February 22, 2023 • 27 mins
The North GA Blue: Getting into Good Trouble podcast covers democratic politics in North GA, the 9th Congressional District, and across the state of Georgia. The podcast is in Q&A/Interview format with various democratic politicos including county chairs, democratic operatives, politicians, and more. It is our mission to deliver crucial information to our listeners in a timely manner as we fight for community values and principles in the 3rd most Conservative district in the state. Our website is: https://www.fcdpga.com/podcasts
Our guests highlight democratic activities and actions to work toward a Blue Georgia. The 9th Congressional District spans 20 counties across the region and covers a good deal of northern GA including Blue Ridge, Morganton, Fannin, Union, Banks, Athens/Clarke, Dawson, Elbert, Forsyth, Franklin, Gilmer, Habersham, Hall, Hart, Jackson, Lumpkin, Madison, Pickens, Rabun, Stephens, Towns, and White counties.
Our democratic party podcast also disseminates information and interviews powerful Democrats across the state of GA working to overthrow the suppression tactics of the GOP and ensure democracy and our values, grassroots efforts, and goals remain intact.
#podcasts #politicalpodcasts #democraticpolitics #democraticparty #stateofga #democraticactivism, #democraticgrassroots #community #gademocraticparty #georgiademocrats #democraticpodcasts #bestdemocraticpodcasts #GAPOL #ClimateChange #freedemocraticpodcasts #deepdemocracypodcasts #gademocrats #democracy #republic #democraticpodcastslisten #fightthegop #votersuppression #voterrights #bluestates #redstates #podcastsdemocraticpolitics #grassrootsactivism #climatechange #environment #9thCongressionalDistrict #9thcongressionaldistrictchairs #ruraldemocrats #racialequity #racism #RacialEquity #POC #politicalactivist #racialjustice #equity #RaisingtheWage #GAMinimumWage #MinimumWage #education #diversity #inclusion #workingtorestoredemocracy #voterrights #democraticoperative #localpolitics #countypolitics #statepolitics #politicalraces #voterturnout #redistricting #gerrymandering #votersuppression #voterrights #politicalhistory #gapol #ruralrevival #ruraloutreach #DemocraticPartyofGA #DPG #EconomicJustice #democraticgoals #democraticcharacter #democraticvalues #democraticintegrity #TurnGABlue #Transparancy #GADems #gapol #BestDemocratPodcast #Ethics #Integrity #ElectingDemocrats #LocalElections #CountyElections #StatewideElectionsGA #NationalElections #Healthcare #SocialJustice #EconomicJustice #EnvironmentalJustice #UnderservedPopulations #BlackCommunities #HispanicCommunities #LatinoCommunities #BlackandBrownPeople #RacialEquity #RacialJustice #LGBTQ+ #GayRights #CivilRights #Advocacy #PoliticalAdvocacy #Activist #ProChoice #Immigration #MedicaidforAll #ACA #GunReform #ObamaCare #Education #VoterRights #ProChoice #WomensRights #DemocraticCandidates #AtlantaGA #GALTGovernor #ProgressivePolicies #ElectProgessiveWomen #Healthcare #EconomicSecurity #CriminalJusticeReform #Equity #Equality #Education #VotingRights #GASB202 #ProgressiveWomen #Unions #JohnLewisVotingRightsAdvancementAct #FreedomToVoteAct #VoterSupressionGA #VoterSuppression #VotingRestrictions #CivilRightsViolations #VotingAttacks #VoterSupression #CommunityOrganizer #Diversity #Inclusion #Policy #Action #BlackWomen #BlackandBrownPeople #POC #UnderservedPopulations #PoliticalActivist #ElectProgressiveWomen #ProChoiceWomen #ProChoice #WomenSupportingWomen #ERA #ReproductiveJustice #Education #GunLaws #ProChoiceDemocrats #ProgressivePublicPolicy #AviDhyani #GenZ #DisabilityAdvocate #DemCandidates #Midterms #RuralUrbanPolitics #DPG #DemocraticPartyofGeorgia #gapol #DemocraticMessaging #Messaging #Progressives #DemActivism #DemocratActivist #GAHSD #BoddieCampaign #WarnockCampaign #CP #GenZDemocrat #GenZLeader #YouthVote #YouthActivism #NationalHSDems
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Meral Clarke (00:18):
Hello and welcome back to the North Georgia Blue
Podcast produced and distributedby the Fannin County Democratic
Party. I'm your host, MeralClarke, and we're getting into
some good trouble today with ourspecial guest Avi Dhyani, Gen Z
democratic activist on theground in Georgia. Welcome to
the show, Avi, we're happyyou're here with us.
Avi Dhyani (00:40):
Thank you guys for having me. It's an honor to get
to spend the next hour with youguys.
Meral Clarke (00:46):
Well, let's let our listeners know a little bit
about you. Avi Dhyani is a Gen Zdemocratic activist working to
empower democratic youth acrossGeorgia. Currently, he is
serving as the secretary for theDemocratic Party of Georgia's
disability caucus, vice chair ofthe Georgia High School
(01:07):
Democrats or GA H SD andnational committee person
representing Georgia on theNational High School Democrats
committee who that's impressive.
