Daily discussions and debates about politics are all in a day’s work for a member of Young Democrats of America [YDA] or Young America’s Foundation [YAF], two clubs new to the high school this fall.

YAF was founded as a national organization in 1969.

“It is a conservative organization that is trying to promote the certain principles we have outlined within our documents which are individual freedoms, limited government, and strong national defense among others,” junior and club founder Dayton Thompson said.

Thompson said the club’s goal is to give people the right to speak freely and start conversations.

“We are trying to basically not only provide a voice for the conservative ideology in the high school, but also to be able to present rational discussions as to why we believe these certain things and to be able to address different issues throughout the school and to have a voice to do so,” Thompson said.

Like YAF, YDA also has a lengthy history, having been founded in 1932. Since its creation, YDA has existed to promote the implementation of democratic beliefs around campus.

“I want to make sure we spread awareness about politics for the school and support tolerance for minority groups which is a big deal for the democratic party,” YDA founder and junior Grant Durow said.

Club sponsor Amanda Beller noted that Young Democrats of America is an organization for people who are more liberal or left-leaning. She also mentioned that it gives students the ability to have a voice. Beller states that during YDA’s meetings, students discuss issues surrounding being the political minority on campus.

Students in YAF discuss constitutional and conservative values, historical and current events, and political issues.

“What interests me most is talking about politics with people that think the same as me.”  junior Andrew Grissom said. “What would be interesting is if we could get more people with conflicting values, like talking with YDA. It’s always fun to see what they have to say compared to what we have to say.”

Aside from group discussions regarding the changing political tides, YAF also partnered with Student Council to put up flags in memory 9/11. Club meetings take place on Fridays before school in history teacher John Gore’s room, D212.

YDA is working to raise awareness for local charities.

“We could potentially do some good works for maybe women’s shelters and different charities or foundations,” Durow said. “It’s really important that you help your community if you are going to be involved in politics.”

Meetings for YDA take place on Thursdays before school in Beller’s room, E108. As well as listening to everyone’s opinions, YDA members have group discussions about current political events such as the information and opinions surrounding the Presidential Election.

“We usually discuss the debates and what we think,” Durow said. “We discuss the candidates, as well as our worries about the election.”

Even though both clubs go head to head against each other in politics they both come together and agree on one thing.

“Everyone is entitled to there own opinion that’s something that we really want to promote: that everyone’s opinion is heard,” Durrow said.