Check out new Time Magazine cover story

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday, March 2, 2008

Contacts: 
Alexandra Acker, YDA Executive Director, (202) 256-7183                
Claire Conlon, CYD Communications Director, (916) 266-1006

National Young Democrats of America Conference in Anaheim

Sparks Positive Change Locally & Nationally

Veterans and Military Affairs Caucus Established

YDA Jewish Caucus Announced the Tom P. Lantos Award

Young Democrats March With Local Labor Union for a Fair Contract Extension from Disney

 ANAHEIM, CA – The Young Democrats of America (YDA) National Winter Conference in Anaheim, CA at the Disneyland Hotel & Resort pumped up hundreds of Young Democrats who learned the skills needed to organize their communities for victory in November. 

"We are thrilled to be in California as we build momentum for the 2008 general election," said YDA President David Hardt.  "The Young Voter Revolution is underway, with young people voting – and voting for Democrats – in record numbers."  California Young Democrats President Tim Steed added, "The California Young Democrats are excited to host Young Democrats from across the country in Orange County, CA, the heart of the GOP base, showing that Young Democrats will fight for every vote to ensure Democratic victory."

The Young Democrats of America established the Veterans and Military Affairs Caucus to be chaired by Cole Hickman, the President of the Young Democrats of Arizona, and a Sergeant in the US Army Reserve.  Young Democratic Veterans who have returned from their service abroad have united together to form this caucus, to organize and advocate the issues affecting our country's newest veterans and their families. 

An award to honor the memory and service of the late Representative of California Tom P.  Lantos, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the only Holocaust survivor ever to serve in Congress, was announced by the Young Democrats of America Jewish Caucus.  Chairman Tom Lantos leaves a legacy and commitment of fighting for many important issues that include, human rights, civil rights, ending genocide in Darfur, combating anti-Semitism and Israel's safety and security.  The Tom P. Lantos Award will be given annually to a public figure who exemplifies Chairman Lantos's dedication to public service and who serves as an advocate for individuals who cannot speak for themselves. 

The Young Democrats demonstrated their commitment to progressive causes by marching in solidarity with UNITE HERE Local 681 to demand a fair contract extension for the workers at the Disneyland Hotel.  The Saturday afternoon march followed a luncheon with Writer's Guild of America (WGA) Political Director John Kosinski and members of WGA who discussed the strike that shut down Hollywood.  Young Democrats also attended hands-on trainings with prominent speakers such as Christine Pelosi, Author and Chair of the Platform Committee for the California Democratic Party, as well as internal committee and caucus meetings led by our members.

Members of the Young Democrats have returned to their home states to translate skills into action, as they engage thousands of young people to vote in upcoming elections.  Young workers, young families, college and high school students will be the margin of victory for Democrats up and down the ballot, in red and blue states, in November.

###

The Young Democrats of America (YDA) is the largest youth-led, national, partisan political organization. YDA mobilizes young people under the age of 36 to participate in the electoral process, influences the ideals of the Democratic Party, and develops the skills of the youth generation to serve as leaders at the local and national level. With 1,500 chapters in all 50 states, the Young Democrats of America work to engage young people in Democratic politics and to mobilize the youth vote. 

The California Young Democrats (CYD) is the official youth arm of the California Democratic Party, comprised of progressive people ages 14-35.  The California Young Democrats are committed to creating a bloc of young voters who will elect Democrats for an entire generation.  Using proven peer to Peer campaign methods, Young Democrats have made significant differences in races all over California.  Young Democrats in California work everyday to promote social justice, women's rights, peace and stability in the world, and many other progressive values.