Avi was the former youthdirector for Representative
William Boadie's campaign forlabor commissioner and a youth
advisor to Warnock for US Senatewhere Avi spent the midterms
drawing out the youth vote, soDemocrats could win up and down
(01:30):
the ballot, which unfortunately,did not happen. But we'll talk
about that a little bit later inthe show. So Avi, you're a
disability advocate, and youclearly have a disability as
well tell our listeners aboutyour disability and how it has
impacted your life and yourwork.
Avi Dhyani (01:50):
So first of all, thank you guys again for
inviting me on. So I have what'scalled cerebral palsy or CP for
short. And anybody in theaudience who might not be
familiar with it, it's aphysical disability, which it
isn't one type of disability,but it's a spectrum. So people
(02:13):
with CP I am lucky enough tohave a very mild case of it
where I only experience slighttremors during the day. But it
could be from that mild case allthe way to immobilize in a
wheelchair.
Meral Clarke (02:31):
Well, that is definitely impressive
considering all that you do. Andthank you for that. As a young
democratic activist, how andwhen did your interest in
politics begin?
Avi Dhyani (02:42):
So I actually like many people who are now active
in the political spirit, nevergarden woken up by Trump. But
for me it was in the 2016election because I was only in
fifth grade when Trump won hisfirst term. Really, it started
(03:04):
more near the second 2020election. And how I got started
was by a stroke of kids. Istarted watching comedy on
YouTube. And you might be like,how are the two things related?
Well, anybody using the lateshow great Stephen Colbert,
(03:24):
Trevor Noah, John Oliver, we allknow that they made a lot of
fun, ridiculous stuff Trump wasdoing in kind of after a couple
months watching this, I'm like,Man, our country is in some
serious trouble. So that's whenI decided this would during the
(03:47):
height of the 2020 pandemic, I'mgoing to get off my ass and
start working on a career inpolitics. So I got started with
my first campaign, and I didn'tknow if I would like it. But
luckily after a month or two, Ifound out I love the work and
(04:08):
anybody who knows anything aboutpolitics, your first job leads
to your next your next lead toanother one. So from there,
gradual build up to where I amtoday.
Meral Clarke (04:23):
Well, that's fantastic. And how is CP, your
specific disability, How hasthat impacted your political
work? Has it helped you at all?
Has it hindered you has it madeit easier or harder? What are
your thoughts on that?
Avi Dhyani (04:37):
Being somebody with a disability growing up I was
the odd kid out. I mean, Ialways say elementary schools
are some of the meanest personto break down your confidence.
It's so true. It is so just beenthat odd one out. I kind of
built a persona and I kind ofgot used to it. So when I got
(05:02):
started in democratic politics,one thing I really liked about
it, and what I think is a coreof being a Democrat in 2023 is
we accept you regardless of whatdisability you have, if you're
LGBTQ straight if you areAfrican American, Latino,
(05:24):
regardless of anything, weaccept you. So really, once I
found this community I felt athome and that sense of belonging
within this community reallyinspired me to grow on my own
political path.
Meral Clarke (05:42):
Oh, my goodness, your parents must be so proud. I
know I am.
Avi Dhyani (05:46):
Oh, thank you. In fact, I actually got my mom in
2021. This was a year after Imyself got into politics. I got
her to run for local citycouncil.
Meral Clarke (06:01):
That's wonderful.
Did she win?
Avi Dhyani (06:03):
Yeah, we know it was a blowout for us on the lose
sign. But we ended up gaining alot of connections. And that's
also how I got more deeperconnected with my local county
in birdie go Fulton Democrats,and also various young Democrat
(06:23):
organizations across the Stateof Georgia. Also some happy news
this past Thursday, my mom wasjust like, get to the Democratic
state committee. So that is onthe plus side.
Meral Clarke (06:40):
Oh, my goodness, that's huge. Congratulations to
both of you.
Avi Dhyani (06:44):
Thank you.
Meral Clarke (06:45):
That is so exciting. Well, tell us about
the kind of work you'veperformed during last year's
election cycle. Why do you thinkwe failed to elect Democrats to
statewide office for theactually, we haven't had a
Democrat in statewide office forthe past four election cycles
running on nearly two decadesnow. So do you see that as a
(07:06):
failure on the part of the DPGthe candidates or is it just
lack of effective messaging?
What do you think is the problemas a Gen Z?
Avi Dhyani (07:15):
Let me answer that in two bytes. First of all, let
me kind of explain what work Idid in the last midterm cycle.
On the last midterm cycle. I waselected to the Vice Chair of the
GA High School Democrat. And inthat role, I was able to work
and I am still working till thisday because my term is up in
(07:40):
May, we were able to work withhigh schools across the State of
Georgia town halls, phone rings,Kim was in Aberdeen and God
every rallies, we were able toset up and over high schools
across the state. One thing I'mreally proud of if they wanted
to get involved during themaintenance season, they always
(08:04):
had an opportunity. According toour into your data membership
engagement rose nearly 600% fromthe prior year. We mobilized
high schools in Georgia on ascale never seen. We also were
(08:24):
able to build back relationshipswith the DPG after they kind of
were lost over the past fewadministrations. But besides
that, in the general electioncycle, I had the opportunity of
working with Charlie Baileyhelping him out with volunteer
(08:45):
recruitment. But in a biggerrole, I will with William Bodi
where I was a student engagementdirector, so we were again able
to work with his grass this dayto bring Woods historically been
a office, you'd never thinkabout the labor commissioner to
(09:05):
frona minds. And then in therunoff election, I got the
amazing opportunity to work as ayouth advisor with Senator
Warnock. So I would just helpyou know, the campaign on
different youth initiative tomobilize kids across campuses in
(09:25):
the great State of Georgia.
