Will County Gazette

In an age of political challenges and party differences, there can be stark contrasts from one political side to another, and one group of young individuals in Will County is raising awareness and support about what it means to be conservative.

The Will County Young Republicans is seeking to educate young people in the county and outlying areas, realizing that the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.

Thomas Gilligan, a 32-year-old from Bolingbrook took over leadership in April after the group, under previous leaders, had filed paperwork with the Board of Elections in 2005 but had seen little growth. Since April, the group has had two meetings and is growing in numbers.

"As of today, we have eight active members," Gilligan told the Will County Gazette. "We are growing, given we had zero two months ago."

The organization is a franchise of the Federation of Young Republicans, which is made up of individuals from age 18 to 40 who are trying to promote conservative values in the U.S..

"We have not seen any real negative pushback," Gilligan said, when asked what challenges being a young, conservatively minded group was like. "Will County needs young leadership," Gilligan said, stating that the county has little to no young leadership, conservative or otherwise.

Will County Young Republicans, under the leadership of Gilligan, has seen this need and has a vision for positive change, which has led them to actionable steps and goals.

"Our main goal is to be an inclusive group for people to be introduced to conservative ideas and principles," Gilligan explained. "We are going to work with the Will County Republican Party to elect Republican leaders to office."

The group meets at 7 p.m. every third Monday at the Tin Roof in Joliet.