The University Democrats are hosting the first lecture in a "Principles in Politics" series tonight in hopes of providing non-partisan accounts of public service to the University community.
"Basically, the speaker series was started because we feel that people today have forgotten that there are people in politics who are passionate about issues," University Democrats Research Coordinator Allyson Gold said.
The club has invited both Republicans and Democrats to participate in the lecture series, describing the lectures as autobiographical accounts highlighting how the speakers became involved in politics.
"We have no partisan intentions," University Democrats President Ian Amelkin said. "We just want to educate the University community that there are honest and hardworking politicians in the United States government today."
Amelkin cited politicians such as the late Paul Wellstone as an inspiration to create the lecture series to convey the principles of public service to the University and Charlottesville community.
The club formally began planning the lecture series in February of last semester, inviting politicians to speak at the University about their experiences with public service. Fundraising for the series began in June and consisted of direct mailings to Charlottesville Democrats who actively donate to political races.
Teach For America President Wendy Kopp will kick off the series tonight at 5 p.m. in Wilson Hall, Room 402.
As of now, the University Democrats have confirmed three future speakers for the series, including Texas Lt. Governor Bill Hobby and Tom Mantos, staff member for House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.
Coordinators say they are confident that two more speakers will soon be confirmed.
According to University Democrats Communications Coordinator Kristen Vining, the group plans to invite notable speakers.
"We are trying to go as national as we can," Vining said.
The University Democrats also hope to include a forum with the Charlottesville City Council in late October or November.
The willingness of politicians to come to the University already demonstrates the success of the lecture series, Amelkin said.
"We've had trouble drawing speakers from the Charlottesville community in the past," he said.
Members of the University Democrats said they hope that the lecture series will continue beyond this semester and school year.
"We are going to judge how successful it is this semester and then make plans for next semester" Vice President Ryan Hughes said.
Amelkin said the series could even become a lasting part of the club.
"If this series is successful, we should have permanent funds for University Democrats to continue the speaker series," Amelkin said, adding that the lecture series "should be non-partisan always."
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