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. The current executive board consists of President Anne Evangelista, Executive Vice President Matt Hughes, National Committee Representative Colby Moore, National Committee Representative Ebony West, Vice President for Communications Lorenzo Pedro, Vice President for Membership Lindsay Macchio, Vice President for Development Devonte Wilson, and Secretary Shannon Auer.[1]

Formed in 1928, the Young Democrats of North Carolina is the oldest Young Democrats chapter in America.[2] It founded the Young Democrats of America.[3]

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.

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 17 county chapters.

In spring 2018, YDNC launched the Cardinal Candidates program aimed at increasing the turnout of young voters in districts where Young Democrats are running for office. The program currently targets 26 Congressional and state legislative districts across the state.[4]

State Convention

YDNC holds its State Convention at a different location every year. At Convention, the organization holds trainings, networking receptions, and elections for statewide officers. In recent years, the YDNC has co-hosted the Convention with the College Democrats of North Carolina and the North Carolina Association of Teen Democrats.

In 2018, YDNC held its 90th Anniversary State Convention on the campus of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Senator Vin Gopal and Mayor Vi Lyles served as speakers at the Luncheon.

The 2017 State Convention, held at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, featured Mayor Pete Buttigieg as the keynote speaker.

In 2016, the State Convention was held in Raleigh, North Carolina and included then-Attorney General Roy Cooper as the keynote speaker.

In 2014, YDNC held the Convention in Greenville, North Carolina that featured U.S. Senator Kay Hagan and NC Attorney General Roy Cooper.

On 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.[5] 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.[6][7]

Leadership and Board of Trustees

YDNC elects statewide officers at the yearly YDNC convention. Additionally, it appoints leaders on a yearly basis to serve on a board of trustees. Governor Jim Hunt, a former Young Democrats President, 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.

Legislative work

YDNC has worked to pass 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.[8][9]

Mascot

The official mascot of the YDNC is the "fearless" Honey badger, since "Young Democrats are also devoid of fear."[10]

See Also

References

  1. ↑ https://www.ydnc.org/leadership
  2. ↑ Young Democrats Of N.C. Holds Convention To Inspire Young Voters - News - NBC 17
  3. ↑ YDA | Turning 80: The North Carolina Young Democrats
  4. ↑
  5. ↑ Young Democrats | newsobserver.com projects
  6. ↑ CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Edwards speaks but stays quiet on endorsing Clinton, Obama « - Blogs from CNN.com
  7. ↑ Video - Breaking News Videos from CNN.com
  8. ↑ Institute for Southern Studies. The Institute for Southern Studies. August 6, 2007.
  9. ↑ NC State Technician. College Democrats part of group proposing changes, legislative action. February 22, 2007.
  10. ↑ Young North Carolinians travel from Murphy to Manteo to give back
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