Kickoff Meeting
1. Call to Order & Welcome
President Andrew Hartzler called the meeting to order and welcomed attendees to the first official meeting of the re-chartered Missouri Young Democrats (MOYD). Andrew provided background on the organization’s previous dissolution in 2018 and emphasized the momentum to rebuild a powerful, statewide youth organizing hub.
He acknowledged the legacy of YDA’s founding in Kansas City and thanked everyone who completed the interest form and joined the call.
2. Opening Remarks from YDA & MDP Leadership
Stephanie Campania Wheaton, DNC Representative for the Young Democrats of America (YDA), spoke about YDA’s role as the official youth arm of the Democratic Party and highlighted the upcoming YDA National Convention (July 16–19 in Philadelphia). She encouraged Missouri participation and offered support from national leadership.
Russ Carnahan, Chair of the Missouri Democratic Party (MDP), spoke on the importance of youth organizing and shared his personal journey through Young Democrats. He noted the MDP’s structural support and emphasized MOYD’s role on the MDP Executive Committee. He also promoted Camp Carnahan campaign training (July 12–13) and previewed an August town hall with Sen. Tammy Duckworth.
3. State Legislators’ Remarks
Rep. Ray Reed (St. Louis) shared reflections on building community and the role of Gen Z leaders in Missouri politics.
Rep. Jeremy Dean (Springfield) emphasized long-term commitment, describing MOYD as a vehicle (“building a car”) to take back the state, and encouraged members to recruit others and stay engaged.
4. Organizational Vision and Structure
Vice President DJ laid out the structure of MOYD:
MOYD will include congressional district representatives and committee chairs, all initially appointed through an open application process with elections beginning in 2026.
Proposed standing committees:
Fundraising
Communications
Membership & Outreach
Political Affairs
Policy & Advocacy
Missouri College Democrats (MOCD)
Missouri High School Democrats (MOHSD)
He reiterated the importance of capacity-building and asked attendees to assess what they can commit to in terms of time and talent.
5. Application and Membership
Andrew explained that:
Everyone who filled out the interest form and meets eligibility (ages 14–36, Missouri affiliation) is considered a member.
A follow-up form (“leadership checklist”) would be posted in Slack for those seeking to apply for leadership roles.
Monthly statewide meetings will be scheduled based on a forthcoming poll.
6. Open Q&A Highlights
Candidate Support: Caitlin (Springfield) asked about support for young candidates. DJ and Andrew confirmed that campaign support and endorsements are part of MOYD’s future, and feedback will help shape that infrastructure.
Party Reform & Platforms: Joey asked about MOYD’s relationship to the Democratic Party. Stephanie (YDA) and Andrew clarified MOYD is structurally independent but partnered with the MDP. Members were encouraged to influence policy via platform and advocacy committees.
Ballot Initiatives: Catherine (St. Louis) inquired about MOYD’s role in citizen-led initiatives. Andrew encouraged issue-based organizing via Slack and committees.
County-Level Integration: Dale (St. Charles) asked about reaching county-level Democratic organizations. Lucy (MDP intern) and Andrew confirmed outreach is already underway to all county parties.
Outreach Strategy: Dale emphasized in-person recruitment, citing PrideFest as a model. DJ invited him to join the Membership & Outreach Committee to help lead that work.
Candidate Mentorship: Jordan and Josh Mead (MO-6 Candidate) asked how candidates can mentor or connect with MOYD. DJ and Andrew offered their contact info and welcomed partnership through committee collaboration.
7. Announcements & Action Items
Leadership Application Form to be posted in Slack following the meeting.
New Slack Channels: An #events channel will be added.
Upcoming Events:
Platte County Democrats meeting featuring Josh Mead
July 4 “No Kings” Protest
Camp Carnahan Training (July 12–13)
Truman Dinner (September 20, St. Louis)
Cross-State Collaboration: Jackson from Kansas Young Democrats offered partnership across state lines.
8. Adjournment
Andrew thanked all participants, emphasized the importance of grassroots leadership, and encouraged everyone to invite others to join. The meeting adjourned at approximately 7:30 PM CT.
9. Follow-Up
Watch Slack for leadership form, event listings, and poll for future meeting times.
Visit moyds.org to fill out or share the interest form.
Join the Slack if you haven’t already.
