A group of Sacramento State students determined to intensify their peers’ interest in the political arena held a signature drive by the library quad Wednesday to start a campus chapter of Democracy Matters.

Democracy Matters is a national student organization focusing on campaign finance reform, started by its parent organization Common Cause. The organization was founded by NBA player Adonal Foyle, who serves as president.

Lenea Schwartz, junior government and social science major, is spearheading the movement to bring political activism to campus. Schwartz must complete eight hours of community service for her government class and decided to form a club to get students interested in becoming more involved with their political parties.

“I just think that college is a great time to learn about politics,” Schwartz said. “I just really want to tell people what’s going on.”

In order for a club to be officially recognized by Student Activities, Schwartz needed to obtain at least eight signatures from students. Schwartz got the signatures necessary with help from other students who were volunteering for class credit as well.

Darlene Lumanlan, junior business major, said she initially volunteered for class, but found the experience to be more engaging than she expected.

“I don’t know that much, but volunteering here I’m growing to understand politics,” Lumanlan said. Catherine Her, freshman music voice major, was inspired to volunteer with Democracy Matters when Schwartz asked Her’s class for help with the signature drive.

“I wasn’t really into government, but then she came into the room and talked,” Her said. “I wanted to volunteer?just to help. She was talking to us about how (Democracy Matters) would change the election.”

One of Schwartz’s goals with the campus chapter of Democracy Matters is advocacy of the Fair Elections Act, talking to local representatives, and holding a forum for a possible constitutional convention next year. Schwartz said that the majority of people lack a clear understanding of how government and politics work and need more education on the issues.

“Public opinion polls come out all the time – people can’t answer basic questions,” Schwartz said.

Her said the club could become an asset for the campus in the future. “A lot of people don’t really know what’s going on, so this organization can reach out to them,” Her said.

If the club is approved, Schwartz intends to organize a movie night and show a film called “Broadcasting News” that Democracy Matters was given the rights to show. Schwartz said she will continue to work until the club is approved.

“We’re really doing what we got to do to get our voices heard,” Schwartz said.

Julia Baum can be reached at [email protected].