New 2012 plan of Teenage Republicans highlights involvement of non-political youth

After success last year in various areas, the organization accepts challenge to educate and mobilize high school students for Republicans

January 14, 2012 — The Asheville-Buncombe Teenage Republicans (ABTAR) has announced a new plan to encourage youth involvement in politics, highlighting its GOP debate-watch parties and forums with state and local Republican candidates. The ABTAR, an Asheville-based youth political organization, seeks to instill conservative values among teenagers in the Asheville area and help the election of a Republican president, governor, and congressmen in 2012.

The Teenage Republicans realize their challenge in a city and county that in past elections supported President Obama, Governor Perdue, and other Democrat leaders. But the group’s leadership argues that political demographics are subject to change, especially in a year like 2012, and cites the impact that Teenage Republicans across the nation have made on the present and future.

Members of the Teenage Republicans have actively volunteered for the Mark Cates 2011 City Council campaign and taken steps towards reaching the GOP goals, meeting with influential figures such as Governor candidate Pat McCrory and Congressman Pat McHenry (R-NC).

“In 2012, we will continue our progress in membership growth and will expand our base in every high school in Buncombe County,” said Evan Schmidt, Chairman of ABTAR. “In order to make the most influential impact possible, our plan will reach out to those who uninvolved in politics.”

“Before I was brought into the group, I wasn’t interested in politics at all,” affirmed Kathleen Archerd, another dedicated member. “Thanks to the encouragement that’s stemmed from my involvement in this organization, I have discovered a new-found interest in the political issues that face our nation.” Kathleen was among the members of the group who attended the Leadership Institute’s Youth Leadership School, a two-day political training course for young people. “My experience in politics has been worthwhile and informative,” she said.

“We’re really excited about the future,” Vice Chairman Alex Montgomery added. “We have many long term goals to meet before the elections, but more than anything, we need help in the forms of donations.”