Category Archives: Labor

“Next Up” Young Workers Summit in Minneapolis

Posted by rsnyder on August 16, 2011 Comments Off

When I was elected YDA Vice President last month in Louisville, I came to the job with a background in the labor movement and a deep commitment to young workers across the country.  One of my top priorities in YDA is to continue building upon the relationship between unions and the next generation of Democratic Party leaders.

In 2010, I had the opportunity to attend the first annual AFL-CIO Young Workers Summit.  I spent four days with union members of my own age, and I realized that we have a strong future, and in fact, a strong present group of leaders who are ready to take on any challenge.

The second annual “Next Up” Young Workers Summit will take place on September 29 – October 2 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  The AFL-CIO has extended the invitation for YDA members to participate in the conference, and I hope many of you will plan to join me next month.

Register for the “Next Up” Young Workers Summit

Young people are making a difference all across the globe, mobilizing for social and economic justice from Egypt to Wisconsin. You can lend your skills and talents to this growing movement by joining the AFL-CIO and hundreds of young workers, activists and leaders in Minneapolis.

The registration and hotel deadline is September 1, and the conference fee is $35.  More information can be found on the Next Up website.

Once you have registered, please send an email to labor@yda.org so we can keep track of how many YDA members are planning to attend.

I look forward to seeing you in Minneapolis!

In Solidarity,

Mike Corbett
Vice President
Young Democrats of America

YDA Caucus Chairs Voice Support for NY Marriage Equality

Posted by rsnyder on June 27, 2011 Comments Off

Additional reactions to Friday’s historic marriage equality victory in New York:

“The LGBT Caucus of the Young Democrats of America congratulates our friends in the Empire State for winning the freedom to marry for gay and lesbian couples.  Our thanks go out to all the coalition partners involved in this important victory.  In particular, our thanks to the state and local Young Democrats chapters in New York and their members who stood shoulder to shoulder with their friends in the LGBT movement — and other progressive constituencies — to secure the passage of marriage equality legislation in the State House, controlled by Democrats, and the votes of 29 Democrats and 4 Republicans in the State Senate.  Our gratitude goes out to Democratic Governor Andrew Cuomo for leading the charge and not resting until gay and lesbian New Yorkers have the freedom to marry.”

- Kyle Bailey, YDA LGBT Caucus Chair

“The labor movement fought for equality, civil rights, and social justice. Today was a banner day for all of those core principles. In my home state of New York, both houses of state government have voted in affirmation of the Marriage Equality Act of 2011.  This bill, which was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo, gives same sex couples the fundamental right to join in matrimony and enjoy all the legal protections that come with their union. While soon-to-be the 6th state to have enacted this law, New York now becomes the largest state to have done so and the only one with a branch of state legislature controlled by Republicans.  I stand together with my LGBT brothers and sisters in the happiness that New York has Marriage Equality and hope more states and indeed the nation will follow suit.”

- Michael Corbett, YDA Labor Caucus Chair

Call tonight with Congressmen John Lewis & John Conyers

Posted by rsnyder on April 4, 2011 Comments Off

All across the country today, Young Democrats are participating in a day of action in support of working families.  YDA members have proudly stood beside our allies in the labor movement and civil rights community to declare that “We Are One”.

To conclude this important day of solidarity, we will host a conference call with civil rights leaders Congressmen John Lewis (D-GA) and John Conyers (D-MI) who will reflect on the life and legacy on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on the anniversary of his assassination in Memphis, Tennessee.  We hope you will join us on this very special call this evening.

Monday, April 4, 2011
9:00 – 9:30 p.m. (EDT)
Call-in: 712-432-0075
Participant code: 675470#

In state after state this year, we are experiencing nothing short of an assault on the middle class.  Congressmen Lewis and Conyers have dedicated their entire lives to pursuing justice through public service.  They are fighting for a brighter future for our generation, and we are honored to hear from them tonight.

Sincerely,

Rod Snyder
President
Young Democrats of America