Young Democrats of Georgia Blog

Big Announcements from Young Democrats of GA: Chicago, Leadership Program, More...

Young Democrats of Georgia — Mon, 04 May 2009 11:52:34 EDT

YDG Launches 2009 Leadership Academy
Chicago or BUST 2009: YDA National Convention
Congressional Internships
Chapter Announcements

YDG Launches 2009 Leadership Academy

Young Democrats of Georgia is pleased to announce the formation of our 2009 Leadership Academy. If you are a member of the Young Democrats and are looking for the unique experiences that will help you personally excel in anything from politics to civic leadership to personal development, enroll in the 2009 YDG Leadership Academy. This is our 12-month, intensive program designed to equip Young Democrats with the skills and experience you need to excel in whatever path you are choosing for your life.

Click here to read about our Academy, maybe even enroll as a Cadet for the 2009 class, and support our efforts to create the Next Generation of Leadership for the Democratic Party.

Chicago to BUST 2009: YDA National Convention

The 2009 Young Democrats of American National Convention will be held in Chicago August 5th through the 9th. There's a ton of links and information from our website here. If your are interested in going to Chicago and would like to participate in our efforts to raise funds to cover the cost of travel and hotel stay, sign up on our Chicago section of georgiayds.org and get started today!

Congressional Internship Open

Congressman John Barrow's (GA-12) campaign is accepting applications for Summer 2009 and Fall 2009 Finance Interns. Georgia's 12th Congressional District is always one of the nations closest races. 2010 will be the toughest re-election yet. Recently The Hill newspaper ranked the GA 12th as one of the top ten races to watch in 2010, click here to read article. Congressional races, especially in a district like the GA 12th, require raising at least $2.5 Million. The campaign is looking for interns who can help us reach this goal. Our Atlanta Office, located near the Ashford Dunwoody exit off of I-285, will be the main work site for interns. Interns will also have the option of traveling to the district for events in Savannah, Augusta, Milledgeville or Vidalia.

To apply, use this link and download the PDF application today!

Chapter Announcements and Events from www.georgiayds.org/events

May 5 - Cobb YDs & KSU Young Democrats Cinqo de Mayo Celebration starting at 7PM
Atkins Park Tavern in Smyrna - http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=189927755726

May 6 - Young Democrats of Atlanta Business Meeting
http://www.georgiayds.org/events/index.cfm?Fuseaction=events

May 12 - Democratic Party of Georgia JJ Dinner in Atlanta
Contact Nikema Williams, ydawoman@georgiayds.org, if you are interested in purchasing a ticket at the YDG table ($100 per person)

May 20 - Georgia WIN List Fact, Fiction & Politics Event 6PM in Atlanta
see www.georgiawinlist.org for more details

May 21 - Atlanta Mayoral Candidate Forum 6-8PM at Amsterdam Bar & Cafe
see www.atlantastonewall.org for details

Support the work of Young Democrats as we work to build the Next Generation of Leadership in the Democratic Party by making a contribution online at www.georgiayds.org/contribute.

HUGE NEWS: Max Cleland at Young Democrats of GA State Convention April 18th

Young Democrats of Georgia — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 14:44:40 EDT

As if our 2009 State Convention with its workshops, programs and networking opportunities wasn't enough, we have some BIG NEWS for you about this year's Annual Young Democrats State Convention in Helen, Georgia April 17-19, 2009.

Saturday evening, April 18th, YDG is hosting our Annual Awards Dinner. This year, our special dinner speaker is none other than former US Senator Max Cleland; a decorated war veteran, a vocal critic of the Bush Administration, and a proud Democrat. We are honored to have Senator Cleland as our guest and speaker. Please use the information below to join us on Saturday April 18th.

Not a Young Democrat member but would like to attend the dinner? Use this link to purchase a ticket to our Award Dinner on Saturday April 18th at 7pm at the Unicoi State Park & Lodge & Helen, Georgia - http://www.georgiayds.org/contact/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Sponsorship__Di&section=contact

Register for our State Convention April 17-19 - http://www.georgiayds.org/contact/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Convention_Regi&section=contact

Reserve your hotel room at the Unicoi Lodge. Our Special Rate of $89 per night ends March 27th! - http://www.georgiayds.org/contact/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Hotel_Informati&section=contact

If you are interested in helping groom and support the next generation of Democratic Leadership in our state by being a Convention Sponsor, which includes two tickets to VIP reception and the Awards Dinner with Max Cleland, use this link - http://www.georgiayds.org/contact/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Sponsorship__Di&section=contact

Support the work of Young Democrats my making a donation today at www.georgiayds.org/contribute.

