College Democrats

Given the ugliness of our political dialogue these days, this is an encouraging sign.

The Center for Political Participation and the Civic Engagement Council at Allegheny College have invited approximately 300 colleges and universities to participate in the National Conference of College Democrat and Republican Leaders May 18-19. The purpose of the event is to enhance communication between young Democrats and Republicans, examine civility in politics and establish a high bar for the respectful exchange of ideas.

[...]

The Allegheny conference will offer sessions on moderation, compromise and problem solving. Student leaders will participate in mock debates, discuss policy advocacy, and critique relevant films. Participants will confront contentious, often polarizing, topics in a workshop setting, while being encouraged to be mindful of opportunities to discover common ground.

[...]

Several colleges are planning to send students to the National Conference of College Democrat and Republican Leaders, including Harvard University, Louisiana State University, Thiel College, the University of Florida and the University of Southern California.

I am pleased that we're seeing this kind of discussion among young progressives and conservatives in the college ranks. This will hopefully set the tone for a new generation of political operatives/citizens so that we can focus on problem-solving as opposed to name-calling. I am also eager to see how this conference impacts the strength and bipartisan nature of on-campus events this fall.

While an organizer tells me there is currently little more to offer in the way of information than what is already included in the press release, I do know that there is no registration fee and that the college's Center for Political Participation will be making accommodations for attendees.

Full disclosure: Allegheny happens to be my alma mater. Go Gators!

I believe the fundraiser is to collect money for the DNC and show the party committees that young people can help it raise money (which in turn, theoretically raises the power of young people within the committees). Here's the press release/invite:

You are cordially invited to join the College Democrats of America and the Democratic National Committee (DNC) Youth Council for our 2009 Summer Fundraiser at Tabaq in Washington, D.C. on July 23 from 8 PM -11 PM!

Come meet Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH), DNC Vice Chair Raymond Buckley, DNC Political Director Clyde Williams, Organizing for America Political Director Addisu Demissie, former Obama for America Youth Vote Director Leigh Arsenault, and young staffers from the Obama administration to learn about the amazing career opportunities available in Democratic politics.

Tickets are limited, so register early to ensure your attendance at the young professional networking event of the season! Hors d'oeuvres and great drink specials will be available for all attendees. Tabaq is located at 1336 U Street NW and features a glass terrace overlooking the Washington Monument and the Capitol.

You can purchase your ticket three ways:

1. Online at https://www.democrats.org/page/contribute/cda09fr

2. During the CDA National Convention registration on Thursday, July 23, from 12 to 4 at the DNC Headquarters

3. On-site at Tabaq July 23rd until 8:30 PM.
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Prices:
-Students: $10 pre-register (student ID required at check-in)
-Students: $15 on site registration (student ID required)
-Young Professionals: $25
-Young at Heart: $35

Host Committee Sponsorships:
-Host ($1,000 contribution includes 20 tickets to the Reception, recognition on the invitation, and special recognition at the event)
-Co-Host ($750 contribution includes 15 tickets to the Reception, recognition on the invitation, and special recognition at the event.)
-Benefactor ($500 contribution includes 10 tickets to the Reception, recognition on the invitation, and special recognition at the event.)
-Sponsor: ($250 contribution includes 5 tickets to the Reception, recognition on the invitation, and special recognition at the event.)

Please contact DNC Youth Council Director A’shanti Fayshel Gholar at GholarA [at] dnc [dot] org for more information on being on the Host Committee.

You can also check out the Facebook group at: http://www.new.facebook.com/event.php?eid=209126495074

We hope to see you there!

Bumped, but this should not be taken as an endorsement of any particular candidate. If other candidates for office within the College Democrats want to post here on Future Majority, I'm happy to provide an equal and open forum. All you have to do is use the contact form to email me. --Mike

As a blogger here on Future Majority, it has given me great pleasure to blog about news and events regarding College Democrat chapters, state federations, and our national organization, from across the country.

