Category Archives: Training

YDA 2012 Winter Meeting in Chicago

Posted by rsnyder on January 10, 2012 Comments Off

We are excited to announce that YDA is kicking off 2012 by co-hosting our winter conference as part of a national youth summit along with the College Democrats of America. This is the first time in many years that YDA and CDA have co-located for a major national meeting.

The conference will take place Friday, March 9th – Sunday, March 11th in Chicago, Illinois.

YDA meetings will begin around lunchtime on Friday and run through noon on Sunday. The summit will include a number of joint sessions and trainings, and we will have the opportunity to tour the Obama headquarters and hear from senior campaign staff.   A more detailed schedule will be released in the coming weeks.

Hotel information will be available later this month; however, registration is now open:

-  Early Bird registration ($45) will be open until 5:00 p.m. EST Friday, February 3rd
-  Regular registration ($55) will then be in available until 5:00 p.m. EST, Friday, February 24th
-  After 5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, February 24th, only On-Site Registration ($75) will be accepted.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the meetings team here at YDA.  We look forward to seeing you in Chicago in March!

Best wishes,

Kelly Drake
Meetings Director
Young Democrats of America

Updated DFA training schedule

Posted by rsnyder on April 15, 2011 Comments Off

YDA is pleased to announce a new strategic partnership with Democracy for America (DFA) to offer reduced registration for our members at weekend trainings over the coming months.  DFA is well known for its Campaign Academy program, which has trained thousands of progressive organizers and candidates.  You can view a list of 2011 dates and cities here.

In recognition of the unique role YDA plays in the progressive political movement, DFA is providing a special discounted registration of just $25 for YDA members to attend any of their 2011 Campaign Academies.  In addition to traditional workshops on voter contact, fundraising, communications and online organizing, YDA will also offer a breakout session on Young Democrat chapter building and youth outreach during each Campaign Academy.

Manchester, NH – June 11-12
Chicago, IL – June 11-13
Las Vegas, NV – July 9-10
Tampa, FL – July 16-17
Flint, MI – July 16-17
Ft. Worth, TX – July 23-24
Portland, OR – September 10-11
Anchorage, AK – September 17-18

YDA High School Leadership Academy

Posted by rsnyder on April 12, 2011 Comments Off

We are excited to announce the second annual Young Democrats of America High School Leadership Academy on July 17 – 20, 2011 in Washington, D.C.  This unique four-day summer camp will focus on developing the next generation of Democratic Party leaders.

Students will participate in leadership workshops and policy panels and will be introduced to the nation’s top Democratic elected officials and Party leaders. YDA will provide an inside view of elections, the media, campaign finance, grassroots organizing, interest groups, the legislative process and careers in politics.  The HSLA will feature a truly interactive experience unlike any other summer political camp in Washington.

YDA will be accepting a total of 48 students from graduating classes 2011 – 2014 with diverse leadership experience.  Interested individuals should apply online by Wednesday, May 18. Final enrollment decisions will be announced by Monday, May 23.

Apply today for the 2011 YDA High School Leadership Academy

There is a $575 registration fee, which covers hotel, meals, educational materials, a guided monument tour and ground transportation within Washington, D.C. This non-refundable registration fee will be due on June 17 for those students who are accepted into the program.  Airfare or other travel arrangements must be purchased by each participant.

The historic Phoenix Park Hotel on Capitol Hill, will serve as the home base for the four-day training.  However, most sessions will occur “on location” throughout the city for the most authentic Washington experience possible.

A detailed schedule of HSLA training sessions and speakers will be released over the coming weeks; however, you can view last year’s agenda for a snapshot of the types of activities that will take place.  If you have additional questions, please email ydahsla@gmail.com.

Please apply online for the HSLA by May 18

For nearly 80 years, YDA has been the official youth arm of the Democratic Party.  We are excited to expand upon our traditional campaign activities by offering this important leadership training for high school students.  We hope to see you in our nation’s capital this summer!

Feminist Majority summit in Washington, DC

Posted by rsnyder on April 6, 2011 Comments Off

Please see this special invitation from YDA Women’s Caucus Chair Maria Childress:

If you are going to be in the Washington, DC area on April 7-9, don’t miss this important event.  Feminist Majority in partnership with YWCA is hosting the 2011 Women, Money and Power Summit.  Their focus is on new strategies for women to gain equal political power and representation, economic empowerment, women workers, reducing violence against women, and winning a larger share of the national budget for feminist issues and programs.

The opening assembly will feature fantastic speakers:

  • Senator Barbara Boxer (CA)
  • Congresswoman Jackie Speier (CA)
  • Congresswoman Gwen Moore (WI)
  • Eleanor Smeal, President, Feminist Majority
  • Peg Yorkin, Chair of Board, Feminist Majority
  • Gloria Lau, Interim CEO, YWCA USA
  • Avis Jones DeWeever, PhD, President, National Council of Negro Women
  • Clare Coleman, President and CEO, National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association

They are also hosting a luncheon that will honor House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (CA) and Secretary-Treasurer of the AFL-CIO Elizabeth Shuler.

Other incredible features are fantastic interactive workshops covering such relevant topics as:

  • Winning Dollars/Fighting Budget Cuts for Women and Girls Here and Worldwide
  • Increasing Women’s Representation in State Legislatures and Congress
  • Gaining Power Through Social Media and Women’s Media
  • Increasing Access to Healthcare
  • The Fight for Marriage Equality
  • New Strategies to Reduce Violence Against Women
  • And many many more!!

Now is the time to come together to strategize, exchange ideas and more importantly fight back!

Register for the event at  http://feministmajority.org/events/2010WomenMoneyPower/registration.asp