Students have started talking about the 2008 Presidential election, and one University sorority wants to help those conversations grow.

Tonight’s “Power In Economics” panel discussion hosted by the Eta Xi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. will give students an opportunity to learn and converse with each other.

Panelists, including students Arthur Trippa senior from Lawrenceville, Marcus Colemana graduate student from Jackson, Miss., and Shiri Carmack, a senior from Powder Springs, representatives from the Young Democrats, College Republicans and Progressive Party of UGA, will lead the discussion.

The panel will react to video clips of presidential candidates Barack Obama and John McCain, and the floor will be open for the audience response. A reception will follow the discussion.

“As young voters, the state of the economy and the upcoming presidential election in particular have a direct impact on our adult lives” Alexandra Robinson, a senior from Athens and the sorority president, said.

The panel will address a range of topics, including health care, student loans and energy.

The event is the first panel discussion of many, the sorority said. The sorority will hold an annual symposium to fulfill their motto, “To Serve All Mankind.”

“We believe the best way to serve all mankind on a college campus is to educate people,” Ida Jones, a junior from Lagrange and event co-chair, said. “We want to educate students about the issues and political candidates.”