To Be Young, Gifted, and Democratic
Submitted by Phillip Gilfus on Fri, 01/30/2009 - 6:08pm
With the State Executive Committee occurring tomorrow and the election of our new party officers, recent events have made me reflect about the barriers that are in place against young Democrats being elected to party and other elected offices. And I think it's even more of a struggle for young Democratic women.
For those who think about running for any kind of office, a balance must always be maintained (however precarious) among family, professional life, and politics. However, this balance is even more difficult for those just starting out in their careers, especially those with young children. Or else they may be in school or, if they are out of school, having to battle loan payments and other debt. There is certainly an advantage for those who are retired, wealthy, have a dependable second income from a spouse (or family money), or have a job that allows them flexible hours. To be sure, so-called Young Democrats are not alone in these issues...Democrats in their 30s, 40s, and 50s face similar concerns.
While I may get in trouble for a sexist generalization, here it goes: Young women are lacking in leadership positions because ambition does not always come easily to them. Many of the women I know are the hardest workers and cause their male counterparts to pale in comparison when it comes to getting things done. But men, young or otherwise, are more likely to occupy the top leadership positions. Young women have to be asked to run for an office...young men just wake up to try to take over the world (um...not that that's me...um...). It's up to both the young and old to encourage our young Democratic women to serve in top leadership positions in both the party and in public life.
Another barrier for young Democrats is that our state party officer positions are volunteer positions. As they should be. Keeping in mind that we should all be good stewards of our party's funds, but would it be feasible to offer our party officers mileage for driving around the state? Or, depending on a chair's outside income, creating some kind of monthly stipend for him/her? I am sure there are other ideas, perhaps some that don't involve spending money.
On the elected front, in North Carolina, the large majority of elected positions are "part time" (or at least paid that way!), with meeting times during the day and travel required. Being a county commissioner, to say nothing of being a state legislator, is almost impossible for anyone under 35 with small children and middle-class jobs. Now certainly there are young Democrats who HAVE succeeded in winning office. But they are in the vast minority, and perhaps have special circumstances that allow them to hold such office, e.g. financially or professionally.
With all this being said, I know there is not much to change the system. Obviously it is good to have elected and party officials with maturity and experience who DO have the time and financial-ability that allows them to serve. But the election of President Obama (and even before that) has highlighted the fact that the younger generation is ready to lead, and that it IS time for some of the older generation to pass the torch.
One thing that we can do as a state (and local!) party is to increase the mentorship opportunities for young and not-so-young Democrats. Don't get me wrong...I'm highlighting young Democrats, but I think all the above can be applied to other "fresh" faces to the party who may be above the age of 35. I can't speak for all of the state, but I think in my home county, many (if not most) elected officials do not think about the person who will sit in their seat next. While I don't believe (necessarily) in hand-picked successors, I do think it proper for elected officials to take interns or "mentees" and show them what it takes to succeed in their daily political lives.
The good news in all this is anyone can easily get involved in our party at any level, if they want. At the risk of using myself as an example, I'm living proof. While I was born in North Carolina and went to high school and college here, I really didn't get involved until 2006, when I returned to the state after service in the U.S. Army. My family has no political connections (and are certainly middle class!), so I just looked in the paper and one day noticed an announcement for a Cumberland County Young Democrats (CCYD) meeting. I soon "signed up" with our county party when they opened up a party headquarters in downtown Fayetteville during Election 2006. From there, I soon found myself elected vice president of the CCYD. Eventually I learned about the district party organization, the State Executive Committee, and BlueNC! Just from meeting people, learning who was who, and wanting to work, I tried to get involved in whatever was available, getting involved with the Young Democrats of North Carolina and soon becoming 3rd Vice Chair of my county party. I learned how to become a national convention delegate and won at the district level, as well as getting elected to the Council of Review for the state party. And it all culminated in New Bern last spring, when I was elected the newest committeeman from North Carolina to the Democratic National Committee. And I hope I serve in a way that helps all North Carolina Democrats, but I admit I'm still learning!
I realize that every county and district is different, but whether it's running for state party office or city council, I want everyone to know anything is possible. To borrow a phrase, "you are the change you've been waiting for." This year is a year of opportunity.
All this is to say...train, recruit, and run for election. These three ideas need to be a mantra for 2009 for those who want more from their party and who want to help improve their community.
I'm hopeful for the future and look forward to tomorrow as hopefully a new beginning...learning from our past, enjoying our present, and getting ready for the future. I encourage everyone who wants to run for party office to do it. Maybe you'll lose, but gain visibility...or you may win and help shape the future of our party!
See all SEC members tomorrow!
Great Story
I am right where you were 2 years ago. I could learn so much from you. Thanks for the introduction and I would really appreciate shooting ideas with you sometime. Very inspirational.
-- A liberal originally from Yadkin County. Did I just blow your mind?
Good points.
