Political

Amnesty International/Word Equity
This club works in cooperation with the regional and national offices of Amnesty International, as well as on independent projects centered around increasing the awareness of the Exeter community to international and domestic problems. Formerly two independent clubs, Amnesty International and World Equity have joined because of common interests and goals, which include concern about human rights violations, the causes of inequity, and impeded development around the world. Every meeting we write letters to domestic and international leaders protesting specific human rights violations. The meetings also provide a forum to present ideas for on campus events and to discuss problems throughout the world. We sponsor Assembly speakers and the Robins Memorial Symposium each year, as well as guided discussion groups, movies, and vigils. We are always open to new ideas for ways to inform and involve the student body. Advisers: Ms. Carbonell and Ms. Robinson.

Current Events & International Relations Club
Now in its third year, the CE/IR is adding new elements to its program every year and gaining more of a following. The principal activity remains HACIA (Harvard Association Cultivating Inter-American) Democracy, the annual Organization of American States (OAS) simulation exercise run by Harvard undergraduates and held in Central America. This year nine students (and three alternates) are preparing themselves by reading about Latin American history, learning about the OAS and preparing briefing papers for the conference to be held in Panama City, Panama, in March. Last year, after an absence of several years, CE/IR participated in the Tufts University Institute for Global Leadership’s EPIIC Inquiry. The topic was “The World’s Oceans,” and eight PEA students represented the Democratic Republic of Vietnam on various topics such as Fisheries, Maritime Terrorism, Human Trafficking and the South China Sea at the three-day Conference in April in Medford, MA. Twenty six schools from half a dozen states participated in the event, and more than 350 students were there. This year 15 students are reading and discussing the “Politics of Fear in Asia,” and will prepare briefing papers and become knowledgeable about the subject before we head off to Tufts in April 2006. Finally, we attempt to exploit targets of opportunity relating to current events and international relations in our area. This year we will hear from an Exeter senior who has started his own non-governmental organization (now active in four countries), several former Peace Corps members on the faculty/staff of PEA, attend pertinent lectures nearby at UNH and other locations, and maybe have a surprise speaker or two! Funding for CE/IR activities and trips comes from a variety of sources, including the students. Last year, major funding was provided by the Principal’s Discretionary Fund, the Office of Financial Aid and the Dean of Multicultural Affairs. Advisers are Ms. Clarke, Mr. Farnham, and Mr. Giblin

Democratic Club
The Democratic Club works throughout the year to promote Democratic candidates and viewpoints. The goals of the club are to prepare students for future internships on local, state, national and international campaigns. There is instruction and practice on all aspects of campaigning, including phone banking, visibilities, letter writing, door-to-door canvassing and Get Out the Vote activities. In the cycle of four years, students will have worked on gubernatorial campaigns, “the first in the nation” primary and the presidential election. The club welcomes all students interested in learning more about politics from the Democratic point of view. Adviser: Ms. Holden

The Exeter Independents
The Exeter Independents is a non-partisan group devoted to stressing fairness between all parties. We do not subscribe to either the liberal or conservative sides of the political arena and are devoted to staying neutral. We have hosted senators and will have the pleasure of hosting Senator John E. Sununu in October 2006. We will be publishing a literary magazine called the Phillips Exeter Political Review which will be an online and hard copy magazine which has political comics, articles and news. We will be prominent in upcoming elections, and as a group will decide to support individual candidates. We will host political movie nights on Saturday as well as debates on prominent issues in politics. Our goal is to help amplify the voices of those who have trouble speaking up, as well as bringing important yet unheard of issues to light. Adviser: Ms. Brown

Exeter Political Union
The Exeter Political Union is an umbrella organization for political clubs on campus. It is most active during federal and state elections, serving to coordinate various political groups on campus. Candidates from a variety of parties come to the campus under the EPU organizational structure. In addition, from time to time, the union presents forums on topics of current political interest. It is the intention of the EPU to foster diversity of opinion and to see that a fair and equal hearing of contesting views can be presented. Adviser: Mr. Jordan

Students for a Democratic Society
Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) is a national student activist organization founded in 1960 and revived in 2006. As a subset of the national organization, the Exeter Chapter of SDS is dedicated to societal change through student action. The Exeter Chapter has no central political ideology but instead consists of various currents of left-wing thought including Marxism, anarcho-syndicalism, New Left politics, environmentalism, and feminism. We assume both an educational and an action oriented role within the Exeter community, aiming both to help our peers broaden their political spectrums and to directly address and confront social issues. In addition to meetings, we distribute a newsletter, hold formal discussion groups, show films, give presentations, and bring guests to talk with the student body. Adviser:  Mr. Kaminski

Freedom's Answer
Freedom's Answer is a national non-profit, non-partisan program for all high schools, started in 2002 by high school students nationwide. Each club member seeks at least ten voting pledges from faculty, parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbors; then each member reminds and encourages the persons who pledged to vote on Election Day. The purpose of the club is not to solicit votes for any particular party or candidate; rather, club members remind citizens to honor the servicemen and women overseas who risk their lives every day for our rights and freedoms, including the right to vote. Adviser: Ms. Waterman

REAL(Exeter For Real Woman)
REAL raises awareness and money about the abuse, neglect, rape, subjugation, and misogynism committed against women. This club strives to empower members by teaching important leadership skills. Adviser: Ms. Collier

Republican Club
The Republican Club actively seeks to promote Republican viewpoints both on and off campus. The club maintains close ties with the town Republican Committee, and works closely on Republican campaigns at local, state, and national levels. During presidential years, the club seeks to bring presidential candidates to the Academy, although other speakers and candidates are invited throughout the year. The Republican Club is often involved in outside discussions covering a variety of political topics. Adviser: Mrs. Dow

SAGE: Students Against Government Executions
This club was founded to bring the international fight against capital punishment to Exeter. According to Amnesty International: "The death penalty is the ultimate cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment. It violates the right to life. It is irrevocable and can be inflicted on the innocent. It has never been shown to deter crime more effectively than other punishments." SAGE's efforts on campus are to focus on raising awareness of the death penalty in our community and working to make our voice heard. We can go as far as our members allow: join us today in the fight for justice. Adviser: Ms. Waterman

Student Council

The Student Council is the key liaison between students and faculty. It presents student-initiated proposals to faculty, disburses money to student clubs, and coordinates a wide range of student activities. The 75 elected members represent both day and residential students. The group meets weekly in sessions open to the school community. The Student Council touches on many aspects of student life. Advisers: Ms. Cahalane & Mr. Ibbotson

Students For A Free Tibet
Students for a Free Tibet is an international club that works to spread awareness of the Tibetan occupation. Here at Exeter we have invited Tibetan monks and nuns to come speak and teach. Our main goal is to spread awareness on current events and issues related to Tibet. We have weekly meetings in which we discuss the current events and watch movies or learn about Tibetan culture. We also raise money to support a Tibetan monk living in India. Adviser: Mr. Ibbotson

Womens' Rights Action Coalition (WRAC)
An organization dedicated to forming a supportive environment based on joint efforts from both sexes toward the advancement of women. This group focuses on raising issues by having discussions, hearing speakers, and viewing films. It also sets up book and poster displays, writes letters, and takes trips to local women's organizations. Adviser: Ms. Santos

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