Category Archives: Community Service

YDA Community Service Project in Chicago

Posted by ndecenzo on March 1, 2012 Comments Off

One week from now, Young Democrats from across America will begin converging on Chicago, IL for YDA’s 2012 Winter National Conference, our first-ever joint meeting with the College Democrats of America. While packing you bags for your trip to this exciting conference, YDA’s Community Service Committee asks all of you to save a little room to bring supplies for our community service project.

 In honor of March being Women’s History Month, YDA will focus on the needs of women and children by teaming with CDA to donate items to the Greenhouse Shelter, a program of Connections for Abused Women and their Children, which is Chicago’s oldest women’s shelter. Please help us to make a positive impact on the Chicago area by paying it forward to the women and children of this great city.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact Victoria Elridge at victoria.elridge@gmail.com.

The items needed are:
 
•    Used cell phones
•    Art supplies (brushes, paint, clay, colored pencils)
•    Transit cards (anything except a 30 day pass)
•    Journals
•    Family size toiletries
•    Family size laundry detergent
•    Diapers (especially sizes 4, 5, 6)
•    Construction paper, drawing paper, butcher paper
•    Household cleaning supplies
•    Baby wipes, lotions, shampoos
•    New underwear and socks (women and children sizes)
•    Grocery store gift cards
•    Small self-care bags
•    Pocket or monthly calendars
•    Paper products – toilet paper, paper towels, napkins
•    Towels and wash cloths
•    NEW backpacks and school supplies (scissors, glue, notebooks, folders, binders, calculators)

Young Dems softball game benefits 9/11 widows

Posted by rsnyder on September 19, 2011 Comments Off

The New Jersey Young Democrats sailed to victory on Sunday in a 11-7 softball game vs the New York State Young Democrats. This was an inaugural game with all proceeds going to benefit the Widows of 9/11 Charity.

The game was held in Hoboken, New Jersey where the first pitch was thrown out by Asm. Ruben Ramos (D-33).

Behind the leadership of NJYD President Chris James, the team was led to victory by ace right-hander Kari Osmond, striking out the final batter of the game. Other highlights included the inside-the-park home run by former NJYD president Adam Neary and a towering center field bomb by Mike Makarski.

Senator Rockefeller’s Commitment to Young Americans

Posted by rsnyder on May 27, 2011 Comments Off

Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) has faced criticism over the past week from the youth community for comments made about the values of the Millennial Generation.  While I would never agree that young people lack social values, we should not overlook the larger goal of the hearing, which was to protect the privacy of Facebook users under the age of 13.

The truth is that Senator Rockefeller has been a champion for young Americans throughout his political career.  He has been one of the strongest advocates in Congress for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), which has provided health care for millions of young people under the age of eighteen.  He has also championed student loan forgiveness for young adults who are in public service for at least ten years.

Perhaps most importantly, the path that Senator Rockefeller chose as a young man closely resembles the life choices of many of my peers in the Millennial Generation.  During his twenties, Rockefeller came to West Virginia with the Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) program to devote himself to working with underserved, rural Appalachian communities.  He deeply understands that young people are often driven by the need to be part of something larger than themselves.  This is the bedrock of my generation’s social values, and I’m certain that Senator Rockefeller’s life experiences have instilled a commitment and respect for young people and the work we can accomplish.

I consider Senator Rockefeller a personal friend, and few leaders have been more supportive of my efforts to engage young adults in the political process in West Virginia and throughout the country.  Let’s not overlook a lifetime of public service as a result of one comment.

Rod Snyder is the president of the Young Democrats of America and immediate past president of the West Virginia Young Democrats.

Tornado recovery efforts in Alabama

Posted by rsnyder on May 3, 2011 Comments Off

A few days ago, a massive storm spawning tornadoes more powerful than any in our lifetime affected many states in the South and Midwest leaving a path of devastation.   Alabama was hit the hardest with thousands of homes and buildings destroyed all across the state.  More than 300 live were lost.  Young people were especially hard hit as the most severe damage was concentrated in areas with large populations of poor and minority youths.

In the aftermath of such destruction, the most important thing to do is come together as Americans to help rebuild in the hopes of offering a brighter future for these affected communities. We ask asking members of the Young Democrats of America to consider helping with the relief and recovery efforts by visiting the Alabama Red Cross and making a donation.  We know that YDA members are some of the most compassionate and engaged members of our generation, and it is times like this where we are challenged to show it.  The people affected by this storm have a long road to recovery and need our help.

Thank you,

Dustin Hausner
Chair, YDA Community Service Committee

Beau Butts
President, Alabama Young Democrats