Develop Young Leaders
YLIP provides students with opportunities to gain practical experience in campaigns, government, public policy, advocacy, communications, field operations, and political leadership.
Politics is learned by doing.
Young Leaders in Politics was built to close the gap between young people looking for meaningful political experience and campaigns, government offices, and civic organizations looking for people ready to contribute.
- 01Campaigns need talent.
- 02Young people need opportunity.
- 03YLIP connects the two.
Who We Are
More than a political club.
YLIP gives young people direct exposure to real politics. Members don't study the process from the outside — they take part in it.
Members participate in
- Campaigns
- Grassroots organizing
- Government
- Legislative experiences
- Internships
- Political events
- Advocacy
- Communications
- Political research
- Civic outreach
YLIP isn't built around discussing politics or hosting meetings. It is built around real participation and real responsibility — work that campaigns, offices, and organizations actually depend on.
The other side of the model
YLIP works with campaigns, elected officials, political professionals, and civic organizations that need motivated people and additional capacity.
Our Mission
One organization. Two missions.
Each mission depends on the other. The work that develops young leaders is the same work that strengthens campaigns and civic organizations.
Deliver Political Impact
YLIP supports campaigns and civic organizations through motivated people, grassroots operations, communications, research, events, political outreach, and other campaign support.
Mutually reinforcing
Experience ⇄ Capacity
For young leaders
Experience gained by doing meaningful work.
For political organizations
Additional capable people.
How Leaders Develop
From first opportunity to real leadership.
YLIP is designed as a leadership pipeline, not a membership roster. Each stage builds on the one before it.
-
01
Opportunity
Young people receive access to campaigns, government, civic organizations, events, internships, and political professionals.
-
02
Experience
They gain firsthand experience through meaningful political and civic work.
-
03
Responsibility
As members demonstrate reliability and ability, they take on increasingly important responsibilities.
-
04
Leadership
Experienced members lead projects, manage teams, mentor newer members, recruit others, and expand YLIP's impact.
The Leadership Pipeline
Opportunity → Experience → Responsibility → Leadership
- 01Opportunity
- 02Experience
- 03Responsibility
- 04Leadership
The Team
Executive Leadership
The Executive Leadership team oversees YLIP's strategy, operations, campaigns, communications, membership, and organizational development.
01
Joshua Rosales
Chairman & Executive Director
02
Chase Bowes
Vice Chairman & Chief Political Strategist
03
Jeet Shah
Managing Director
04
Ethan Dailey
Field Director
05
Pawlu Gelfo
Communications Director
06
Harper Rose MacNeal
Membership Director
07
Dana MacNeal
Public Relations
08
Brian MacNeal
Treasurer
Guidance & Perspective
Advisory Board
YLIP's Advisory Board provides perspective, experience, and guidance as the organization continues to develop its political, civic, and leadership initiatives.
-
01
Joshua Rosales
Chairman -
02
Chase Bowes
Vice Chairman -
03
John DeBerry
-
04
Tim Rudd
-
05
Frances Rosales
-
06
Mike Jones
-
07
Dana MacNeal
-
08
Brian MacNeal
-
09
Patrick Shah
-
10
Bob Patel
What Guides Us
Organizational principles.
-
01
Real Experience
Political leadership develops through participation, not observation.
-
02
Meaningful Responsibility
Young people are capable of contributing substantive work when given real opportunities.
-
03
Access
Political experience should not depend entirely on already having personal connections inside politics.
-
04
Service
Political involvement should contribute to campaigns, communities, institutions, and the civic process.
-
05
Leadership
Experience should eventually translate into greater responsibility and the ability to develop others.
Our Roots
Built in Tennessee.
YLIP began in Rutherford County, Tennessee. It developed through direct participation — in campaigns, at political events, inside government, and through civic opportunities.
Today, YLIP's relationships and ambitions extend beyond its original local base as it builds a broader network across Tennessee. Tennessee remains central to who we are.
- Origin
- Rutherford County, Tennessee
- Experience
- Local · State · Federal
- Direction
- A broader network across Tennessee
The next generation doesn't have to wait.
Whether you're looking for your first opportunity in politics or looking for young leaders ready to contribute, there's a place for you at YLIP.