As high school students, the Young Democrats of ASA cannot vote. But they have realized that they have the influence to make those who can, want to vote. They also have been volunteering frequently with the Democrats by actively phone banking, canvassing, sign holding, volunteering at First Fridays, and participating in a MoveOn.org “Ad for Healthcare Competition.” YDASA has also volunteered with charities such as SAARC and UMOM Family Shelter.

YDASA and its members have had several unique opportunities, usually not open to high school students. They have weekly meetings and monthly guest speakers, which in the past have included, Stan Williams, Rick DeGraw, Alberto Olivas, and several other democrats active in the community. They have debated with actual candidates. They have met Janet Napalitano. And most importantly, they have gotten active in politics.

YDASA strives to mobilize high school students to participate in the electoral process, influence the Democratic Party, and, most importantly, to make the youth generation care about what is going on in the world. And the youth generation definitely cares. YDASA has about 25 dedicated members and about 15 more who are signed up as members. These numbers are unheard of at a school with only 275 high school students. What’s even more impressive? YDASA is only in its second year, and hopes to continue to grow for many years to come.

President Ben Diego

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