This week, CDA Alumni Association is highlighting the Michigan Federation of College Democrats alumni. The Michigan College Democrats have an incredibly active alumni base. Great Lakes Regional Director Rawley Van Fossen interviews Northern Michigan University graduate and Director of Government and Community Relations at Washtenaw Community College, Jason Morgan.
1. Tell us about your experiences in College Democrats. You can highlight executive board positions held, campaigns you’ve worked on, or favorite moments in general.
College Democrats were the spark that lit my passion for public service and not only where I am, but who I am today. Growing up in a conservative small town, I had always felt like I was fighting a lonely battle when debating teachers, family and classmates over my admiration of then-Senator Hillary Clinton. For me, College Democrats was more than just a student organization, it was a place to learn, grow, and most of all, find my college family.
I had the honor of serving in several positions in the NMU College Democrats over the years. Some of my favorite moments include: protesting Anne Coulter on campus, attending the 2008 Democratic National Convention as the youngest Michigan Delegate and rallying hundreds of students at our state capitol to advocate for higher education funding. Overall, meeting so many amazing like-minded people throughout college was truly the most special part of being a College Democrat.
2. How has College Democrats helped you get to where you are today?
I would not be working in politics today if it were not for the College Democrats. My first real political experience was an internship for Hillary Clinton in Washington, DC in 2008. The opportunity stemmed from my involvement with Dems, and served as the foundation of my career. As I sadly packed up the national office, I received a call from Congressman Bart Stupak, who I had met at meetings a couple times, and he offered me a full-time position on his re-election campaign. (That moment was the first time I learned that politics is sometimes filled with surprise job offers)
I later worked as a legislative aide to State Senate Minority Leader Mike Prusi, assistant and scheduler to Congressman Bart Stupak in Washington, DC, communications director for a national political action committee, and field representative for one of the few statesmen remaining in politics today, Congressman John D. Dingell.
3. In your current position – how and where can College Democrats be effective?
I currently serve as the Director of Government and Community Relations at Washtenaw Community College. In this position, College Democrats can be most effective by continuing to fight for state funding of education, federal support for PELL grants and other student aid programs to help those most in need, which these days seems to include every low and middle income family in our country. College Democrats have the ability to reach students across the country, to mobilize and to push the envelope with our elected officials, as well as business and community leaders, to ensure that policy decisions are being made which consider not just the next ten years, but the next 100 and beyond.
4. What is your outlook for youth involvement/engagement in the Democratic Party?
Youth involvement will continue to grow, so long as College Democrats show up, remain active and assert themselves as the voice of the youth in our party. The Democratic Party knows the value of young voters, but doesn’t always know the best way to connect with them. It’s also critical that alumni support and mentor future College Democrats.
5. If you could leave us with one piece of advice – what would that be?
One piece of advice? I’ll leave you three.
Have dreams and follow them, take every experience as a learning opportunity, and most importantly, don’t take things too seriously — find joy in everything you do.
Do you know a CDA alum who is doing great work or a state federation with an active alumni group? Let CDAAA Director Matthew Metz know at metzm@collegedems.com.