Meral Clarke (09:27):
Wow, that is so impressive, Avi, I have to say,
and thank you for all your workand successes in this arena. So
Avi, tell us about your upcomingplans with the Georgia High
School Democrats. Are youplanning to run again and if so
for what position and when?
Avi Dhyani (09:44):
Yes, so as a junior luckily, I am eligible for high
school Democrat for one moreyear. So this past year, I tell
people if we got a 10th of thestuff We got done would still be
probably the most successfulboard career in organization
(10:07):
history. From abrogating toengaging high schoolers across
the state, we've been able to doamazing things. I am hoping that
in April, any high schooler, whois a member of Georgia High
School will approve with thework we've done and send me back
for another year so we can getthe job done.
Meral Clarke (10:31):
In your opinion, and obviously, you're pretty
astute politically at thispoint, in your opinion, what's
it going to take to getDemocrats elected to statewide
office in Georgia? What are yourthoughts moving forward into
2024 and beyond?
Avi Dhyani (10:45):
So first of all, I want to say like, everyone, I
was outraged on election night,we had amazing candidate from
the top or the very bottom, andevery Democrat who was running
should have easily won theirseats, I think when it comes
down, though, is messaging andreaching the people where they
(11:10):
are, this is one thing, I'm abig advocate for doors, several
campaigns that did a lot ofstuff in metro Atlanta, even
Savannah in these metropolitanareas, but then they weren't as
much in the rural areas assomeone have liked. And I think
(11:31):
we cannot expect the voters tocome to us, as much as we know
that people should be votingabout abortion rights, migration
rights, gun control, the factis, for your average Georgian,
those aren't top concerns, theirtop concerns are going to be
(11:52):
who's going to but the mostmoney in my pocket. And that's
one thing I think we really needto focus on the next election is
explaining a little better howDemocrats are good for voters,
not just that they should votefor our core policy issues,
because they are the right issueto agree with.
Meral Clarke (12:15):
Absolutely. And I agree with you on the fact that
we do need to change ourmessaging from the top down. So
you've also stated that it'simportant to invest in young
democrats across the state. Whatdoes that mean to you? And how
should we go about reaching thisever moving goal of reaching
young voters?
Avi Dhyani (12:35):
So the passages I was looking at analytics from
the races, we did win, which wassenators, Warnock and some down
ballot races, the fact is, inthe races, which Gen Z and
millennials showed up, we win,that's an undeniable fact. So
(12:55):
what we now have to do is wehave that data and we have to
invest again, one thing I'llconsistently advocate for is
reaching people with their ad,we need to make sure that
instead of spending millions ofdollars on flyers, mailers, and
different stuff like that, we'redoing tick tock, we're doing
(13:18):
Instagram, we're not justposting on social media, but we
have professional politicaloperatives who know how to use
ad and targeting young groups beconnected, and there's a one I
found a Will my mom's campaign,it is much more effective to
(13:39):
reach people online digital thanit is to reach physically.
Meral Clarke (13:44):
Okay, so definitely online, especially
for the Gen Z generation,correct? Yeah. Because The Kids
Are All Right. And they'realways online. So as we know,
the election cycle is now 365,seven days a week, 24 hours a
day, we've already geared up for2024. So what are your plans
(14:05):
moving forward in 2024, workingas a disability advocate within
the DPG and beyond?
Avi Dhyani (14:11):
So I'm going to be frank with you. I have not even
thought about 2024 Because asmuch as 2024 is important,
there's a election before that,and that is going to be 2023. Me
Miss suppose working in amunicipal election really gave
(14:34):
me gratitude and I saw how tobuild up for 2024. We need to be
able to highlight Democrats inlocal office. The fact is, when
we know Democrats win locally,we know Democrats could win
nationally. So I'm going to beworking in my community of North
(14:57):
Johns Creek this year to makesure are a we have a strong,
diverse and aggressive slate ofcandidates running from in
Milton, Alpharetta, Johns Creek,Buckhead, Atlanta, but also that
those candidates have theresources they need. Because one
(15:17):
thing is, and again, this allcomes from my personal
experience these lowercampaigns, sometimes it's just
the candidate and maybe a familymember door knocking, I know
where my mom's case me and mymom, between the two of us don't
knock 5000 doors by ourselvesout of $6,000. So I really want
(15:43):
to make sure that thesecandidates have the resources
and money needed so they couldwin. And after they win, then we
need to start building for 2024.
Meral Clarke (15:55):
My goodness, you are such an impressive young
man. And I want to share withour listeners that you're
actually a junior in highschool, and even in college yet,
thank you, and you're doing morethan so many other adults ever
even think about doing to makelives better, and the democratic
community is very lucky to haveyou. Thank you. So you've also
(16:18):
mentioned that you're working inpolitics, not just with a
disability, but as a very youngGen Z activists has it helped or
hindered you politically, youmentioned pre show that the
democratic community in this isnot surprising, at least that
the democratic community hasbeen very accepting of you and
helpful toward you and yourgoals. Can you give us some
(16:39):
specifics on that, and let'slift our spirits up together
with the awesome work thatyou've been able to accomplish?
