Democracy Matters
Democracy Matters is a national non-partisan organization that works towards getting private money out of politics and the people back in. The Calvin College Chapter was founded in Spring 2008. Help keep discussion about the United States Constitution and democracy alive on campus by joining Democracy Matters. Contact advisor Professor Corwin Smidt for more information.
Calvin College Democrats
This club seeks to reevaluate what it means to be a democrat in the Calvin College community. They strive to understand, examine, and discern the beliefs and policies of the Democratic Party through their Christian worldview. Student leaders include Laura Kuilema and Annica Vander Linde
Calvin College Republicans
The Calvin College Republicans' goal on Calvin's campus is to make this community more aware of conservative issues and the reasons behind them through various ways. They bring conservative speakers on campus for students and faculty to listen to, offers a conservative view on various issues, and are contacted when a conservative opinion is needed.
Calvin College Chimes
Many political science students contribute to the Calvin student newspaper, Chimes. For more information on writing or working for Chimes email the Chime's editor.
Find out what it's like to run for elected office and participate in student government at Calvin. Student Senate holds elections for leadership positions in the spring of each year. Read more about the student organization at their blog.
Paul B. Henry Institute for the Study of Christianity and Politics
The Paul B. Henry Institute was established by Calvin College in 1997 in honor of former Congressman Paul Henry, who taught in the political science department at Calvin College prior to serving as a State Representative, State Senator, and Congressman. The Paul Henry Institute seeks to promote scholarship that focuses on the interplay, both normatively and empirically, between the Christian faith and public life as well as to engage students in pursuing a career in Christian public service. The Institute hosts noted public figures as guest speakers, sponsors conferences, offers courses, and mentors students. For more information, contact Prof. Smidt.
Social Justice Coalition
The Social Justice Committee works together to foster dialogue and action on issues of human rights and societal injustices, both locally and globally. This is done through education, advocacy, consciousness-raising, and networking with campus, community and national organizations.
2009 Pi Sigma Alpha inductees are:
Lisa M. Breedveld ....................Jean M. Buteyn
Eric Dan Kamstra.................... Ashley E. King
Kelly Ann Larsen. ....................Andrew J. Luth
Kevin Patrick Moral...................Ana R. Stutler
Kayla Michelle Sulz ..................Corey Velgersdyk
Eric J. Walcott
Pi Sigma Alpha is the national honor society for undergraduate and graduate students of political science, giving students the opportunity for valuable administrative experience. There are over 650 chapters across the country. Students of government, political science, public administration, and international relations are accepted into the membership when they attain high standards of learning and academic distinction in political science and overall educational work. This award is given to those political science or international relations majors who have an overall GPA that places the student in the top third of their class. The student also needs to have completed 10 semester credits in political science with an average grade of 3.0 in those courses.
This is a national organization and Calvin's on campus faculty advisor is Professor Bill Stevenson in the political science office in DeVos Center Room 261G. Contact him at: 616-526-6235 or email him at: stew@Calvin.edu
Pi Sigma Alpha is a student organization that provides a place for students to spend time with other students who are driven and motivated in political science. It gives students opportunities to volunteer in a wide variety of leadership and communication positions. Often at meetings ideas for events and services are discussed and cookies, soda and usually a funny but relevant u-tube video are enjoyed.