Higher Wages, Better Revenue, Clean Drinking Water...All Possible If You Take Action

Young Democrats of Georgia — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 16:29:25 EST

Here are Four Action Alerts you can do now, in a matter of seconds, that could impact the quality of life for many Georgians in years to come. Click on the entries below and TAKE ACTION NOW!

NO on House Resolution 22 and Senate Resolution 108: Make our Economy work for everyone!
http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/r2vote

YES on House Bill 356: Promote Good Governance and give local communities the tools to collect taxes already paid
http://www.georgiayds.org/actionalerts/index.cfm?fuseaction=ActionDetail&actionalertid=63

No to Coal, Yes to Energy Efficiency: Attend the EPD Hearing on Thursday March 5 at 6pm in Sandersville, GA
http://protectgeorgia.net/takeaction.asp?aaid=3797

NO on Senate Bill 155: Tell the GA Legislature to leave our drinking water and fishing industries alone!
http://protectgeorgia.net/takeaction.asp?aaid=3772

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Support the work of the Young Democrats by becoming a monthy donor, join our Tomorrow Club today at www.georgiayds.org/contribute

What Are You Giving Up for Lent?

Young Democrats of Georgia — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 13:21:41 EST

So the Season of Lent is upon us, and normally, even though I am not personally of a religious persuasion that practices Lent, I do try to honor the spirit of the times and donate a personal vice or delicacy to the practice.

This year, instead of giving up chocolate, or conserving energy, or what have you, I'm doing something a little different. I'm donating the price of a movie ticket a month to Young Democrats of Georgia. For me, being a HUGE Oscar fan, this is a big deal. But with the tough economy, Young Democrats around the state need the help of our state organization.

Click here to match my donation to Young Democrats of Georgia by joining Tomorrow Club, our monthly giving program.

I figure $10 a month is an easy give. Looking at it one way, it's the price of a movie ticket, or perhaps a lunch that I take into work instead of eating out. For the work that Young Democrats chapters and our state do every day, every month, one meal out, or one movie ticket is a small price to contribute.

Click here to join YDG's Tomorrow Club, our monthly giving program

YDG has our work cut-out for us this year. We've trimmed budgets and made hard choices, but our programs and events for 2009 are still a hallmark of our organization. Things like:

A High School Summit in March of 2009 that will help strengthen and grow our High School chapters potentially in every region of the stateOur Annual Murphy Awards Fundraiser on April 1st where we honor the work of Democrats and Young Democrats at our State CapitolOur State Convention April 17-19 with valuable networking, trainings and programs for hundreds of young people from every corner of the stateA true Leadership Development Program launching this year that will train a class of Young Democrats to be future Civic, Political and Community Leaders & Organizers.

But we couldn't do these things without everyone's support. Let's start 2009 off with a great sense of Community and Purpose. In this Season of giving UP, why not give TO at the same time?

Click here to join YDG's Tomorrow Club, our monthly giving program

Thank you for your support of the Young Democrats,

Sincerely,

Tim Cairl
Executive Director
Young Democrats of Georgia
www.georgiayds.org

YDG Action Alert: Economy, Environment & Your Electric Bill

Young Democrats of Georgia — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 13:08:58 EST

Several Action Alerts are now active on the YDG Website. Can you spare a couple of minutes to take action that could save the state and taxpayers Millions of Dollars and protect our Environment? Click on the links below:

Fixing the Budget: Take Action on House Bill 356

Raising Revenue: Support Sunday Sales, Vote Yes on Senate Bill 16

Stop the State from Raising Your Electric Bill: Take Action on Senate Bill 31

Help our Environement: Take Action on Two Important Environment and Transportation Efforts

Support the work of Young Democrats, make a contribution online today at www.georgiayds.org/contribute.

Young Democrats Action Alert!!