Avi Dhyani (16:49):
want to give a huge thank you to Sarah Todd, the
county committee chair, she hasbeen working with Georgia, high
school Democrats. In fact, herson is a Georgia High School
(17:10):
Democrat. And she has beenworking that whenever we need
something, even if it's notpossible that the ask makes it
through every stage. I also wantto thank Ernest Boston, he has
also been a real great ally andso many others.
Meral Clarke (17:30):
Can you tell our listeners who Ernest Boston Is?
and what he does?
Avi Dhyani (17:34):
So I'm not exactly sure his official title, but he
worked with Chairwoman Kaman tomake sure there's a efficiency
in the Democratic Party.
Meral Clarke (17:46):
Oh, fantastic. Is he a strong disability advocate
as well?
Avi Dhyani (17:50):
Yes, he's been amazing. Anything. I've needed
from him he's been able to helpme get.
Meral Clarke (17:57):
That's fantastic.
I'm so happy to hear that. Sotell us a little bit more about
your personal plans, you know,going to college getting your
degree. Are you thinking aboutgoing into political science
making this your career?
Avi Dhyani (18:10):
Yeah, so one thing is, and I said this earlier, in
the program, my first two monthsin the political space, I knew
that this was going to definethe rest of my life. So
currently, as a junior, I'mlooking at a lot of college
options. Something I'm feelingreally strongly about is getting
(18:31):
a minor policy and either amajor political science or some
other type of political field,I've been so grateful to do what
I've done mainly in school fulltime. So I'm super excited to
see when I have a full time jobin politics, what I'm able to
(18:54):
complete and I'm hoping to getinto one of the DC schools like
George Washington, Georgetown,or American so I go work at the
Capitol and get democraticlegislation passed there.
Meral Clarke (19:10):
That is so exciting, and they would be so
damn lucky to have you. I mean,anyone moving forward, and I
think I'm jealous that you'replanning on leaving Georgia.
Hopefully, one day, you'll comehome and help turn us into a
blue state as well.
Avi Dhyani (19:25):
Actually, let me rephrase them because I forgot
to add that only for college.
After college, the fact that Ido want to come back to Georgia,
Georgia has proved time and timeagain to be the epicenter of the
nation. I mean, no offense toPennsylvania, Wisconsin or any
(19:45):
other battleground state, butthe fact that Georgia is the
battleground state and afterbeing in Georgia hold for so
long. I don't think it'ssomething I can permanently
leave.
Meral Clarke (20:04):
That's wonderful.
Well, the state is lucky to haveyou too. So we'll take it go off
and get your education and putit to good work on the ground.
That's so important. So is thereanything else you wanted to add
about your experience inpolitics beyond your disability
and what you're doing now?
Avi Dhyani (20:21):
I think something that has been a core issue that
I've been driving champion isI'm the one percenter most high
schoolers, most college studentsdon't have an interest in
politics. Voting is notsomething that is old. Raghu,
working on campaigns is notsomething that interests many
(20:45):
people. So I see him because Ithink one thing we have to do is
working on reaching out to thosepeople who might be apprehensive
at first, I'm working to bringthem out into the fold.
Meral Clarke (21:00):
That would be wonderful. And we do need to get
as many Gen Z individuals aspossible engaged into the
political process, because it'sgoing to affect your generation
for decades to come. So very,very important. So do you have
any advice for individual countyparties that are trying to grow
(21:20):
their groups with youngermembers? How do we go about
recruiting young people on thecounty level?
Avi Dhyani (21:26):
I think what it comes down to is we just need to
give them a seat at the table. Iknow a lot of times people who
have been this hurt them we canthey feel like because of their
age, nobody is listening. So ifyou're accounting party, just
make it known that you're openand you want to work with high
(21:49):
schoolers, that little thing cango a long way.
Meral Clarke (21:53):
Yes. How should we go about getting the young
democrats club started?
Avi Dhyani (21:58):
Getting one started very simple. Reach out to us on
Instagram and say, hey, I wantto start a club. For our bylaws,
a club needs five members beforeit can be officially started. So
after you got it five members,we just do a little paperwork on
(22:22):
our end, and we are able toincorporate you guys and we get
you started on Instagram,Facebook, if you guys want and
then any guidance that thepotential club leader needs to
be walking through. But at thatpoint, we are really hands off.
And we really want our club andCaptain leaders to have the
(22:45):
ability to do with the club howthey see fit. So that's also one
thing coming from my chapterbefore I wasn't saved
leadership. And I love aboutGeorgia has cooked them.
Meral Clarke (22:58):
Oh fantastic. So there are resources and support.
So if there are any young peoplein high school at Fannin County
High School, I hope you'll heedHis words, take his advice, and
we'll definitely have to work onthat. So Avi, you are definitely
an impressive young man. I hopeI have the ability to meet you
in person one day. You're alwayswelcome up here in Blue Ridge,
(23:21):
Same here. Yes, absolutely. Andplease thank your mother as well
for all of her hard work andalso for her running for office,
which is just fantastic. Anddefinitely more people need to
step up and do that, especiallyin municipal and local
elections. I agree with you. Soif someone wants to learn more
about you, if someone wants tolearn more about the Georgia
(23:43):
High School Democrats, wherewould you send them?
Avi Dhyani (23:46):
So first of all, let me give my personal Instagram
Avi Diani that is Avi DHY, amidot official. So anybody who's
interested in anybody who wantsto talk more, feel free to text
me on Instagram. And let's get aconversation started. For any
(24:11):
high schooler who was interestedin Georgia High School, you
could visit us on our website atGA HSD dems.org. Or you could
also visit us on Instagram,Georgia High School. And we can
do that very recently. I have itup on my Instagrams in a minute
(24:35):
somebody sends a message I getnotified and normally try to get
back within the same day.
