Stinson to head up tri-county group working to change policies
PORT CLINTON - A Clyde man has joined a sweeping grassroots effort to bring change to his community, the state and the nation.
Luke Stinson, 19, was recently named captain of the Ottawa/Sandusky/Erie County Chapter of Americans for Prosperity (AFP), a nonpartisan organization that works to transform the policy landscape in the United States by inspiring Americans to take action.
“We move in the political sphere in Ohio and nationally,” said AFP Director of Grassroots Operations, Kyle Miller. “The difference about our group is, most groups meet, talk, agree, get fired up and go home. We have a culture of action.”
Stinson hosted the kickoff for the new chapter at 1812 Food and Spirits in Port Clinton on Aug. 1, and he will organize biweekly meetings throughout the tri-county region.
Group to focus on making policy changes at state and national levels
AFP focuses on teaching people how to turn action into policy change in the state and in the nation. AFP works through grassroots lobbying, activism, advocacy and awareness campaigns. The group not only educates the public on issues, but it also trains individuals to address those issues in practical ways such as attending public events, writing letters to congress, or giving testimony at congressional hearings.
“Our purpose is to keep government out of the hair of everyday Ohioans,” Miller said.
Stinson is excited about his new role as county captain.
Group leaders to go out into area communities
“We’ll prepare people to go out in the community and change things themselves,” he said. “This is our kickoff event. I hope to see young people in here who want to be more invested in the community and make a difference where it’s needed.”
Stinson will organize and host local AFP meetings with the help of Sheri Bourne.
“I’ll take over when Luke goes back to college, but even when he’s gone, he’ll still help,” Bourne said. “I’m looking forward to working with Luke on this new endeavor. It’s something important for the community. That’s what drew me to this. Luke and I are ready. We want to get people involved and have fun.”
AFP takes a balanced approach to activism that includes giving back to the community. Chapters are asked to find ways to offer hands-on, volunteer time with local organizations.
“If we’re going to ask people to help, we need to give back, too,” Miller said.
Miller was grateful for Stinson’s willingness to get involved with AFP.
“I really appreciate Luke. He’s been awesome,” Miller said. “It’s folks like Luke who get people together. I call them the bellybutton because they’re at the center of it all.”
Stinson is happy to help bring AFP to the area.
“I’m just now getting involved, but I’m really looking forward to what we can do in the future. I’m excited for the future,” Stinson said. “Sheri and I are both really excited to start this.”
The next meeting of the Ottawa/Sandusky/Erie County Chapter of Americans for Prosperity will be on Aug. 15 at a yet-to-be-determined location. For more information, visit the AFP – Northwest Ohio/Toledo Region Facebook page or americansforprosperity.org.
Contact correspondent Sheri Trusty at sheritrusty4@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Amerians for Prosperity tap Stinson to lead tri-county chapter
