MARYLAND — Friday, February 5th, the Maryland Democratic Party announced the Joseph L. Kitchen Jr. Young Professionals Program, with the goal of increasing youth engagement in the political process.
Joseph L. Kitchen Jr. was the president of the Young Democrats of Maryland, who tragically passed away last summer. Joseph was a mentor to many, a tireless advocate for the people of Maryland, and a staunch Democrat — he fought tirelessly to increase youth political participation, and worked to ensure that young people had a voice in the Democratic Party.
Before his passing, Joseph proposed a program similar to the Party’s trustee program, but for young Democrats. We’re thrilled to announce that this program has become a reality, and to roll out the Joseph L. Kitchen Jr. Young Professionals Program in tribute to him. The aim is to get young Democrats more involved in the political process, and give them a greater voice in our Party — all while helping to elect Democratic candidates up and down the ballot. This program is in addition to trainings, event discounts, and opportunities to serve on our Diversity Leadership Councils that are available to all young Democrats.
You can learn more about this program here. Enrollment is now open for all Maryland Democrats under the age of forty, or those over forty can sponsor a young Democrat they know.
“Joseph was an extraordinary leader, his passion was unmatched, and his belief in a better, more inclusive state was a driving force in our Party,” said Maryland Democratic Party Chair Yvette Lewis. “The Joseph L. Kitchen Jr. Young Professionals Program will honor his memory by further engaging young Democrats, and providing them a continued voice in our future. It was Joseph’s belief that our Party is at it’s best when young people are leading the way — this program will help make that belief a reality.”
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