NIC Idaho Young Democrats club hosts first meeting

Members of Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Gender Sexuality Alliance, Idaho Young Democrats and other democratic activists gathered at Java for the first official NIC Idaho Young Democrats Club meeting on Saturday, Feb. 21. People of all ages and backgrounds joked over coffee and welcomed new-comers with warm smiles and open arms.

Morgan Hill, the president of Idaho Young Democrats (IDYD), began the meet. After introducing himself and his entrance into political activism, he began stressing the importance of democratic youth activism, especially in Coeur d’Alene.

The IDYD club was formed long before NIC opened its doors to the party of blue. The Young Democrats of America began the first chapter of IDYD in the 1950s, primarily operating during presidential elections.

“Within the last couple years, especially these last five years, we’ve turned into a more consistently operating organization,” Hill said, “And we’ve had other [clubs] that have been operating for years and years before this.”

In addition to holding a presidential role in IDYD, Hill also does work with Young Democrats of America, rallying young activists to take on more action.

“I think this is a good way for us to chip away at the long effort ahead of us to get more democrats elected,” Hill said, opening the floor to answer questions regarding recruitment tactics.

“I think there’s nothing more important than having young people organizing politically around issues they care about,” Hill explained. “That is our biggest hope–to not just see people organizing, but to actually get engaged with the county Democratic Party.”

The club meetings, while primarily geared towards young democrats and students, are open to the public. Club officials through the NIC chapter also encourage students who have graduated to continue their attendance.