Dear Young Democrats,

Can you feel the excitement in the air? We’re just days away from the Democratic National Convention, and this year is shaping up to be one for the history books. With Kamala Harris leading the charge and Governor Walz stepping into the national spotlight as our Vice Presidential nominee, there’s a renewed sense of energy and purpose in the party. It’s not just about the speeches or the fanfare; it’s about the direction we’re heading as a nation and the impact we can all have together.

This convention is a celebration of our shared values and the hard work that’s brought us here. As we gear up for what’s ahead, staying informed is key. Let’s dive in and stay connected—because together, we’re keeping the momentum going!

The Young Democrats of America were excited to learn of Vice President Kamala Harris’ decision to select Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her 2024 running mate. 

Throughout his time in office, Walz has routinely fought to better the lives of Minnesotans— providing universal school meals, paid family leave, red flag gun laws, legalization of marijuana, and environmental protections. 

In 2023, Walz codified reproductive healthcare as a “fundamental right” in Minnesota by signing the Protect Reproductive Options Act into law. During his time in office, he also signed many LGBTQ+ protection bills into law, including the lifesaving “Trans Refuge” bill.

In the words of the Minnesota Young DFL president and national Young Democrats of America President Quentin Wathum-Ocama: 

“Governor Walz has nearly two decades of critical government experience, first as congressman and now as a two term governor who has presided over one of the most consequential and progressive legislative sessions in Minnesota history. His selection sends a clear message that a Harris-Walz administration is ready to deliver for the American people on day one.”

We, the Young Democrats of America, could not be more enthusiastic with Vice President Harris’ decision. We look forward to electing Harris and Walz to their respective offices in November 2024.

See our full statement here.

YDHI August Pau Hana – August 14 – Honolulu, HI
Young Democrats of Illinois NC Welcome Party – August 18 – Chicago, IL

YDA Alumni Dessert Reception – August 19 – Chicago, IL

Democratic National Convention – August 19-22 – Chicago, IL

The Black Linkup – August 20 – Chicago, IL

YDC Brat Summer Mixer – August 21 – Chicago, IL

Young Democrats Phone Bank w/Bay Area Coalition – Aug 21 – Online

Game Night With Young Dems! – August 24 – Maitland, FL

Young Democrats for Kamala Harris – Norwood, OH

2024 Forever Young Dinner – August 27 – Lincoln, NE

2024 TNYD Constitutional Convention – Sept 20-21 – Chattanooga, TN

Ventura County Young Democrats Summer Fundraiser – Sept 21 – TBD, CA
YDNV Annual Awards Dinner – Sept 21 – Las Vegas, NV

MCYD’s 19th Annual Paint the County Blue Fundraiser/Party – Sept 22 – Kensington, MD
NJYD Endorsement Party – October 3rd – Trenton, NJ

Is there a YDA local, chartered unit or caucus event that should be listed in our next newsletter? Email us at [email protected] to let us know.

Do you have photos of events you or your chapter have hosted? Here at YDA, we love to highlight and celebrate our chapters. Please DM us photos of the exciting things your chapter has been up to. Photos can be submitted by messaging @theyoungdemocrats on Instagram

You can also DM us on twitter (@YoungDems) with posts or content you want us to share or boost. Always feel free to email us at [email protected] with any questions or concerns. 

There are many opportunities for youth with the Harris for President campaign, as well as many ways to connect with other supported.  You can register your interest in joining the Discord server here. You can also check out the youth specific linktr.ee [HFP Youth Engagement] which is updated regularly for job opportunities and events. 

We are excited to invite you to our YDA Alumni Dessert Reception on the sidelines of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois. Our alumni lunch & reception will be taking place on August 19, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM CT at the Hyatt Regency (151 East Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60601).

This special event is dedicated to honoring the remarkable achievements and contributions of our YDA alumni, who have played pivotal roles in shaping the future of the Democratic Party and our nation. As we gather to recognize their dedication and leadership, we are reminded of the powerful legacy they have created and continue to build. Join us in celebrating their successes and the enduring impact they have made on our organization and beyond.

Help YDC gear up for the DNC here in Chicago, and join the Young Democrats of Chicago at SunnyGun for a Brat Summer mixer. Tickets can be purchased by clicking this link. 

Welcome to the Black Linkup: DNC After Party! Get ready to keep the party going after the Democratic National Convention with a night full of music, dancing, and our dynamic guest speaker, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett. Join us on Tue, Aug 20, 2024 at 6:00 PM.

Come dressed to impress and ready to mingle with fellow party-goers. You’ll be amongst an amazing network of Black public servants, political operatives, lobbyists, and advocacy leaders as we connect at this year’s Democratic National Convention.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be part of this epic event. Grab your friends and make it a night to remember at The Black Linkup: DNC After Party!

he Florida Young Democrats is committed to getting the best candidates elected for School Boards all across our state. Moms for Liberty, a right-wing extremist political group, has declared war on public schools and is running candidates all across our state to enforce book bans, dismantle LGBTQ+ rights of students, and defund public schools to give away our tax dollars to private and charter schools with no accountability.

Please join us for our daily phone banks up until Election Day to support trustworthy, student-focused, and experienced candidates across the state to represent young people and protect our students as members of local county school boards.

WATCH: The Don Lemmon Show: TRUMP RANTS! WILL DEBATE KAMALA! 

Kamala Harris Inspires Hope Amon Young Democrats

Youth voter groups report record fundraising, signups since Harris entered race

Garrett Readling, communications director for the Young Democrats of North Carolina, said Harris is “the perfect person to meet the challenges ahead of us,” including gun violence, reproductive rights, LGBTQ rights, healthcare and income inequality.

“Since young people my age have been engaged in politics, things have been bad,” he said. “It’s been an environment where it’s really easy to be jaded. Where we reach people the best is by giving them something to believe in and something that’s good and genuine. And I think Vice President Harris is doing exactly that.”

A Midwest Bernie: ‘Tim Walz on the Democrat Ticket Shows Younger Generations Cannot Be Ignored’

Quentin Wathum-Ocama, president of the Young Democrats of America (also Minnesota  Young DFL President), told Byline Times that “Governor Walz has nearly two decades of critical government experience, first as Congressman and now as a two-term Governor who has presided over one of the most consequential and progressive legislative sessions in Minnesota history.

“From massive investments in [kindergarten – 12th grade] education to making college free for families who earn under $80,000, his selection sends a clear message that a Harris-Walz administration is ready to deliver big for the American people on day one.”

“Vibe shift”: Young Texas voters, motivated by Kamala Harris, lock into the presidential election

Do you know a YDA chartered unit that should be highlighted in our next newsletter? Email us at [email protected] to let us know which unit and why! 

New Harris Merch Available — More Coming Soon 

These items are perfect for any Young Democrat looking for some canvassing gear this summer. Visit store.yda.org today and grab yours now!

Democratic National Committee Delegate Contact Form

Were you elected a delegate to the Democratic National Convention? If so, please complete this survey to share your information so we can connect with you and other young delegates in Chicago. Your input will help us coordinate events and activities tailored for young delegates. 

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