Young Democrats of North Carolina

The Young Democrats of North Carolina are the official youth arm of the North Carolina Democratic Party (NCDP). As an auxiliary organization of the NCDP, the officers of the YDNC serve as part of the State Executive Committee of the NCDP.

Formed in 1928, the Young Democrats of North Carolina is the oldest Young Democrats chapter in America [ [http://www.nbc17.com/midatlantic/ncn/news.apx.-content-articles-NCN-2008-03-29-0004.html Young Democrats Of N.C. Holds Convention To Inspire Young Voters - News - NBC 17 ] ] . It founded the Young Democrats of America [ [http://www.yda.org/blog/271/turning-80-the-north-carolina-young-democrats YDA | Turning 80: The North Carolina Young Democrats ] ] .

It actively engages North Carolina Democrats from the ages of 18 to 35 who have an active interest in governmental affairs, who are seeking a mechanism for satisfying political expression, and who want to make the members of the Democratic Party aware that young people intend to take an active role in party affairs. The vision of the Young Democrats of North Carolina (YDNC) is to make North Carolina a better place by promoting its issues, its young people, and the spirit of the Democratic Party.

Legislative work

Most recently, YDNC worked to pass of House Bill 91, In-Person Registration and Voting. The new law allows voters to register up to three days before Election Day, down from 25 days under the old law. The measure also provides several safeguards to ensure the integrity of voter registration and toughens criminal penalties for those who commit fraud.Institute for Southern Studies. [http://southernstudies.org/facingsouth/labels/voting%20rights.asp] . August 6, 2007.] NC State Technician. [http://media.www.technicianonline.com/media/storage/paper848/news/2007/02/22/News/College.Democrats.Part.Of.Group.Proposing.Changes.Legislative.Action-2734874.shtml College Democrats part of group proposing changes, legislative action] . February 22, 2007.]

Campaign role

The Young Democrats of North Carolina (YDNC) is responsible for party organizational activity among North Carolina Democrats ages 18-35. In elections in coordinates with state and local candidates, raises funds, and coordinates campaign strategy to bolster youth turnout.

The YDNC is composed 36 county chapters and college chapters.

Engaging Young People

In March 29, 2008 YDNC held its 80th Anniversary Statewide Convention in which a record 600+ people attended. Guest speakers included, Chelsea Clinton, James Carville and John Edwards. [ [http://projects.newsobserver.com/tags/young_democrats Young Democrats | newsobserver.com projects ] ] The Young Democrats of North Carolina honored him with the first even YDNC North Carolinian of the Year Award for her service and leadership to North Carolina.

Although this was the first time John Edwards spoke publicly after he resigned his campaign, he did not endorse either Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama for the Democratic presidential nomination. [ [http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/03/29/edwards-speaks-but-stays-quiet-on-endorsing-clinton-obama/#more-6136 CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Edwards speaks but stays quiet on endorsing Clinton, Obama « - Blogs from CNN.com ] ] [ [http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/politics/2008/03/29/edwards.on.clinton.obama.cnn Video - Breaking News Videos from CNN.com ] ]

Leadership and Board of Trustees

YDNC elects six statewide officers at the yearly YDNC convention. Additionally, it appoints leaders on a yearly basis to serve on a Board of Trustee. Governor Jim Hunt serves as the Honorary Chair of the YDNC Board of Trustees. This board serves in an advisory role to YDNC, and assists in fund raising efforts.

References

External links

* [http://www.ydnc.org Young Democrats of North Carolina]
* [http://www.yda.org Young Democrats of America]
* [http://www.ncdp.org North Carolina Democratic Party]