Happy Pride, Young Dems!
(and Young Dems at Heart)
We hope June is going well for you all and that you continue to stay safe and healthy.
Since last month's newsletter, so much has occurred and we hope to address as much of it as possible below. We also have included upcoming events and opportunities
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Statement from YDNC Black Caucus
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Help YDNC's Delegates Get To The DNC In Milwaukee!
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Youth representation is needed at the Democratic National Convention being held in August in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Even a small donation will help us support Young Democrats as they prepare for the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Can we count on you?
Support Young Delegates Via ActBlue-> https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ydncdelegates
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YDNC Calls For An Independent Ethics Review Process
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Contact: Jon McLamb
YDA Committee Representative
Amid recent allegations, the Young Democrats of North Carolina call for the creation of an independent ethics review process for workplace and sexual harassment complaints made towards members of the General Assembly. Currently, an independent ethics commission exists in the State of North Carolina, but its authority extends only to complaints of economic interest violations, such as bribery and unlawful gifts. And, even these complaints are either dismissed or referred to the General Assembly’s Legislative Ethics Committee when they are made towards state legislators. Workplace and sexual harassment complaints are governed by rules the General Assembly’s Legislative Ethics Committee created themselves.
The Legislative Ethics Committee’s investigation process begins with a complaint, initiated on its own motion or referral from the independent ethics commission, as explained above. After the Committee receives the complaint, it must decide whether to dismiss the complaint, initiate a preliminary investigation, or refer the complaint for a hearing within ten business days. A complaint will be dismissed when it is frivolous, the conduct is subject to a prior complaint, or it is more appropriately addressed by other agencies or authorities.
A preliminary investigation can lead to a referral of a full hearing or dismissal of the complaint. The committee must provide written notice to the legislator that a preliminary investigation has been initiated within ten days of its decision. The SBI or an independent investigator may conduct the preliminary investigation. The investigator is required to provide the accused legislator with all evidence that will be presented to the committee.
A hearing shall be public, except for matters designated for closed session. Additionally, the hearing will be transcribed, except for the committee’s deliberations. At a hearing, an accused legislator is entitled to have counsel, present evidence, and examine and cross-examine witnesses. If the Committee finds by clear and convincing evidence that a violation occurred, then the committee must issue a public or private admonishment, refer the matter for prosecution, or refer the matter to the appropriate house to take actions, such as censure or expulsion. Otherwise, the committee dismisses the complaint.
An independent ethics review process for workplace and sexual harassment complaints will enhance the transparency and accountability of our General Assembly. Its creation is also practical. The North Carolina General Assembly can amend the State Government Ethics Act to add workplace and sexual harassment complaints to the authority of the independent ethics commission while removing the requirement that the commission must refer the complaint to the Legislative Ethics Committee. Alternatively, the North Carolina General Assembly could pass legislation that creates a separate commission. In either instance, the legislature immediately becomes more just, equitable, fair, and stronger.
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A Message From YDNC Executive Vice President Bailey Stinson
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Seeing the diversity of people coming together to demand justice was as equally uplifting as it was heartbreaking. Uplifting in the power collective voices can have to accelerate change. But also heartbreaking in the fact that racism is so engrained in our country's systems and institutions that it takes massive nationwide outcry for our leaders to take notice. For far too long we have been blind, indifferent, silent, and dismissive to the realities that our Black and Brown brothers and sisters experience. It is incumbent upon each of us to
1) Practice critical self reflection of our privilege and the ways in which we have benefitted from and continue to perpetuate systems of injustice,
2) Listen deeply to people of color,
3) Educate ourselves about systematic racism in our country, and
4) Continue to give support to and show up for Black and Brown communities in meaningful ways (ex: register voters, volunteer with local black-led organizations, donate to bail funds, support black owned businesses, call & petition elected officials, etc.). It takes a movement, not simply a moment, to institute the large scale changes needed to create true justice and equity in our communities and across our nation. But every moment that each of us shows up and speaks out will push this movement forward. This is what continues gives me hope. - Bailey Stinson, YDNC Executive Vice President
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Young Dems of the Month!
Every Month, with coordination from our regional directors and chapter presidents, we will be selecting 3 YDs of the month. One will come from each region of North Carolina.
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YDNC's Town Hall With GK Butterfield on May 30th
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Join Jenna Wadsworth, former Houston Mayor and President of LGBTQ Victory Fund Annise Parker, NC Rep. Deb Butler, and other special guests for a Pride Month fundraiser in celebration of building a Rainbow Wave here in North Carolina and across the country. All donations will support Jenna Wadsworth's historic campaign to be the first LGBT Council of State member in North Carolina.
RSVP here -> https://secure.actblue.com/donate/pridenc
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Something Missing?
Email [email protected] to have your event, volunteer opportunity, or other information be included in the YDNC Official Newsletter!
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