Download A History of the Task Force in PDF format here.
Developed and Approved by the Task Force Order
Written, 04 January 2024
Revised, 04 January 2024
Preface
Welcome to A History of the Task Force. This account traces the origins, challenges, and triumphs of an organization that began as a spark of student advocacy and has since grown into a beacon of democratic engagement. Here, we will explore the journey of a group of dedicated young individuals who, driven by a shared commitment to protect student representation, embarked on a path that would significantly impact their community and beyond.
This narrative is not only a record of events; it is a reflection of the ideals that the Task Force has stood for since its inception. Each chapter of this history underscores our core belief in the power of student voices, the importance of transparent governance, and the necessity of active civic participation.
We present this history with a sense of pride in our past and optimism for the future, knowing that the journey of the Task Force is far from complete. It is a story that continues to evolve, driven by the passion and dedication of its members and the ever-present need to safeguard and strengthen the foundations of our democracy.
Chapter One: Early Origins and Founding
The Spark of Change in the Least Likely of Places
The story of the Task Force begins with a vision for change in the halls of Desert Mountain High School. A year before the official formation of the Task Force, a group of students set out the year with an ambitious yet clear goal: to transform the Student Government from a glorified party planning committee into a formidable force for student advocacy within the Scottsdale Unified School District. This is the story of that journey, and of the organization that followed.
The Constitution Campaign
This vision to create an infrastructure for student advocacy on campus soon led to the drafting of the school’s first-ever Student Constitution. The document was revolutionary, advocating for direct elections of student senators and the strategic use of the Student Government’s $100,000 budget to improve food standards, COVID safety measures, and overall student life on campus. Many weeks were spent researching and drafting the Constitution, during which the events of January 6th unfolded. The assault on the nation’s symbol of representation at the Capitol reinforced the need to improve student rights and representation on campus. Eventually, after numerous revisions, the final draft of the Student Constitution was ready for submission to the Student Government.
However, the proposed Constitution faced immediate pushback from the Student Government, which viewed the suggested reforms and increased transparency measures as overly ambitious and burdensome.
Undeterred by Resistance: The Referendum
Refusing to be deterred by this resistance, the Constitution’s author took the campaign directly to the students. A petition was circulated, gathering enough signatures to demand a school-wide referendum in the high school of over 3,000 students. The ensuing campaign was intense, with the Constitution’s author and a few dedicated students canvassing classrooms and corridors tirelessly—during breaks, after school, and wherever else they could. The Constitution even secured a few endorsements from teachers on campus. Eventually, the group’s efforts culminated in a resounding victory: 95% of voting students supported the new Constitution. A few weeks later, the Student Government ratified a version of the document.
Creation of the Task Force
The Constitution Campaign was a turning point. Not only did it set the stage for future advocacy efforts, but it also demonstrated that reforming our representative systems were at the heart of reforming our nation. The summer after the Constitutional Referendum, on 14 July 2021, a ‘private’ meeting of student leaders was held. It was here that a decision to allocate a significant portion of the Student Government’s budget towards overly-lavish senior events took place, a move that the Constitution’s advocates fiercely opposed for its lack of transparency and student input. Despite their efforts, the vote passed.
Realizing the immense work that still lay ahead, those who had supported the constitutional referendum decided to convene that very evening as a dedicated ‘Task Force’ of students. Their mission was clear: they would not rest until they had secured increased representation for high-schoolers across the school district. By the end of that night, the membership of this newly formed Task Force had grown to ten—a small but determined group ready to embark on a journey of advocacy and reform.
In the Task Force’s early days, efficiency was paramount, leading to a structure akin to a Senate Staff—a play on the fact that most of the founding members had served as Student Senators. In August 2021, Adelina Grotenhuis was appointed as the first Chief of Staff for her supportive role during the Constitution Campaign and involvement with various student groups on campus. Her leadership marked the beginning of a more structured approach to coordinating the Task Force’s divisions and initiatives—including the deployment of Constituent-Correspondents, an early polling and petitioning platform that would survey students on campus and would lay the foundation for the CivicNetwork in Washington, D.C.
