Young Democrats Movement

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The Young Democrats Movement is a private organization in the USA devoted to the advancement of progressive Democratic ideals through education and activism among adolescents. The group is currently centered in Wilmington, DE, with membership numbers of almost 150[citation needed] throughout Northern Delaware and extending as far as Pennsylvania. While the group is not officially part of the Democratic Party, it has gained recognition from such figures as Democratic Leadership Council Chair Harold Ford and Delaware Democratic Party Chairman John Daniello.

Contents

[edit] History

[edit] December 2006 - May 2007: Creation

The group was founded in December of 2006 by Tim McBride, Helen Boyer and Read T. Scott after the three realized the need for a non-defunct high school-centered political organization. In January of the next year, an impromptu meeting was held at a local Panera Bread, an executive committee and a basic group platform was established. The first few months of the group's existence were mostly developmental with an initial estimated membership of roughly 50 people, most of whom were already active in local and/or national politics. A website for the group ([1]) was created, and executive committee member Mat Marshall created a political blog, The Soapbox, which had a brief professional relationship with the group. Both of these websites served as catalysts for the group's growth by gaining recognition from local politicos.

[edit] May 2007 - September 2007: Taking Off

After 4 months spent getting the group's name out to associates of the group's officers (most notably Delaware State Treasurer Jack Markell and Insurance Commissioner Matt Denn), the group launched a kick-off party at the home of Vice President Read Scott's on May 19, 2007, featuring Markell and Denn as central speakers. With upwards of 100 visually enthused attendees, the party was a success. It received local media coverage from several bloggers and WDEL host Al Mascetti, further cementing the group's legitimacy as an organization. Shortly after the party, membership saw a sharp increase. While evidence is sparse, it is generally accepted that the group saw about a 300% increase in membership by the end of June. Because of this increase in membership, the executive committee grew and drafted a charter that July.

At the same time, the group officers spent most of their time working with local campaigns. This created some controversy; the group was supposed to be supportive of the party at large, but there was a clear preference shown in the campaigns that group members volunteered for. To counterbalance this issue, the group worked to throw a second house party, this time at the home of Ranking Member Mat Marshall, at which candidates with little or no face time with the group would be given an opportunity to speak. Due to scheduling troubles with Lt. Governor John C. Carney, the date for the party remained largely tentative and promotion was not as strong as it had been for the May 19th party. As a result, attendance was lower. However, the group had solidified its legitimacy among party factions.

[edit] September 2007 - Present: Referendum Reform, YDA, and Beyond

YDM is now collaborating with elected officials such as Jack Markell and Chris Coons to reform the referendum system of school financing in The State of Delaware. In May of 2008, the YDM, along with DYD and UD College Dems, organized their first reverse town hall forum. This event gave young people the opportunity to share their views on education with candidates for General Assembly.

In early May of 2008, the YDM Executive Committee unanimously approved a resolution declaring themselves the official state chapter of the Young Democrats of America High School Caucus. The YDAHSC's Executive Committee quickly approved their own resolution adopting YDM as their Delaware chapter.

[edit] Endorsements

The 2008 Democratic Primary The Young Democrats Movement announced on January 31, 2008 of the unanimous endorsement by the Executive Committee of U.S. Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. This statement was released on their website:

Barack Obama for President

"Our executive committee has unanimously approved the endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. With Delaware participating in the crucial February 5th Primary, we wanted to let the people of our state know where the youth stand.

Come January 20, 2009 we want a president who will work to end the War in Iraq, bring universal health care to every citizen, improve our public education system, and preserve our environment. But most of all, we want a president who will restore our hope, a president who will, as John Kennedy did, require something from us, a president who truly lets us know that in America anything is possible. The Young Democrats Movement firmly believes that Barack Obama would be that kind of president.

We encourage all of you and your friends to volunteer and vote for Senator Barack Obama on February 5th"

From www.ydmovement.org

YDM Members are in the process of voting on endorsements for the September 9th State Democratic Primary. Members are choosing candidates for the offices of Governor, Lt. Governor, Insurance Commissioner, Congress, and County Executive. Official endorsement announcements will be made in mid-May, once voting is finished

[edit] References

[edit] Officers

Name Position Time in Office
Tim McBride Co-President December 2006 -
Helen Boyer Co-President December 2006 -
Read T. Scott Vice President December 2006 -
Mat Marshall Ranking Member January 2007 -
Chaz Hoard Secretary January 2007 -
Elisa Gill Executive Committee January 2007 -
Felicia Puff Executive Committee January 2007 - May 2008
Chaz Hoard Executive Committee January 2007 -
Frank Schadt Executive Committee January 2007 -
Parker Wright Executive Committee May 2008 -
Sudi Green Executive Committee May 2008 -
Harrence Eagleton Berger Intern December 2006 - February 2007
Dawn Payne Executive Committee July 2007 -
Anna Galati Executive Committee July 2007 - September 2007 (resigned due to conflict with academic activities)
Isaac Schlecht Executive Committee May 2008 -
Liz Richards Executive Committee July 2007 -