Your point about young women not filling leadership roles is a cogent one. I'm not willing to determine if it's sexist! I know that I could only get involved actively in our local party once my son was a teenager. He and I became involved together. I was always interested, it was just that my priority was raising him and earning a living.
One idea that could help young people - men and women - get involved is this: allow some positions to be "co". If two people could share a position, the time necessary is split in half. Of course, this would require a bit of communication between the two people who were filling the position, but that's not a bad thing at all.
I think that mileage payments would be a great way to help people who are just starting out in life, or who are not wealthy, become involved at a state level. I'm not sure about stipends - and I doubt that it would ever come to pass.
You have to take that torch, Phillip
When a young male lion runs off (or kills) the dominant male, it's partly because he learned how to fight well, but mostly because of his energy and determination.
That's...kind of a grisly analogy, but I think you get my drift. You young guys and girls are the future of the Party. Whether your time is going to be a few years from now or a few decades from now is up to you, but don't expect someone to just step aside.
There will be blood. :O
Sorry, I've been watching way too much Animal Planet lately...
Phillip, believe me, I understand ...
When I filed for the State House back in 1997 I was 29 years old and unmarried. I was not wealthy (and still am not) and came from a non-political family. At the time I was active in precinct, county, and statewide politics, serving as president of the Young Democrats of NC at the time. During my 8 years in the General Assembly I married, started my own business, and Melanie and I started a family. ... In 2004, Melanie was elected to the first of three House terms so far after we combined law firms. ... Because of the low pay and heavy demands of legislative service, and now a second child, she closed her law office and I also left the private practice of law to join the Department of Insurance. It was a tough choice, but one that young professionals in political/public service must consider at one point or another. Both Melanie and I sacrificed a great deal to be where we are (like many young leaders), and it has not been easy. I encourage young folks who share a passion for public service to take chances, make hard decisions, and, if you're able to, throw your hats into the political ring. Success may not come the first try, but then again it might. And do everything in your power to change the laws or alter the dynamics so more young people, more young parents, and more young professionals and leaders of all types are able to serve in public office. Without the voices of our young generation of leaders in public service, we shortchange the future. .... Phillip, your thesis is right on point. This is the time for young leaders to offer themselves to public service. Our State and Nation depend on it.
All Good Ideas
But I must say, in many areas the old guard is already firmly in place. These are people who have put in the time for decades. When most people their age were wrapping their heads around cell phones, these folks were trying their damndest to learn email.
These veteran party leaders, understandably so, do not want some fresh-faced college grad with bold ideas marching in and possibly getting credit for years of tireless, selfless sweat.
Like everything in politics, local parties have egos, power struggles, and a definite pecking order. A mentoring system is a great idea, but what if two competing factions decide to groom two separate candidates.
To this old guard, the young people are merely a tool at their disposal. This generally ends at the 3rd or 4th Vice Chair position which is mandated to be a young person. And that "young person" is generally around my age, 34.
What we must change is the mindset. The young-ish guys like me need to start recruiting at college campuses. We approach the professors and ask them to steer us to their most promising students.
We then give these students a true sense of purpose with a leadership position that is not a token appointment. We ask them to lead us instead of follow us.
And we don't put all our eggs at the campus. You know that bright young guy at work who keeps talking to you about politics and computers and video games? Get him to a meeting. Don't tell him our ideas on how to build the party but ask him his.
Now is the time to act on this. Obama has the youth excited like never before. But we have to tap into it soon. Put an XBOX at every precinct meeting if you have to. And for the love of God make sure every precinct location has WiFi.
Phillip is correct. The future of our party and our country is out there waiting.
Young Women Have it Harder
Great story, Phil and thanks for your comments Commissioner Goodwin. YOu and your wife set a wonderful example. We do need more young people involved at all levels of our party and in elected office. Women have a harder time in general, we all know that to be true. However, younger women have it even harder. Representatives Melanie Goodwin and Tricia Cotham are the youngest women in the Legislature. I think Tricia is even the youngest member. She has really faced adversity and won. I have heard both of them speak on this issue. Rep. Goodwin has talked about how she was sent to get coffee and Rep. Cotham had papers thrown at her by someone who assumed she was the secretary. People just assume because you are young and female you must be staff and not a member of the House. However, these two women handle it with grace, class, and style. They set a fine example and are effective legislators.
Mr. Committeeman, I agree -
Before you were on the State Executive Council (actually right before you were elected), the NCDP Executive Council unanimously adopted my motion to create a study committee to study a form of compensation for our State Party Chair. This business was overlooked due to the busy election cycle, but I think we should remind the Exec. Council at our next meeting.
Many states, including NY and Nevada, pay their Party Chair a full time salary (albeit not a lot). This allows young politicos to get in and take the reins if the confidence of the Executive Committee is behind them.
I do agree that something should be done to help YDs feel more comfortable running for high party office.
"That my country should be served is the first wish of my heart: I should be doubly happy were I to render it a service." --Thomas Jefferson