Young Democrats of Georgia — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 12:42:54 EST

Take 5 minutes to make your voice heard! Several key measures are coming before the state legislature that impact both our environment, and the rights of Georgians in the workplace. Take action now on these important issues. Here are the first two with links:

Jekyll Island, one of our state's grandest state parks needs your help. Click here to go to the Young Democrats Action Alert and help the Jekyll Island Authority keep this state treasure in good hands.

Georgia Power is trying to increase your electric bill to cover construction costs or new power plants before work has even begun and in a way that is not fair and open to consumers like you and me. Tell them to play fair and by the rules. Click here to go to the Young Democrats Action Alert.

We previously sent out two Action Alerts, one on ways to stop the Republicans efforts to Constitutionally block the Employee Free Choice Act, and one urging the Metro District to embrace Water Conservation. Click here to go to our blog post and take action on these important issues.

Thank you for making your voice heard!
Help increase our push at the State Capitol by forwarding this email to your friends!

Democratically Yours

Chair, Jane Bradshaw
Issues Committee, Young Democrats of Georgia

Tim Cairl
Executive Director, Young Democrats of Georgia

Your First Action Alert for 2009!

Young Democrats of Georgia — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 18:21:21 EST

The Georgia General Assembly is well under way for its 2009 year. Our Issues Committee Team led by Chair Jane Bradshaw is busy tracking legislation and forwarding on important actions for you. Here are a few below, Take Action Now!

Employee Free Choice Act and the Georgia Legislature

http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/georgiahr22

Situation: At a time of deepening recession and the loss of homes and health care, some Georgia state representatives are throwing mud at a problem that simply does not exist. They are wasting time by promoting House Resolution 22, a costly, unnecessary constitutional amendment that attacks the Employee Free Choice Act.
Georgia State House Resolution 22 is nothing more than politics at its worst. Some state representatives are spending their time going after working people when they should be trying to solve Georgia's budget crisis and making sure your schools and fire stations stay open.

Take Action: http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/georgiahr22

Georgia Environmental Action Network: Urge Metro District To Embrace Water Conservation

http://protectgeorgia.net/takeaction.asp?t=1&aaid=3688

The Metro District is revising its plan for managing Metro Atlanta's water supply. This plan is fatally flawed by discounting cost-effective conservation measures in lieu of expensive, unsustainable solutions to address future water supply needs.

Take Action: http://protectgeorgia.net/takeaction.asp?t=1&aaid=3688

Support the work of Young Democrats by making a contribution online today at www.georgiayds.org/contribute.

Young Democrats Start The Year Off Right

Young Democrats of Georgia — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:53:01 EST

With Inauguration Parties hosted around the state, and chapters kicking off their first 2009 meetings, Young Democrats are on the go! Here are some upcoming events and important dates for members and supporters:

Thurs. January 22 7:00pm - Cobb Young Democrats
Membership Meeting at Mellow Mushroom in Vinings
facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=46122459701

Wed. January 28 9:00am - Young Democrats Lobby Day
Meet in room 306 of the Legislative Office Building across the street from the Capitol to lobby for important issues affecting young people in our state

Friday January 30th - Sunday February 1st - Young Democrats 2009 Winter Retreat
Members, State Officers and Chapter Leaders from across the state will gather to plan, discuss and strategize our activities and programs for state and local efforts in 2009 and 2010. Link for RSVP and info here: http://www.georgiayds.org/events/index.cfm?Fuseaction=EventDetail&e_id=48471

Wed. February 4th 7pm - Atlanta Young Democrats
Monthly Business Meeting, Manuels Tavern
http://www.atlantayoungdems.org/events/index.cfm?Fuseaction=events

Friday February 20-Sunday February 22 - Young Democrats of America Conference in New York City
Link for details: https://yda.wiredforchange.com/o/720/t/497/event/checkOut.jsp?event_KEY=12814

Friday April 17-Sunday April 19 - Young Democrats of Georgia State Convention
The 2009 State Convention will be held at Unicoi State Park & Lodge in Helen, Georgia. Link coming soon...

Thursday August 6- Sunday August 9 - Young Democrats of America National Convention.
The 2009 National Convention will take place in Chicago, Illinois. Link coming soon...

Post Your Events! www.georgiayds.org/events

Support the work of Young Democrats by making a donation online at www.georgiayds.org/contribute.

