Courtesy of Lauren Lefty
Flynn (second from left) with other College Dems officers
How will you spend your Thanksgiving break?
Being president of the College Democrats in a year with no presidential election could be boring; in general, students just aren't as fiery about politics.
But that isn't slowing down CAS senior Michael Flynn, current president of the NYU College Democrats.
"Elections didn't end in 2008," Flynn said. "In just over a month New Jersey and Virginia are holding their gubernatorial elections, and New York City might elect a new mayor. So we're going to get involved in those campaigns — making calls and knocking on doors, just like last year."
Flynn got involved with the College Democrats his freshman year. But he said the group wasn't a big part of his life until last fall, when he worked on the presidential election.
"It would be impossible to measure exactly how important our actions were," Flynn said. "But I strongly believe that the combined efforts of volunteers across the country made a real difference in electing President Obama and Vice President Biden."
Flynn's political inclinations didn't start with the 2008 election. He credits his family for his interest in politics.
"My parents and grandparents are very political, and I learned my progressive values from them," Flynn said. "My mother is on our Democratic town committee in Attleboro, Mass., and my dad volunteered for George McGovern in 1972. My grandfather is one of my favorite people to talk politics with."
And NYU, too, has played a role in forming his beliefs.
"One of the luckiest things I ever did was register for Robert Shrum's freshman honors seminar," Flynn said. "I can't imagine what my college experience would have been like if I hadn't taken that class. Bob inspired me to pursue a career in politics."
Flynn plans to graduate this December. He said he's looking for a job in the political field — ideally as a politician's speechwriter.
"But I hope that I can work somewhere in politics where I can play a role, no matter how small, in bringing about some needed reforms," Flynn said.
Before he graduates, Flynn has many plans for the College Democrats.
"We're focusing a lot on issues," Flynn said. "We're going to have events where you can come to learn more about health care, gay rights, foreign relations, even food policy."
He added: "And, as always, you can look forward to free food at all of our meetings."
For more information on the NYU College Democrats, visit http://nyudems.com .
