Your YDA September Newsletter |
We’re just 41 days away from Election Day, and the momentum is building. After the first debate, we watched Kamala Harris take the stage and decisively expose Donald Trump for the fraud he is, proving once again why she’s the leader we need to guide us forward. Alongside Governor Walz, there’s a renewed sense of urgency and hope across our nation. This election is about so much more than speeches or soundbites—it’s about the future of our country and the critical role we all play. As we approach the final weeks, it’s important to stay engaged and informed. This election represents the values we all share, and together, we can keep pushing forward to secure the change we’ve worked so hard for. |
NJYD Environmental Policy Conversation with Congressman Jared Huffman– Sep 26 – Virtual
YDA Eastern Region Phonebank – Sep 29 – Virtual
Vice Presidential Debate – Oct 1 – New York City, NY
YDMA AAPI Caucus Social – Oct 1 – Boston, MA NJYD Endorsement Party – Oct 3 – Trenton, NJ
Meet & Greet with Sheriff Mike Gleason – Oct 3 – Taylor, TX Pub Crawl for Democracy – Oct 3 – Taylor, TX Young Democrats Pumpkin Carving – Oct 5 – Mt. Vernon, WA NYSYD Do Something Bus Tour – Oct 5 – Southern Tier, NY VAYD Campaign Invasion for Gloria Witt – Oct 5 – Farmville, VA October Young Democrats Meeting – Oct 6 – Bowling Green, KY Watch Party of Rep. Eskamani’s Ballot Review – Oct 6 – Lockhart, FL SJYD Endorsement Party – Oct 10 – Glassboro, NJ YDAR Fall Conference – Oct 11-13 – Springdale, AR 2024 ACYD Annual Installation Celebration & Awards – Oct 16 – Albany, NY The Young Vote Documentary Screening – Oct 17 – Reno, NV NYSYD Do Something Bus Tour – Oct 19 – Philadelphia, PA |
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. |
Share Your Photos & Content with YDA |
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.
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Save the Date: YDA Winter Meeting — December 6-8 |
The Young Democrats of America will gather for an exciting Winter Meeting from December 6-8 in Boston, Massachusetts. This in-person event will bring together young leaders from across the nation to participate in impactful committees, dynamic constituency caucuses, hands-on trainings, and more.
As we convene in the historic and vibrant heart of New England, YDA members will have the chance to connect, collaborate, and continue shaping the future of the Democratic Party. Against the backdrop of Boston’s rich legacy and forward-thinking spirit, we will look back on the 2024 election, reflecting on our successes, challenges, and the road ahead, making this a truly energizing weekend for all in attendance. Check our website later this month for information on registration and lodging. |
YDA 2025 Convention Site: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Last month, the Young Democrats of America National Committee held a voted to determine our 2025 National Convention location and we’re excited to announce that YDA will be heading to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania next summer. YDA is excited to partner with our friends at the Pennsylvania Young Democrats to create a one of a kind convention right as Philadelphia begins to kickoff the yearlong celebration for America’s Semiquincentennial. There will be more information to come about the Convention in early 2025. |
Harris for President Campaign Updates |
Host a Vice Presidential Debate Watch Party |
DNC’s National Voter Assistance Hotline Volunteer Opportunity |
The DNC’s National Voter Assistance Hotline is a year-round resource for voters to get the information they need to cast their ballots, and to direct any issues to our voter protection staff to take action on voter challenges & intimidation. They are seeking volunteers for a fully remote opportunity. They have flexible shifts during the week and soon, on weekends as well. It is a great, flexible opportunity for people with busy schedules who want to be engaged this election. Interested volunteers should fill out this link |
Young Dems Actions and Events |
NYSYD Do Something Bus Tour RSVP |
Chapter Event Highlight: PAYD and NJYD Joint Canvass |
On Saturday, September 21st, the New Jersey Young Democrats and Pennsylvania Young Democrats teamed up for an incredible PAYD & NJYD Joint Day of Action to Get Out the Vote in Pennsylvania.
