Monday, February 27, 2006
We need your input-right now!
We, as Young Democrats, are always looking to the future….
The future, Conan?
Yes, Young Democrats, all the way to the month…of November.
And that’s where we need YOUR help.
A lot of research has been done to find out how to get young people to the polls. Time and time again, the best way has been a Peer-to-Peer young voter outreach campaign.
What is Peer-to-Peer, you ask?
Peer-to-Peer is young voters talking to young voters about what they care about. It’s young voters calling other young voters to talk about current events. It’s young people meeting young people in the places they learn, work, live, and play. It’s taking a new approach to young voters in ways that make them want to be a part of the process and most importantly, vote in every election.
The CYD Campaign Committee believes that we should be doing this in California. Why? Because the stakes are so high.
Democrats want a long-term plan to create jobs, give everyone health care coverage, provide affordable education to all, raise wages, defend civil rights, combat global warming, and rebuild the sense of community that has been lost in society.
We’re not in power-so none of things happen. The time is right to replace those who are obstructing the path to a better future. We must voterize our peers and elect more Democrats to office. But this all starts out with you.
The CYD Campaign Committee WANTS YOUR INPUT on which campaigns we ought to be doing a Peer-to-Peer program. Once chosen, CYD will launch a full Peer-to-Peer campaign in the district, including full-time organizers and other resources necessary to boost young voter turnout and help elect Democrats to those seats.
Please post your nominations by Friday, March 3rd. We’ll tally the responses and tell you what steps you and your local club can start doing to prepare for November.
The future, Conan?
Yes, Young Democrats, all the way to the month…of November.
And that’s where we need YOUR help.
A lot of research has been done to find out how to get young people to the polls. Time and time again, the best way has been a Peer-to-Peer young voter outreach campaign.
What is Peer-to-Peer, you ask?
Peer-to-Peer is young voters talking to young voters about what they care about. It’s young voters calling other young voters to talk about current events. It’s young people meeting young people in the places they learn, work, live, and play. It’s taking a new approach to young voters in ways that make them want to be a part of the process and most importantly, vote in every election.
The CYD Campaign Committee believes that we should be doing this in California. Why? Because the stakes are so high.
Democrats want a long-term plan to create jobs, give everyone health care coverage, provide affordable education to all, raise wages, defend civil rights, combat global warming, and rebuild the sense of community that has been lost in society.
We’re not in power-so none of things happen. The time is right to replace those who are obstructing the path to a better future. We must voterize our peers and elect more Democrats to office. But this all starts out with you.
The CYD Campaign Committee WANTS YOUR INPUT on which campaigns we ought to be doing a Peer-to-Peer program. Once chosen, CYD will launch a full Peer-to-Peer campaign in the district, including full-time organizers and other resources necessary to boost young voter turnout and help elect Democrats to those seats.
Please post your nominations by Friday, March 3rd. We’ll tally the responses and tell you what steps you and your local club can start doing to prepare for November.
Tuesday, February 21, 2006
Bush's Budget Sticks it to Young Californians...
Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi's Office released some disturbing facts about Bush's Budget today and it's impact on California.
Democrats believe that we must pursue new policies that take our country in a different direction. The Bush Administration’s FY 2007 budget fails on that score; it continues with more of the same wrong priorities that have taken our country in the wrong direction. It put special interests first and the American people – California's families – last. It is fiscally reckless, adding trillions to the deficit over the next 10 years, and morally irresponsible, slashing funding for key priorities critical to America’s middle class. Democrats are fighting to restore fiscal responsibility and to bring real solutions to the American people, along with economic prosperity, a strong national defense, affordable health care and energy, and strong public schools.
Young Democrast will get a $44 tax cut and the wealthiest 1% get $19,845.
Bush's Budget Is Fiscally Irresponsible, Creating Trillions Of Dollars In New Deficits That Threaten Our Economy and Jeopardize The Future Of California's Young People. The national debt has increased to $8 trillion, increasing our borrowing from foreign countries. [CTJ, 11/18/05]
Will there be any jobs left for young people?
With An Economy Not Delivering for Californians, Cuts Job Training and Employment Assistance. Since President Bush took office, 335,500 manufacturing jobs have been lost in California, with 920,543 people currently looking for a job. [BLS, 1/06] Family income has dropped by $475 since 2000, while health care and energy prices are climbing. [CPS, 8/05] And yet the President's budget eliminates $492,142,000 in funding for job training and employment services in California. [FFIS, 2/06] And the President’s new block grant is unlikely to make up for this loss of funding. The President's budget also eliminates $127,639,000 in vocational education funding in California, which has played a critical role in preparing students at high schools and community colleges for today's job market. [FFIS, 2/06]
How can young people afford health care?
