As if to match the fall-time buzz of returning students and academic activity, the political hubbub of our country and our world seems to reach a new crescendo every day. Provincial and federal Canadian elections, the conflagrations of Brazil and Brexit alike, and the teetering of democracy across the world fill our attention and our discussions at home, amongst friends, and in the lecture halls. Understanding and exploring our political surroundings while making connections with our peers is crucial to being participants in an increasingly globalized environment. To help facilitate the awareness and mingling of politically interested students on our campus, the Brandon University Politics Society is planning an array of events this semester and invites everyone, from political science majors to casual hobbyists in the discipline, to attend.
Each semester, the Politics Society hosts a meet-and-greet for students to gather, enjoy some snacks and refreshments, and converse with the faculty’s engaging professors. This year’s first meet-and-greet is scheduled for October 1st in the Louis Riel Room, located nearby Ancillary Services. All students of every department are welcome to stop by. The Politics Society especially encourages those who are looking for more information on the department to attend, as this is a great way to learn about the courses that the professors offer.
With the Canadian federal election season in full-swing, the Politics Society has ideas for two election extravaganzas. These events will be held in October, during which the Society will stream the party leader debate and the ballot results as they come in on election night. These are exceptional opportunities to witness the fireworks of Canadian politics play out in real-time. A sizable helping of popcorn and the company of colleagues make these events all the more fun to attend. The Society is planning for these viewing nights to concur with the debate and election night as they happen; as these dates approach, expect to see posters around campus advertising for the 7th and 21st of October.
The Society is looking to expand its ranks of politically interested and curious students. The Society accepts and welcomes everyone from every manner of study to join the club and receive emails about upcoming events. Becoming a member is contingent on only one requirement: the Society does not allow discriminatory and hateful ideologies or opinions to be expressed within its membership. The mission of the Society is to offer Brandon University students a safe and friendly space for the expression and exploration of all non-hateful political philosophies. Everyone, from those who are not immersed in politics to those who engage with the discipline everyday, can participate in the Society’s events and feel comfortable in developing and sharing their understanding of a constantly changing world.
The Society and the professors of the political science department look forward to seeing you at any or all events this semester! During what can seem like a time of intense partisanship and political divisions, the Society intends to build bridges and help fellow Brandon University students make enduring connections with one another regardless of political identity.