According to Columbia’s website, the college has more than 50 registered organizations on campus, giving students many opportunities to get involved. However, every once in a while, students want to  affiliate with groups that are not represented on campus, so they create a chapter  of their own.

Senior marketing communication major Jaleesa Smith had to do just that when she wanted to be part of College Democrats of America, . She formed and became president of the Columbia College Chicago chapter in October 2011.

“I think it is the perfect time to start [a chapter of the College Democrats of America] for the simple fact that you have the 2012 elections right around the corner,” Smith said.

According to Smith, she created the group because there “seems to be a lack of awareness” among college students in regard to politics and what political leaders are doing. Smith views the club as a vehicle for students to research both Democratic politics and those of the opposing side.

The Office of Student Engagement is a resource for students who plan on starting an organization. According to student worker Russell Yost, there currently is no Republican student organization on campus.

“I think that it is really important that there is a resource, especially when some college kids might be voting for the presidency for the first time,” Yost said. “A lot of people choose to be uneducated, and it is kind of hard when there is an organization on your campus promoting information to you.”

Once the chapter was an official organization, Smith started working on a constitution and a mission statement, as well as agendas for meetings and assigning other leadership roles.

There were 10–15 members attending weekly meetings and 20–25 people attending events since the organization started, Smith said.

According to a Redeye article published Jan. 3, recent polls have shown that while President Barack Obama had the support of 51 percent of young voters in 2008, that support has diminished.

Polls do not represent the entire country, which makes it difficult to know what people are thinking, Smith said.

In 2008, people signed up to work for Obama by hosting events and going door to door, Smith added. She believes that the same amount of support still exists in the country today. Smith said she believes that the way

Obama delivered his message in 2008 is what worked for his campaign. His ads were positive and related to the country, which made them on-target and effective, she said. Smith believes Obama should continue that same message to get re-elected.

“It is not just what [Obama] can do to retain those votes that he got in 2008,” Smith said. “It’s also about us, because you can’t just pinpoint everything on President Obama and say he is not doing enough. If you are not going out there and you are not researching, then that is on you.”