Media spotlight: Student political opportunities in Georgia

When it comes to being politically involved at an early age, young people today have many options. The Athens Banner-Herald published a story Thursday about the opportunities Georgia youths have to make a difference from both sides of the aisle.

"There are a number of youth organizations dedicated to both major parties," writes author Lauren Peeples. "From national and state organizations to high school chapters and college-based groups, there is something available for every age. Georgia teens can choose between organizations including the Georgia Teenage Republicans and Young Democrats of Georgia."

The University of Georgia is home to chapters of both the College Republicans and the Young Democrats.

The UGA College Republicans have been an established organization at the university since the early 1960s and has a membership of over 2,100 students. According to Jeff Emanuel, Public Relations Director of the UGA College Republicans, the organization has been recognized by the Princeton Review as the largest chapter of any student-political organization in the nation.

Emanuel said the College Republicans "are involved in many initiatives and activities on the state, regional, and national levels, from grassroots activism to the shaping and conduct of conservative policy." (emphasis added)

Yvonne Williams, President of the Young Democrats of UGA, said her group's primary focuses are "on educating the university community about Democratic issues, positions and candidates, as well as helping Young Democrats within the University who wish to learn more become involved in the political process on any level." According to Williams, there are 156 dues-paying members.

What prompts young people to become involved in the political world?

Alex Poirot, second vice chairman of the Georgia Teenage Republicans, says the 2000 presidential election was what encouraged him to become active.

"My parents started working for the George W. Bush campaign and I followed them around, handing out stickers and literature. The volunteer work sparked a passion and I quickly realized the importance and immediacy of politics."

One thing both parties agree on is that taking a stand and becoming involved in determining the future of America is something every young person should care about. With so many different organizations supporting both parties, there are opportunities for everyone to become involved in some way, whether it be attending rallies, distributing information or just heading to the polls to cast a vote on election day.