This election season is critical, and it was inspiring to see so many Young Democrats step up for candidates up and down the ballot. Your dedication is what drives our movement forward.
Thank you to everyone who joined us, especially the NJ Young Dems who crossed state lines to make a difference.
A huge shoutout to NJYD President Fatima Heyward and PAYD President Hans van Mol for this energizing partnership. Additional thanks to Young Democrats of America Eastern Region VP Gabriela Koc and YDA Eastern Region Communications Director Benton for joining us on this fantastic crossover and our efforts on the ground! |
NJYD Phone Banking with Sue Altman |
Join the New Jersey Young Democrats, College Democrats, and High School Democrats on Zoom to help #FlipNJ7 on alternating Thursdays at 6pm, starting next Thursday, September 12th! They’ll have guest speakers to kick off our calls that will be announced as the date approaches. You can sign up for the event here. |
YDA Eastern Region Phonebank with Congresswoman Sara Jacobs |
Join us this Sunday, Sept. 29th, from 5 PM to 7 PM for a special collaboration with the Harris-Walz campaign on an Eastern Region phone banking effort! The event will also feature brief remarks from California Congresswoman Sara Jacobs. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make an impact. Click here to register. |
Young Democrats in the News |
Young Democrats of North Carolina Statement on Mark Robinson |
Instagram– Following the events on a porn forum with Mark Robinson, candidate for Governor, the Young Democrats of North Carolina have released a statement |
Mark Robinson has worn his hate for women, Jews, and LGBTQ+ people as a badge of honor for years—but it took him calling himself a “Black Nazi” on message boards to force the NCGOP to face the real Mark Robinson they’d hoped we’d never meet. |
Kentucky Young Democrats President says she’s been harassed by Louisville Rep. Grossberg in statement on social media |
WHAS11 ABC – Allison Wiseman says she is one of the many alleged victims of Rep. Daniel Grossberg who accuse him of harassment. |
“Ugh, he’s creepy, be careful.” This is what President of the Young Democrats, Allison Wiseman said she told a friend about Louisville Rep. Daniel Grossberg at an event they attended. In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, Wiseman accuses Grossberg of harassment. She is one of many other alleged victims accusing the state representative. Wiseman reached out to WHAS11 and gave express permission to publish her statements. |
What Rhode Island’s Young Democrats thought about the presidential debate |
The Publics Radio – Weeks after a disastrous performance upended the presidential race, the Young Democrats of Rhode Island gathered to watch another debate. |
“I was a little nervous when Biden dropped out, but my fears are gone,” Henry Siravo, an 18-year-old member of the Young Democrats of Rhode Island, said during a break in the action. “I’m excited. ‘We’re not going back.’” Many of the young Democrats said they remembered President Joe Biden’s disastrous debate performance with Trump just a few weeks ago and shared Siravo’s feelings of anxiety ahead of the debate. But half-way in, Siravo said Vice President Harris was on top. |
Expanded access to food stamps, health care becomes law in Alaska
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Alaska Beacon – The law takes advantage of waivers to allow more Alaskans to access federal aid programs |
More Alaskans will be eligible for food stamps and access to health care for school-age children and young adults will increase under a bill that became law without Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s signature on Aug. 30.
Dunleavy sponsored the original bill, whose goal was to expand the services covered by Medicaid to include things like workforce development and food security. The bill takes advantage of a a federal waiver that allows states to consider the underlying causes of ill health. It was amended to include a proposal from Rep. Genevieve Mina, D-Anchorage, and Sen. Cathy Giessel, R-Anchorage, aimed at increasing SNAP access after the state’s Department of Health failed to process thousands of applications within the legal timeline in a backlog that left thousands of Alaskans without food aid for months at a time. Over the last two years, Dunleavy’s administration has added more than $70 million to state budgets to fight the crisis.
