About Us
What is SNAP PAC?
SNAP PAC is the Students for a New American Politics political action committee, a federal PAC. We are working to provide stipends for as many students as possible to work as full time grassroots organizers on progressive congressional campaigns for 10-12 weeks during Summer 2008. In doing so, we hope to expand and diversify America's progressive movement by helping to elect the new progressive leaders of today and by training those of tomorrow.
As students, we bring the energy and enthusiasm needed to promote democratic participation in communities across the country and to strengthen the progressive voice in Washington.
How did SNAP PAC begin?
SNAP PAC was founded during spring semester 2005 by undergraduates who wanted to get more students involved in politics. During the fall 2004 election, they joined with other undergraduates concerned about the 2004 election who understood that if students became politically active, progressive candidates would win. They sent 250 students on short trips to New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Florida on election weekend 2004 where they helped unions and campaigns with crucial get-out-the-vote work.
One of the important lessons learned from that experience is that political opportunities need to be funded for students. Financial aid at schools across the country is structured such that students cannot take on long-term, unpaid projects, like working on a campaign for a summer. Students need paid opportunities to engage in this important work. The founders of SNAP PAC also learned that students are critical to retaking our country for progressives.
SNAP PAC grew out of a core set of values shared by its founders and many students and progressives across the country. To read our Statement of Principles, please click here.
Where is SNAP PAC now?
SNAP PAC currently has active chapters on a number of campuses across the country, including Yale University, Dartmouth College, and George Washington University. More chapter-specification information will be posted here soon.
In summer 2006, we sent 20 interns from schools in California, Colorado, Texas, Missouri, Indiana, Ohio, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Illinois, and Iowa to work on 11 campaigns. In the fall, we helped turn out hundreds of students on campuses to canvass and get out the vote in the weeks leading up to Election Day.
We're now working to make our summer 2008 fellowship program a reality, and to greatly increase the number of students to whom we can provide this exciting opportunity.
How can I help?
We need your support for this innovative and effective program. There are many ways you can get involved and help in our effort and help us lay the groundwork for victory in the coming elections.
If you're interested in starting a SNAP chapter on your campus, or know someone who would be, please contact us.
If you know a student who could benefit from the SNAP fellowship program, please pass along a link to our website and encourage him or her to apply.
The most important way you can help us is with your financial support of our fellowship program. Every contribution puts us that much closer to funding another student organizer, putting more in summer '08 and forging another future progressive leader. Please contribute today in any amount you are able.
Finally, please help us spread the word about SNAP to your friends and family. Send them an email and encourage them to visit our website and learn more — and ask them to contribute, if they are able. You can also do this by hosting a house party or reception in your community (please contact us if you'd like to do so).