I'm taking a break from my "Budget Battle" diaries to share an experience I had last night. Trying to find a way to get involved not only for this election, but all the elections that follow, I decided to attend my local chapter meeting of the
Young Democrats.
Membership in the Young Democrats is open to anyone under the age of 36 who affliates with the Democratic Party. It seemed to me, given the energy of young people in the 2004 campaign, it might be a good way to meet some like minded folks my age and get involved with the party.
My experience was interesting. It was a small meeting (about 8 people). Most of those who were around from last year's YD group talked about how they had built up a modest bank account and gotten young people involved in the party again after the previous leadership had practically run the local chapter of YD into the ground.
As they built up their YD chapter again, they reached out to local Democratic clubs and groups. Many of the local Democratic groups, many of whom had a considerably older population, were surprised and happy to see young people active in the party. "There are young Democrats?", a few of them asked. Turns out, yes, there are.
Mind you, I live in a pretty blue state, and in a fairly large suburban county. I would have thought the Young Dems would have had a pretty big following. Not so until the current leaderhip took over.
The outgoing Executive Board emphasized how even a core group of a few people could really make a difference in helping build the party with a new generation. And it got me inspired to follow in their footsteps for this year and help out as much as I can.
So much so, I suppose, that the outgoing board recommended I take on the President's role this year. I was happy to do so, and I'm ready to take on the fight.
My point? Well, my point is that if you want to get involved, you are a young Dem, and haven't checked in to your local chapter, do it today. If you don't have a chapter where you live, start one! Go to the Young Democrats of America website and find your chapter, sign up, or get ready to start a chapter. Go to the meetings. Get involved. And make the Democrats in charge of your local and state party make sure they know you are there and need to be heard.
As the YDA website offers as their motto:
- I'm young and I will swing the vote.
- I'm a Democrat and my vote will be counted.
- I'm voting and my voice will be heard.
The Young Dems need leadership in every corner of the Union. Are you willing to step up?