The state Senate passed the final version of House Bill 344 by a unanimous vote and the bill passed the Alaska House of Representatives by a vote of 26-14 on the final day of the 2024 legislative session. |
Young Democrats campaign in Georgia ahead of election |
CGTN America – With less than two months until the U.S. presidential election, young Democratic voters are becoming more engaged in politics and polls show they are fired up by the Harris/Walz Democratic ticket. |
Who wants Rep. Daniel Grossberg to resign? What Kentucky Democrats have said |
Courier Journal – Several Democratic organizations and party members have called for Rep. Daniel Grossberg to resign following accusations that he behaved inappropriately toward women at the statehouse — though many elected officials have remained silent on the matter |
On Friday, the Louisville Young Democrats shared a statement on social media saying the organization condemns “all forms of sexual harassments expressed in the allegations.” It called on Grossberg to take accountability for his actions and resign. “We call on the State, County, and Local parties as well as elected officials to stand up for a welcoming and safe environment free from harassment for all those involved in politics, especially young people who strive to be the next generation of leaders,” the post read. |
Congressman Frost visits Young Democrats at ‘Back-to-School’ event |
The State Press – Florida Congressman Maxwell Frost spoke about the Harris-Walz campaign at a Young Democrats event in Tempe |
Frost spoke along with Keep AZ Blue co-founder Francesca Martin and Armonee Jackson, President of Young Democrats of Arizona and an ASU alumni. The representative was also joined by Isabel Hiserodt, a senior studying public policy, who acts as a role model for young voters at ASU, being the president of Young Democrats at the University. |
Young democrat voters mobilize battleground districts across the tri-state |
NBC New York – All 43 congressional districts within these states are on the ballot this November, and young voters are a pivotal voting bloc that can swing the election. |
The effort includes canvassing efforts in New York’s 3rd, 4th, 17th, 18th and 19th congressional districts, according to the president of the New York State Young Democrats.
The N.J. Young Democrats president believes candidates should curtail their message toward securing women’s reproductive rights and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.
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In North Carolina, Democrats counting on young voters |
Yahoo News – With Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the race and Kamala Harris’s arrival atop the Democratic ticket, the party activist says his generation — a key voting bloc — is fired up. |
Winning here will be an uphill battle — the southern state has not voted for a Democrat in the presidential election since Barack Obama in 2008.
“North Carolina is going to have something to say in November,” said Zach Finley, the president of the Young Democrats of North Carolina.
But for Harris to turn the state Democratic blue, the party needs to campaign “the right way, turning out the folks we need to,” added Finley, who is also 25.
– ‘Excited’ – |
Op-Ed: Santa Barbara Young Democrats Point Out Absenteeism of Councilmember |
Edhat Santa Barbara – By Christian Alonso of the Santa Barbara Young Democrats
The Santa Barbara Young Democrats are raising concerns about Councilmember Alejandra Gutierrez’s troubling record of absenteeism on the City Council. |
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! |
Don’t Forget Your YDA Merch! |
New Harris Merch Available — More Coming Soon |
These items are perfect for any Young Democrat looking for some canvassing gear this Fall. Visit store.yda.org today and grab yours now! |
YDA Volunteer, Engagement, & Feedback Opportunities |
Democratic National Committee Delegate Contact Form |
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. |
YDA Democratic National Committee Representative Application |
On October 1, the position of Democratic National Committee (DNC) Representative of the Young Democrats of America (YDA) will become vacant when the current DNC Representative, Dunixi Guereca, loses eligibility to hold the office on the occasion of his 36th birthday. Article VI, Section 7 of the YDA Charter states that: “If any . . . officer resigns or otherwise vacates office then the President shall appoint a member who is eligible to serve . . . to serve as an interim officer. The National Committee shall confirm the President’s appointment of an interim Executive Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer or DNC member to serve the remainder of the term of office at the next National Committee meeting.” If you are interested in serving as YDA Interim DNC Representative , please complete this application by September 26, 2024 The YDA President, in consultation with other members of the Executive Committee, will review your application and may contact you for a follow-up conversation. Please note that due to the anticipated volume of responses, we may not be able to provide status updates for all applications.
The deadline to complete the application is September 26, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. EST.
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