We’re only a month into 2024 but we already know that this November, our democracy depends on everyone coming together- all ages, all races, all genders. And just like other recent elections, we know we especially need young people to join in the fight. So this week, we’re talking to a young woman who uprooted her life in 2022 and started traveling around Texas in a van, registering voters. Tayhlor Coleman shares how the events of January 6th inspired her to add voter registration to her “van life” and how difficult her home state of Texas makes it for people to vote. She also talks about what kinds of conversations she’s been having with voters out on the road and she and our hosts agree that the best way to convince people that their vote matters is to start with local elections. Voting is a habit and making a difference in elections like city council and school board can inspire people to continue making their voices heard.Jasmine wasn’t able to join us this week because she was stuck on the GA House floor debating a bill that Republicans are trying to use to remove Fani Willis. We missed her but we so appreciate her doing the important work of democracy!Finally, Rachel and Amanda raise a glass to sledding with kids and healthy new habits in this episode’s “Toast to Joy.”If you know a teen who's interested in learning more about voter registration, please attend our virtual event on Sunday February 4! And don’t forget to sign up for our Substack newsletter! This week we’re sharing the video of our interview with Tayhlor, a video of our own Rep. Jasmine Clark being cut off while she was in the well speaking about Black maternal mortality, and more. You can sign up by going to swppod.news.

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