Trevor Beauford, Friendship Missionary Baptist
I want to make a difference for the youth in our community. My work with Kids Voting will help teens know they can make a difference too.

Brian Francis, Mecklenburg County
Chair
Through Kids Voting, I am saving democracy. In a time when people are polarized and cynical, democracy is threatened. Educating students about democracy - from the roles of our governments to the rights of citizens to building important skills like how to have a respectful, civilized political discussion - is the way we will guarantee a future generation does a better job defending our democracy than many adults are doing today.

Jim Lamm, Charlotte Observer
Vice Chair and Secretary, Governance
The act of voting is essential. I have voted in every election since I was able to do so. However, voting is just one part of what Americans need to do to preserve and protect our country. The Charlotte Observer played a significant role in bringing Kids Voting to Charlotte nearly 20 years ago, and continues to be a strong partner today. I am involved to advance Kids Voting as an organization and a resource that educates students about democracy, free speech and citizenship.

Yvonne Levine, YGL Enterprises
Communications Chair
As a parent, I know it is important to educate children beyond the
classroom. Each learning opportunity helps students to further engage in
their community and apply their experiences to their school work. Involving
children and teens in Kids Voting is a win-win for everyone. I want to use
my skills and knowledge to help build awareness for this wonderful
organization.

Patton McDowell, Patton McDowell Inc.
Development Chair
Children and community are important to me. Kids Voting educates children on civic life, including how it works and what you need to do to be involved to make a difference. As someone who works with nonprofits on fundraising, leadership and strategic planning, building community resonates with me.

Andy Munn, Real Estate Building Industry Coalition
In my profession as an industry advocate, I have learned first hand the importance of citizen participation at all levels of government.  Getting involved with elections and policy decisions through not just voting, but also volunteerism and advocacy can make a real difference.  The most meaningful individual civic involvement occurs with the following three components: understanding the issues most important to you, talking with your friends and neighbors about the issues most important to you and voting based on the issues most important to you.

Lenny Parrnelli, Shaw Group
Vice Chair and Treasurer, Finance and Operations
I was looking for a way to give back to the community and after my daughter had a wonderful experience in kindergarten participating in Kids Voting, getting involved with the organization seemed like a great place for be to be engaged.

Amanda Raymond, Civic Advocate
My work with other community organizations helps me to see the value in collaboration and education. Civic education is especially important. Everyone needs to better understand government. What happens, how and why it works, where things happen, who makes decisions and more. Equally important, we need to learn how citizens can make an impact.

Elizabeth Stanley, Piedmont Natural Gas
Kids Voting combines two of my greatest passions - children and politics. I
feel that children need to become comfortable with civic experiences so
they can  participate in the process and make an impact as citizens and
future voters.  Kids Voting gives them this opportunity.

Mike Tanck, Time Warner Cable
Through my work in government relations, I meet and work with governments and their officials. I have an appreciation for the jobs they do and how government impacts the community. Personally, I have not missed a vote since I was eligible to register. We all need to know about the civic process, both what government does and how citizens can be involved.

Michel Vaughan, Delta Sigma Theta Alumnae
When Kids Voting started in 1992, I was involved as a volunteer. I believe in the concept: develop habits and responsibilities in children and they will do what's right when they are adults. It is important to vote and be educated on the issues. It impresses me that Kids Voting's impact goes beyond the student to the family. It gets parents more involved.

Scot Williams, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
I want to do something valuable to give back to the community, Kids Voting is a great way to get involved. Though government's influence is different in Charlotte than when I lived in Washington, it is every bit as important to understand and be responsible with your civic duties. I have always voted and make sure I understand how the system works. I want to be sure that students learn about this too.

Monique Gardner-Witherspoon, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
In my family, in my job and in my life, it is all about kids and education. CMS has a strong relationship with Kids Voting. I want to further develop and strengthen that partnership. It is important that students benefit from learning opportunities and positive experiences in the classroom and in the community.

Chevonna Nimmons-Wright, Civic Advocate
My career is in public affairs, including government relations. I understand how government works and how people impact it. I volunteer in other organizations to help young people. Through Kids Voting, I can take both my interests in government and in kids to another level and make a difference.

Julian Wright, Robinson Bradshaw Hinson
Vice Chair, Programs and Outreach

Amy Farrell - Executive Director

Key Volunteers 

Kids Voting School Representatives, Precinct Captains and Student Leaders