By Sandra Iruegas

A newly formed non-profit organization named Students in Democratic Action seeks to inform and empower Laredoans by shedding light on past and current political problems and how to effect social change through politics, according to organizer and founder Anthony Castro, a United High School senior.
Redefining democracy creates choices and sets the agenda for effective social change, Castro said. The group's goals include establishing leadership programs designed to produce effective leaders within the organization and in the community, encouraging high school students to stay in school, exposing corporate and political crime and enforcing the law, organizing community outreach programs, and promoting volunteerism.
Some of the projects that are ahead for Students in Democratic Action include a Community Organization Project, in which members will organize families to create a Community Coalition for Democracy, so that people may use their power as voters to become more of a voice in the decisions of the Laredo City Council. A voter registration campaign will also take place, primarily in South Laredo. A political action campaign is in affect, in cooperation with other political activist coalitions across Texas, to take a stand against corruption in Laredo.
The group has plans to protest increasing taxes in Laredo, the operation of illegitimate businesses that violate health and labor laws, and the increasing corruption in the Sheriff's Department.
Member of Students in Democratic Action will be working hand in hand with Habitat for Humanity and in cooperation with the Laredo Food Bank. The organization will also hold street clean-up operations in which members will be cleaning up local subdivisions, main streets, and colonias that are heavily polluted and in need of a clean up.
Castro, the organization's president, will leave Laredo in June to attend the United States Military Academy at West Point. Castro received the Congressional Nomination from Congressman Henry Bonilla. He is a registered Deputy for the Voter Registrations Office of Laredo.
In all of its proceedings and actions, said Castro, Students in Democratic Action practices tolerance and respect for diversity. For further information on the Community Coalition for Democracy, call 728-7352.