Why We Do It: Why young progressives are running for office and making change

Many young elected officials (YEOs) are often asked why they ran for office at such a young age. For most of the YEOs in our Young Elected Officials (YEO) Network, it was that burning inside that said, “If not me, then who?”

For members of the YEO Network, running for office was not about politics. It was, and still is, about public service, and the dire need for more public servants on school boards and conservation boards, in state houses, the halls of Congress, and in governors’ mansions across the country.

American politics is in need of fresh faces and new ideas to fight the problems of our generation. Thanks to pioneers of justice who went before, we're not fighting the blatant Jim Crow laws of the past. Today, young leaders are on the front lines fighting more subtle forms of racial discrimination. They’re fighting for social and economic justice. Fighting for equality for all. Young people are working locally, fighting cuts to education funding, and globally, working to protect the environment.

Some of these young activists see the potential to make real change as public officials. In 2006, the YEO Network, in conjunction with its sister program, Young People For (YP4), launched the Front Line Leaders Academy (FLLA), a nonpartisan program that works to equip young leaders with the basic knowledge, skills and tools necessary to participate in the political process at any level, either as a candidate or campaign professional. FLLA includes classes and workshops led by YEOs or other campaign professionals to help young leaders to develop their leadership and political skills. Now the fruits of this labor are being felt nationwide. Meet four FLLA graduates who later ran for public office and won.

Ezra Temko, Newark, Del. City Commission
FLLA Class of 2006
Ezra Temko is passionate about environmental issues and about his hometown, where he has regularly attended city council meetings. He saw a chance to make a difference in his community, and in April 2008 became the first FLLA graduate to be elected to public office, and the first to become a member of the YEO network. Congratulations to City Commissioner Ezra Temko.

Michael J. Makarski, Secaucus, N.J. Board of Education
FLLA Class of 2007
Michael Makarski didn’t know what progressive was, but he knew he shared the same ideals, values and positions with people who identified as progressive. Through FLLA, he found his passion was deeper than just campaigns and politics- he wanted to make a difference in his community. A product of the New Jersey school system, he wanted nothing more than to go back and change it for the better, from within. School Board Member Michael Makarski is now known for attending every school event in the area, with kids, parents and grandparents alike taking notice.

Anders Ibsen, Pierce Conservation Supervisor, Wash.
FLLA Class of 2007
A brilliant young man with a deep understanding of policy and the state of Washington’s unique political climate, Anders Ibsen found an opportunity to pursue his passion for his state’s environment and citizens’ health through the often-ignored Conservation District. Conservation Supervisor Anders Ibsen has made it his goal to increase public outreach, volunteer mobilization and aggressive lobbying for better conservation laws.

Kevin Killer, candidate for South Dakota’s House of Representatives representing District 27
FLLA Class of 2006
As a member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe, Kevin Killer has seen the pain and the power of his community, but never lost his determination to make it a better place. Kevin recently won the primary election and is running in the general for State House, District 27. He is working to strengthen the education of tribal students and to improve the standard of living of his neighbors.

So what issues do Young Elected Officials fight for? What do they do? Why do they do it? Hear some of our current members who answered these questions during our 2008 National Convening.