Message from the President

  Meet the Genesee County Young Dems

 Leadership Retreat

  FEATURED: From the Desk of State Senator-Elect David Carlucci

 Rockland County Young Dems Holiday FUNraiser

 Caucus Spotlight: NYSYD High School Caucus

 Open Positions

 OFA Events

 From our Blog
  Dear Young Democrat,

It has been just over two hundred days since our last convention and NYSYD has taken great steps forward in many areas. The organization has installed new officers, new procedures and implemented new tools that gave young Democrats an opportunity to impact the Democratic Party and improve the State and Nation as a whole.

In this edition of the NYSYD Newsletter you will get a chance to see what Young Democrats are doing throughout New York to bring about positive change in several of New York's counties.

As the President of NYSYD, it is my responsibility to update you on the progress of the organization towards meeting all of our goals. Much of my focus during these few months has been on the creation of new chapters, the way the Executive Board operates itself, ensuring that our fiscal house is in order, and communicating all of this with the members of the NYSYD E-Board, Chapter Presidents, press and the General Membership.

This month, State Senator-Elect David Carlucci of Rockland County has shared his views on the importance of getting New York's economy rebooted and reforming how the government functions. Senator-Elect Carlucci is sure to be an advocate for what matters to young adults for many years to come.

I hope that you find this newsletter interesting and informative. The members of our chapters and caucuses have all worked very hard and this newsletter will communicate the results of our members' efforts. Throughout the sections of this newsletter there are various links to additional information that may be relevant to your reading. I certainly hope that among the other links that you click on you take a second to stop by our website and learn even more about the New York State Young Democrats.

Have a happy holiday and a healthy new year.
Kevin Lawrie
 
 
Meet the Genesee County
Young Dems
 
On October 22nd, Young Democrats in Genesee County formed a chapter of the New York State Young Democrats. Under the leadership of Christopher Charvella, Young Democrats in Genesee County now have a repository for ideas, passion and enthusiasm. Together the members of GCYD will seek to ensure that the principles of the local, State and National Democratic Party are furthered and encouraged in young voters. With the addition of a chapter in Genesee County, NYSYD is currently operating strongly in Western NY with recently developed chapters in Erie and Niagara in conjunction with Genesee.  
 
Leadership Retreat
 
2010 NYSYD Leadership Retreat

Convening on October 2 in our State's Capital, NYS Young Democrats leaders gathered to discuss the present and future of the organization. Discussion was very fruitful and geared towards a way to better affect positive results in each individual area. The most noticeable area that needed to be addressed was putting in place structures that would better allow for a steady flow of communication between the statewide executive board and individual chapters and caucuses. In order to better streamline communication and announcements regarding events or initiatives from like-minded groups and organizations, we propose to expand our existing web-based event search engine o
n our website, www.nysyd.org. The expanded functionality would allow event submission by any organization or group, right from our web site.

2010 Leadership Retreat - Picture One
In discussing the future of the organization during non-election times, members of the Executive Board felt that the best way to remain involved and build relationships in the community is through service. It was widely agreed that a Director of Community Service would be a positive expansion of the Executive Board and would be charged with coordinating at least two annual statewide community service initiatives.

Combining the two ideas of service and expansion, NYSYD is also planning on making the chartering process simpler. A new, modifi
ed process would allow chapters to begin work sooner; building momentum that will be critical during election and campaign seasons. In order to simplify the Chartering process and provide more consistent support to new Chapter leaders, we discussed implementing a web-based Chartering System. Along with these events, weekly chapter activity updates would be used for internal measurement of NYSYD growth and reach, reporting to the NYS Democratic leadership and potential PR campaigns.



The leadership retreat was extremely productive and will undoubtedly yield in new structures that will help take this organization to brand new levels of achievement.
 
 
FEATURED: From the Desk of State
Senator-Elect David Carlucci
 

David Carlucci

This November, with the partnership, the dedication and hard work of the NYSYD's we were able to win a seat that many said was impossible to win. I extend my deepest and heartfelt gratitude for all of the blood, sweat and tears that the Young Dem's put into my New York State Senate campaign.

The 38th Senate district, which represents Rockland and parts of Orange counties, has traditionally been held by Republicans, yet young Democrats throughout the region worked with many local organizations to help me win this hotly contested race. Without active young Democrats, this achievement wouldn't have been possible.

My first hurdle – winning the seat – has been accomplished. My focus has now shifted towards the many challenges ahead. During my campaign I signed former Mayor Ed Koch's 'New York Uprising' pledge. This is not a pledge that I take lightly. I remain committed to restoring the public's faith in the State Senate, the state legislature and the political process.

I continue to call for reform, including, the forfeiture of pensions for those who are convicted of crimes relating to abuse of their office, budget and election reform, as well as fair redistricting practices.

In an effort to reform redistricting and to make it more accountable, I recently testified at a redistricting hearing hosted by Senator Martin Dilan. New York State's legislature has one of the highest incumbency rates in the nation – not because voters are happy with the quality of their governance - but because legislative districts are drawn to suppress the kind of competition that might otherwise allow talented newcomers to challenge the status quo. This is why creating an independent redistricting commission is such an important and necessary first step towards restoring the public's faith in the State Senate, the state legislature and the political process.

I firmly believe that the integrity and dedication demonstrated by the Young Dem's during my campaign is what will propel New York State government back to its rightful place as a government in which we have faith and trust.