Meral Clarke (24:42):
Yes, and I can personally attest that you're
highly responsive on Instagram.
So yes, thank you for that sincewe've had discussions there. So
finally, Avi and I ask all myguests this question, and you
probably know this is coming.
Tell us a fun fact aboutyourself something not
necessarily related to all thefantastic work that you do till
(25:03):
something fun interesting justabout you.
Avi Dhyani (25:06):
Let me try to think of one one. I noticed that kind
of boring but a lot of people Imay get surprised by it as
Wagner's. I was. I actually beenin Georgia for only about four
years now. Originally I was bornand raised in the state of
Arizona in Tucson.
Meral Clarke (25:27):
Oh, wow. So you've done all this work in a scant
four years. That's incredible.
Avi Dhyani (25:33):
I actually two years I only got started in 2020.
Meral Clarke (25:37):
Oh, you are my hero. You really are
Avi Dhyani (25:43):
Thank you. That means a lot.
Meral Clarke (25:45):
Well, thank you, Avi, for joining us today and
sharing more about your criticalwork to advance democratic goals
and policy. I'm Meral Clarke andon behalf of our team, I'd like
to thank everyone for listeningto the North Georgia Blue
Podcast. Join us next time whenwe chat with Don Kelly, CEO and
President of New Disabled South,a nonprofit working to improve
(26:08):
the lives of disabled people andcultivate strong disability
rights and disability justiceframeworks across 14 states in
the southern United States. Andyou're the perfect segue to go
into our next show. So thankyou. To learn more about us and
the work that we're doing. Visitus online at Fannin County,
Georgia democrats.com. Share theNorth Georgia Blue Podcast with
(26:32):
your friends and family. Be sureto subscribe and follow and if
you enjoy our podcast be afounding patron and friend of
the show at North Georgia bluepodcast.com/patron with three
different giving levels tochoose from offering cool swag
recognition on the show andwebsite and valuable gift cards
to help us continue getting intomore good trouble.
Hello and welcome back to the North Georgia Blue
Podcast produced and distributedby the Fannin County Democratic
Party. I'm your host, MeralClarke, and we're getting into
some good trouble today with ourspecial guest Avi Dhyani, Gen Z
democratic activist on theground in Georgia. Welcome to
the show, Avi, we're happyyou're here with us.
Avi Dhyani (00:40):
Thank you guys for having me. It's an honor to get
to spend the next hour with youguys.
Meral Clarke (00:46):
Well, let's let our listeners know a little bit
about you. Avi Dhyani is a Gen Zdemocratic activist working to
empower democratic youth acrossGeorgia. Currently, he is
serving as the secretary for theDemocratic Party of Georgia's
disability caucus, vice chair ofthe Georgia High School
(01:07):
Democrats or GA H SD andnational committee person
representing Georgia on theNational High School Democrats
committee who that's impressive.
Avi was the former youthdirector for Representative
William Boadie's campaign forlabor commissioner and a youth
advisor to Warnock for US Senatewhere Avi spent the midterms
drawing out the youth vote, soDemocrats could win up and down
(01:30):
the ballot, which unfortunately,did not happen. But we'll talk
about that a little bit later inthe show. So Avi, you're a
disability advocate, and youclearly have a disability as
well tell our listeners aboutyour disability and how it has
impacted your life and yourwork.
Avi Dhyani (01:50):
So first of all, thank you guys again for
inviting me on. So I have what'scalled cerebral palsy or CP for
short. And anybody in theaudience who might not be
familiar with it, it's aphysical disability, which it
isn't one type of disability,but it's a spectrum. So people
(02:13):
with CP I am lucky enough tohave a very mild case of it
where I only experience slighttremors during the day. But it
could be from that mild case allthe way to immobilize in a
wheelchair.
Meral Clarke (02:31):
Well, that is definitely impressive
considering all that you do. Andthank you for that. As a young
democratic activist, how andwhen did your interest in
politics begin?
Avi Dhyani (02:42):
So I actually like many people who are now active
in the political spirit, nevergarden woken up by Trump. But
for me it was in the 2016election because I was only in
fifth grade when Trump won hisfirst term. Really, it started
(03:04):
more near the second 2020election. And how I got started
was by a stroke of kids. Istarted watching comedy on
YouTube. And you might be like,how are the two things related?
Well, anybody using the lateshow great Stephen Colbert,
(03:24):
Trevor Noah, John Oliver, we allknow that they made a lot of
fun, ridiculous stuff Trump wasdoing in kind of after a couple
months watching this, I'm like,Man, our country is in some
serious trouble. So that's whenI decided this would during the
(03:47):
height of the 2020 pandemic, I'mgoing to get off my ass and
start working on a career inpolitics. So I got started with
my first campaign, and I didn'tknow if I would like it. But
luckily after a month or two, Ifound out I love the work and
(04:08):
anybody who knows anything aboutpolitics, your first job leads
to your next your next lead toanother one. So from there,
gradual build up to where I amtoday.
Meral Clarke (04:23):
Well, that's fantastic. And how is CP, your
specific disability, How hasthat impacted your political
work? Has it helped you at all?
Has it hindered you has it madeit easier or harder? What are
your thoughts on that?
