Category: Blog Posts

Amid the heat and humidity of summer, Young Democrats around New York State have been rolling-up their sleeves in service to their community.

On July 17, the Dutchess County Young Democrats “adopted-a-spot” as part of the County’s Watershed Awareness Month. The project aims at informing the public of the role of watersheds and their importance to public health and safety. As part of the “Adopt-a-Spot” project, participants will experience watersheds as regular sources of drinking water, recreation, and natural beauty; all reasons why they must be protected and kept litter-free. Members of the Dutchess County Young Dems spent their Saturday clearing a local stream of materials hazardous to all aspects of the natural habitat.

Our partnership with the “Adopt-a-Spot” program is only one piece of NYSYD‘s commitment to our communities. Community service is obviously a non-partisan issue and demonstrates the notion that public service does not only mean being involved in the political process.

Continuing around our State, the Albany County Young Democrats,will be partnerng with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York in a 3 day, area-wide food drive to assist local organizations and less-fortunate individuals in the fight to end hunger.

The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York has been helping to feed the needy in our communities since 1982, serving 23 counties and providing over 20 million pounds of food to 1,000 agencies. On July 27-28, volunteers will distribute flyers a collection bags to communities around the Albany for locals to place non-perishable food items in the provided bags. On July 31, volunteers will collect the donated items, which will be left on the respective participant’s doorsteps. Those that are wishing to assist the Albany County Young Democrats or would like more information check out the listing of local YD events on our website.

During a time where so many have so few, it is extremely important to remember that in order to be effective leaders, we need to roll up our sleeves every once in a while. Our service to individual communities from Suffolk to Steuben and Erie to Essex can occur in the form of anything from a food drive or clean up to a letter writing campaign or rally. The ability to lead our State into the next generation is more than just being able to win an election, it is about standing for a cause and inspiring positive action that will connect everyone in every community. It will remain a priority of NYSYD to replicate events similar to those of Albany and Dutchess hoping to bring together neighborhoods for a cause greater than the stakes of any election.

The New York State Young Democrats would like to congratulate New York State Senator Elect Jose Peralta on his victory tonight. Assembly Member Peralta was elected as the new State Senator from the 13th Senatorial District with over 65% of the vote!

For More Information On How You Can Help José Please Contact:
José Peralta For State Senate
77-15 37th Avenue
Jackson Heights, NY 11372
T: (718)205-5855
E: peraltaforsenate@gmail.com

Jose Peralta’s Bio: (From http://www.joseperalta.com/bio2.html)

Assemblyman José Peralta’s life and work has been dominated by a deep commitment to our community and to the hard-working families of Queens.

For José, that commitment stems from his own life’s story. A first-generation Dominican-American, José’s parents came to the United States in search of the American dream and a better life for their children. His parents worked hard to sustain their family on the wages of entry-level positions: his father a bank teller and his mother a seamstress at a sweatshop. They struggled to ensure that their children received a quality education that would provide them with opportunities and would instill in them the value of public service.

José is a product of his parents’ sacrifice and has spent a lifetime working to ensure everyone in our community has the opportunity to succeed.

A proud graduate of Queens Public schools, including PS 14, IS 61 and Flushing High School, José was the first Latino Student Body President of Queens College.

After graduating, Peralta began a career giving back to the community he loves through public service. As a community liaison in the New York State Assembly, José worked to make government more accessible to the families of Queens, solving problems and helping people in need. He then served as the Director of the Commission on the Dignity for Immigrants at the New York City Central Labor Council, representing over 1.5 million union members. Under Peralta’s direction, the Commission championed the mission of empowering all immigrants in a variety of ways, including registering over 20,000 new citizens.

In 2002, at the age of 30, José Peralta was elected to the New York State Assembly. José has distinguished himself as a fighter for immigrants and working families, serving with honor and integrity. As the Chairman of the Banking Sub-Committee, José expanded the number of branches serving low-income communities. In addition, José secured millions to improve local schools, spearheaded Operation Impact to put more police on the streets, and brought in the Doe Fund to help keep the streets of the 39th Assembly District clean.

The New York State Young Democrats Would Like To Wish All Of Our Members, Friends and Supporters A Merry Christmas!