There are 6,710,000 people without health insurance in California, a 411,000 increase since 2000. [CPS, 10/05] The cost of health insurance has increased by $885 – a 57 percent increase. [KFF 2005; MEPS 2005] But the Republican budget eliminates $99 million in preventive and community health funding nationwide. In addition, the Bush budget cuts Medicare by $36 billion over the next five years, resulting in $1,699,445,655 in cuts to hospitals, nursing homes, and home health providers serving seniors and people with disabilities in California. [The Health Economics and Outcomes Research Institute at Greater New York Hospital Association, 2/06]
We need to get the word out that the Republican tactics are hurting people...it's not a myth...
Democrats believe that we must pursue new policies that take our country in a different direction. The Bush Administration’s FY 2007 budget fails on that score; it continues with more of the same wrong priorities that have taken our country in the wrong direction. It put special interests first and the American people – California's families – last. It is fiscally reckless, adding trillions to the deficit over the next 10 years, and morally irresponsible, slashing funding for key priorities critical to America’s middle class. Democrats are fighting to restore fiscal responsibility and to bring real solutions to the American people, along with economic prosperity, a strong national defense, affordable health care and energy, and strong public schools.
Young Democrast will get a $44 tax cut and the wealthiest 1% get $19,845.
Bush's Budget Is Fiscally Irresponsible, Creating Trillions Of Dollars In New Deficits That Threaten Our Economy and Jeopardize The Future Of California's Young People. The national debt has increased to $8 trillion, increasing our borrowing from foreign countries. [CTJ, 11/18/05]
Will there be any jobs left for young people?
With An Economy Not Delivering for Californians, Cuts Job Training and Employment Assistance. Since President Bush took office, 335,500 manufacturing jobs have been lost in California, with 920,543 people currently looking for a job. [BLS, 1/06] Family income has dropped by $475 since 2000, while health care and energy prices are climbing. [CPS, 8/05] And yet the President's budget eliminates $492,142,000 in funding for job training and employment services in California. [FFIS, 2/06] And the President’s new block grant is unlikely to make up for this loss of funding. The President's budget also eliminates $127,639,000 in vocational education funding in California, which has played a critical role in preparing students at high schools and community colleges for today's job market. [FFIS, 2/06]
How can young people afford health care?
There are 6,710,000 people without health insurance in California, a 411,000 increase since 2000. [CPS, 10/05] The cost of health insurance has increased by $885 – a 57 percent increase. [KFF 2005; MEPS 2005] But the Republican budget eliminates $99 million in preventive and community health funding nationwide. In addition, the Bush budget cuts Medicare by $36 billion over the next five years, resulting in $1,699,445,655 in cuts to hospitals, nursing homes, and home health providers serving seniors and people with disabilities in California. [The Health Economics and Outcomes Research Institute at Greater New York Hospital Association, 2/06]
We need to get the word out that the Republican tactics are hurting people...it's not a myth...
Cheesesteaks + Brotherly Love = Resoucres for Young Democrats in California
This weekend, February 17-19, the Young Democrats of America (YDA) hosted a conference in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
California Young Democrats (CYD) didn't bring you back a cheese steak, but hopefully some ways to help your chapter! YDA is rolling out lots of programs that will help bring MONEY and RESOURCES to young democrats in your area, so read on and learn how you and your chapter can get in on the action!
The 350 Young Democrats from around the country that attended the meeting learned about YDA’s Chapter Revolution—which is all about Chapter Building and Peer to Peer Campaigning.
As the Pilot Project State for YDA’s Executive Director Partnership Program, here in California we have already started the Chapter Revolution!
2006 in 2006
By the end of 2006, YDA will have 2,006 active local chapters and caucuses that reach accomplish 6 minimum goals. Most of these goals California Young Democrat Chapters are ALREADY doing—like holding regular meetings, working on campaigns, registering voters.
The best part is…if your chapter signs up for the 2006 in 2006 you get cool resources like free chum (posters, stickers), access to more trainings—and have the chance to compete for funds for your chapter.
If you are interested in signing for 2006 in 2006 contact California Young Democrat’s Executive Director Stacy Berger at executivedirector@youngdems.org or 916.595.3090.
Getting Democrats Elected in 2006
At the meeting, Gov. Rendell (D- PA) pushed that more states should work on mobilizing young voters like YDA did in Pennsylvania in 2006—mainly having young voters talk to other young voters about going to the polls. This is something we should do in California for the Nov. ’06 Elections.
YDA will be giving states funding for campaign programs. Obviously, California is hoping we can secure funding to fight Arnold! If you are interested in helping write the California Young Democrats Campaign Plan Proposal contact CYD Political Director, Rocky Fernandez at politicaldirector@youngdems.org.
