By Ruchika and Vanshika Vij, University of Michigan

While wandering around the Diag looking at all the clubs, teams, and organizations that the University of Michigan had to offer, I came across the political section. There were College Democrats, Republicans, and Libertarians, Stonewall Democrats, Model UN, and several others. However, nearly everything that I came across was a partisan organization. While I know that each group has its own agenda and causes, I was surprised there was no nonpartisan group.

This is one of the reasons that the Collegiate Society of America (CSAmerica) is essential on a college campus - it fills the gap of nonpartisan debate. The partisan organizations have their merits as well, but agreeing with people who generally share the same viewpoint is not nearly as effective trying to change their minds. Additionally, CSAmerica provides a forum on the college campus for nonpartisan debate which is critical for political progress, both locally and nationally. This is essential for the development of political thought and discussion along with the development of a sense of citizenship and involvement in the democratic process, while increasing political awareness on campus. This can further lead to an increased ability of a student body with similar goals to work together and effect change.

CSAmerica's goals of political awareness and nonpartisan debate also provide a forum for leadership development. As students gain an awareness of politics, they also gain a sense of authority and confidence to speak on these topics and can work to lead other students to do the same. Not only does CSAmerica provide a campus-wide discussion of politics, but also provides the opportunity for students to actively engage in political discussion with students from across the nation at one of CSAmerica's political conventions. Thus, as a forum for debate, political awareness, friendship, and leadership, CSAmerica is an essential part of any college campus.

By Terri Martin, University of Cincinnati

The Student Advisory Board is a selective group of highly motivated college students serving as the interim government of CSAmerica. The Student Advisory Board (SAB) has been tasked with numerous duties including drafting CSAmerica's national constitution, chapter recruitment and assistance, and organizing our first national convention next winter. After this convention, elected governments in each state will replace the SAB.

I know that CSAmerica will be a welcome organization on college and university campuses that will bring fresh, nonpartisan dialogue into the political process. Members of the SAB stand to make lasting contributions to the CSAmerica program that will ensure its success. This position will surely be an asset to anyone hoping to be a part of their state government in future years. If you are interested in applying for a position on the Student Advisory Board, please visit our website! We are always looking for new members to add to this exciting team that is shaping the future of CSAmerica.

By Zack Conyne-Rapin, Program Director, Indiana University

CSAmerica will bring a new type of civic participation and debate organization to college campuses beginning this fall. Chapters formed by student leaders will take the lead in bringing the CSAmerica style of debate and discourse to student on campus. CSAmerica is a student run organization and chapters will have the latitude to craft their chapter constitutions and to design the type of programming that fits their campus best.

Each chapter will have opportunities throughout the academic year to participate in regional programs with other chapters as well as in national conventions. CSAmerica student leaders are currently working to organize a regional program for the fall that will likely take place in the Midwest region. The first annual national CSAmerica convention will take place in February 2007 in Washington, D.C.

The national convention is the highlight of the CSAmerica program and brings together many college students from all across the United States to participate in discussions, debate, and to enjoy all that Washington, D.C. has to offer.

Your participation in the organization and execution of these events is always welcome and encouraged. Details about upcoming programs and conventions will be posted online and mentioned in this newsletter as they become available.

email: info@csamerica.org

web: http://www.csamerica.org