Right now, young voters across the nation are preparing for the upcoming election.
Both the Young Democrats of Louisiana (YDL) and the Louisiana Young Republican Federation (LYRF) are dedicated to bringing young voters together and training them to become leaders.
The YDL is an organization which advocates for progressive issues and trains the upcoming generation of leaders, serving ages 14-40. They are the largest partisan, youth-led political organization in Louisiana, said Jaylon “Jay” Braxton, director of communications for YDL.
“Our mission is to garner voter engagement across the state, empower voters to be informed and educated on the candidates that best align with our progressive values, and elect those progressive leaders up and down the ballot to ensure a better tomorrow for our communities,” Braxton explained.
Some of Braxton’s responsibilities include leading the organization’s communication strategies and managing YDL’s social media team.
“In this role, I ensure that the voice of the Young Democrats is consistent, impactful and resonates with our mission to inspire and mobilize young Democratic leaders,” Braxton said. “I collaborate with our leadership to promote events, campaigns and voter engagement efforts.”
Braxton works with his team to create educational and motivational content for the next generation of voters. The YDL Instagram page contains information such as “everything you need to know about Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry’s ban on critical race theory” to “how to register to vote.”
Now, after a year of inactivity, YDL is working to relaunch their organization.
“Our team has been working tirelessly to reconnect with our members, promote candidates who align with the core values of Young Democrats, and engage voters on the critical issues in this upcoming election.”
Once election season ends, YDL has a plan to keep members engaged.
“Moving forward, we will establish caucuses dedicated to researching and addressing the concerns of specific communities. These caucuses will ensure we are informed and proactive on the daily,” Braxton shared. “Alongside this, we’re planning community outreach events, newsletters and social campaigns aimed at boosting voter education and engagement, helping to make sure every voice is heard.”
Braxton plans for YDL to offer resources like training sessions for the community or establishing mentorships for their members with seasoned political leaders. “Our organization equips you with the tools you need to become an effective advocate,” he said.
Members of YDL are essential to the organization’s success, but they also benefit from being a part of the organization. For instance, members get the opportunity to engage in conversations concerning policies and social justice, gain skills and resources to become future leaders, make life-long connections and make change happen, Braxton said.
“Being affiliated with the Young Democrats of Louisiana connects you to a network of like-minded individuals who are passionate about making a difference in their communities and our political landscape,” Braxton shared. “Our organization serves as a platform for young people to have their voices heard and to take action on the issues that matter most to them.”
YDL strives to help young people become informed, active participants in democracy by providing them with knowledge and guidance to make change within their communities.
In addition to this, YDL provides access to voting information resources through the link in their social media bios.
For those interested in getting involved with YDL, Braxton recommends visiting the link in their social media bios to find the membership interest form. After completing the form, an email will follow with more information on how to move forward.
For any additional information about YDL, email the organization at [email protected] or visit their social media @YDLouisiana.
Another organization with the goal of shaping young people into leaders is the Louisiana Young Republican Federation, a state chapter within the Young Republican National Federation, which focuses on preparing young leaders to embrace values like liberty, integrity and community. Serving ages 18-40, it is Louisiana’s leading young conservative leadership organization, according to the LYRF website.
“The mission of LYRF is to recruit, train and elect young Republicans who are committed to conservative principles, both as party leaders and candidates for elected office,” said Nathan Sanders, chairman of the LYRF. “By fostering respectful dialogue, promoting individual freedom, and upholding the sanctity of life, we aim to build strong communities and drive meaningful change both locally and nationally. Through dedication and hard work, we are committed to electing principled young Republicans who will proudly represent Louisiana and the nation.”
Within his position as chairman, Sanders represents LYRF at the state level, working closely with the board of directors. His responsibilities consist of establishing new chapters, increasing young republicans’ engagement and more.
Currently, LYRF is preparing for the upcoming presidential election.
“Our national organization is coordinating canvassing efforts for key Senate and Congressional races in pivotal states like Arizona, Montana, and Pennsylvania, Georgia, etc. We’ve also planned for phone calls into these states,” Sanders explained.
LYRF is also focused on educating members and creating opportunities for their members to be part of the campaigning process by hosting candidates and volunteering with a candidate’s campaign team.
“For the presidential election, we’re organizing trips to critical battleground states like Georgia, where we’ll join other Republican organizations in canvassing efforts to support the Trump/Vance ticket,” Sanders said.
Aside from election efforts, LYRF prioritizes providing local chapters support by hosting events which feature elected officials, party leaders and policy experts, Sanders said.
“We engage in legislative advocacy during the legislative session, ensuring that young Republicans have a voice in shaping policy at the state level,” Sanders said. “Additionally, we work on building partnerships across the state and offer training for our members in areas like campaigning, leadership development and grassroots activism.”
LYRF works to shape young republicans into active leaders, both politically and within their community.
“Being affiliated with the Louisiana Young Republicans allows young conservatives to engage in the political process, build connections and gain valuable skills. We offer a platform to contribute to causes they believe in, whether it’s advocating for liberty, campaigning for candidates or influencing policy,” Sanders said. “By being part of our network, members become part of a larger movement dedicated to shaping the future of our state and nation.”
Members are also provided with networking opportunities, political training and more to help them further their skills and knowledge on campaigning, fundraising or advocating, Sanders explained.
“Engaging with these resources helps them advance their careers, make an impact in their communities and build lasting relationships with like-minded individuals,” he said.
For those interested in joining LYRF, Sanders suggests joining a local chapter. If there’s not a chapter nearby, reach out to LYRF and they will guide those interested through the process of starting one.
For more information regarding LYRF, visit www.louisianayr.com for more information on membership and upcoming events or their social media @LouisianaYR for the latest updates. For direct inquiries, email the organization at [email protected] or reach out via their social media platforms.