Other Highlights:
New National Officer from California
Everyone should congratulate Bellarmine High School Young Democrats, President Jonathan Padilla! Jonathan was elected Chair of the newly formed YDA High School Caucus.
VEGAS, Baby!
The next YDA Meeting will be in Las Vegas, June 9-11! It’s the weekend after California’s June Primary so we know a lot of Californians will want to head out to Vegas to celebrate. The hotel block will be opening soon so be on the look out for an update!
YDA National Convention in 2007
California hosted YDA’s 2005 Convention in San Francisco. Two states are currently competing to throw the next convention: Dallas, Texas and Denver, Colorado.
California Shout-Out
Many of you know former CYD Communications Director, Josh Pasek. Josh organized the Philadelphia Meeting—again the largest board meeting in YDA’s history!
California Young Democrats (CYD) didn't bring you back a cheese steak, but hopefully some ways to help your chapter! YDA is rolling out lots of programs that will help bring MONEY and RESOURCES to young democrats in your area, so read on and learn how you and your chapter can get in on the action!
The 350 Young Democrats from around the country that attended the meeting learned about YDA’s Chapter Revolution—which is all about Chapter Building and Peer to Peer Campaigning.
As the Pilot Project State for YDA’s Executive Director Partnership Program, here in California we have already started the Chapter Revolution!
2006 in 2006
By the end of 2006, YDA will have 2,006 active local chapters and caucuses that reach accomplish 6 minimum goals. Most of these goals California Young Democrat Chapters are ALREADY doing—like holding regular meetings, working on campaigns, registering voters.
The best part is…if your chapter signs up for the 2006 in 2006 you get cool resources like free chum (posters, stickers), access to more trainings—and have the chance to compete for funds for your chapter.
If you are interested in signing for 2006 in 2006 contact California Young Democrat’s Executive Director Stacy Berger at executivedirector@youngdems.org or 916.595.3090.
Getting Democrats Elected in 2006
At the meeting, Gov. Rendell (D- PA) pushed that more states should work on mobilizing young voters like YDA did in Pennsylvania in 2006—mainly having young voters talk to other young voters about going to the polls. This is something we should do in California for the Nov. ’06 Elections.
YDA will be giving states funding for campaign programs. Obviously, California is hoping we can secure funding to fight Arnold! If you are interested in helping write the California Young Democrats Campaign Plan Proposal contact CYD Political Director, Rocky Fernandez at politicaldirector@youngdems.org.
Other Highlights:
New National Officer from California
Everyone should congratulate Bellarmine High School Young Democrats, President Jonathan Padilla! Jonathan was elected Chair of the newly formed YDA High School Caucus.
VEGAS, Baby!
The next YDA Meeting will be in Las Vegas, June 9-11! It’s the weekend after California’s June Primary so we know a lot of Californians will want to head out to Vegas to celebrate. The hotel block will be opening soon so be on the look out for an update!
YDA National Convention in 2007
California hosted YDA’s 2005 Convention in San Francisco. Two states are currently competing to throw the next convention: Dallas, Texas and Denver, Colorado.
California Shout-Out
Many of you know former CYD Communications Director, Josh Pasek. Josh organized the Philadelphia Meeting—again the largest board meeting in YDA’s history!
Monday, February 20, 2006
East Bay Spreads the word: Young People Need to Mobilize
Over 115 progressives came out last week to the East Bay YD's and Action Caucus's Realizing Our Power: Visions for Youth Organizing in the Bay Area.Markos, from Daily Kos, Hallie Montoya Tansey from the League of Young Voters, Melanie Nutter from Minority Leader Pelosi's Office and others discussed how young people are a driving force for change.
Local Congressional Candidates showed up to learn more, as well as reporters from WireTap and the SF Chronicle.
Photo: Lilia Tamm, Chloe Drew, Molly Moon Neitzel, Markos Moulitsas Zuniga, Melanie Nutter, Edie Irons, Jess Hilgart, and Ben Kmetz
Sunday, February 19, 2006
California Young Democrat helps lead the country!
This weekend the Young Democrats of America met in Philadelphia, CA.
High School Chapters are an ever growing and exciting “new” part to young democrats groups making up almost 25% of Young Democrat chapters around the country.
With over 20 high school chapters around the state, California has been ahead of the curve promoting a California High School Caucus last year.
(I guess the saying is true…so goes California…so goes the Nation!)
Now our national organization has followed suit and created the Young Democrats of America High School Caucus.
The best part though…is that Jonathan Padilla—President of Bellarmine High School Dems was elected Chair Young Democrats of America.
