INFORM young professionals about pressing political issues facing our community and promoting dialogue about these issues.
INSPIRE young professionals to get involved in politics by sharing the work of successful leaders and providing unique networking opportunities.
INFLUENCE the political process by building a national community of leaders that engages young professionals in the political process and maximizing their collective voice. We also seek to diversify the pool of elected officials and political and policy staff members.A New Way To Engage
The RoundTable provides new ways for social architects to engage in politics, pursue their careers, and network and socialize. We're trying to build a community. Too often political discussions consist of people sitting in a room listening to a large panel of "experts", but little time for questions or discussion. The RoundTable welcomes practitioners to our events, but we include them as part of a true discussion where social architects can also hear from their peers.
We also think networking includes more than exchanging business cards at a Happy Hour. We believe that hearing someone's perspective on issues, learning what makes him/her tick, finding out what someone is passionate about, is an authentic way to connect people. As a result, the bonds are stronger and the network is more substantive.
The RoundTable is also focusing on a new way to engage in professional and personal development. We encourage young people match their passion with the profession. Social architects should not only think about getting a job, but about what they will do to impact the world. The RoundTable wants social architects to be trendsetters who are invested in the work they are doing and are seeking to be leaders in their field. In essence, the new way to engage in a career is not to settle, but to use your skills to make change.
Our Founder...Troy G. Clair
Troy G. Clair is a leading organizer and political strategist. Clair is Founder of The RoundTable, a national political network of young African Americans. Currently, Troy serves as the Special Assistant to a member of the US. House of Representatives Democratic leadership.
Developing & Training Leaders
Prior to his work on Capitol Hill, Troy served as the Director of Training for 21st Century Democrats, a Washington, DC based political action committee. In this role, Clair traveled across the country to train candidates, campaign staff, and volunteers to implement winning campaigns.
Previously, Troy acted upon his commitment to developing leaders while managing the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) Leadership Institute for Public Service. At CBCF, Clair helped to diversify our democracy by training students and young professionals to be leaders in the political process. He also planned the Emerging Leaders Empowerment Series, which connected emerging leaders and established professionals at the CBCF’s Annual Legislative Conference (ALC).
On The Campaign Trail
Troy served as Communications and GOTV Director for a State House race in South Carolina in 2006. In this role, Clair led message development, wrote speeches and radio ads, and designed literature for the campaign. As GOTV director, Clair helped design overall campaign plan and get-out-the-vote strategy. He also managed field staff and volunteers, and made day-to-day strategic decisions.
In 2004, Clair also served as a Regional Field Organizer for the John Kerry for President campaign in the battleground state of Florida. In Miami, Troy organized hundreds of volunteers to contact thousands of voters in more than 113 voting precincts.
A Look Behind The Scenes
Through strategic jobs and internships, Clair has been able to observe some of the nation’s most influential leaders and have an inside look into powerful institutions. Troy was a White House Press Intern during the Clinton administration. He worked as an intern for his hometown representative, Congressman Edoplphus Towns (NY-10), who serves on the exclusive Energy and Commerce Committee. Clair has also served as an intern in the Chief of Staff’s office in the New York City’s Mayor’s Office.
Education & Achievements
Troy graduated cum laude with a degree in political science and history from Duke University. Clair received the prestigious Harry S. Truman national merit scholarship for academic achievement and commitment to public service. At Duke, Troy served as VP for Student Affairs of the Duke Student Government which afforded him a seat on Duke’s Board of Trustees. He also served as president of the Black Student Alliance where he improved the organization’s visibility, increased outreach, and rewrote the constitution.
In The News
A Fast Pace Through Four Years of Activism
Two Juniors Named 2002 Truman Scholars
Media Appearances
Russ Parr Morning Show (WKYS)
Michelle Wright Show (WPGC)
Comcast Spotlight