By Kirsten Pruitt
Chair, Young Democrats of Greenville County

Recently, the Young Democrats of Greenville County held our first in-person meeting since March of 2020, and it was such a good feeling to be back together again. 

My board and I felt that since the CDC has lifted the mask requirement for those who are vaccinated it would be safe for us to meet physically.  Just one of the many benefits of getting our vaccines!

We met at Greenville County Democratic Party HQ, which has been renovated since our last meeting, and it was a great space to meet up.  The changes to the office make it such an inviting environment and more open, which allows us to have plenty of chairs and give everyone enough room. 

What I loved about being in-person was that the meeting was more of a conversation instead of me just speaking at people over Zoom.  We had a guest speaker, Timicia Grant from SCDP’s Register 46 initiative, and I felt that being physically together brought more of an emphasis to what she had to say.  People were able to ask her questions and we got to laugh and joke together.  I had a conversation with one of my board members afterwards about how what we have been missing for so long is the social piece. 

After last night’s meeting people didn’t just leave, they stuck around to chat, we couldn’t do that over Zoom.  I actually got to know people who I have been seeing on Zoom for months but couldn’t tell you a single personal detail about. 

For me, politics has always been about relationships, so being able to build those is so important to me.  The office was buzzing with laughter and conversation which made my Chair heart so happy.  We were collaborating and feeding off of each other’s energy, which is how the best ideas are born.  Our members got to meet the Chair of GCDP, Eli, and the 1st Vice Chair, Ruth, which was great and helps members get to know more people in the Party.

I am definitely looking forward to having more meetings in-person.  We meet the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at GCDP HQ, everyone is welcome to attend.  I am very excited for what’s to come in the following months.