The Shelby County Young Republicans have existed since (at least) the early 1960’s. We are a chartered member of the Tennessee Young Republican Federation, Inc. and the Young Republican National Federation and we have a seat on the Steering Committee of the Republican Party of Shelby County.
WHAT IS A YOUNG REPUBLICAN?
Young Republicans are people between the ages of 18 and 40 who are interested in taking an active role in Republican Party politics. They are organized as a special group because as young people, they have different opportunities and situations to incorporate into their political activity.
Young Republicans take part in GOP activities in their communities, doing everything from voter registration drives, to phone bank operations, to being campaign managers and running for public office themselves. They provide crucial support to the Republican Party and work to ensure the future of the party in their communities and nationwide.
Anyone between the ages of 18 and 40 is eligible to be a Young Republican.
PURPOSE OF A YOUNG REPUBLICAN ORGANIZATION
A Young Republican (’YR”) local Club provides the opportunity for young people who are interested in good government to:
• learn about their governmental and political institutions;
• participate in the political process;
• perpetuate the two-party system on which our political system is built;
• become better informed and more involved citizens.
Through the YRs, young people can develop their political knowledge and understanding of the issues of the day, and as citizens become more effective voters and campaign workers. By participating in the local Club, they may assist in selecting candidates for public office and then may elect those candidates by actively helping them in their campaigns.
YRs provides a unique opportunity for an interested young Republicans to meet with the decision makers in society and to meet like-minded individuals in their own community and across the nation.
Alumni of the Shelby County Young Republicans include
- Governor Don Sundquist
- County Mayor Jim Rout
- County Trustee Bob Patterson
- Secretary of State Tre Hargett
- State Representative Brian Kelsey
- County Commissioner Mike Carpenter
- Councilman Kemp Conrad
- Republican National Committeeman John Ryder
- Election Commission Chairman Bill Giannini
- Larry Kidwell, fmr. National YR Chairman