Housekeeping

First, I want to thank everyone here for their support of the Farm Team - most recently, ya'all were amazing in helping the College Democrats of North Carolina pull off the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Leadership Conference on March 26:

Lee Storrow, Director of Political Affairs for CDNC and a senior political science major at UNC-Chapel Hill, noted that this was the first time the CDNC reached out to build chapters on HBCU campuses. “This unique event is a way to build political infrastructure across the state,” said Storrow.

Many local and statewide news organizations covered the event, and many young activists learned how to become political activists. The conference was a big success with an inspiring guest list - and the mission was clear:

CDNC President Tori Taylor said she respects the academic and political history of North Carolina’s HBCUs and is hoping this conference will serve as a catalyst to further unite the schools and the party that has the strongest history of supporting minority students.

"The College Democrats of North Carolina recognize the importance of engaging HBCU students,” she said. “We are taking the first step in hopefully a long, consistent line of communication between HBCU students and the Democratic Party."

The Farm Team was glad to bring donors and CDNC together in order to help facilitating the start of a movement to cultivate future leaders for NC.

Now, I know this is what's called burying the lede, but I'm excited to announce that I was elected President of the Young Democrats of North Carolina on April 2 in Winston-Salem. It's an amazing opportunity to put years of experience working for young progressives to work on a larger stage. I'm humbled to step into a position previously held by Jim Hunt, Wayne Goodwin, and David Parker; I'm equally humbled by all of the people who thought I was the right person for the job, from the elected officials who (privately) conveyed their support to the lone voter from Lincoln County.

What I'm sad to announce is that it would be a conflict of interest to continue as Executive Director of the Grassroots Farm Team. I can't lead two organizations with similar missions. I am actively searching for a suitable replacement who can make the PAC less of a hobby and more of a lobby. We've got a fight on our hands over the next two years, and I'm hoping the Farm Team will keep on working to expand the bench for future Democratic leaders.

NCFT will be back up and running in no time. In the meantime, I hope you'll get connected with the Young Democrats of North Carolina.

Cheers,
Sam