Overcoming Early Hurdles
The early days of the Task Force were fraught with adversity, primarily from the high school’s administration, who favored minimal student oversight and less financial transparency. The administration’s actions, such as coercing student senators to vote against student interests, yelling at members, and involving their legal team against the Task Force, underscored the need for a more robust advocacy group. The Task Force responded with resilience, invoking student rights under the school’s Code of Conduct to defend its campus campaigns and petitioning efforts. This period culminated in a significant victory when the school’s legal team affirmed that the Task Force’s activities were not in violation of any district policies.
24 February 2022: Symbolic Solidarity, Incorporation, and Early Expansion
In November 2021, Following the series of confrontations with the high school’s administration, Task Force leaders decided to explore incorporation as a nonprofit. This strategic move aimed to legally insulate the group’s efforts and facilitate expansion across school districts in Arizona. The incorporation process involved extensive discussions about the Task Force’s governing documents, with members also engaging in designing logos and other branding materials.
The incorporation ceremony, scheduled for 24 February 2022, was a significant milestone. The event was overshadowed by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Russia’s attack on a neighboring democracy highlighted the importance of the Task Force’s mission to strengthen democratic institutions both at home and abroad. During the incorporation ceremony, Task Force members observed a moment of solidarity with the Ukrainian people before proceeding to ratify the organization’s governing document—the Mandate, elect its Board of Directors, and pass the first few strategic Directives.
Post-incorporation, the need for a more effective Task Force structure became evident. This period saw the formalization of the Chief of Staff role and the creation of six primary Divisions, each with its Director. These divisions, including Legislative Affairs, Constituent Services (Organizing), Communications, Appropriations, Operations, and the Alliance System, were tasked with steering the Task Force’s first projects, notably the National Representation and Transparency Initiatives.
As the Task Force grew, it extended its influence beyond the Scottsdale school district. Plans were set in motion to reach out to local community colleges and Arizona State University. The organization’s Board (known as the Order) held regular meetings to strategize, while the newly-officiated Chief of Staff, Adelina Grotenhuis, worked to transform these strategies into action.
Rising Membership and Broader Impact
By late 2022, the Task Force’s membership had grown to 30. New websites were developed to cater to the organization’s expanding operations, and the Task Force began attracting high school and college students not just from Arizona, but also New York and California. The Task Force also collaborated with the student governments of district high schools to organize town halls for voting-aged high schoolers. These town halls provided a platform for students to voice their concerns to elected school board members, particularly ahead of the Midterm elections.
Chapter Two: Growing Pains and the Midterms
Proposition 128 and Students for Voting Rights
As the 2022 Midterms approached, the Task Force pivoted its efforts towards influencing youth voter turnout, particularly focusing on educating young voters about Proposition 128 in Arizona. The proposition, perceived as a threat to the state’s democracy and referendum process, became a central focus of the Task Force’s campaign. The organization’s efforts contributed to the proposition’s landslide defeat at the polls, marking a significant achievement in their advocacy journey.
Following the Midterms, the Task Force adopted ‘Students for Voting Rights (SVR)’ as part of its National Representation Initiative. SVR project created grassroots coalitions with local professors, student groups, and advocates to enhance long-term election protections in Arizona and across the United States. The success of SVR strengthened the Task Force’s resolve to protect democracy and representative systems of governance on a broader level.
Chapter Three: Evolution and Current Operations
Relocation to Washington, D.C.
During Spring 2023, the Task Force drafted the Transitory Action Plan of 2023 (TAP-23). TAP-23 included several strategic decisions, including one to limit the number of staffers it recruited. This decision aimed to maintain an agile, high-impact organization, focusing on the quality of initiatives rather than quantity—avoiding organizational bureaucracy. TAP-23 also emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong presence in Washington D.C. and American University (AU), recognizing AU as a precedent-setter in civic education and youth activism.
As a result of TAP-23’s recommendations, the Task Force established the Mission to the National Capital Region and American University (MNCR-AU). The initiative involves organizing pro-democracy research and political activity on AU’s campus, establishing the D.C. Student Union to create an alliance of student leaders in consortium-area universities, and pilot launching the CivicNetwork, a service aimed at understanding young voter perspectives on campus and national democracy-related issues.
