Our Work
The Cornell Democrats are dedicated to shaping a brighter, fairer future through active engagement in Democratic values.
We welcome any Cornellian who believes in our mission to join us for…
President Isabelle De Brabanter '19 leading the Cornell Dems in a discussion.
Weekly G-Bodies
We recognize that not all Democrats are one and the same; while at the core we share a foundation of beliefs, we come from different backgrounds and hold a wide variety of opinions on all issues. No matter what party you are affiliated with, or whether you are affiliated with a party at all, we welcome you to join us for our weekly meetings to discuss current events, policies, or issues important to you. We also use our weekly meeting so plan events and participate in activism related activities. Check our Events Calendar to see what we have planned for each week.
2024 Election
In the lead-up to the 2024 Elections, the Cornell Democrats have been working to help Democratic candidates running in Ithaca’s local, New York’s state, and national elections. We have also been working with Cornell alumni running for elected positions at all levels of government. As we get closer to the elections, we will be stepping up our efforts to aid Democratic candidates through canvassing, phone banking, and voter registration. If you are interested in partnering with us, please join us.
Cornell Democrats pose with Representative Jaime Raskin (D-MD) in Pennsylvania to canvass for the Harris-Walz ticket.
Cornell Democrats were well represented at the 2024 CDNY Convention alongside other College Democratic chapters.
College Democrats of New York Convention
In the greater community of New York, the Cornell Democrats are a chapter of the College Democrats of New York. The Dems participated in CDNY's annual convention for Democratic college students in New York State. We also attended fundraisers for the statewide organization, and work closely with CDNY.
Speaker Events
Throughout each semester, we invite Democratic politicians, political staffers, experts, and academics to speak about their experiences in politics. These events give our member an opportunity to hear about the experiences of a wide range of individuals from across the Democratic Party. Furthermore, the Q&A period gives members a chance to learn about different views about what is happening in politics, as well as information about potential career paths.
Former DNC Chair Michael Blake Speaks On Campus (c.2018)
Cornell Democrats on the National Mall supporting the LGBTQ+ community (c.2017).
Activism
After the 2016 Election and the election of Donald Trump, our nation witnessed a rise in islamophobic, racist, misogynistic, homophobic, ableist, and transphobic language, actions, and policies. With the continued threat these policies pose, the Cornell Democrats think making our voice heard is more essential than ever. The Cornell Democrats have remained dedicated to activism ever since. If you would like to partner with us or get politically active, please contact us and check out our resources page!
Debates
We believe that discussion, communication, and active listening cultivates a better community environment and helps us understand one another. Each year, we host a debate with another political organization on campus. In 2016, we debated the Cornell Republicans on "Thanks Obama? Was Barack Obama a failed President?". Along with debates, the Cornell Dems engage with campus life by hosting lectures from professors, participating in Clubfest and other campus events.
Kevin Kowalewski '17, Jaia Clingham-David '20, and Meghana Bharadwaj '20 debate Obama's legacy.
Cornell Democrats pose with Democratic candidate Tracy Mitrano for New York’s 23rd Congressional District in 2018
2018 Mid-Term Election
For the 2018 midterms, after hosting the democratic primary candidates for a debate in the spring of 2018, the Cornell Dems organized voter registration efforts, phone banking events, and worked closely with democratic campaigns to push for a blue wave in November 2018.
2016 Election
Along with majority of the country, the Cornell Democrats were extraordinarily disappointed with the results of the 2016 election. However, we were proud of our efforts in voter registration, canvassing, driving students the polls, and making calls. The Dems took to the streets of Ithaca to canvass for candidates Leslie Danks Burke for State Senate, Tom Plumb for Congress, and Secretary Hillary Clinton. Due to our extensive on-campus Get Out The Vote efforts, student voting increased 20% in the 2016 election.
Cornell Democrats went to Scranton, PA to canvass for Hillary Clinton.