To all our new and prospective Democratic Hoyas:

Georgetown is a unique and special place. Here on the hilltop, we have a world-class faculty, talented students, abundant resources and extraordinary opportunities. But the asset that sets us apart and defines the Hoya experience is the extracurricular scene. Georgetown is home to a wide array of progressive organizations, so there's something for every Blue Hoya. Georgetown University College Democrats, with over 1,400 members, works with many of the smaller organizations to fight for progressive issues. We're the largest organization on campus, which makes us a powerful force for change, but our members feel a strong sense of belonging. We offer opportunities and experiences that are unique even among the Georgetown student body.

GUCD is an active presence on and off campus. Last year, we led the fight to elect Democrats up and down the ballot, spread awareness of important issues across our campus, and promote political engagement in student life. We made trips to Kentucky and Virginia to campaign for Governors, Congressman, and Senators. We attended press conferences on the Hill to advance student aid. We hosted speakers (including Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, Presidential candidate Bill Richardson, and Democratic Strategist James Carville) who discussed important issues with the student body. We brought powerful labor leaders to campus for a panel on justice for working families. We registered scores of new voters and helped them get absentee ballots. We hosted internship fairs for our members and debated the College Republicans. GUCD members are proud Democrats, but we can set aside partisanship when necessary. We co-hosted a vigil for our fallen soldiers in Iraq, and we often co-sponsor events with other organizations. We even had a few parties to boot, and our members definitely enjoyed those.

With our new elected and appointed leadership that was inaugurated in April, GUCD has an ambitious agenda for the fall semester. We will kick off the 2008 election season by inviting Democratic presidential candidates to speak to Georgetown students. We're hosting our semi-annual internship fair to showcase opportunities for students to work with Democratic elected officials, liberal think tanks, and progressive PACs. We will be organizing a series of debates with the College Republicans and will undoubtedly make trips to Capitol Hill. When the weather's nice, you'll find us in Red Square selling t-shirts, recruiting new members, and championing liberal causes. In the spring, GUCD will gather to watch the President deliver the State of the Union, which will give us greater enthusiasm for the 2008 Democratic primaries. Even when we're not around campus lending our voices to progressive causes, we can usually be found having a good time together. Movie nights, West Wing marathons, and Election Watches fill many of our nights, so come join the fun!

Being a member of the Georgetown University College Democrats is so rewarding…and its so simple! First, just sign up on our e-mail list at the left and receive our weekly e-mail updating you on all the activities of GUCD. Second, find us in Red Square and during New Student Orientation in the first few weeks of school to pay your lifetime membership dues (only $10) and get a free GUCD T-shirt. If you'd like to apply to be a part of the GUCD leadership, we will be holding interviews for positions sometime in late September. If not, then just come to all our events and fight for our democracy!

If you have any more questions about becoming a member or about our organization, e-mail me at csb43@georgetown.edu or contact our Executive Board at GUDemsEBoard@gmail.com.

             Sincerely,

             Caitie Boland, COL '10
             GUCD Membership Director, 2007