Many of you have been with me every step of the way, reading posts about my blogging battle against the College Republican National Committee, fighting to save the Liberty University College Democrats chapter, or organizing thousands of students in New York for the first time to get involved during this past 2008 elections.

It is with that same spirit, that I aim to run for a national position on the College Democrats of America executive board. At our national convention starting July 24 in Washington, D.C. I will be running for the CDA Political Affairs Director.

The news of my candidacy took some in our organization by surprise, as I am knowingly running against an incumbent candidate seeking re-election. However, given my proven track record as former president of the College Democrats of New York, I believe I can make the greatest impact in our national organization by becoming the next Political Affairs Director.

For the most part, the role of Political Affairs Director has concentrated on the Caucus system, a group of caucuses to recruit individuals of different races and backgrounds and to bring them in to the College Democrat organization. While that is something I will continue to do, I want to be on the national board to affect change for the organization for every member, regardless of background. That is why I am running on a platform of new ideas, including taking up political issues by the organization on a national level, including better student advocacy for education policy, student loans, and fostering a better national presence. We have proven to the country that we can be a powerful organizing force in the elections; now we must prove that we can be a powerful student advocate group as well, fighting for issues to represent students across the country.

The rest of my platform you can check our at my campaign website. Thanks again for all your help and I hope to see you in DC this summer.

Bumped. --Mike

This past Friday, I had the opportunity to listen in on a conference call, along with college democrat leaders from across the state, as the leadership of the College Democrats of America and Organizing for America made a joint conference call.

The Political Director of OFA started with a recap of the achievements of the organization during the election season, along with the purpose of their organization. Accordingly, the purpose of OFA is to help promote President Obama's agenda, as well as expand their organization. During the election season, the Obama campaign set up Students For Barack Obama chapters (SFBO) which worked with college democrat chapters to help get Barack Obama elected. Once the election season ended, David Plouffe and Organizing for America worked to transform those SFBO chapters to Organizing for America chapters (OFA).

In one of the most pressing issues that OFA college groups will be focusing on, is the new college tuition proposal that President Obama announced last week, which aims to drastically increase the amount of money that students will get to pay for college.

In the coming days and weeks ahead, both OFA and the College Democrats across the country will be putting pressure on our legislators to accept the Obama adminsitration's new proposal.

more info on the CDNY blog

This past weekend featured the 2009 College Democrats of New York Convention and as expected, it was by far our best convention ever! We had over 125 students in attendance, from 25 different chapters across the state. Students traveled as much as 8 hours from Buffalo and Fredonia into NYC where our Convention was held, hosted by by St. Johns College Democrats.

Friday night was our comedy show, featuring Laughing Liberally. I want to thank Justin Krebs, who worked with our organization to put the show together. The show was pretty funny and entertaining.

Saturday was a very long day and packed with activities. We had our state senate panel which everyone enjoyed, as our state legislators talking in depth about gay marriage which is currently on the floor of the Assembly and the increase in SUNY tuition. The biggest message that they had to deliver was that college students need to lobby our state's legislators by going to their offices, and making sure their voice is heard. I couldn't agree more. Lobbyist groups have become skilled experts at lobbying politicians to get what they want, and college students need to really improve in this area, now that we have shown everyone that we can mobilize thousand of volunteers during elections.

Our morning speakers included Matt Silverstein, President of the New York State Young Democrats, and Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer, who recently formed an exploratory committee for running for Senate in New York against Senator Gillibrand.

In the afternoon, we had our breakout sessions in New Media, Communications and Field Organizing. Surprisingly, this was one of our members' favorite events during the weekend. The in-depth discussion and trainings provided students with new skills that can add to their repertoire.

Our keynote speaker, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi, did not disappoint. He was incredible, bringing energy and passion with him to the stage, speaking for half an hour, and taking audience questions for another half an hour. Not only was Suozzi elected the youngest mayor ever of his hometown in Glen Cove, NY, but he also is constantly on twitter and plugged his new website a few times. He also uses facebook frequently- in fact his facebook page status said today that he had a great time at the Convention.