Make sure to congratulate Jonathan!
And if you have any questions about high school chapters in California make sure to contact our High School Caucus President, Eddie Kirby at highschoolpresident@youngdems.org.
High School Chapters are an ever growing and exciting “new” part to young democrats groups making up almost 25% of Young Democrat chapters around the country.
With over 20 high school chapters around the state, California has been ahead of the curve promoting a California High School Caucus last year.
(I guess the saying is true…so goes California…so goes the Nation!)
Now our national organization has followed suit and created the Young Democrats of America High School Caucus.
The best part though…is that Jonathan Padilla—President of Bellarmine High School Dems was elected Chair Young Democrats of America.
Make sure to congratulate Jonathan!
And if you have any questions about high school chapters in California make sure to contact our High School Caucus President, Eddie Kirby at highschoolpresident@youngdems.org.
Friday, February 03, 2006
2006 Chartering Underway
February 1, 2006
To: Chapter Presidents, Potential CYD Chartered Organizations
From: Crystal Strait, CYD President
Re: Chartering
Dear Young Democrat Leaders:
Now could not be a better time to re-charter (or charter!) your chapter with the California Young Democrats (CYD). Together, as one of the largest networks of Young Democrats in the country, we made sure the Governor’s special election proposals crashed and burned in November. Through strengthening existing clubs, increasing membership and activism, as well as starting and chartering new clubs across the state, we are positioning ourselves to empower the youth vote in a very critical year for Democrats in California.
California Young Democrats, along with California College Democrats and the California High School Democrats (caucuses of CYD), is the official youth outreach organization for the California Democratic Party. With nearly 3,000 California Young Democrat members statewide from Humboldt to Chula Vista, CYD strives to increase grassroots awareness of Democratic ideals, to assist Democratic candidates in their campaign efforts, and to promote youth participation in politics and public affairs across the state. CYD and its member organizations have played and will continue to play an intricate and vital role in the success of Democratic politics in California. We are excited that you will be joining our efforts!
Enclosed you will find information needed to charter by February 28, 2006. This packet includes general chartering requirements and guidelines, as well as a chartering checklist. Questions and concerns may be directed to John Alford, CYD’s Vice President of Membership at vpmembership@youngdems.org or (714) 418-7412; or Stacy Berger, CYD’s Executive Director at executivedirector@youngdems.org or (916) 595-3090. We are here to help you! Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can assist you with the chartering process.
Completed chartering packets may be sent by February 28, 2006 to:
California Young Democrats
Attn: Capitol Campaigns
c/o Stacy Berger
510 Bercut Drive, Suite S
Sacramento, CA 95814
We look forward to working with you all in these next few months! There is plenty of work to do, but we are ready to fight and we hope that you and your members will join our efforts.
Best Regards,
Crystal Strait
President
California Young Democrats
To: Chapter Presidents, Potential CYD Chartered Organizations
From: Crystal Strait, CYD President
Re: Chartering
Dear Young Democrat Leaders:
Now could not be a better time to re-charter (or charter!) your chapter with the California Young Democrats (CYD). Together, as one of the largest networks of Young Democrats in the country, we made sure the Governor’s special election proposals crashed and burned in November. Through strengthening existing clubs, increasing membership and activism, as well as starting and chartering new clubs across the state, we are positioning ourselves to empower the youth vote in a very critical year for Democrats in California.
California Young Democrats, along with California College Democrats and the California High School Democrats (caucuses of CYD), is the official youth outreach organization for the California Democratic Party. With nearly 3,000 California Young Democrat members statewide from Humboldt to Chula Vista, CYD strives to increase grassroots awareness of Democratic ideals, to assist Democratic candidates in their campaign efforts, and to promote youth participation in politics and public affairs across the state. CYD and its member organizations have played and will continue to play an intricate and vital role in the success of Democratic politics in California. We are excited that you will be joining our efforts!
Enclosed you will find information needed to charter by February 28, 2006. This packet includes general chartering requirements and guidelines, as well as a chartering checklist. Questions and concerns may be directed to John Alford, CYD’s Vice President of Membership at vpmembership@youngdems.org or (714) 418-7412; or Stacy Berger, CYD’s Executive Director at executivedirector@youngdems.org or (916) 595-3090. We are here to help you! Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can assist you with the chartering process.
Completed chartering packets may be sent by February 28, 2006 to:
California Young Democrats
Attn: Capitol Campaigns
c/o Stacy Berger
510 Bercut Drive, Suite S
Sacramento, CA 95814
We look forward to working with you all in these next few months! There is plenty of work to do, but we are ready to fight and we hope that you and your members will join our efforts.
Best Regards,
Crystal Strait
President
California Young Democrats