Avi Dhyani (04:37):
Being somebody with a disability growing up I was
the odd kid out. I mean, Ialways say elementary schools
are some of the meanest personto break down your confidence.
It's so true. It is so just beenthat odd one out. I kind of
built a persona and I kind ofgot used to it. So when I got
(05:02):
started in democratic politics,one thing I really liked about
it, and what I think is a coreof being a Democrat in 2023 is
we accept you regardless of whatdisability you have, if you're
LGBTQ straight if you areAfrican American, Latino,
(05:24):
regardless of anything, weaccept you. So really, once I
found this community I felt athome and that sense of belonging
within this community reallyinspired me to grow on my own
political path.
Meral Clarke (05:42):
Oh, my goodness, your parents must be so proud. I
know I am.
Avi Dhyani (05:46):
Oh, thank you. In fact, I actually got my mom in
2021. This was a year after Imyself got into politics. I got
her to run for local citycouncil.
Meral Clarke (06:01):
That's wonderful.
Did she win?
Avi Dhyani (06:03):
Yeah, we know it was a blowout for us on the lose
sign. But we ended up gaining alot of connections. And that's
also how I got more deeperconnected with my local county
in birdie go Fulton Democrats,and also various young Democrat
(06:23):
organizations across the Stateof Georgia. Also some happy news
this past Thursday, my mom wasjust like, get to the Democratic
state committee. So that is onthe plus side.
Meral Clarke (06:40):
Oh, my goodness, that's huge. Congratulations to
both of you.
Avi Dhyani (06:44):
Thank you.
Meral Clarke (06:45):
That is so exciting. Well, tell us about
the kind of work you'veperformed during last year's
election cycle. Why do you thinkwe failed to elect Democrats to
statewide office for theactually, we haven't had a
Democrat in statewide office forthe past four election cycles
running on nearly two decadesnow. So do you see that as a
(07:06):
failure on the part of the DPGthe candidates or is it just
lack of effective messaging?
What do you think is the problemas a Gen Z?
Avi Dhyani (07:15):
Let me answer that in two bytes. First of all, let
me kind of explain what work Idid in the last midterm cycle.
On the last midterm cycle. I waselected to the Vice Chair of the
GA High School Democrat. And inthat role, I was able to work
and I am still working till thisday because my term is up in
(07:40):
May, we were able to work withhigh schools across the State of
Georgia town halls, phone rings,Kim was in Aberdeen and God
every rallies, we were able toset up and over high schools
across the state. One thing I'mreally proud of if they wanted
to get involved during themaintenance season, they always
(08:04):
had an opportunity. According toour into your data membership
engagement rose nearly 600% fromthe prior year. We mobilized
high schools in Georgia on ascale never seen. We also were
(08:24):
able to build back relationshipswith the DPG after they kind of
were lost over the past fewadministrations. But besides
that, in the general electioncycle, I had the opportunity of
working with Charlie Baileyhelping him out with volunteer
(08:45):
recruitment. But in a biggerrole, I will with William Bodi
where I was a student engagementdirector, so we were again able
to work with his grass this dayto bring Woods historically been
a office, you'd never thinkabout the labor commissioner to
(09:05):
frona minds. And then in therunoff election, I got the
amazing opportunity to work as ayouth advisor with Senator
Warnock. So I would just helpyou know, the campaign on
different youth initiative tomobilize kids across campuses in
(09:25):
the great State of Georgia.
Meral Clarke (09:27):
Wow, that is so impressive, Avi, I have to say,
and thank you for all your workand successes in this arena. So
Avi, tell us about your upcomingplans with the Georgia High
School Democrats. Are youplanning to run again and if so
for what position and when?
Avi Dhyani (09:44):
Yes, so as a junior luckily, I am eligible for high
school Democrat for one moreyear. So this past year, I tell
people if we got a 10th of thestuff We got done would still be
probably the most successfulboard career in organization
(10:07):
history. From abrogating toengaging high schoolers across
the state, we've been able to doamazing things. I am hoping that
in April, any high schooler, whois a member of Georgia High
School will approve with thework we've done and send me back
for another year so we can getthe job done.
Meral Clarke (10:31):
In your opinion, and obviously, you're pretty
astute politically at thispoint, in your opinion, what's
it going to take to getDemocrats elected to statewide
office in Georgia? What are yourthoughts moving forward into
2024 and beyond?
Avi Dhyani (10:45):
So first of all, I want to say like, everyone, I
was outraged on election night,we had amazing candidate from
the top or the very bottom, andevery Democrat who was running
should have easily won theirseats, I think when it comes
down, though, is messaging andreaching the people where they
(11:10):
are, this is one thing, I'm abig advocate for doors, several
campaigns that did a lot ofstuff in metro Atlanta, even
Savannah in these metropolitanareas, but then they weren't as
much in the rural areas assomeone have liked. And I think
(11:31):
we cannot expect the voters tocome to us, as much as we know
that people should be votingabout abortion rights, migration
rights, gun control, the factis, for your average Georgian,
those aren't top concerns, theirtop concerns are going to be
(11:52):
who's going to but the mostmoney in my pocket. And that's
one thing I think we really needto focus on the next election is
explaining a little better howDemocrats are good for voters,
not just that they should votefor our core policy issues,
because they are the right issueto agree with.
Meral Clarke (12:15):
Absolutely. And I agree with you on the fact that
we do need to change ourmessaging from the top down. So
you've also stated that it'simportant to invest in young
democrats across the state. Whatdoes that mean to you? And how
should we go about reaching thisever moving goal of reaching
young voters?
