POLITICAL CLUB CHARTERS ON HOLD

Sunrise Movement, Turning Point USA, and Young Democratic Socialists of America seek to establish local chapters at MHCC

As previously reported, at the beginning of last spring, three political organizations, The Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA), Turning Point USA (TPUSA), and Sunrise Movement, made efforts to establish local chapters at Mt Hood Community College. At the end of the 2025-2026 academic year, following an outpouring of student response, the fate of their efforts remained uncertain. So, where do we stand now?  

Turning Point USA (TPUSA) was the first to submit an official application for charter. According to their website, TPUSA describes themselves as a conservative group that focuses on promoting freedom and traditional American values, with a mission that involves a desire to instill youth with love for America, faith and family. At the end of spring term, the organization had submitted a formal request for appeal; however, the MHCC club application and appeals processes are both being finalized by the Associated Students of Mount Hood Community College (ASMHCC).  

Young Democratic Socialists of America (YDSA) was the second organization to submit their request for charter.  YDSA is the youth and student section of Democratic Socialists of America. On their website, they state that they are fighting for the immediate needs of workers and students, all while they build the space to fight for radical and structural changes. When we spoke with members of the prospective club last spring, the application had been submitted and prospective club members were awaiting an ASMHCC vote. 

“...with the entire club charter process currently in review, all decisions are on hold”

Sunrise Movement was the final organization to submit their application for formal charter. Sunrise Movement describes themselves as “The Climate Revolution” on their website, citing their objective of building a movement of young people to end billionaire rule and stop the climate crisis. At the time of our last reporting, student members of the proposed chapter had submitted their application and met with ASMHCC; however, they had been asked to revise their club constitution before further consideration could take place. At the time of printing, The Advocate is unaware of any further action on their part.  

The Advocate reached out to Dave Shier, Student Leadership and Engagement Coordinator, for an updated status on the three club applications, but with the entire club charter process currently in review, all decisions are on hold and there are no updates to report. According to Shier, “An appeal process is being finalized and TPUSA will have the opportunity to go through that process once it is ready. Sunrise and YDSA are still in process.”  The Advocate will report on any further developments as they occur.