Last evening, a group of about 20 young people gathered in a bar on Colonial Avenue in Norfolk to discuss local politics over a few beers. The dress code was casual, and the atmosphere was one of high optimism as those in attendance introduced themselves to each other and shared some of their experiences working with various campaigns, and what they hoped the future would bring. Pat Edmonson, candidate for Lt. Governor; Dominic Melito, President of the Virginia Beach Education Association; staffers for Jody Wagner, candidate for Lt. Governor; and Anthony Triplin, candidate for the Virginia House of Delegates in the 89th district,  joined in on the conversations. This describes the first meeting of the Norfolk Young Democrats.

There is a current push in Hampton Roads to strengthen young voters and keep them engaged. Everyone is feeling the post-election rush, and no one is willing to let the dust settle on the accomplishments of the past election cycle or allow the machine that propelled that success to go unattended. The success of Barack Obama, and other victors in Virginia races in 2008, seemed to ride on the backs of dedicated young people who were willing to knock on doors, make phone calls, help with rallies, and turn out voters; with a focus on turning out other young people, like themselves. Bringing this generation of voters and activists together can create a momentum that is difficult to run against; and, with major statewide elections coming up fast this year, it’s that very momentum that progressive candidates are going to need in order to break electoral traditions in Virginia; traditions like Virginia electing a governor from the opposing party to the current President of the United States.

It’s not only current voters that are being reached out to. Discussion is underway for outreach programs to high school students and college freshman in the area, giving them opportunities and resources to get involved in their community and get active politically. Essentially, this is a campaign against the cyclical apathy that occurs due to factors such as activist burnout, electoral success, or a general rebellion against the activities of the previous generation or age group. Building a steady stream of engaged youth can be essential for building the kind of effective coalition and campaign volunteer force needed to win elections. Further, from an idealist’s perspective, the more people engaged in civics, the more the government is really of the people, by the people, and for the people; as it’s when the people aren’t engaged that government is not held accountable.

As someone who has an interest in building the future of the progressive movement, I’d be interested in hearing any ideas that you may have. Have you seen or been involved in programs that have engaged youth civically? What was your experience like? How do you think we can be successful in our campaign against youth apathy?

Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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