This Monday, October 12th, has been officially recognized by the Commonwealth of Virginia at Indigenous Peoples’ Day! 

Elliot C. Williams of WAMU writes, “Nationally, Columbus Day has been a federal holiday on the second Monday of October since 1934, but local governments can opt-in or out of celebrating it — or, like Virginia, replace the name and objective for the day. Since the 1970s, advocates have pushed back on the narrative of Christopher Columbus as a “hero,” bringing to light his horrific treatment of indigenous peoples, and calling for widespread recognition of Native American culture and history. The first Indigenous Peoples’ Day in the U.S. was recognized in Berkeley, California, in 1992.

‘In making this proclamation, we pay tribute to the culture, history and many contributions of Virginia Indians and recommit to cultivating strong government-to-government partnerships that are grounded in mutual trust and respect,’ Northam said during his announcement.

Virginia is home to 11 state-recognized Indian tribes, seven of which are federally recognized. Last year, the Chickahominy Tribe acquired 105 acres of land in Charles County that belonged to their ancestors, and Northam signed a land trust agreement with the Mattaponi Indian Tribe — what the governor’s office called ‘two significant actions in rectifying the past.’”

If you are looking for ideas on how to recognize and celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, check out this article from the Smithsonian website. 

Florida Democrats have put out a call for text bankers, and AYD has answered! Join us every Monday until Election Day from 5-7 PM as we send texts to voters in this perennial, crucial swing state. As you send texts, join us for a virtual hangout and get to know your fellow Young Democrats who are fighting to make a difference in 2020.

To join a text bank, select one (or all) of the Mondays on Mobilize. If it's your first time, Florida Democrats will invite you to a quick training, after which you can start texting and join us in our virtual hangout.

Sign up for any of the text banks here: https://www.mobilize.us/fl2020victory/event/333785/ 

Zoom registration for 10/12 text bank: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJYtf-igrjwuH9wRlQaik9BaWXLzU9IrhD26

If you have any questions, email AYD Campaigns Director Ian White at [email protected] 

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AYD Resolutions Committee Meeting

Join us for our monthly AYD Resolutions Committee meeting this Tuesday, October 13th at 7 pm. We will be discussing the AYD Health, Education, & Environment Caucus' Sex Ed Reform Resolution.

If you have any questions, email our AYD Democratic Party Representative and Resolutions Chair Michael Hemminger at [email protected].

Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/95591583195  

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AYD Phone Bank for Pennsylvania

With so much at stake in this election -- and so little time remaining before voting begins -- the best way to make a difference is to call Pennsylvania voters and talk to them about supporting Joe Biden and Democrats. Getting started is easy! AYD will have phone banks on the following Tuesdays from 6:30pm - 8:30pm: October 6th, October 13th, and October 20th. Sign up for a shift (or two) and an organizer will reach out to you with all of the details about how we make calls from home.

Sign up NOW: https://www.mobilize.us/backtobluepa/event/333289/

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• A computer with reliable internet service (we recommend using a recent version of Chrome or Firefox as your internet browser to access the link)
• Download Zoom onto your personal computer or tablet prior to the Phone Bank Launch — A mobile or landline phone
• A comfy, quiet place in your home

Once registered, you’ll receive an email with further information and a link to our Phone Bank Launch!

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Join your fellow Arlington Young Democrats for Blue Clues, a virtual pub quiz which is sure to help you recharge and have some fun during this election season!

Want to get a leg up on future trivia? You're in luck! Your phone bank numbers for AYD and VAYD will go into the bank for your trivia team. Show up to any VAYD or AYD phone bank and we'll make sure your points are counted in the next quiz. What's more, those points translate into direct action. Each quiz will have cash prizes that the top three teams can send to the bank for a charity, non-profit, or campaign of their choice. So show up to the phone banks and get ready to bank some points and make bank on behalf of democracy!