Mobilizing for Change: Salina’s Youth Engage
Special article by Raiden Gonzales, Saline County Democratic Party Vice Chair, Kansas Young Democrats Second Vice President, and Candidate for Kansas Young Democrats President
In the heart of Kansas, Salina has long been a community that values connection, hard work, and resilience.
However, for many years, the political engagement of young people here was muted, leaving an essential voice largely unheard in discussions about the future of our state. As a young activist and community member, I recognized the importance of changing this narrative. That’s why, after a four-year hiatus, I helped reestablish the Saline County Young Democrats under new leadership.
The story of reestablishing the chapter is a testament to the passion and dedication of the young people in Salina who are ready to make their voices heard.
We’ve come together not just to breathe new life into an organization, but to ensure that our generation is actively participating in the political process, shaping our future, and advocating for progressive change.
But our work has only just begun.
The next phase is about mobilizing our members — getting them engaged both politically and socially — and ensuring we’re not just participants but leaders in the shaping of Salina’s future.
At the heart of this movement lies the core belief that change starts with us.
It's not enough to just talk about the issues that matter. We must take action — whether that means registering voters, advocating for policies that benefit our community, or using our collective strength to make a real difference.
Personally, I’m committed to building a political culture here in Salina that empowers young people to step into leadership roles and take ownership of the changes they want to see. This commitment led to my active participation in the statewide Kansas Young Democrats Caucus, where I currently serve as 2nd Vice President and am currently campaigning to serve as President. I hope to help expand on the lessons learned in Salina to the statewide caucus — organizing, collaborating, and fighting for change.
With young people across Kansas facing many of the same challenges we see in Salina, the time for action is now. I believe that if we engage young people more in the political process, we can lay the groundwork for a better, more equitable future for everyone.
Salina’s story is far from unique.
All across the country, young people are rising up and demanding that their voices be heard.
This new wave of activism is about more than just voting in elections; it’s about showing up, speaking out, and staying engaged.
It’s about being an active part of a movement for change.
As we continue to build the Saline County Young Democrats and work towards a more active, engaged, and politically aware community, I urge others to get involved — to join us in this journey of creating a more vibrant and progressive Salina and Kansas. The future is in our hands.
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