By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
The Alabama College Democrats will host their third annual convention and leadership summit at Alabama State University on April 6, 2013.
The event is geared specifically to students in high school and college. The theme of this year’s event will be “Voices for Change,” celebrating the past 50 years of progress and emphasizing how young Americans can be a part of the next 50 years of progressive change.
This is the third annual statewide convention held by the Alabama College Democrats. The participants will hear from speakers including: Alabama Senator Mark Keahey (D), President of the Alabama AFL-CIO Al Henley, the President of the National Organization for Women (NOW) Shirley Ann Rawls, Alabama Democratic Party Chairman Judge Mark Kennedy, the founder of Scouts for Equality Zach Wahls, Alabama Democratic Party field organizer Leanne Townsend, College Democrats Black Caucus Chairman CJ Jackson, and Jefferson County Organizer CJ Willie. Students will learn how to grassroots organize.
According to the written statement, the program features various training sessions, focusing on developing as an leader, building cohesive organizations, developing messaging strategies and impacting legislation and public policy. After the training sessions, the participants will break into caucuses to discuss specific actions in order to advocate for constituency-based issues.
Voices for Change is the 3rd annual statewide convention for the Alabama College Democrats. The event brings together College Democrats chapters from around the state and doubles as a leadership summit for students around the state. Students are invited whether they are involved with College Democrats or not. Tha Alabama College Democrats said, “We want to invite all students advocating on behalf of progressive change around Alabama. We are working hard to craft a program to help students develop programs to speak on behalf of the issues that matter. Our goal is to be able to effectively educate our peers about how laws can have an impact on their lives, and why students should get involved in the political process.”
There is a $10 registration fee to attend. The $10 pays for a small breakfast, lunch and a “swag bag,” including a t-shirt. Alabama State Senator Mark Keahey will be the lunch speaker.
Beth Clayton is the President of the Alabama College Democrats. She is originally from Birmingham and is a recent Auburn graduate where she was President of the Auburn College Democrats. She is also the Programs Director for the American College Democrats. Chad Chavez is the Vice President. He is originally from Seattle, WA and is a student at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Jorge Gonzales-Corona is the Treasurer. He is originally from Caracas, Venezuela and is an Auburn student. Conner Cook is the Secretary. He is originally from Illinois and is a student at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Eleanor Pomerat is the Communications Director. She is from Mobile and is also President of the University of South Alabama College Democrats. Austin Phillips is the Membership Director. He is also the President of the Snead State College Democrats.
