While the Young Democrats are active throughout West Virginia, a spokesperson for the group said there will be an upcoming convention in Shepherdstown to shed more light on political topics relevant to the Eastern Panhandle.

According to Emma Lindsay Severns with the Eastern Panhandle chapter of the Young Democrats, the Eastern Panhandle sometimes is overlooked since most of the state politics take place in Charleston.

“It has been a long time since the Young Democrats did anything in the Eastern Panhandle. We wanted to bring the convention to the Panhandle because it is not often represented. Shepherdstown was the perfect location because it is where Shepherd University is and that’s where a lot of young people are,” she said.

According to Severns, the group is still working on getting members in both the Eastern Panhandle and Shepherd University chapters. She said there was a kickoff event for the Eastern Panhandle chapter last week, adding the chapter has between 25 and 30 members. Additionally, the Shepherd University chapter has about the same number of members but it is a separate chapter, Severns said.

The convention, which will be held April 8-9, is part networking event and part planning meeting. Severns said the statewide Young Democrats board will be selected at the conventions. She said the chapters will plan upcoming events, particularly outreach to communities around the state and to state representatives in the Legislature. The registration form for the convention can be found on the Young Democrats website, www.wvyoungdems.com.

“The convention is where young democrats are coming together to discuss issues and plan forward for the state,” she said. “There are many chapters, and what we’re trying to do is build a solid network to help support the rest of the (Democratic) party. We want to make sure our voices are heard.”