Dear fellow Young Democrats,

It has been an intense and rewarding two years. From activism to resist abuse by immigration and law enforcement authorities, to campaigning to elect Democrats up and down the ticket, our fledgling Young Democrats of Oregon (YDO) caucus has been hard at work!

We’re excited about the upcoming session, and our upcoming reorganization election (March 6th at 5pm) is the first step to planning what’s next.

On March 6th at 5pm at our reorganization election, the YDO will elect a new caucus Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, Secretary, and two National Committee People to comprise our executive committee. Serving as a YDO officer is a great opportunity for young Democrats across Oregon to get more involved in setting the Party’s priorities and course for the next two years. You can nominate yourself or someone you know here.

We encourage people from all backgrounds and corners of the state to run! We’re a caucus, not a clique, and we are committed to faithfully representing the will of young Democrats statewide, whether they are already engaged in Democratic Party politics or looking to get more involved in the business of running Oregon’s largest political party.

We are proud of the work our caucus has done since its inception. In just two years, YDO has:

Endorsed and organized primary volunteer support for endorsees. YDO caucus members and supporters called 5,000 voters on behalf of endorsees and helped elect two new young Democrats to the Oregon House: Ricki Ruiz (HD-50) and Wlnsvey Campos (HD-28)
Pushed for police accountability. YDO received a commendation from Sen. Lew Frederick on the floor of the Oregon State Senate for our open letter and remote lobbying to pass critical police reform bills during the 2020 special session--our open letter got over 300 signatures in less than two days
Represented our values in Salem. YDO lobbied our legislature to support the Clean Energy Jobs bill, representing one of our membership’s top priorities for the 2019 legislative session: fighting climate chaos and supporting working class Oregonians.
Created and raised funds for a new scholarship to send young Democrats to the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
Stood with our communities by sponsoring three DACA recipients’ application renewal fees through advocacy and fundraising.

2021 brings with it a range of incredible opportunities. Voters have elected Democrats not only to repair the damages of Trumpism, but to address deeper, long-standing injustices, which have afflicted us for generations. People are counting on us. We have to get it right. Oregon may look like a “blue state,” but it is only as blue as its voters are motivated, from our school boards and local offices to our state legislature, and on up to the Presidency. Young Democrats across Oregon are working to deliver the progressive changes we need. Can we count on you to take the next step by running for office in the Young Democrats of Oregon’s reorganization election on March 6th at 5pm, or by nominating a young Democrat you know to run?

Please register to join us at our reorganization meeting on March 6th at 5pm here.

Thank you for your ongoing work for the people of Oregon and for supporting young Democratic activists, candidates, and elected officials. We look forward to working together to build a strong, diverse, and talented administration for the days ahead!

Agenda for Reorganization can be found HERE!

In solidarity,

The Young Democrats of Oregon