Washington University is a great place for politics and social action. Students learn and grow from dialogue on many different topics, with students from many different backgrounds and perspectives. All viewpoints are welcome!
Below are examples of the organizations on the Washington University campus:
Campus Politics
Students can pick their party, or explore other options, through the variety of campus political groups. Groups such as College Democrats, College Republicans, and the Young Americans for Liberty (College Libertarians) engage students in current issues and promote political action on local and national levels. Through these groups, students can get involved in local campaigns and advocacy groups to help make a difference in the community. In addition, Washington University has been the site of a number of official U.S. Presidential debates over the years.
Green Action
Green Action provides a forum for the environmentally conscious and encourages members to create positive change on the Washington University campus and in the larger community. Green Action works to improve campus sustainability and environmentalism and organizes WU’s Recyclemania, a recycling competition for colleges nationwide. Among other things, the group has also developed a reusable mug program, where students can get discounts on coffee at on-campus dining establishments when using their travel mug.
Controversy N’ Coffee
The purpose of Controversy N’ Coffee is to bring students, faculty, and community leaders together to discuss pressing social and political issues in a multi-disciplined manner. Students are encouraged to mingle with the faculty and community leaders over coffee after the discussion in order to continue the dialogue. Controversy N’ Coffee exposes students to a wide array of different viewpoints on a given issue, in contrast to what they are typically exposed to through a single teacher or speaker.
Political Review
The Washington University Political Review is the university’s multipartisan political magazine, published monthly. WUPR is committed to encouraging and fostering awareness of political issues on the Washington University campus.
Burning Kumquat
The Burning Kumquat is a low-impact, intensive garden on the campus of Washington University. The Burning Kumquat is joining a number of urban and campus farms in raising consciousness of community, food, and environmental issues. The garden’s purpose is to empower each other with the shared experience of practicing sustainable urban agriculture. Through the work and joy of growing food, Burning Kumquat hopes to inspire responsible food practices and to provide local produce to the University community.