It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I begin to tackle the challenges ahead. I encourage all young Democrats to continue to strive to make a positive difference in your communities and throughout the state – remember, the next election is always just around the corner.

Senator-Elect David Carlucci



 
 
Rockland County Young Dems
Holiday FUNraiser
 
Submitted by:
Joseph Coe, Rockland County


Rockland County Young Dems Holiday FUNraiser

We often forget to celebrate and cherish our friends and colleagues. This past Monday night, the Rockland County Young Democrats had our holiday party and fundraiser to do just that. Over 40 people attended with a strong showing of Elected Officials through Rockland County including. Besides raising a significant amount of money for our chapter, we collected gift cards that are going to be donated to youth aged 12-14 in the Village of Haverstraw on Christmas as well as volunteering on the day itself. Our chapter knows the importance of giving back and helping raise up the next generation of young Democrats!

Some of those who were in attendance: NYS Assemblywoman Jaffee, County of Rockland Town Clerk Paul Piperato, Town of Haverstraw Supervisor Howard Phillips, Mayor of the Village of Spring Valley Noramie Jasmin, Deputy Mayor of the Village of Spring Valley Joseph Desmaret, Town of Haverstraw Councilmen Hector Soto and Papo Cancel, Fellow Young Democrat and Town of Clarkstown Councilwomen Stephanie Hausner.

Rockland County Sheriff Department's Chief Lou Falco and Clarkstown Democratic Committee Chair: Nicole Doliner.

We honored our recently elected/reelected Rockland Young Dems: NYS Senator Elect David Carlucci, NYS Assembly member Ken Zebrowksi and Ramapo Town Clerk Daniel Friedman (who is the youngest elected official in Rockland County!).

Special thanks to the Chuggin' Rhino in Pomona, NY for hosting us!


 
 
Caucus Spotlight:
NYSYD High School Caucus
 
The NYSYD High School Caucus, under the new leadership of Paris Heymann and Jamie Zieno, has already seen success in expansion of membership. Groups of high schools students have formed throughout the state and the caucus has successfully appointed regional directors from the Western, Central, Capital, Hudson Valley, New York City and Long Island regions. You can check out their new website here.

The members of the High School Caucus have set an extremely ambitious agenda and have already shown the tenacity to deliver on their goals. By the end of January, the caucus plans on creating bylaws detailing specific autonomies, responsibilities and procedures for the group.

In the long term, the High School caucus will plan a Spring Fundraiser and Networking event to encourage high school students to participate in their communities early on in high school. Outreach for the event will be done amongst high school students and Young Democrats chapters throughout the State.

Also in store for 2011 is a trip to New York's historic Capitol Building. Members of the High School Caucus will convene in Albany for a tour of the Capitol as well as meeting with some of the Democratic legislators in both chambers.

Our High School Caucus' priorities for the year are well within their reach based on the progress of the group thus far. If you know someone that would like to join the High School Caucus or would like to help out yourself contact Paris or Jamie.

The next meeting of the NYSYD High School Caucus is January 21st at 8 PM. Contact Paris if you'd like to participate.


 
 
Open Positions
 
Finance Director

Fundraising is a vital component to advancing the New York State Young Democrats mission across the State. The Finance Director will be responsible for planning and implementing a fundraising strategy that meets both short and long term financial obligations.

The Finance Director will be responsible for developing a donor list, planning donor outreach via phone, email and mail, assisting with planning fundraising events and assisting in developing a budget for our organization in collaboration with the President and Treasurer.

The ideal candidate will have existing experience with fundraising and finance and be very goal oriented.

For more information or to apply email openings@nysyd.net and mark the subject as Finance Director.


 
   
OFA Events
 
OFA Utica Holiday Party (Meeting)
Tuesday, January 4, 2011 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Joey's Restaurant (Utica, NY)
815 Mohawk St
Utica, NY 13501

Contact: John DeSantis: 315-744-5362
Join likeminded Organizing for America supporters for a drink/bite to eat at Joey's Restaurant in Utica. We'll commiserate over the tough 2010 Elections and celebrate what we are proud of. For OFA, the 2010 elections were not the end but a new beginning. Join us for some good conversation and to have a good time.

If you're interested in interning with OFA email organizingforamerica.ny@gmail.com and the appropriate regional organizer will reach out to you.


 
 
From our Blog
 
Our Communications Team has been hard at work making sure we're keeping our messaging current and ensuring our web site content is fresh.  Below are some of the latest postings we've made to the site over the past couple of months:

Joint Statement on the 9/11 Health Bill from Senators Schumer and Gillibrand
Posted in In the Press by NYSYD on December 22, 2010

MYD's 2010 Recap
Posted in Announcements Manhattan Young Democrats on December 22, 2010


President Obama Signs Repeal of DADT!
Posted in Announcements by NYSYD on December 22, 2010

This time, Speed Bumps are Progress!
Posted in In the Press by Brian Hegt on December 17, 2010

My Experience at RootsCamp
Posted in Announcements by Seamus Campbell on December 12, 2010
 
 
Contact our Communications Team
Would you like to include something in a future NYSYD newsletter?  We're always interested in distributing quality content, information and events to young Democrats around the state from like-minded democratic officials, groups & individuals. 

For consideration, please contact Brian Hegt, New York State Young Democrats Director of Communications at bhegt@nysyd.net.  All relevant content must be received by the 15th of the month for distribution in our monthly newsletter.

 
 
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