Some students avoid Bruin Walk, evading the incessant fliers and noise in the hopes of making it to class on time.

Personally, I go out of my way to make the infamous trek and experience the excited atmosphere that makes up a college campus.

But though the voice of the campus has been somewhat lively in the past year, what with protests in response to the incident in which a student was hit with a Taser in the library and students’ successful campaign to urge the University of California to divest funds from Sudan, I have noticed a quieter voice in the political realm.

I decided to talk to the campus political leaders to find out what has been happening in their sector of campus life.

Bruin Democrats President Gabe Rose first talked about organizing a Southern California Democratic conference for college students, while working on issues – including discussions of the Iraq war – with members, he said.

I wondered what they do to get students who weren’t already politically aware enough to attend a conference, or even a weekly meeting, involved.

“We have big e-mail Listserv. ... We spread the word through Bruin Walk, putting up signs, talking to students,” he said. “It’s hard to engage the student body.”

The easiest way to engage an otherwise busy student body is to put on big events with high-profile speakers, he said.

“I think it’s the best way to involve people,” Rose said. “People can really see politics and politicians firsthand.”

Perhaps this is true, but seeing a campaign speech is more like watching a trailer for a movie. It does not get students involved in events on campus, nor does it generate genuine dialogue or heated debates.

“The quarterly debate with the Bruin Democrats ... those get a good turn-out,” said Jennifer Propper, outreach chair for the Bruin Republicans.

But once a quarter is not enough to actively engage the campus.

“If it’s not a big meeting, it’s hard to get people to be interested in it,” Rose said, adding that they hope to have certain times to flier and talk to the student body.

Perhaps I represent a small minority, but I came to college hoping to be stimulated, challenged and excited by the actions of my fellow students.

Some of the Bruin Republicans say they have also noticed the quiet atmosphere.

“A lot of the reason why people aren’t as excited right now is because we aren’t near a presidential election,” Propper said. “Not much is happening in terms of the national stage.”

Certainly, bringing high-profile candidates onto campus can be exciting.

But I would argue that campus political groups should not be focused on the national stage, instead looking at issues that directly affect the student body as a way of attracting students to politics as a whole.

The large voter registration drive that the two clubs helped organize earlier this year was admirable.

However, a push for voter registration in the month leading up to elections is not necessarily engaging students for the long term and ensuring an understanding of the issues.

Such student dedication is not impossible. The leadership of Dance Marathon has found the correct formula to attract student interest and commitment.

I talked to Aviva Altmann, the director of Dance Marathon, to see what it takes to get UCLA students excited about an issue.

“It’s easier for people to participate in Dance Marathon,” Altmann said. “It’s a fun event to do.”

Dance Marathon is a once-a-year event, but it has also attracted a huge committee that works year-round on events and planning, working up to the final day.

“Dance Marathon really puts itself out there,” Altmann said, giving credence to the publicity tools the organization has used.

A one-time, fun-filled event is a different creature from long-term political involvement. But its success does show that students are willing to be engaged, to care and to commit. It’s up to these campus organizations to capture that enthusiasm.