Sarah Gulke: Wisconsin Youth Activist Leads by Example

For 19-year-old Sarah Gaulke of Oostburg, Wisconsin, being active in politics has always been a part of everyday life.

“My parents have always been involved in politics. I started campaigning when I was about nine,” said Sarah. “My family was supporting Glenn Grothman for State Senate. I would go out with them and help knock on doors and make phone calls.”

Through some family friends, Sarah heard about an Activism Training hosted by American Majority Wisconsin Youth Director Micah Pearce in her area.

“I first attended an American Majority training a few years ago, and I really enjoyed it,” Sarah said. “Micah did a great job of talking to us about why being involved in the political process is so important, and he was able to point it back to history to show what happens when people aren’t involved.”

Having grown up in a family that was always involved in politics, Sarah thought it was normal to help candidates get elected and be involved with several programs to help youth get involved.

“As I got into high school, I was able to take a class about the U.S. Constitution that was offered through my homeschool group, as well as be involved with my friends to work on campaigns,” Sarah said.

Sarah also said to not underestimate the power that young adults have to make a difference, and that no matter how scary it is, the youth need to absolutely be involved.

“Voting is a right because you’re a citizen, but it’s also a privilege. People just don’t understand the opportunity that we have to pick our elected officials,” said Sarah.

After learning about the political process first-hand at American Majority trainings and other classes, Sarah now reaches out to the current high schoolers in her homeschool group and teaches them about the Constitution and the obligation to be involved.

“In some way or another politics will affect you. If you want to make sure that your rights are protected, then you need to vote and be involved,” Sarah shared. “Often young people see a problem, have the urge to do something about it, but often do nothing about it – except complain on social media – because they don’t know how to do something about it, or where to go to help. This is why American Majority’s programs are so important. They empower young teens to voice their opinion and educate themselves on the topics that really do matter.”