<p>Who would have ever thunk'it at Smith? :)</p>
<p>You'll read 3 Smithies had White House internships in the last 2 yrs. That's amazing. There were only 200 for the entire US over the 2 yr period.</p>
<p>Home > News & Events > Archive of News Stories > 2005-06 News Story </p>
<p>Smith Republicans Gain Statewide Attention</p>
<p>By Jennifer Gabrielle 06</p>
<p>Following up on its recognition as Club of the Month in February, the Smith College Republican Club (SCRC) was recently named Outstanding Chapter of the Year by the Massachusetts Alliance of College Republicans (MACR), a coalition of clubs from 47 colleges.</p>
<p>Two Smith club members were elected to the MACR executive board. Elizabeth Morgan 09, who will be co-president of the Smith club next year, was named Massachusetts Regional Director for the alliance, and Natalie Vernon 08, current SCRC Chief of Staff, will be Secretary. Vernon worked as a White House intern this spring.</p>
<p>Its fairly rare to have two people from the same college [on the board], because they like to have diversity, says current club president Elyse Braner 07J. This year we just took the club to a whole new level. The difference between my first year and now is incredible.</p>
<p>The Smith clubs Outstanding Chapter of the Year award is one of three distinctions given annually by MACR. Emerson Colleges club was named Most Improved, and nearby Westfield State College has the Best New Club.</p>
<p>The SCRC transported people all across the state and around New England this year, often to as many as four events per week, and even traveled twice to Washington, D.C., working hard to make Smiths name known in support of Republican causes. The club also focused on professional development, says Braner, such as networking in the political field. Now were known on a national level, she says. We probably know a college Republican in every state.</p>
<p>In recognition of the clubs campus awareness efforts surrounding the Vagina Monologues in February, the SCRC was named Club of the Month by the Clare Boothe Luce Policy Institute, a conservative organization that focuses on training and educating young women. </p>
<p>In addition to attending weekly club meetings, SCRC members participate in panels and conferences on topics such as social security and leadership positions for conservative women, and frequently catch lectures at other colleges. When theyre not traveling, the club members help run the State Senate campaign for Michaela LeBlanc 07, who is running to represent the Hampshire and Franklin counties district.</p>
<p>We literally eat, breathe, and sleep college Republicans, says Braner of SCRC members. This is what we do. Anytime there was an event, there were always Smith girls there, bringing people.</p>
<p>In addition to club members dedication, Braner also attributes the clubs success to the management and efficient organization of its activities. Were training freshmen and sophomores to take leadership positions, she says, so its not just juniors and seniors on the executive board. We give each person ownership of something, of some subset. Especially with the freshmen we have now, this club will be amazing in four years. Im definitely passing it on to good hands. </p>
<p>Braner admits she didnt do nearly as much as a first-year club member as current first-year members do, but after her White House internship with the Office of Strategic Initiatives last spring, she brought a huge leap in professionalism back to her club leadership position. Over the past two years, three other Smith Republicans have interned at the White House: Molly Ritchie 06 worked in the Office of Strategic Initiatives during the fall of 2004, followed by Sarah Gelinas 05J in the spring; and Vernon, who worked in the Office of Political Affairs.</p>
<p>As they reach the end of the semester, the club will continue running LeBlancs campaign and work on plans for a conservative newspaper on campus. And, true to the spirit of Smith College, the club will also set up a womens leadership conference in Boston with Young Republicans in November.</p>
<p>Amid the liberal Smith campus, the success of the Smith College Republican Club is a testament to the members enthusiasm, says Braner. I knew of Smiths reputation before coming here, she says, and I didnt pick it for its political leaning. But the clubs really learning more on this campus from the students liberal leaning. We have to do our reading, really know what our arguments are.</p>
<p>With 139 students on the SCRC mailing list and 30 active members, the club often has to fight for a voice on campus. Braner views that as a positive. </p>
<p>Ive been openly Republican from the beginning, says Braner. From my first year, the climate on campus has changed, for the better for us. I think when youre talking politics, no matter what side youre on, theres always going to be some sort of tension. I absolutely love Smith, and I wouldnt have gone anywhere else.</p>