A few months after I became involved in the Draft Clark Movement, I wanted to start a mentoring program for teenagers in high school.
I wanted a way to teach them the reasons to be Democrats and to learn the history of the Democratic Party in their county. The Who's Who so to speak: the deep pockets, the former candidates.
I'd like to see "old timers" take kids under wing and teach them the ropes.
I am not advocating another focus group to go marching around demonstrating for or against something. I am talking about grabbing their intellect and their heart, not their need to make noise.
In addition to mentoring, I like them to attend meetings with speakers talking about the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and economics. I'd also like to teach them how to recognize memes and how the other side manipulates the news.
It seems to me that there are groups for college kids to join, but what about the younger ones or the kids who do not attend college?
I asked a teenager I know what would bring her age group to a meeting and she said, "Food and an easy place to get to, a place that is near the T." She also mentioned that it has to be early in the evening because they have homework.
I think another thing that would get them to attend is having speakers. I would want the Bloggers to speak.
I recognize I don't have all of the details worked out or thought about. I do think that we should capture their hearts and minds early.
I don't have a clue how to organize this. I was told that Meetup does not allow anyone younger than 18 to join. I haven't confirmed that.
I have a feeling that there are lots of kids out there just as enthusiastic as my young friend. We need to reach them early.
Do any of you have ideas about how to get this off the ground?