On a college campus, it is extremely important to facilitate dialogue about heated issues in an environment that is conducive towards learning and that is respectful. Only through understanding of opposing views do we believe that students can fully develop their own ideologies. In the past we have held a series of debates with the Bruin Republicans, events that are very popular amongst the general student population as the clubs see many new faces. Moreover, there is a wide spectrum of ideology even within the Bruin Democrats, as well as on the UCLA campus. With events to discuss current events and pertinent issues, the Bruin Democrats foster a forum of diverse beliefs even among its own membership. A prime example of promoting intellectual dialogue and diversity occurred in the 2004 Presidential Primary race. Instead of endorsing one candidate, the Bruin Democrats led the effort to educate students about all ten Presidential nominees. Moreover, the Bruin Democrats helped individual members establish clubs advocating the candidacy of a single candidate, so students could further research their favorite candidates and become active with Presidential campaigns. We wish to continue this tradition of providing information to students through speeches, forums, and debates. This marketplace for ideas will foster more well-rounded members, respectful of the ideas of others, in the UCLA community.

The Bruin Democrats believe that the principles of democracy that we advocate so strongly on the national, state, and local levels should also be extended to our student politics. As our members are well versed in electoral politics, the Bruin Democrats believe that the club can bring insight into how to facilitate voter participation in student elections. Moreover, as the Democratic Party strongly endorses voter rights, we wish to apply the same concept to UCLA. It is imperative that all students continue to have the opportunity to vote in student elections to increase participation in a decision that will impact the lives of the UCLA community. The Bruin Democrats believe that all students will benefit from participating in various stages of the USAC election such as attending endorsement hearings, going to debates, and voting in the actual election. As the largest political organization on the UCLA campus, we believe that helping to advertise these events will lead to greater awareness of student politics and increased engagement. Because the politics on our campus is nonpartisan, the Bruin Democrats’ primary concern is not focused necessarily on who students vote for, but rather that they exercise their right to vote. Finally, as one of the largest independent student groups, the Bruin Democrats will also push to ensure that independent groups are funded fairly in this year of great transition.