Dear Young Democrats,

We are at a pivotal moment in our nation’s history. With President Joe Biden announcing his decision to step down from the 2024 presidential race, we have an opportunity for new leadership to carry forward the torch of our progressive values. It is with great enthusiasm and pride that we rally behind Vice President Kamala Harris as our candidate for the presidency.

The last month has been some of the toughest we’ve seen politically, filled with uncertainty and challenges. But out of these trials, a new wave of excitement and hope has emerged with Vice President Harris’s historic candidacy. Her journey is a testament to the resilience, diversity, and strength that define the Democratic spirit. As the first woman, the first Black woman, and the first South Asian American woman to be nominated for the presidency by a major party, Kamala Harris embodies the change we have long aspired to achieve.

This campaign ignites a wave of excitement and hope across our communities. It is a moment to celebrate our progress and to renew our commitment to building a more just and equitable society. With her unwavering dedication to justice, economic fairness, and climate action, Harris represents the bold and compassionate leadership our country needs.

With Harris leading the charge, we have an unprecedented opportunity not just to keep the White House but to win the House, maintain control of the Senate, and elect Democrats up and down the ballot. As Martin Amis once said, “There are moments in history when time accelerates.” We are living through such a moment now, and it’s up to us to make the most of it.

This month’s newsletter might be a bit longer due to the incredible excitement and energy that Young Democrats are bringing to both local and national press. We have so much to share and celebrate — you may need to click “view more” or “view entire message” on your computer or mobile device. 

Let’s seize this moment with enthusiasm and purpose. Together, we can make history. Together, we will build a brighter future for all — in the words of the Vice President, “let’s win this thing“.

In solidarity,

Quentin Wathum-Ocama
President, Young Democrats of America

On Sunday, the Young Democrats of America endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the next President of the United States of America following a unanimous vote by the Executive Board. Vice President Kamala Harris has dedicated her accomplished career to championing the rights of young people and fighting for justice.

As President, Kamala Harris would be the first Black woman and the first person of Indian descent to become leader of the free world. The historic nature of a Harris Presidency presents an opportunity for America to demonstrate to the world, and to ourselves, that we are truly a nation where diversity empowers the very best of us. Read our full statement here.

Young Voters for Harris National Call – July 25 – Virtual 
Voters of Tomorrow Summit  – July 26-27 – Atalanta, GA

PA Young Voters for Kamala Coalition Call – July 28 – Virtual

8th Annual NYSYD Gala –  August 3 – NYC, NY

NJYD Community Service Event – August 7 – Trenton, NJ
Harris for President Southern Training Summit – August 8-9 – Raleigh, NC 
Harris for President Midwest Training Summit – August 10-11 – Detroit, MI

Volusia Young Democrats Candidate Mixer Karaoke – August 11 – Holly Hill, FL

Housing + Forward Dallas Panel – August 13 – Dallas, TX

Young Democrats of Illinois NC Welcome Party – August 18 – Chicago, IL

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

The Black Linkup – August 20 – Chicago, IL

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

2024 Forever Young Dinner – August 27 – Lincoln, NE

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. 

On July 25 at 8:00 PM ET/5:00 PM PT, there will be a national youth call organized by Vice President Kamala Harris’ campaign. This call will focus on learning more about the campaign and exploring ways for us to get involved in supporting her historic candidacy.  You can register for the call here. 

The Harris Campaign and Democratic coordinated campaign are hosting training summits for young organizers in Detroit, MI and Raleigh, NC.

This opportunity will identify and train people who are interested in working on the coordinated campaign as Field, Engagement, or Campus Organizers.

We are hosting two trainings and would greatly appreciate your help sharing the word about both:

• Southern Training Summit for Young Organizers in Raleigh, NC on August 8-9th

• Midwest Training Summit for Young Organizers in Detroit, MI on August 10-11th

Would absolutely love it if you could share these opportunities with any partners in the South and Midwest. The more we can spread the word in local communities, the better. Would also hugely appreciate you uplifting within your own channels. 

