2026 is right around the corner, and here’s how YDNC will make the
difference.
[The YDNC logo with the words "The Young Democrats of North
Carolina" underneath.] [1]
Friend,
My name is Adrian Brakeley. If you don’t know me, I’m a father, a
veteran, a proud Johnston County Democrat, and for the past two
months, I’ve had the privilege of serving as the 84th President of
the Young Democrats of North Carolina. Like many of us, the shock of
the 2016 election and everything that followed pushed me off the
sidelines and into the work of defending our values and our future.
After ten years in the U.S. Air Force, I came home determined to stay
in the fight, and for the last three years I’ve devoted myself to
organizing, building local power, and helping young people across this
state step into leadership. Every day I’m reminded why this work
matters, who it matters to, and why we can’t afford to let up now.
Taking the reins of an organization as big as YDNC is not a simple
task, but it’s one I’m really excited about. If you don’t know
the work Young Democrats have been doing in North Carolina (and you
might not – we’ve been a little inconsistent about shouting about
it, but part of my job is to change that), then you’re in for a real
treat.
Since taking office, we’ve ramped up our efforts to charter new
chapters, and not just in bright blue places and big cities, either
– just the other week I was in Wayne County for a Young Democrats
interest meeting, and yesterday, our Western Regional Vice President
(shout out to Sydnie!) was out in Macon County organizing young
people. In fact, right now, we have 6 new chapters somewhere in the
pipeline for formation, from every region of North Carolina, because
from Murphy to Manteo, YOUNG PEOPLE ARE READY TO STAND UP FOR WHAT WE
BELIEVE IN.
Young people are tired of a country where we can’t afford housing
and groceries. Young people are tired of a country where saving for
retirement feels like a pipe dream. Young people are tired of a
country where a would-be despot goes after our neighbors for the color
of their skin or the specifics of their gender. For so many of us, we
were promised an American dream that has never been in our reach, no
matter how hard we worked, and 2026 is going to be the year that young
people help us take our country back.
But we have to have the tools needed to get organized. See, here’s
the thing with young voters – we’re pretty sharp. We can tell when
we’re being pandered to or when someone isn’t authentic. As much
as I’d love to be able to share the magic trick for mobilizing young
voters, there isn’t one. Just like with any community, turning us
out only really happens if we put in the work to show up consistently
and organize everywhere.
THAT’S WHY YDNC IS GOING TO BE SO IMPORTANT IN 2026. RIGHT NOW,
WE’RE CHARTERING NEW CHAPTERS, BUILDING A PIPELINE FOR ENGAGEMENT,
AND GETTING YOUNG PEOPLE EXCITED ABOUT WHAT THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY HAS
ON OFFER—AND IT CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE NEXT YEAR, IF WE LET IT.
But here’s the deal. Remember how I mentioned that young people are
tired of being unable to afford housing and groceries? Yeah, as much
as I’d love it if YDNC’s own membership could fund everything our
organization needs to do, it just doesn’t work that way.
IF YOU’RE READY TO SEE NORTH CAROLINA HAVE A WELL-FUNDED OPERATION
TO MOBILIZE YOUNG PEOPLE IN 2026—AND BEYOND!—I’M HOPING I CAN
COUNT ON YOU TO CHIP IN TODAY. ANY AMOUNT, NO MATTER HOW SMALL, WILL
GO A LONG WAY. [2]
DONATE [2]
Anything you can contribute will help us reach young voters and make
sure that people my age can see how the Democratic Party is fighting
for us. If you want to see us succeed, great! Please fund us. I’ll
be in touch soon with more updates on everything we’re up to.
Gratefully,
ADRIAN W. BRAKELEY
_President
Young Democrats of North Carolina_
P.S. I’d also love to hear more about how the Young Democrats of
North Carolina can be present for young people in your community. If
you’ve got ideas, or just want to say hello, feel free to reply and
let me know what’s on your mind!
YOUR CONTRIBUTION MAKES THIS POSSIBLE.
Chip in to help YDNC build for 2026!
CONTRIBUTE [2]
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Reach out with questions, comments, and concerns to Tenae Turner at
[email protected].
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reserved._
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