Last weekend, the Radford University Young Democrats won the Virginia Young Democrats “Best Chapter” of the Year at their annual convention in Norfolk, Virginia.
“We went from nearly non-existent to having the highest honor this year. Who knows we may host it next year. That would be great,” Chapter President Geoffrey Preudhomme, 24, said in a phone interview from the Radford University Student Center.
Employing a youthful, multimedia series of campaigns, the10-member chapter cites a number of successes that won the attention of the state including spurring the highest turnout ever for a Radford City municipal election (25%, 2600+), voting in the most women ever to the city council and school board; lobbying successfully for a voting precinct closer to the university making it easier for students to vote; and directly inspiring and helping to form the Radford High School Young Democrats.
The group received regional and national attention for activities highlighted in a feature-length documentary, “Virginia 12th” about Delegate Chris Hurst and for hosting the March For Our Lives: Road To Change national bus tour led by survivors of the Parkland shooting.
Preudhomme, who is graduating this semester with a Studio Art major and a Political Science minor is combining skills from each discipline to help lead and promote the chapter.
“I became involved in political science after the 2016 elections and was recruited ahead of the 2107 [midterms] for my art. I did the logo for the fliers.”
The group’s final meeting of the semester is at 7 p.m. May 1 at Heth 043, he said. A number of prominent and emerging local and regional Democrats will attend.
“It’s the anniversary of the 2018 May 1 Radford City municipal elections. Our chapter is made up of 10 or so members, but we are now holding interviews for next semester’s (2019-2020) executive board, ahead of Delegate Chris Hurst’s election.”
The Young Democrats (national) organization accepts youth between the ages of 14-36.
— Liz Kirchner