One Day Before Change, Young Democrats Launch Service Project

Young Democrats of Georgia — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:34:48 EST

Young Democrats Launch Service Project

Young Democrats are answering the call for service from our President-elect Barack Obama. Young Democrats from around the state are joining the project launched by the Women's Caucus to help provide food for the hungry.

As most of you know Georgia is facing budget shortfalls, like the rest of the country. Many of the food banks in Georgia are struggling to meet the demands that they are facing to provide food for the many Georgia families that need it. Thus, the first Service Project of this year is a Virtual Food Bank. All donations go directly to food banks in Georgia to help feed Georgia families. This virtual food drive will last from January 19-Feb. 19th. Please visit our donation page which is also linked on the Women's Caucus Facebook page, The Young Democrats of Georgia website (www.georgiayds.org) and the Young Democrats of Atlanta website (www.atlantayoungdems.org). Tell your friends and help YDG promote this easy way to give back to our fellow Georgians and answer the Call To Service from President-elect Barack Obama.

Georgia Inauguration Activties Tuesday January 20th

So you may not have been able to get to Washington D.C. for Inauguration, but that's no reason not to celebrate with your fellow Democrats. Young Democrats of Georgia is listing as many watch parties both at Noon on Tuesday and again later that evening as friends will gather to rewatch the speech and talk about this new era in American Politics.

For the complete listing of events, please visit www.georgiayds.org/events.

Support the work of Young Democrats by making a donation online at www.georgiayds.org/contribute.

Carpools to DC & Survey Reminders

Young Democrats of Georgia — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 13:27:21 EST

One week from now we'll be celebrating a new President of the United States' taking office. If you're interested in meeting up with fellow Democrats for either the Inauguration Speech at noon or attending a celebration that evening, we've opened our calendar on our website to postings of both types of events. See www.georgiayds.org/events for all our current postings.

Need a ride or have space for riders to DC for Inauguration? We've got an open discussion board on our website for anyone interested in carpooling to DC - http://www.georgiayds.org/discuss/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Generaldiscuss&section=discuss

Need a ride or have space for riders to the YDG Winter Retreat Jan 30th? See our discussion board here - http://www.georgiayds.org/discuss/index.cfm?Fuseaction=Generaldiscuss&section=discuss

Did you take the YDG Issues Survey yet? Don't miss out on this chance to provide feedback about what issues you'll be watching during the 2009 Georgia General Assembly, and let us know what actions you want to take on these important issues. Link - http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=lXvNo1epzT8mjZLlLw00ZA_3d_3d

1st Membership Retreat of 2009, General Session and other events!

Young Democrats of Georgia — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 21:59:16 EST

YDG Winter 2009 Membership Retreat Jan 30-Feb 1Georgia Legislature Starts Monday, What Do You Want to Hear About?Inauguration Activities, Candidates for Governor and more...

YDG Winter 2009 Membership Retreat Jan 30-Feb 1

The first Young Democrats Retreat will be coming up at the end of this month at General Coffee State Park near Douglas, Georgia. All the details including the RSVP and agenda info is on our blog HERE. Chapter Presidents and other members interested in working on membership recruitment, programs, campaigns and fundraising are strongly encouraged to attend.

Georgia Legislature Starts Monday, What Do You Want To Hear About?

The 2009-2010 General Session of the Georgia Legislature kicks off on Monday. YDG Issues Committee Chair, Jane Bradshaw, sent out our 2009 Issues Survey to ask what issues you're interested in watching and what types of actions you'd like to take. Check out the announcement and the survey by clicking here.

Upcoming Activtities & Events

Many Chapters are planning ways of getting together to watch the Inauguration Speech on January 20th both live at noon and later that night. Post your event on our calendar here and we'll keep pushing those events out to our list. Don't miss this chance to be with your fellow Democrats to watch a piece of history. I'll keep our Inauguration Speech Watch Parties and Evening Inaugural Balls posted on our front page.

Gubernatorial Democratic Candidate David Poythress will be having a Meet & Greet at Manuel's Tavern in Atlanta on Tuesday, January 13th from 7PM to 10PM. This is a great opportunity to meet one of our 2010 candidates early in the season! On our events calendar here.

Keep Checking our Events Page at www.georgiayds.org as our chapters update new 2009 meetings, events and activities.

Support the work of the Young Democrats by making a contribution online at www.georgiayds.org/contribute.

