History of Poli-Lit
Founding and Founder
A Small Start
Poli-Lit was started in Apple Valley California by our Founder Adrian Gonzalez. Adrian Gonzalez started the Poli-Lit journey sophomore year of high school when he joined Supervisor and former Congressman Paul Cook’s Youth Advisory Council, where he was quickly elected to the board of representatives and the next year elected as head board member. On the council he discussed with council members on what issues were facing the youth in San Bernardino county to which Adrian strongly brought forward the idea of lack of Political Literacy around local elected officials such as congressmen, state assembly members, city council, and policy etc. One of the ways he proposed to help assimilate the youth with political and government knowledge was by starting a club in high school that tackled Political Literacy. Thus the first chapter of Poli-Lit was born in February of 2022. As a sophomore our Founder had little experience with starting clubs but insisted on meeting with his club representatives to figure out new and innovative ways of growing club membership, knowledge, and engagement of students.
Come the junior year of Adrian’s high school career he remembered the lack of membership of the club, but did not give up. Revising plans with his newly elected Poli-Lit club representatives, they were able to bring up membership from 15-40 students every Wednesday and Friday. Debates were advertised, rigorous advertising was done, and the club stood strong. Adrian was invited to present an idea in front of local politicians and officials at the San Bernardino Youth Advisory Panel where he then made a presentation on Political Literacy. Adrian was then recognized by a flurry of multiple government officials such as Senator Alex Padilla and many more.
In 2023 the official Poli-Lit Organization was founded by the newly named CEO of Poli-Lit Adrian Gonzalez and Co-CEO Timothy Mount. The first Poli-Lt Organization meeting was held in Adrian’s Garage. Senior year the club was able to have the Mayor of Apple as a Guest Speaker, Constituent Supervisor Samuel Shoup, Councilwoman Kareen Leon, and State Senator Ochoa Bogh. Poli-Lit also became the largest club in the Highschool.
During the 2024 election the Poli-Lit Organization was able to provide interns and volunteers to Senator Ochoa Bogh's campaign. Here the Poli-Lit members were able to help students get an insight on how political campaigning was the first volunteer opportunity provided for students from the Organization.
The Future of Poli-Lit
The Poli-Lit Organization, Founder, and Representatives are not stopping now and plan to create a national organization to help revolutionize our political system. Our organization is growing slowly but surely, and we are now working and organizing from CSUSB. Poli-Lit is now and official non-profit organization.
Supervisor Paul Cook’s Youth Advisory Council
Adrian Gonzalez joins former Congressman Paul Cook’s YAC. He was elected board member then headboard member the following year. Here Adrian had a lightbulb moment and started the fight for
Poli-Lit.
Official Poli-Lit Timeline
September 2022
Formation of AVHS Poli-Lit Club
First Poli-Lit Club meeting with guest speaker Constituent Supervisor for Paul Cook, Samuel Shoup.
March 2023
First, but Ugly Logo
The first Poli-Lit logo, not well made, but we had to work with something.
San Bernardino Youth Advisory Panel
Poli-Lit is presented to the SB Youth Advisory Panel in front of local representatives. Adrian gained recognition from California Senator Alex Padilla.
Poli-Lit Expands Club membership
The club expanded sophomore year and started off strong with two new advisors.
CO-CEO Timothy M.L Mount at Club Debate
Photo shows Timothy Mount voicing his opinion on the clubs Friday debate.
August 2023
December 2023
2nd Logo and Pins
This is the first official logo Poli-Lit used when starting as an unofficial organization.
October 2023
Poli-Lit 3rd year
Poli-Lit reached its 3rd year in AVHS and as an organization. Photo shows the first meeting of 2024.
August 2024
First, Know Your Representative Meeting
Students welcomed campaign leader Victor Hernandez to give a presentation on Apple Valley’s State Assembly member, Rosalie Ochoa Bogh.
September 2024
October 2024
Second Representative
Students welcomed Apple Valley Mayor Protem, Art Bishop to discuss his role and duties.
First, Community Service and Civic Engagement Event
Poli-Lit helped State Senator Ochoa Bogh during the 2024 election season with 10 volunteers. Poli-Lit holds no political affiliation or bias with any candidates or party. This event was simply to get students’ knowledge about how a campaign works and learn about their state senator.
November 2024
April 2025
Photo With Mayor
Photo shows CEO Adrian Gonzalez and CFO of Poli-Lit Angel G. Gonzalez with Apple Valley Mayor Scott Nassif.
Looking Foward
Adrian looking forward into the future with pride, ambition, and passion for the future of Poli-Lit after High School. A movement with too much potential to let die.
Poli-Lit Graduation
Photo shows Poli-Lit representatives on grad night wearing exclusive Poli-Lit stoles.
New Logo, New Era
New logo is created for the official organization. This is Poli-Lit’s current logo.
May 2025
August 2025
Poli-Lit CSUSB
First unofficial council meeting held at CSUSB. The network begins.
Poli-Lit Non-Profit
Poli-Lit becomes an official California Non-Profit
