CURRENT AGE: 19
YOUNG POLITICAL ACTIVIST: CARROLLTON, GA.
Ari Siesser has always had a burning passion for politics, but he has become even more inspired to act as the country’s economic situation deteriorates. “According to research I read, it looks like it’s going to exceed everyone’s worst nightmares,” he said.
For the past two years, Ari has been involved in Young Democrats of Georgia, the state's official youth arm of the Democratic Party. Its members strive to benefit their communities by working within the political process.
Ari has held many positions in Young Democrats, most recently as executive director of high school chapters. He is now focusing his efforts on College Democrats and hopes to start a Students for Barack Obama chapter at the University of West Georgia, which he will attend in the fall.
What motivates you to maintain your level of activism?
Especially at a time like this, a lot of people are upset at the way things are going.
The current economic situation is a product of policy, so if one really wants to make a difference and help out in the world, you got to at least have some knowledge and
involvement with who is making your policy and representing you in the federal government
What advice would you give to other kids who want to get politically involved?
There are plenty of channels for young people to reach out and to get involved.
You can go on the Young Democrats Web site, College Democrats Web site
The High School Democrat Caucus is actually renovating their Web site. We are all more than happy to get more people involved.
More youth than ever have turned out to campaign for the presidential candidates. What do you think has changed to allow young people to feel a part of the process?
I think that young people today are extremely critical of the government.They see what a hard time we are going through, especially with the media and its constant outpouring of negative news pertaining to the Iraq War. They aren’t oblivious to what is going on and their disappointment I assume makes them want to help change [the country] and put themselves in a good position for the future. I also think they see Barack Obama as maybe like a pop culture icon. I think a lot of people sort of look up to Barack Obama simply because he seems to be “cool.”
Do you have any regrets?
I was running to be the youngest delegate in the history of the Democratic National Convention, and I didn’t campaign hard enough. I ended up getting beat by a politician by only a couple of votes.