The Next Generation of Change: Youth Activists
AFP Wyoming has a secret weapon: a dream team of high school volunteers who travel across the state, engage with hundreds of citizens, and energize them for change. This group of students banned together and helped develop and strengthen the 36th state chapter of Americans for Prosperity in Cheyenne, Wyoming. What started out as after-school volunteering for Carson Daugherty and his friends, evolved into an unwavering commitment to be at the forefront of change in the state.
Whether they were aware of it at the time, the students infused Wyoming with a fighting spirit to mobilize the state on issues that impact their communities — proving you’re never too young to drive change.
Challenging the Status Quo Through Activism
In the winter of 2023 politics was increasingly creeping into the classroom, with teachers and administrators inserting their opinions into educational materials. While looking around at his peers, Carson noticed a general sense of apathy when it came to government and politics, something he couldn’t understand. He was always politically informed and had an urge to be a part of meaningful change. AFP’s new Wyoming chapter would allow him to do just that.
Carson jumped at the opportunity to volunteer with the new state chapter. He arrived at his first phone banking confident in the cause, but was timid when asked to talk to constituents. With AFP’s training and mentorship, Carson’s skills developed and he hit the ground running educating citizens and recruiting passionate volunteers.
“AFP has really helped me speak up about what I believe in. It feels great to know that even as a student, I can make a difference in my community,” beamed Carson.
Carson quickly saw how effective grassroots tactics were for mobilizing the community around positive change. He couldn’t get enough and knew many of his friends would share his passion. They only needed a small push.
Each week Carson would bring a new friend to volunteer. It wasn’t long until AFP-Wyoming went from one high school activist to a strong group of committed volunteers. And they have Carson to thank for it.
AFP Equips Youth to Ignite Change
Phone banking may have been the launching point, but it was far from the last skill the group would acquire. The students soon participated in more hands-on activities to engage the community face-to-face. They became integral in coordinating AFP events that brought together community members and taught them how to be agents of change, sharing cutting-edge grassroots tactics and scalable strategies. These motivated newcomers eventually elevated their game and engaged legislators at various events, communicating the concerns of a younger constituency.
“I love seeing the actual impact of our work; it is so rewarding,” proclaimed Carson. “I’m looking forward to continuing my volunteer work and hopefully getting more students on campus involved too.”
On more than one occasion they demonstrated their commitment by traveling hours across the state and embracing rough terrain to connect with communities, securing an AFP presence in wide-spanning and remote locations. Their dedication didn’t go unnoticed and inspired people of all ages to step up and join the fight.
Carson and his friends aren’t stopping there — they’re dedicated to bringing more young changemakers into the fold with the creation of a new AFP club at the University of Wyoming. They serve as an important reminder that age is just a number. You’re never too young to make a difference.
Be part of the change in your community, join forces with AFP today!
