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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Herb Rothschild Jr.: Making sense of UCC ... Police giving away trick-or-treat bags ... Ashland author memorializes slain UCC professor in poem ... Herb Rothschild Jr.: Making sense of UCC ... Police giving away trick-or-treat bags ... Ashland author memorializes slain UCC professor in poem ... COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTOR Southern Oregon Sanders supporters gather for nationwide broadcast Comment By Jason Houk DailyTidings.com By Jason Houk Posted Jul. 30, 2015 at 7:33 PM By Jason Houk Posted Jul. 30, 2015 at 7:33 PM » Social News The hall of the Bellview Grange was filled to capacity Wednesday evening as supporters for Bernie Sanders gathered to listen to the Vermont senator's bid for the White House. Independent Bernie Sanders has been energizing the 2016 election with his dark-horse campaign, pledging to fight for universal health care, living wages and to stand against the corruptible influence of big money in American politics. Sanders has gained tremendous grassroots momentum with more than 100,000 supporters gathering at more than 3,300 locations across the nation to hear Wednesday's announcement. In a live broadcast to a national audience, Sanders delivered a strong message challenging the inequitable distribution of wealth and the 40-year decline of the middle class. "The American People are saying loud and clear that 'enough is enough,'" he said. Sanders outlined a list of programs he would support, including the $15 minimum wage, free tuition for university students and expanded Medicare for all. Following Sanders' message, campaign organizers made a strong plea for individuals to pledge their support. Volunteers were encouraged to text on their smart phones or go online to find out how they can participate. Local supporters are hoping this event will jumpstart local organizing campaigns to ensure that Sanders is on the ballot in all 50 states. Organizers plan to follow through with traditional campaign strategies including voter registration, house parties and neighborhood canvasses. Local event organizer Dave Hyde shares his belief in Sanders' message. “He is not tied to the Washington D.C. establishment, nor the multinational corporations that dominate the decision making process," Hyde said. "He is the people’s candidate, whose concerns are for 'we the people.'” Sanders is challenging Hillary Clinton for the top slot on the Democratic ticket. In Ashland, more than 150 residents from across the Rogue Valley attended the event, which was organized online through the Sanders campaign. Some wore campaign T-shirts, bought bumperstickers and made donations to support the campaign. Similar events were held in Talent, Grants Pass and Klamath Falls. The Sanders campaign has been successful in inspiring youth. Among the participants at the Grange were several university students and four seniors from South Medford High School. "They understand the situation, that this world is going to be theirs," explained Hyde. The high school seniors look forward to voting for the first time in the 2016 election. Hyde hopes the excitement of Sanders campaign will inspire young people to get involved in politics. "We need encourage more young people to reach out to the larger community," said Hyde. "We look forward to hearing from other groups who need to be part of the movement." In Ashland, there is a weekly meetup for Bernie Sanders supporters every Saturday from 4 to 5 p.m. at the Ashland Library. Local groups are encouraged to begin their own regular meetings. "We got a lot of work to do in other areas of our state and across the country," said Hyde. "We aren't stopping here." Jason Houk is the news director of KSKQ 89.5 FM and publishes the Rogue Valley Community Press. Email your Community Contributor column of 500 to 600 words to [email protected]. Questions? Call 541-631-1313. By Jason Houk DailyTidings.com By Jason Houk Posted Jul. 30, 2015 at 7:33 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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