On Sunday we had a session on our organization by-laws and elections to elect the new executive board. I want to congratulate my friend Ian Rivera who will be taking over as president of the organization, as I move on to a position with the College Democrats of America. In all, it was a terrific convention. Check out our website in the coming days for all our pictures.

Bumped.

Check out the latest news and info on the College Democrats of New York blog

If you are a college or graduate student in NY and still haven't registered for the College Democrats of New York Convention, what are you waiting for? Register Here

The Convention is being hosted by the St. Johns University chapter, on their Manhattan campus at 101 Murray Street. The Convention kicks off Friday night at 9pm with a comedy show by Laughing Liberally at the Rush Bar on 579 6th Avenue.

Saturday morning starts with a breakfast at 9am, followed by introductions and a welcoming by the leadership of the NY Young Democrats.

At 11:30am, we will have our breakout sessions in
Communications, Finance, Field Organizing, and New Media. Communications is being hosted by Carly Lindauer, the former Communications Director of the state party. Finance is being led by Stephanie Hausner, the Finance Director for the McElroy State Senate campaign; Field Organizing is being led by Mike Boland from the Working Families Party, and New Media by Phillip Anderson from The Albany Project blog.

After lunch and another round of those same breakout sessions, we will have our state senate panel at 2:40 p.m. featuring State Senators Brian Foley, Liz Krueger, Bill Perkins, and Toby Ann Stavisky. They will be discussing the direction of our state senate and the policies they hope to implement in a new Democratic majority.

At 4:15 p.m. the Truman Project military group will be giving a seminar on how to debate military and defense issues from a Democratic perspective.

After some internal organization proceedings that we need to take care of such as by-laws updates, etc., Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi will be speaking at 6pm.

Later that evening at 9pm, at NYU's Kimmel building, at 60 Washington Square South, we will be hosting our Social Networking event with a slew of elected officials. The list of politicians expected in attendance includes: Assemblyman William Scarborough, Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell IV, Assemblyman Mike Spano, Councilman Tony Avella, Councilman Jim Gennaro, Councilman David Yassky, Councilman Eric Gioia, City Council candidate Steve Behar, City Council candidate Jaques Leandre, City Council candidate Francisco Moya and Borough President candidate Dave Kerpen.

On Sunday, we will have elections for our executive board.

We may have one or two additional politicians attending; Schumer's office said he might stop by if he has a chance for a few minutes

Update: For those of you who live in NY, State Senator Eric Adams will be joining us for the State Senate Panel. Manhattan Borough President Cory Stringer will be attending the welcoming introductions Saturday morning, and Norman Siegel who is running for NYC Public Advocate will be attending the Social Networking event Saturday night

cross posted on the College Democrats of New York blog

I wanted to bring to everyone's attention a great blog entry, posted on The Albany Project, by Phillip Anderson, in which he informs everyone that student ballots cast in the NY-20 Special election, are being challenged by Republican candidate James Tedisco, alleging that the students did not have residency in the district. Students attending Skidmore College who voted for Democrat Scott Murphy are facing the brunt of these attacks.

Click here for the latest on the situation

These are the same old tricks we've seen by the Republican Party in the past, trying to disenfranchise young voters with intimidation tactics, and challenges to our votes. Demonstrating how desperate the Republicans are getting in the district, they just challenged the validity of the ballot cast by Senator Gillibrand, the former Congresswoman of the NY-20 Congressional District. Thankfully, the Democratic Party has been stepping up to the plate, to defend the rights of students to vote.

Bumped.

Cross posted on the College Democrats of NY blog:

I'm very pleased to share with all of you the announcement of the College Democrats of America national convention, to be held this year on July 23-26 in Washington, DC, on the George Washington campus.

