Amidst the throes of a global pandemic, the younger generations of the Democratic party are adapting – and adapting well.
On October 3-4, the Kentucky Young Democrats held an entirely virtual convention featuring Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, as well as members of the Kentucky legislature, among others. The keynote address was given by Congressman John Yarmuth, from Louisville.
The pandemic has forced campaigns and political organizations to go largely virtual, but amid an extremely important election cycle, the Kentucky Young Democrats are charging full speed ahead.
KYD president Lauren Tussey said, “My entire presidency has been within the framework of the pandemic. I was elected on April 4th, so we were well into the pandemic by then, and one of the biggest challenges is how do we engage our audience and keep our membership growing and progressing and interested. … Honestly, social media has played a really big part in that.”
The convention was held via Zoom, and live-streamed on Facebook for public viewing.
When asked if the Kentucky Young Democrats will keep some of their newfound digital structure after the pandemic, Lauren says yes: “A small silver lining is definitely that we’re utilizing technology in a, you know, more complex way than we were before.”
After the convention, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman stressed the importance of the Young Democrats in an interview with Forward Kentucky on October 8th:
“The young people across this Commonwealth are the next generation of leaders in our communities and across the state. … With as much as is at stake right now, with things like affordable college, student debt, healthcare, especially as it pertains to people who are under twenty-six being able to stay on their parents’ healthcare coverage … The opportunities that we have to create to build a better tomorrow begin and end with our young people.”
She also recalled her time as a member:
“I was honored to be able to speak with the group because I’m just reminded of my time when I was an attendee at the Young Democrats Convention and how powerful that can be for building the next generation of leaders in our party.”
Lt. Governor Coleman kicked off the convention on a virtual panel entitled “Women in Politics” where she shared the spotlight with House Minority Leader Joni Jenkins and House Minority Whip Angie Hatton. They discussed what it is like to be a woman holding office and navigating the political arena.
“I am always inspired when I get a chance to speak to young people. I am reminded of the reasons I got into politics in the first place and what we’re really fighting for.” said Rep. Hatton to Forward Kentucky.
She also shared the Lt. Governor’s sentiment on the paramount importance of young people engaging in politics:
“Today’s young Democrats know it’s important for all different types of people to have a seat at policy-making tables and I believe that in Kentucky they know that includes the rural people of Eastern and Western Kentucky, not just urban areas. We all do better when we all do better.”
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