Holiday Message from Your YDG President

Young Democrats of Georgia — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 11:43:22 EST

Fellow Young Democrats â€"

I hope this email finds you happy and safe with your family and other loved ones for the holidays. We have all had quite a year from an epic battle for the Democratic presidential nomination to a November nationwide triumph that skirted Georgia. Every one of you should be proud of the work you put in for the Democratic cause this year. You spoke to your friends, neighbors, families, and even strangers about why it was important to vote Democratic in the elections. We made a lot of progress, and came very close to winning Georgia.
We gained state house seats for the first time since 2000. We’ve made contact with thousands of new voters who selected Democratic candidates and will form the base of a resurgent Democratic party in the future. We also helped elect the first African American President of the United States. As George Bush and his cronies exit the government with widespread derision, you can be proud of the role you played in turning this country around. Our work is not done, but for now, enjoy the results of your labor.
Whether you celebrate Hanukah, Christmas, the Winter Solstice, Kwanzaa, or nothing at all, I wish each of you a happy, healthy, and relaxing holiday season, and a Happy New Year!

Until 2009,

Jason
YDG President

Today Is It - GO VOTE - Take Some Friends With You!

Young Democrats of Georgia — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 11:44:05 EST

Today is Georgia's Runoff Election. Please go Vote and support our Democrats in these important races.

If you need help locating where to vote - http://www.sos.georgia.gov/elections/polllocator/PollLocator.aspx

If you have problems voting - Call 1-866-OUR-VOTE

3 Things Only You Can Do to Help Georgia Democrats WIN Tomorrow

Young Democrats of Georgia — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:26:43 EST

Over the next few hours, there are people that you know, that will only go vote on Tuesday December 2nd, if you ask them. Young Democrats have a few simple ways to help you do this, and they are listed below. Please help us turnout the Youth Vote to support our Democrats running at all ballot levels in tomorrow's Runoff Election.

Ask Your Friends To Pledge to Vote Democratic in Tomorrow's Election

Update Your Online Status to this LinkTake the Pledge Yourself and Forward to Your Friends HereSend Emails and Text Messages with the link, or point people to our website at www.georgiayds.org

Phone Bank with YDG from Home or at our Office Today and Tomorrow

Go to http://jfk.myactivate.com anytime from 1pm to 9pm today, and 11am to 2pm tomorrow to phone from home.Login is "ydg", password is "youthvote"You'll be prompted to enter your phone number, then the system will call you and explain how everything works.Once you're ready, change your User State to "Available" and the calling will begin. Your script and the name of your caller appear once you are connected.You can also join us at the Young Democrats Office in Atlanta at the IBEW Building, 501 Pulliam Street SW, Suite 544, Atlanta, GA 30312. Link Here.

Donate to Young Democrats of Georgia

We have been working tirelessly, not just Georgians, but our friends from around the country, have all been helping us contact Young Voters for tomorrow's ElectionMake a Contribution to our efforts at www.georgiayds.org/contribute.

Thank You!

Sincerely,

Tim Cairl
Executive Director

What You Can Do To Help Democrats Win on December 2nd

Young Democrats of Georgia — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 11:36:34 EST

The Youth Vote & December 2nd

Help Young Democrats of Georgia Phone Bank Young Voters over the next 3 days as we ask them to Pledge to Vote Democratic on Tuesday, December 2nd. You can Phone Bank from anywhere, all you need is access to the internet and a phone. Our calls are focused on young voters ages 18 to 35 who need reminding that the Runoff Election is this coming Tuesday. If you can help us, here's the login info and the times when other people will be calling.

Go to http://jfk.myactivate.com
Login: ydg
Password: youthvote

Saturday 1-4pm
Sunday 1-4pm
Monday 5-9pm
Tuesday 11am-2pm

If you have any questions, please email tim@georgiayds.org. Forward this to any friends that can help us with these final hours to contact as many young voters in the state as we can!

Online Pledge-to-Vote

Many of us have more than a few contacts from Georgia in our address books, facebook & myspace profiles, online networking sites, and more. Let's use these connected online sources to get more voters out on December 2nd.

Young Democrats of Georgia has an online Pledge-to-Vote system where you can ask your friends to pledge-to-vote, track their progress, and give them the opportunity to use the pledge system as well. Go to www.georgiayds.org and click on "Pledge To Vote".

