Our story

The newly chartered Knox County Young Democrats are here to make things happen.  We believe in the power of young people to shape the future of our community. Through direct action, organizing, and showing up for each other, we're building a movement rooted in justice and real opportunity for all of Knox County. 

This is where we organize, advocate, and make our voices heard on the issues that matter most to young Tennesseans.

Three people standing outdoors during a protest or march, holding signs. The woman on the left is wearing a straw hat and sunglasses, holding an orange sign that reads 'IT'S GIVING SMALL DICTATOR ENERGY.' The man in the middle is wearing a T-shirt that says 'MY BLACK JOB IS,' with the rest of the text not visible. The woman on the right is wearing sunglasses and holding a sign with colorful arrows and butterflies that says 'BUILD PATHWAYS TO CITIZENSHIP' and includes the website 'AMERICANDAMONDS.COM.' In the background, there are buildings, trees, and other protesters.

Our vibes

We’re not just here for one election, we’re building a lasting movement.
A county where young leaders are empowered, politically engaged, and visibly shaping policy outcomes — advancing equity, opportunity, and justice for all.

A young woman holding a protest sign that reads 'When cruelty becomes normal, compassion looks radical.' She is wearing a shirt with an American flag design and a National flag headscarf, standing at a rally or protest with other people, with trees and a Marriott hotel building in the background.

Guiding Values

Equity & Inclusion
Centering marginalized voices

Community Power
Building durable, grassroots networks.

Accountability
Holding ourselves and our institutions to high standards.

Innovation
Using creativity and new tools to meet young people where they are.

Sustainability
Structuring KYD to last beyond one election cycle.

Ready to get involved?

Interested in becoming a member, volunteering, and more.


Complete the interest form at the link.

Sign me up

Meet the Founding Members

A young man with curly hair taking a selfie outdoors under a tree, with a young woman in the background.

Solomon is a founding member of Knox Young Democrats with more than a decade of grassroots activism under his belt. His organizing journey began in high school when he founded the first Democratic chapter at his school—a group that continues to thrive.

Today, he remains actively involved with the Tennessee Young Democrats Caucus and Knox County Democrats, channeling his passion for progressive change into building stronger communities.

Solomon Trapp

A smiling young woman in black top and jeans standing on a wooden railing inside a glass conservatory with lush green tropical plants and a bright blue sky visible through the glass ceiling.

Julia Kaye

From stuffing campaign envelopes with her dad as a child to years of canvassing and door-knocking for local races, Julia is a lifelong veteran of the grassroots "ground game." Driven by a vision for a more just Tennessee, she has dedicated her life to the belief that real change starts from the ground up.

As Vice President of KYD, Julia is on a mission to turn young voices into decisive action. She is committed to proving that in Tennessee’s third-largest county, we are far more than just "blue dots"- we are a powerful movement with the tools and community needed to shift the tide locally and statewide.

A woman in a blue sweater sitting on a gray couch with a gray tabby cat resting on her lap and leaning on her arm. The woman is smiling with her eyes closed, and the background includes shelves with books and a decorative pillow with the words 'Home is where the paw is' and paw print designs.

Alyssa Smith

Alyssa is a founding member of Knox Young Democrats with a marketing degree and ten years of corporate and agency experience. She channels her strategic expertise into building a stronger progressive movement in Knoxville. Outside of organizing, she enjoys reading, gardening, outdoor adventures, and spoiling her fur babies.