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
While we are disheartened by the outcome of the 2024 Presidential Election, Cornell Democrats remain proud of our canvassing and phone banking efforts to help elect NY-19 Democratic candidate Josh Riley to Congress, as well as State Senator Lea Webb and State Assemblywoman Anna Kelles. Moreover, Cornell Democrats worked tirelessly to register dozens of students to vote in NY-19. Despite this setback, the Cornell Democrats remain committed to upholding our mission statement and will continue to mobilize for a brighter, fairer future.
Cornell Democrats pose with Representative Jaime Raskin (D-MD) in Pennsylvania to canvass for the Harris-Walz ticket (October 2024).
Cornell Democrats were well represented at the 2024 CDNY Convention alongside other College Democratic chapters (October 2024).
College Democrats of New York Convention
As a chapter of the College Democrats of New York (CDNY), the Cornell Democrats collaborate alongside other chapters throughout New York State to elect Democrats on a local, statewide and national level. The annual CDNY convention provides all students with the opportunity to work towards this mission and develop vital leadership skills to succeed in Democratic politics. As Cornell students, we value our close working relationship with CDNY.
Speaker Events
From Democratic candidates, political staffers, experts, and academics, Cornell Democrats has hosted several leading Democratic figures to speak about their experience in politics. We provide our members with the chance to hear from a wide range of individuals from across the Democratic Party. Our Q&A session afterwards enables students to ask questions about current events, 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 election of Donald Trump in 2016, 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 believe that making our voice heard is more essential than ever. We have remained dedicated to activism ever since. If you would like to partner with us or get politically active, please contact us and visit our “Get Active” 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 (c.2016).
Cornell Democrats pose with Democratic candidate Tracy Mitrano for New York’s 23rd Congressional District (c.2018).
2018 Midterm Election
In the Spring of 2018, Cornell Democrats hosted Democratic primary candidates for a debate on key issues surrounding Tompkins County and Upstate New York. Moreover, Cornell Democrats organized voter registration efforts, phone banking 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 (c.2016).