You can also change your facebook and myspace status messages to ask your friends from GA to take the pledge too!

Support the work of the Young Democrats by making a contribution online at www.georgiayds.org/contribute.

Donate Your Status, ThanksGiving Event, Campaigning This Weekend!

Young Democrats of Georgia — Tue, 25 Nov 2008 16:07:58 EST

Donate Your Status to Young Democrats of Georgia

If you have MySpace, Facebook, and other online networking sites, you can help us reach more voters by donating your online status. Use the link below to ask your friends to Pledge-To-Vote Democratic on December 2nd in Georgia Runoff Election. Every vote will count in what is expected to be a low-turnout election. Let's pull from everywhere we can - Donate your status from now through the Election!
http://www.georgiayds.org/actionalerts/index.cfm?fuseaction=ActionDetail&actionalertid=53

7th Annual Orphan Thanksgiving - Atlanta area

Many LGBT people are left without families, either because of discrimination or distance, on Thanksgiving; the same certainly happens for one reason or another to our straight allies on this holiday. No person should ever be alone on a day specifically put aside to enjoy the company of others.

This year, Orphan Thanksgiving will be held in conjunction with the Young Democrats of Georgia and the Stonewall Caucus in order to broaden the scope and purpose of this event.

We only ask that you bring one of your favorite family dishes or cocktails to keep the party going. Turkey, stuffing and beer (as always) will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there!

See the full posting from our Stonewall Caucus Facebook Event here - http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=42293518355

Campaigning Continues this Weekend

Young Democrats will continue to work over the weekend all the way through December 2nd to Get-Out-The-Youth-Vote for Democrats. See our events page at www.georgiayds.org/events and sign-up for an activity.

Many of these activities you can do from the comfort of your own home. Even if you only have an hour or two to spare, we need your help to get every Democratic vote to the polls on December 2nd!

Support the work of the Young Democrats by making a contribution online at www.georgiayds.org/contribute.

Let's Get Calling - Phone Bank from Home with Young Democrats of GA

Young Democrats of Georgia — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 16:03:22 EST

December 2nd is fast approaching, and we have thousands of young people that have no idea there is a Runoff Election.

We need to contact these young voters and get them to pledge to come out and support Democrats on December 2nd.

YDG has made it easy. You can access our phone bank online, from the comfort of your own home, or coffee shop, or dorm room...you get the idea. All you need is
1. Access to the Internet
2. A phone
3. An RSVP for one of the phone banks below

That's it, we'll take care of the rest. No long hours of dialing and leaving messages, our system will let you spend your time actually talking to voters. SO LET'S GET MOVING PEOPLE!

Here's our call-times coming up. Sign-up for one of the times below by RSVPing, click on the link, and let's get the Youth Vote out for Democrats on December 2nd.

1. Sunday November 23rd, 1-3PM - RSVP by clicking Here

2. Monday November 24th, 6-9pm - RSVP by Clicking Here

3. Tuesday November 25th, 6-9pm - RSVP by Clicking Here

More Phone Banks after the Holiday are listed on our website at www.georgiayds.org, click on "Events".

Support the work of the Young Democrats by making a contribution online at www.georgiayds.org/contribute.

Help Turnout The Youth Vote on December 2nd!

Young Democrats of Georgia — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:39:31 EST

November 4th brought historic change to our country, but it left Georgia with a little extra work to do. On November 4th, several candidates did not top the state-required 50% of the vote. Tuesday, December 2nd, there will be a Runoff Election that includes several statewide races as well as dozens of local and county runoffs from around the state.

Once again, it is going to be the Youth Vote that makes the difference in which candidate will win. Natiowide, on November 4th, Young Voters came out in record numbers to support Democrats, we need to do it one more time. YOU have the power to change this election for Democrats. Here's what we, as Young Democrats, can do over the next 2 weeks.

1. Pledge-to-Vote Online at www.georgiayds.org. After you have pledged, use the forward option to send an invitation to Pledge-to-Vote Democratic on December 2nd to at least 5 of your friends. You might be the ONLY person who can talk to your friends about voting for Democrats on December 2nd. Take this opportunity now! Pledge-to-Vote and then ask your friends to pledge to vote. You can also use Myspace bulletins, facebook status and wall messages and personal text messaging as well. Use the tell-a-friend option to send your friends to www.georgiayds.org to pledge to vote today. You'll be able to track which of your friends that you have forwarded the invite to have taken the pledge as well as provide them with links to information about voting.