Avi Dhyani (12:35):
So the passages I was looking at analytics from
the races, we did win, which wassenators, Warnock and some down
ballot races, the fact is, inthe races, which Gen Z and
millennials showed up, we win,that's an undeniable fact. So
(12:55):
what we now have to do is wehave that data and we have to
invest again, one thing I'llconsistently advocate for is
reaching people with their ad,we need to make sure that
instead of spending millions ofdollars on flyers, mailers, and
different stuff like that, we'redoing tick tock, we're doing
(13:18):
Instagram, we're not justposting on social media, but we
have professional politicaloperatives who know how to use
ad and targeting young groups beconnected, and there's a one I
found a Will my mom's campaign,it is much more effective to
(13:39):
reach people online digital thanit is to reach physically.
Meral Clarke (13:44):
Okay, so definitely online, especially
for the Gen Z generation,correct? Yeah. Because The Kids
Are All Right. And they'realways online. So as we know,
the election cycle is now 365,seven days a week, 24 hours a
day, we've already geared up for2024. So what are your plans
(14:05):
moving forward in 2024, workingas a disability advocate within
the DPG and beyond?
Avi Dhyani (14:11):
So I'm going to be frank with you. I have not even
thought about 2024 Because asmuch as 2024 is important,
there's a election before that,and that is going to be 2023. Me
Miss suppose working in amunicipal election really gave
(14:34):
me gratitude and I saw how tobuild up for 2024. We need to be
able to highlight Democrats inlocal office. The fact is, when
we know Democrats win locally,we know Democrats could win
nationally. So I'm going to beworking in my community of North
(14:57):
Johns Creek this year to makesure are a we have a strong,
diverse and aggressive slate ofcandidates running from in
Milton, Alpharetta, Johns Creek,Buckhead, Atlanta, but also that
those candidates have theresources they need. Because one
(15:17):
thing is, and again, this allcomes from my personal
experience these lowercampaigns, sometimes it's just
the candidate and maybe a familymember door knocking, I know
where my mom's case me and mymom, between the two of us don't
knock 5000 doors by ourselvesout of $6,000. So I really want
(15:43):
to make sure that thesecandidates have the resources
and money needed so they couldwin. And after they win, then we
need to start building for 2024.
Meral Clarke (15:55):
My goodness, you are such an impressive young
man. And I want to share withour listeners that you're
actually a junior in highschool, and even in college yet,
thank you, and you're doing morethan so many other adults ever
even think about doing to makelives better, and the democratic
community is very lucky to haveyou. Thank you. So you've also
(16:18):
mentioned that you're working inpolitics, not just with a
disability, but as a very youngGen Z activists has it helped or
hindered you politically, youmentioned pre show that the
democratic community in this isnot surprising, at least that
the democratic community hasbeen very accepting of you and
helpful toward you and yourgoals. Can you give us some
(16:39):
specifics on that, and let'slift our spirits up together
with the awesome work thatyou've been able to accomplish?
Avi Dhyani (16:49):
want to give a huge thank you to Sarah Todd, the
county committee chair, she hasbeen working with Georgia, high
school Democrats. In fact, herson is a Georgia High School
(17:10):
Democrat. And she has beenworking that whenever we need
something, even if it's notpossible that the ask makes it
through every stage. I also wantto thank Ernest Boston, he has
also been a real great ally andso many others.
Meral Clarke (17:30):
Can you tell our listeners who Ernest Boston Is?
and what he does?
Avi Dhyani (17:34):
So I'm not exactly sure his official title, but he
worked with Chairwoman Kaman tomake sure there's a efficiency
in the Democratic Party.
Meral Clarke (17:46):
Oh, fantastic. Is he a strong disability advocate
as well?
Avi Dhyani (17:50):
Yes, he's been amazing. Anything. I've needed
from him he's been able to helpme get.
Meral Clarke (17:57):
That's fantastic.
I'm so happy to hear that. Sotell us a little bit more about
your personal plans, you know,going to college getting your
degree. Are you thinking aboutgoing into political science
making this your career?
Avi Dhyani (18:10):
Yeah, so one thing is, and I said this earlier, in
the program, my first two monthsin the political space, I knew
that this was going to definethe rest of my life. So
currently, as a junior, I'mlooking at a lot of college
options. Something I'm feelingreally strongly about is getting
(18:31):
a minor policy and either amajor political science or some
other type of political field,I've been so grateful to do what
I've done mainly in school fulltime. So I'm super excited to
see when I have a full time jobin politics, what I'm able to
(18:54):
complete and I'm hoping to getinto one of the DC schools like
George Washington, Georgetown,or American so I go work at the
Capitol and get democraticlegislation passed there.
Meral Clarke (19:10):
That is so exciting, and they would be so
damn lucky to have you. I mean,anyone moving forward, and I
think I'm jealous that you'replanning on leaving Georgia.
Hopefully, one day, you'll comehome and help turn us into a
blue state as well.
Avi Dhyani (19:25):
Actually, let me rephrase them because I forgot
to add that only for college.
After college, the fact that Ido want to come back to Georgia,
Georgia has proved time and timeagain to be the epicenter of the
nation. I mean, no offense toPennsylvania, Wisconsin or any
(19:45):
other battleground state, butthe fact that Georgia is the
battleground state and afterbeing in Georgia hold for so
long. I don't think it'ssomething I can permanently
leave.
