Young Republicans hope to expand group, get chartered

The Columbia County Young Republicans elected a board of directors Tuesday during their monthly meeting.

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The group's organizer, Megan Seda, was elected chairwoman, Anthony Sweat was elected vice chairman, former chairman Lee Benedict was elected treasurer to serve until his 41st birthday and Jason Freemon was elected secretary.

Members also decided to elect area high school students as junior vice chairs. Representatives from Westminster Schools of Augusta and Greenbrier High School were present and assigned to those positions.

"Right now, we're working on building that consistent membership basis of people who are willing to take a leadership role and show up consistently," Seda said. "It seems like we've at least gotten a good core of these type of people built up."

The Young Republicans held its organizational meeting in September.

Eight of 15 active members were in attendance, Seda said. One topic of discussion was bringing in monthly speakers to attract larger crowds.

"We're going to be an active group," said Sweat during the meeting. "We just (have) to go to work. I can't stress it enough."

The Young Republicans are seeking a state charter, which they hope to receive within two months.

Seda said she wants members to become involved at the county's Republican Party precinct meetings and help educate them on party politics.

She said she hopes to reach out to high school and college students and revive college involvement at Augusta State University and other colleges in the area. A group has been created on the online social networking site Facebook for the organization.

"It just seems like there needs to be more of a structured ambassadorship between the county party, and these younger groups," she said.

Sweat agreed and said he believes the chapter also should become involved in community events.

The chapter of Young Republicans, which is not limited to county residents, is open to registered voters ages 18 through 40. The group holds meetings the second Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the Evans Government Complex, 630 Ronald Reagan Drive. They also meets for a social on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Pizza Joint in Evans.

For more information, visit www.CoCOYR.org.