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!

Thee Voters of Tomorrow 2024 Summit: YEAR OF YOUTH will take place in Atlanta, GA at the Loudermilk Conference Center, July 26-27. Some of your staff may have already received invitations. Please encourage them to attend, and feel free to share this with others in your organization who may be interested!

Connect with 300 of Gen-Z’s brightest leaders to prepare for action in 2024! Attendees will hear from America’s leading political minds, activists, and youth office-holders, as we workshop the best ways to turn out young voters this Fall. Visit their website by clicking this link to find more information.

The Young Democrats of America is proud to be an official partner of  Tour to Save Democracy. Tour to Save Democracy is a collective of Gen-Z activists are embarking on a Tour To Save Democracy this July 2024, traveling on a bus across the nation stopping in swing districts to flip them blue, drive change forward, and safeguard democratic principles. Starting in Texas, the tour will visit 24 Republican-held swing districts to connect with the local communities, get out
the vote, and inspire youth action to secure a Democratic trifecta in Congress. Visit their website by clicking this link to find more information.

Minnesotans react with shock, delight as Biden drops out of presidential race

Quentin Wathum-Ocama, the president of the Young Democrats of America, is a Minnesota delegate at the upcoming DNC.

He says he’s all in on Vice President Harris.

“I’m a person of color, I’m Black. For the African American community to have a Black woman as our nominee, I think that’s a game changer in terms of turning out underrepresented communities,” Wathum-Ocama told MPR News, “I’m really excited. It’s a new race.”

Florida Young Democrats react to Biden’s exit

‘New wave of excitement’: Young voters feel reenergized by Kamala Harris’s presidential run

Kentucky Young Democrats President Allison Wiseman has welcomed the new presumptive nominee of Vice President Kamala Harris. 

“It’s really exciting to see how much the Democratic base has come together in the past 24-ish hours, 48 maybe, depending on how far back we want to go,” Wiseman said.

Wiseman said she thinks Harris becoming the nominee has helped breathe new life into the election, especially for young voters.

Young Democrats of Oklahoma Support Vice President Kamala Harris

Vice President Harris exemplifies progress, resilience, and unity, embodying the spirit needed to move our nation forward.

The Young Democrats are energized and ready to work. It will take all of us to ensure our democracy thrives and every voice is heard. We envision a future where opportunities abound, equality is upheld, and the American Dream is attainable for all.

Matt Royer, Young Democrats of America Chief of Staff, on Kamala Harris’s historic candidacy

Idaho Democratic convention delegates endorse VP Kamala Harris for president

“While the path forward is unclear, we recognize that millions of voters across the country voted for the Biden/Harris ticket,” the organization posted to X. “Idaho Young Democrats support the will of the voters, and as such, we formally endorse Vice President Kamala Harris to be our next President of the United States of America. It’s long past time to put a woman in charge.”

Young Democrats of Wisconsin: Welcome Vice President Kamala Harris back to Wisconsin

“We are excited to welcome Vice President Harris back to the great state of Wisconsin. She has been a fierce champion for Wisconsin’s youth, in both her roles in the Administration and as President of the Senate. Her work has helped 39.6k Wisconsinites be approved for student debt cancellation, create 180.7K new jobs, and bring hundreds of millions of dollars of investment into the state of Wisconsin.”

Young Democrats of America React to Joe Biden’s Decision to Not Seek Re-Election, Harris’s Candidacy 

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 Shirt Available — More Coming Soon 

This is the first of many designs we’re going to be adding to our webstore  over the coming days and weeks. 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. 

Diversity & Outreach Committee Survey

The Diversity and Outreach Committee is working on better understanding our demographic makeup and answer some other burning questions in order to work to provide more additional resources. 

The deadline to complete the survey is August 1, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. EST. It is important that you share it so that we get as much data as possible. Once completed, our committee will be able to start implementing our goals.

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