Meral Clarke (20:04):
That's wonderful.
Well, the state is lucky to haveyou too. So we'll take it go off
and get your education and putit to good work on the ground.
That's so important. So is thereanything else you wanted to add
about your experience inpolitics beyond your disability
and what you're doing now?
Avi Dhyani (20:21):
I think something that has been a core issue that
I've been driving champion isI'm the one percenter most high
schoolers, most college studentsdon't have an interest in
politics. Voting is notsomething that is old. Raghu,
working on campaigns is notsomething that interests many
(20:45):
people. So I see him because Ithink one thing we have to do is
working on reaching out to thosepeople who might be apprehensive
at first, I'm working to bringthem out into the fold.
Meral Clarke (21:00):
That would be wonderful. And we do need to get
as many Gen Z individuals aspossible engaged into the
political process, because it'sgoing to affect your generation
for decades to come. So very,very important. So do you have
any advice for individual countyparties that are trying to grow
(21:20):
their groups with youngermembers? How do we go about
recruiting young people on thecounty level?
Avi Dhyani (21:26):
I think what it comes down to is we just need to
give them a seat at the table. Iknow a lot of times people who
have been this hurt them we canthey feel like because of their
age, nobody is listening. So ifyou're accounting party, just
make it known that you're openand you want to work with high
(21:49):
schoolers, that little thing cango a long way.
Meral Clarke (21:53):
Yes. How should we go about getting the young
democrats club started?
Avi Dhyani (21:58):
Getting one started very simple. Reach out to us on
Instagram and say, hey, I wantto start a club. For our bylaws,
a club needs five members beforeit can be officially started. So
after you got it five members,we just do a little paperwork on
(22:22):
our end, and we are able toincorporate you guys and we get
you started on Instagram,Facebook, if you guys want and
then any guidance that thepotential club leader needs to
be walking through. But at thatpoint, we are really hands off.
And we really want our club andCaptain leaders to have the
(22:45):
ability to do with the club howthey see fit. So that's also one
thing coming from my chapterbefore I wasn't saved
leadership. And I love aboutGeorgia has cooked them.
Meral Clarke (22:58):
Oh fantastic. So there are resources and support.
So if there are any young peoplein high school at Fannin County
High School, I hope you'll heedHis words, take his advice, and
we'll definitely have to work onthat. So Avi, you are definitely
an impressive young man. I hopeI have the ability to meet you
in person one day. You're alwayswelcome up here in Blue Ridge,
(23:21):
Same here. Yes, absolutely. Andplease thank your mother as well
for all of her hard work andalso for her running for office,
which is just fantastic. Anddefinitely more people need to
step up and do that, especiallyin municipal and local
elections. I agree with you. Soif someone wants to learn more
about you, if someone wants tolearn more about the Georgia
(23:43):
High School Democrats, wherewould you send them?
Avi Dhyani (23:46):
So first of all, let me give my personal Instagram
Avi Diani that is Avi DHY, amidot official. So anybody who's
interested in anybody who wantsto talk more, feel free to text
me on Instagram. And let's get aconversation started. For any
(24:11):
high schooler who was interestedin Georgia High School, you
could visit us on our website atGA HSD dems.org. Or you could
also visit us on Instagram,Georgia High School. And we can
do that very recently. I have itup on my Instagrams in a minute
(24:35):
somebody sends a message I getnotified and normally try to get
back within the same day.
Meral Clarke (24:42):
Yes, and I can personally attest that you're
highly responsive on Instagram.
So yes, thank you for that sincewe've had discussions there. So
finally, Avi and I ask all myguests this question, and you
probably know this is coming.
Tell us a fun fact aboutyourself something not
necessarily related to all thefantastic work that you do till
(25:03):
something fun interesting justabout you.
Avi Dhyani (25:06):
Let me try to think of one one. I noticed that kind
of boring but a lot of people Imay get surprised by it as
Wagner's. I was. I actually beenin Georgia for only about four
years now. Originally I was bornand raised in the state of
Arizona in Tucson.
Meral Clarke (25:27):
Oh, wow. So you've done all this work in a scant
four years. That's incredible.
Avi Dhyani (25:33):
I actually two years I only got started in 2020.
Meral Clarke (25:37):
Oh, you are my hero. You really are
Avi Dhyani (25:43):
Thank you. That means a lot.
Meral Clarke (25:45):
Well, thank you, Avi, for joining us today and
sharing more about your criticalwork to advance democratic goals
and policy. I'm Meral Clarke andon behalf of our team, I'd like
to thank everyone for listeningto the North Georgia Blue
Podcast. Join us next time whenwe chat with Don Kelly, CEO and
President of New Disabled South,a nonprofit working to improve
(26:08):
the lives of disabled people andcultivate strong disability
rights and disability justiceframeworks across 14 states in
the southern United States. Andyou're the perfect segue to go
into our next show. So thankyou. To learn more about us and
the work that we're doing. Visitus online at Fannin County,
Georgia democrats.com. Share theNorth Georgia Blue Podcast with
(26:32):
your friends and family. Be sureto subscribe and follow and if
you enjoy our podcast be afounding patron and friend of
the show at North Georgia bluepodcast.com/patron with three
different giving levels tochoose from offering cool swag
recognition on the show andwebsite and valuable gift cards
to help us continue getting intomore good trouble.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!