Fifteen years ago, someone I know and trust in the political sphere told me: "It's hard to count on young voters." Youth voters, they told me are an uncertain commodity. Sometimes they show up. Sometimes they don't show up. Voting isn't the priority for the youth that it is for others.
For years, people have tried to figure out what it takes to get youth motivated and involved in the political process. One thing is certain though, if we want more of the younger demographic involved in our election all of us need to make more effort to speak to them, and to realize that they represent the future of our party.
On Saturday, June 14, Kansas Young Democrats (@KansasYoungDems) held their first statewide convention in almost 9 years. What should be noted here isn't that it took the KYD's a long time to assemble in Kansas, it is the fact that when KYD's worked to assemble, the campaigns - and I mean all of them - took to Lawrence, KS in order to work with them, to try and build the future of the party in this state.
While the state level candidates spoke to them - and there is plenty of video and more below, Jason Kander, Missouri Secretary of State offered them their keynote on youth involvement in politics. Kander, the youngest elected statewide level individual in the country helped bring energy and hope to a room full of young Democrats eager to make a change. In his keynote, he left these young activists with two phrases I'm sure they will remember:
"(Medicaid Expansion) is the best deal you've seen since the government bought your land for 3 cents an acre."
"Risking a primary is a morally bankrupt reason to not expand medicaid"
See Jason Kander deal with the crowd, and for more about this event, follow below.
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Please note: I have full video of Kander's speech, but i am awaiting clearance to publish it as it sits. Once I have a full copy I will post it here.
I want to applaud the Kansas Young Democrats for making an effort not only to talk to the youth in their local groups - at nearby universities - but to talk to youth around them. More young (D)s in this group were taking time to work in field offices, intern with candidates, help with outreach.
Candidates didn't talk down to these college kids in terminology that would take for granted their vote and dedication, instead, the politicians who spoke tackled directly issues that young Democrats truly cared about. From student loans to the future of their state, Candidates came, spoke and took time to talk to their constituents not as young adults, but as peers in the voting process. After all, each person in that room represents the same 1 vote that we all have, and treating them as partners helps encourages all of us to accept our social responsibility for the outcome of an election.
We began the day with a speech from Jim Sherow, Democrat running in District 1.
I've had the pleasure of meeting with Jim several times over the last few weeks and working with his campaign staff. Sherow is smart, talented and not afraid to tackle the issues he believes in. Sherow is the kind of candidate who should motivate young voters. A University Professor at Kansas State University, Sherow understands how to handle an audience. Sherow hit home with his message:
We are exporting the best and brightest from this state.
My opponent is no friend of yours. Let's make that clear
Sherow's speech was on point and funny, as involved every young person present. Sherow left the room with a simple call:
Are you going to complain? Or Campaign? Do we want to change things?
Sherow's argument hit home with young Democrats who feel as though the Big 1 isn't a race they can win.
Don't let people tell you we can't win
He's right.
Be motivated. If you want to win, you have to try.
Paul Davis spoke after the lunch hour to the Young Democrats to encourage them to continue their efforts.
Davis key message was: This is your state. We can work together. But we need YOU to make it happen.
After several breakout and discussion sessions on how to address the complex issues that impact the Kansas races, Young Democrats adjourned to a local mexican restaurant (with quite good Margaritas) to listen to Margie Wakefield and discuss how they can be more active in state wide and national politics.
Margie spoke to the group about why her district, District two is winnable and how she should be the democrat to defeat Lynn Jenkins. We spoke about Income Equality, Equal and Fair pay and how these issues impacted young voters.
These Young Democrats gathered in Lawrence, KS not just to have a few drinks and meet up with like minded individuals, but they did so in hopes of making change in their state party.
As we all work together to build a stronger party for the future in all states, and in all districts, we must work to encourage young Democrats to feel as though we as a party and as activists will work to support them, mentor them, and work to help them find their place in the marketplace of ideas of our party.
I would like to thank the Kansas Young Democrats for not only arranging for this event, but for providing so many great candidates a place to speak to them on the issues and to discuss the realities of the 2014 campaign.
So, my Margarita pitcher remains tipped to the @KansasYoungDems Thank you for a solid event!