. Regardless of what end of the political spectrum students consider themselves, all are welcome to attend the meetings. “A lot of people came to the first meeting thankful for a place where they can actually talk about what they believe, and learn about what they believe,” Libby, Vice President, adds.
Libby is primarily concerned with inspiring students to stay active in the political process. His passion is to help train Houghton students to work in political settings, such as various internships with congressmen and city councilmen.
“We want to get students more politically engaged and active in knowing what’s going on in politics. We really want to help students find that environment where they can talk about what they believe,” Burdick-Risser says of the club’s overall goals for this school year. “We don’t want everyone who attends the meetings to agree on every issue. We want to hear the difference of opinion. We also want to have successful events.”
For this upcoming school year, the Republicans Club is looking forward to hosting and helping out with various events such a legislative breakfast on September 22nd, Victims of Communism in November, Right Wing Left Wing Chicken Wing, Pizza and Policy, and more. “We want to host fun events for students who can come and realize that it’s OK to have a political conversation, no matter what you believe in,” Libby said.
The Republicans Club meets every Thursday from 7:15-8pm in Chamberlain Center 123. All students are welcome and encouraged to attend.