For more info check out the facebook event:

I had an awesome time at last year's convention and I can't wait for all the great speakers and events at this year's coming convention.

There is also a chance that I may be moving up in the word of college democrats, from my current position as President of the College Democrats of New York, to a position on the national level. I'll keep you all up to date on the latest.

cross posted on the CDNY blog: http://www.collegedemsny.com/blog

Are you excited for the 2009 College Democrats of New York Convention? We sure are! This year's convention is going to be the biggest and best CDNY Convention ever and we can't wait to see you all at St. Johns University in Manhattan, April 17-19.

Click here to attend the 2009 CDNY Convention.
Tickets are only $15. If you need housing, free hotel housing is only guaranteed if you pay before the end of this Sunday, April 12.

We have a ton of great speakers, panelists and programs coming up, and this year's youth turnout at the convention is expected to double last year's registration numbers. Plus, we've inserted a New Media Panel hosted by the folks at The Albany Project, Robert Harding and Phillip Anderson who will be teaching students how to use new media technology in today's political world.

We can't wait to see you there!

Promoted by Kevin

(This is an article that I wrote for the Cal Berkeley Democrats magazine Smart Ass shortly before the Inauguration, and finally got around to posting online...)

Barack Obama’s historic victory on November 4, 2008, was a watershed moment for the youth progressive movement. Twenty-three million Americans under the age of 30 went to the polls this fall and voted for Obama by a 2-1 margin, the largest partisan margin in American history. In California, the results were even more impressive, as Obama carried 80% of the 18-24 year old vote in California compared to McCain’s 18%.

But even as we bask in the glory of our recent accomplishments, the question on everyone’s mind is: what’s next? Where do go from here? Will young people stay involved post-election? To answer these questions, we must begin by looking back on how we got here.

Many in the media have told a narrative that Barack Obama mobilized the youth vote, which had failed to turnout in 2004. That’s simply not true. As Michael Connery wrote in his seminal book Youth to Power, “After the 2000 election, civic participation among young people began to rise, and in 2004, young voter turnout at the polls jumped for the first time in over a decade. This rise in civic participation continued during the 2005 and 2006 elections, proving not to be a historical blip, but the start of a trend of increasing political involvement by American youth.”

It was during the lead up to the 2004 election that a whole host of new progressive youth organizations sprang up and harnessed the dissatisfaction young people were feeling about the direction of the country. The Roosevelt Institution became the nation’s first student run think tank. The League of Young voters was formed to reach beyond the low hanging fruit of college students and organize youth in low-income communities and communities of color. The Center for Progressive Leadership, Young People For, and many other groups began training the next generation of young progressive leaders.

The tremendous youth support that Obama received was as much a product of the youth movement as the movement was a product of him. This is important to understand because Obama was only one side of the coin, and as he leaves for Washington, the infrastructure that existed long before him will remain in place.

What will change however is the focus of the movement. For the last eight years, young progressives have been united by a desire to unseat conservatives from power. Now that we finally have our turn behind the wheel, our activism will shift from campaigning to policy and advocacy. The movement may splinter to some degree as different organizations focus on different issues, but the engagement will continue because we are far from solving the many challenges that face us as a nation.

In California, we have no shortage of big projects to work on. Regardless of the outcome of the California Supreme Court’s upcoming decision on Prop 8, the losing side will put this issue back on the ballot, and young people will need to ready for another fight for marriage equality. We will also have hotly contested races for Governor, Senate, Attorney General, and other statewide offices in 2010. Not to mention, the 2/3rds rule in the legislature that has caused gridlock on passing state budgets for decades.

While many in the mainstream media spent the weeks following the election pontificating about whether or not youth engagement would sustain, those of us doing youth organizing had no doubt that our peers would stay involved. Would a budding new composer suddenly end her musical career after her first successful masterpiece? Of course not. Success is an incredible motivator, and although the purpose of our activism may become less clearly defined for a time, the enthusiasm that was sparked in this election will continue.