Young Leaders on the Rise

Venice - Saturday, June 21, 2025

It was a packed house at the Venice Area Democratic Club’s monthly meeting held at the First United Church of Christ’s Naar Hall on Shamrock Blvd. this morning.  All 16 tables were filled with about 130 residents that came to hear guest speaker, Jayden D’Onofrio, who spoke about young people getting involved in politics. Jayden is the Chair of Voters of Tomorrow Florida and the Chair of Future Florida Leaders, the PAC recently created by Florida College Democrats and Florida High School Democrats to maximize voter turnout in coming elections.  They’ve already raised over $1.3 million dollars.

The meeting kicked off with VADC member Dennis Kaps, a man born into war-torn Greece 1945 and later moved to America seeking our freedoms.  Dennis talked about saving our democracy.  

Our next speaker was Lexi Wagner, President of the Venice High School Democratic Club, who told the group about her efforts to ramp up club membership in Venice High School by talking about issues pertinent to young people.  Barbara Farrar, Sarasota Party member, and VADC Precinct Captain is our club liaison to the high school club. 

Barbara Farrar, Adelaide Steinmann, School Club V.P., and Lexi Wagner, High School Club President.

Jayden D’Onofrio followed with a very inspiring talk about young people getting involved in politics through the organizations that he chairs.  Their goal is to get young folks interested in politics and for them to run for local offices where they can make a difference.  Jayden, who was accompanied by his staff, spoke for about a half hour taking questions when asked.  VADC president, Frank Mowery, later presented Jayden a gift for being our guest speaker.

We can all look forward to good things coming from these organizations and other similar groups across the country and the young leaders that will arise in the months and years to come.