Georgia YD Smackdown

I spend a lot of time talking smack on the YD's because ... well... they are the young dems and lets face it - they are essentially the up and coming establishment kids who the national party or the state parties just pat on the head and expect them to grow up and be big dems or good donors.

Not in Georgia. Georgia Young Dems break the mold when it comes to most of the national YD programs. And its in Georgia - GEORGIA!?

This past week I met new ED Tim Cairl and President Jason Cecil and their VP of Finance Nicolette Allen - while they were traveling. I talk to people... I'm in politics. These guys are unbelievable. Not only are they going outside the box for events that engage young people in non-election years but they are working to develop the 20 chapters in their state.

At 20 chapters - Georgia is one of the largest YD state orgs and in the past few years they have gone from working with a meager $13,000 budget to an astounding group of people who are stepping up and committing themselves to supporting the progressive movement in Georgia.

Take a look at this state and you see a red state for sure but few people know about the continuation of the divide between old school democrats all who are throwbacks to years ago. But with the Georgia Young Dems we see real change and people coming together.

The coolest part is that these guys have a plan to grow the org to 36 chapters and a full time staff of organizers and get this... paid interns. (I know - breathing heavy yet??)

Tim explained to me that past attempts at using passive techniques of recruitment have done little to nothing for YD's. No shock there - you have to work it and want it if you plan to get involved you are the one who makes the decision where and when without little interest or involvement from outside forces. Is this how our counter parts work??? I think not. With a more active recruiting infrastructure the YD's plan to actively engage their new members with issue oriented politics and leadership development. Something that is sorely needed nation wide but especially in the south.

I was impressed by their professionalism sure - but their down to earth conversational activism that blends their diversity with southern values is eons ahead of what my state's YD's are doing - hell it seems to be beyond what the national YD's are doing! And these guys are utilizing non-traditional more hip more fun techniques to bring folks in.

If you haven't been to their website check them out. I prophesies that these guys are going to be a serious force in GA. Not simply because they are already seemingly more organized than their "big people's" party but because their good southern gentlemanly political talk could charm the vote right outa my hands. Check them out - and keep your eyes pealed.

So why is this a smackdown?? Because they are smackin down the old school and bringing forth a new movement as leaders in the south. Major props.