Quick advice on getting politically active from 5 Charlotte politicians under the age of 35

Turning rhetoric into action, however, is a tougher job, particularly for younger people in Charlotte.

With that in mind, we talked to five people under age 35 in Charlotte who are making an impact politically for their advice on how you can do the same.

Larken Egleston, 34

Background: President of Mecklenburg County Young Democrats, precinct chairman, delegate for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and candidate for the District 1 City Council seat this year.

Advice to people who want to get involved:

“One great way to get started on the path of local civic/political engagement is going through the League of Women Voters’ ‘Civics 101’ course, which gives an overview lesson on local civic institutions. Reaching out to and meeting with your representatives in local government is also a great way to seek advice about how they started down their path to service.

“Find ways to be around the folks who are doing what you hope to do. There is no better preparation than getting out there and seeing how things get done at the ground-level. Volunteer to work on someone’s campaign, offer to make phone calls for your county party, or seek a leadership role in your local neighborhood association or PTA.”

Mark Seelinger, Jr., 27

Background: Worked in student government and College Republicans at UNC-Chapel Hill, volunteered on congressional campaigns and local races in college, served as treasurer on Judge Bill Southern’s campaign in 2014 and currently serves as treasurer for Mecklenburg County Young Republicans.

Advice for others who want to get involved:

“Showing up for a couple of the regular meetings of one of the local political clubs is a good way to get started. Meeting the officers and letting them know you want to help out is the best way to make sure that you get volunteered for something. I actually showed up for my first [Young Republicans] meeting, and by the time I left about an hour and a couple beers later, I had been recruited to be the club’s treasurer.

“Most people are good at something, and every club (or campaign for that matter) needs volunteers. So, if you’re not comfortable making phone calls or knocking on doors, let them know what you do like to do.”

Dimple Ajmera, 30

Background: Her family immigrated to Charlotte when she was 16, and she took advantage of after-school programs to ease the transition. After college, she wanted to give back. She served on the Charlotte Housing Authority board for two years, worked with Young Democrats and Democratic Women of Mecklenburg County, and is now the youngest member of the Charlotte City Council.

Advice for others who want to get involved:

“I always encourage younger folks to get involved in their neighborhood and civic organizations as a start. There are also organizations like the Young Democrats and Democratic Women that have monthly meetings with guest speakers and projects. It helps you learn to be a part of a structured organization and understand leadership, compromise and planning… My generation will soon be the leader in making decisions that will affect our community for the next 50 years. We have to do it right.”

Brad Thomas, 35

Background: Long-term member and current chairman of Mecklenburg Young Republicans, volunteered on numerous campaigns, including George W. Bush’s 2000 campaign.

Advice for others who want to get involved:

“Believe in it. Fight for it. Live it. The Constitution is not simply a piece of paper; it’s a roadmap for freedom. Learn your history, outside of what you are taught, and use your own brain! Don’t just believe everything you hear and see on Facebook. Know that your one, single vote absolutely matters!”

Chaz Beasley, 31

Background: State representative for District 92, worked in the U.S. Senate during law school at Georgetown, served as a delegate for Barack Obama in 2012 and has volunteered on numerous campaigns at the local, state and national levels.

Advice for others who want to get involved:

“Jump in. There is a wide variety of ways to become involved in Mecklenburg County, and many organizations are doing great work. If you have an interest, you can find someone who’s working in that field. While there’s a lot of pressure for young people to become politically involved once they are ready, I am a firm believer that experience is the best teacher”