With the mid-term elections coming up next fall, not just campus Democrats, but Democrats from around the city and state are already planning for the future.
Wednesday evening The University of Memphis College Democrats held their second meeting in the Delta lounge at The University Center.
Guest speakers from around the city were also present to elaborate on goals and answer questions regarding Democratic success in both future mid-term and presidential elections as well as city and federal government issues.
Some of the speakers included Carol Chumney, a current Memphis City Council member, and Tyson Pratcher, Sen. Hillary Clinton's deputy state director and second-highest advisor.
Chumney said with the mid-term elections in 2006, there needs to be greater involvement from college students if anything in Congress is to change.
"Your voices are so important," Chumney said. "There are a lot of things you can do when you're in graduate school or student government to make a difference."
Chumney said one of the groups the Democratic Party has not had much success with college students.
Their potential influence is great, but it is also a group of voters who do not necessarily take part in elections, she said.
"We need younger people's voices," Chumney said. "If you don't fight for those issues, there wouldn't be anything."
It has been difficult for Democrats lately, Chumney said, because there have been a lot of elections lost. However, she said college students' voices can mean a whole lot more to some people than others.
"I think there will be a huge challenge for Democrats next year and I think the Democratic party needs to have a message that will market to people," Chumney said.
Although Chumney and Pratcher both said improvement is needed, it is also a matter of stability and fundamental planning from the current government.
"There is still a lot of debt in Memphis, and some of our city leaders have an inferiority complex," Chumney said.
However, some students said not enough has been done and some have almost suffered the consequences.
"There's been a reluctance of people in power," Chumney said. "We're going to have to make some tough choices."
The problems around the city are numerous, Chumney said, and any improvements would require a great deal of renewed resources.
"Our city budget is limited," Chumney said. "We've budgeted for the past years, but you can only spend $150 million. They'll have to hold off until their acts are together."
Some concerns, such as sex education, are also out of the city's reach, according to Michael Hooks, who represents the fourth district of the Memphis City School Board.
"My sex ed. came from home. I think that behavior ought to be taught at home," he said. "We need more resources because teachers, guidance counselors and principals are all overwhelmed."
The situation in Iraq also caused many to raise a hand, but Pratcher said leaving tomorrow is out of the question.
"Hillary Clinton's position on the war is (that) we've done a horrible job and we didn't need to be down there," he said. "Unfortunately, leaving now will make things worse."
Pratcher also said setting a date of exit will also be inappropriate.
"She (Clinton) feels we have to get more folks trained. There is a push to get these troops trained," he said. "The administration will continue what they're doing, until we take the office."
Pratcher said changes can be brought, but nothing will happen unless people start taking action.
Chumney and Pratcher have made a positive impact for the College Democrats, according to University alumnus Eric Sirignano.
Sirignano said it is good they are here reaching out to the public and giving information to people who cannot obtain it otherwise.
Ahead of their voter awareness day on Nov. 9, John Marek, president of the College Democrats, said having Pratcher and Chumney was definitely a boost.
"I love what Carol said about young people getting into politics," he said. "I was upset with Hillary Clinton's stance on Iraq, but he did a good job of cleaning up the issue."