2. Hold a phone bank of your own, either with friends, or at your chapter, to call other Young Voters in Georgia. YDG will take care of the materials and numbers, we just need you and at least 3 or 4 other volunteers. Contact Tim at tim@georgiayds.org or 404-584-5855 to setup a date/time for your phone bank today anywhere in the state.

3. Volunteer some of your time with campaigns - you can signup online with the Democratic Party at www.georgiademocrat.org/volunteer

4. Still have questions about what to do? Go back to #1 above :-)

Let's turn out the Youth Vote for Democrats on Tuesday December 2nd!

Billy Joyner
YDA National Committeeman

Support the work of the Young Democrats today by making a contribution online at www.georgiayds.org/contribute.

A Message from Your President...

Young Democrats of Georgia — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:54:07 EST

Fellow Young Democrats –

November 4th brought historic change to our country, and President-Elect Obama came within 3 points of winning Georgia – largely thanks to your efforts. However, we have a little extra work to do. On November 4th, several candidates did not top the state-required 50% of the vote. Tuesday, December 2nd, there will be a Runoff Election that includes several statewide races as well as dozens of local and county runoffs from around the state.

You may think that the only race on the ballot Dec 2 is the US Senate race between Jim Martin and Saxby Shameless. You'd be wrong.

The Public Service Commission is a little known but extremely important entity that regulates and sets our utility rates. The Republican in the race used to be a Democrat until he was defeated in 2002, partially because of his corrupt ties to industries he regulated. Jim Powell is one of the most qualified people to ever run for PSC, and he has fought the GOP machine in the form of Karen Handel since the primary when she tried to remove him from the ballot. The GA Supreme Court stopped her. Jim Powell needs our support to win. Your utility bills depend on Jim Powell winning this race.

The GA Court of Appeals is technically non-partisan, and the two people running have long records of voting in GOP primaries. However, Mike Sheffield of Gwinnett County is the darling of the “Christian” Taliban in this state. Unless you happen to be ultra conservative, "Christian", married, with children – you can expect a deaf ear if Sheffield is elected. Sara Doyle, while a voting Republican, is endorsed by Georgia Equality. If she promises to fairly apply justice to gay people in Georgia, she is certainly better than Sheffield.

Turnout will be KEY in this run-off to get Democrats elected rather than obstructionist Republicans trying to stop the change we voted for on November 4th. Once again, it is going to be the Youth Vote that makes the difference in which candidate will win. Nationwide, on November 4th, Young Voters came out in record numbers to support Democrats, we need to do it one more time. YOU have the power to change this election for Democrats. Here's what we, as Young Democrats, can do over the next 2 weeks.

1. Pledge-to-Vote Online at www.georgiayds.org. After you have pledged, use the forward option to send an invitation to Pledge-to-Vote Democratic on December 2nd to at least 5 of your friends. You might be the ONLY person who can talk to your friends about voting for Democrats on December 2nd. Take this opportunity now! Pledge-to-Vote and then ask your friends to pledge to vote. You can also use MySpace bulletins, Facebook status and wall messages and personal text messaging as well. Use the tell-a-friend option to send your friends to www.georgiayds.org to pledge to vote today. You'll be able to track which of your friends that you have forwarded the invite to have taken the pledge as well as provide them with links to information about voting.

3. Volunteer some of your time with campaigns - you can signup online with the Democratic Party at www.georgiademocrat.org/volunteer

4. Still have questions about what to do? Go back to #1 above :-)
So take the pledge to vote Democratic on Dec 2! The nation is watching...

Jason Cecil
President, Young Democrats of Georgia

Support the work of Young Democrats by making a contribution online today at www.georgiayds.org/contribute.

November 4th Is Over, But We're Not Done Yet!

Young Democrats of Georgia — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:09:45 EST

3. Volunteer some of your time with campaigns - you can signup online with the Democratic Party at www.georgiademocrat.org/volunteer

4. Still have questions about what to do? Go back to #1 above :-)

Let's turn out the Youth Vote for Democrats on Tuesday December 2nd!

Support the work of the Young Democrats today by making a contribution online at www.georgiayds.org/contribute.