We’re excited to announce that the Young Democrats of America will be heading to Boise, Idaho for our Spring National Committee Meeting and Conference from April 1st through the 3rd.

John -

 

On behalf of the Young Democrats of America, I want to say Happy Black History Month. We know that far too often, stories of Black success and excellence often do not get the attention that they so rightly deserve. While it's unfortunate that Black history, and the history of so many other underrepresented communities in this nation, often still get relegated to only a month, a week, or even a day, we can still take joy in uplifting the innumerable accomplishments of African Americans over the next few weeks.

 

In commemorating Black History Month, we also have an opportunity to acknowledge the beautiful and unique diversity within the Black communities throughout this nation. And while the Black experience is not universal or monolithic, our continued struggle, endurance, and perseverance are a testament to the strength of Black people everywhere. I also encourage you this month to not only reflect on the history of this nation but think about how we as Young Democrats can actively disrupt systems that continue to disadvantage and discriminate against Black people and all historically marginalized communities unfairly. Let's pair our history with action and use this month to build positive and lasting change throughout this nation. 

 

 

- Quentin Wathum-Ocama

 

Upcoming Events:

 

 

Updates:

 

YDA is headed to the Gem State!

At a time when people are counting out Red and rural states across the country and counting out young people at every level of politics, we are thrilled to head to Idaho to show folks just how well young gets it done. Never before has Idaho held a national Democratic event and as usual, Young Democrats are leading the way to create change and grow institutions. To this point, the theme for this meeting will be “A Seat at the Table: Creating, Claiming, and Making Space.” 

 

The focus of the meeting will be on how to get your voice heard, how to build a coalition, and how to focus on field efforts with an emphasis on rural organizing and flipping districts from red to blue. The Idaho Young Democrats can’t wait to welcome you to Boise and show you why Red and rural states, and young people, have earned seats at the table!

Please stay tuned for information regarding lodging, scheduling, public health procedures, and meeting business*.

 

 

*Please note that some businesses typically conducted in-person will be shifted to a virtual-only format to ensure members have multiple avenues to participate. More information will be forthcoming.

 

 

YDA Launches New Store! 

We officially launched our new store for the Young Democrats of America last month. We know that you have been wanting YDA Merch for a a while and now is your chance.

 

Go to store.yda.org now!

 

In the News: 

  • AP - Jan 27  - Democrats eye Supreme Court pick to revive 2022 prospects
    • After Justice Breyer’s retirement, YDA President Quentin Wathum-Ocama spoke with the AP: “It’s not a silver bullet, but my God, this is a big deal, man. This is huge for so many reasons. It’s going to get people excited.” We sure hope that President Biden can nominate someone who can.
  • YDA Mobilized - Jan 20 - YDA Lays out the YDA Mobilized Legislative Agenda
    • YDA President Quentin Wathum-Ocama, YDA Mobilized Amber Sherman, and YDA Communications Director Matt Royer laid out the legislative agenda and action for the the YDA Mobilized Initiative at their virtual presser a year after President Biden's inauguration. 
  • AP News - Jan 15 - Biden backers 'not seeing the results' a year into his term 
    • “We need to see Joe Biden the fighter. That’s kind of where I’m at,” said Wathum-Ocama, the Young Democrats of America president. “The unifier is appropriate at times. But we need somebody who’s going to fight for our issues if we’re going to come out and turn out for him in ’22.”
  • Orange County Breeze - January 10 - Young Democrats of America send letter to Senator Manchin on BBB 
    • On the morning of January 7, 2022, the Young Democrats of America sent a letter signed by 69 chartered unit presidents and members of the national committee from 35 different states and territories to the office of Senator Joe Manchin urging him to reconsider his position on the Build Back Better agenda.
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