The AU Campus Democracy Coalition (CDC), another project of MNCR-AU, made significant strides in student representation by platforming numerous candidates for the American University Student Government (AUSG)—the most influential Student Government Association (SGA) in the United States. These candidates, who campaigned for a “Stronger Campus Democracy,” focused on enhancing student engagement, representing students on the university’s Board of Trustees, and re-establishing AU as a leader in student rights and campus representation. Many of these candidates were successfully elected, continuing to advocate in the Undergraduate Senate for their objectives. CDC candidates continued the Task Force’s tradition of involving Student Senators in its campus advocacy and student representation efforts.
Overall, MNCR-AU stands as the Task Force’s most ambitious initiative to date, given its goal of directly impacting an estimated 83,000+ students across seven different educational establishments in the D.C. area. This project exemplifies the Task Force’s commitment to a widespread influence on democracy and civic engagement among young people.
Current Operations
The current operations of the Task Force are a hive of strategic planning, research, event organizing, and coordination with various stakeholders. Under the leadership of Chief of Staff Sebastian Sanchez, appointed in October 2023, the Task Force ensures smooth day-to-day functioning and adherence to its strategic goals. Division Directors and Initiative Advisors play crucial roles in leading their respective fields, ensuring alignment with the organization’s overarching objectives.
The leadership team is the impassioned driving force behind the Task Force’s vision. The Board of Directors (the Order), consists of seven members and a host of observer members. Together, they establish the organization’s strategic direction. Alongside the Order is the Chief of Staff who continues to oversee the Task Force’s day-to-day operations and leadership. The current Chief of Staff is Sebastian Sanchez; he was appointed for his significant contributions to the CDC campaigns and his unwavering commitment to democratic principles.
Future Aspirations and Goals
Looking forward, the Task Force remains steadfast in its Mandate to “Protect, Preserve, and Defend Representative Democracy.” With future initiatives like ‘The Highlight’ and ‘Our Civil Servants,’ the Task Force is set to continue its impactful work. These initiatives, still in the planning stages, are poised to further the Task Force’s mission, contributing to a more informed and energized democratic society.
Chapter Five: Reflections and Personal Insights
Challenges and Rewards
The journey of the Task Force, while filled with significant achievements, has not been without its challenges. From the early days of confronting administrative resistance at Desert Mountain High School to navigating the complexities of expanding to a multi-state organization, each challenge has been met with resilience and a deep commitment to the cause. The most rewarding aspect, as shared by the founder and leaders, is seeing the tangible impact of their efforts—in the faces of students who find their voice and in the growing interest in democratic participation among young people.
Personal Anecdotes and Spirit of the Task Force
Personal stories and anecdotes from the members paint a vivid picture of the Task Force’s spirit. For instance, the frenzied yet exhilarating days leading up to the school-wide referendum on the Student Constitution, the late-night strategy sessions before the incorporation, and the sense of solidarity felt during the moment of silence for Ukraine before the incorporation ceremony, all capture the essence of what it means to be part of the Task Force. These moments reflect a group that is deeply passionate, unwavering in its convictions, and relentless in its pursuit of justice and representation.
Lessons Learned
The lessons learned throughout the Task Force’s journey are diverse. Perhaps the most significant is the understanding that change, especially in the realm of policy and representation, requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to engage in difficult conversations. The Task Force has learned the importance of adaptability, the power of grassroots mobilization, and the ability to balance practicality with an idealistic commitment to organizational values. These lessons have not only shaped the organization but also the individuals who comprise it, molding them into more effective advocates and leaders.
Conclusion
As the Task Force continues to grow and evolve, it remains grounded in its founding principles of student advocacy, democratic engagement, and transparent representation. The journey so far has been a testament to the power of collective action and the impact that a group of committed individuals can have on their community and beyond. Now, going into 2024, the largest and most ambiguous election year in human history, the Task Force stands as a beacon of hope and resilience for the nation’s young activists and leaders, embodying the belief that with determination and democracy, significant reform is possible.
