There are so many ways to support SMYD—no matter your schedule, experience, or comfort level.

• Volunteer: Knock doors, make calls, table at local events, or help with digital organizing. We’ll train you!

• Become a member: Membership is free, and it helps us keep you looped into events, actions, and leadership opportunities.

• Donate: We’re 100% grassroots-funded. Even $5/month helps us print flyers, support young candidates, and grow our work across East Tennessee.

• Show up: Follow us on social media, attend a community event, or bring a friend to your first Power Hour!

• Share your skills: Whether it’s photography, writing, graphic design, data, or logistics—we’re always looking for creative contributors.

No matter how you plug in, you’re helping build something powerful in the Smokies.

SMYD is open to anyone aged 14 to 35 who shares our values and wants to help shape a better future in East Tennessee. Our core leadership team (Executive Committee) is also made up entirely of folks in this age range—because we believe in youth-led organizing and decision-making.

If you're outside that range but still want to support us, we’d love to have you as a community ally or volunteer mentor…just reach out!

SMYD gives young Democrats a home of our own: one where we can lead, experiment, organize boldly, and push for the future we want to see. We do work closely with our local county parties, and many of our members serve as liaisons or voting members on those committees. But we also recognize that building youth power means creating something with young people at the center, not just asking them to sit quietly in the back.

First, you’re not alone. That feeling is exactly what brought so many of us into this work.

The best place to start is showing up to a meeting or event, introducing yourself, and letting us know what you’re passionate about. You don’t need to know everything, we’ll meet you where you are and help you grow. Whether you want to knock doors, work behind the scenes, plan events, or just learn more about the issues—we’ve got a role for you.

Still unsure? Fill out our volunteer interest form, and we’ll help match you with a way to plug in that fits your goals and your schedule.