Who we are, What we do
From Downstate to upstate, NYSYD is where the next generation of New York's Democratic leaders gets to work.
Who We Are
The New York State Young Democrats is the official youth arm of the New York State Democratic Committee, the oldest and largest youth Democratic organization in New York State. We represent young Democrats between the ages of 16 and 36 living across all 62 of New York's counties.
We are high school students staying late to register voters. We are college organizers running our first campaign. We are young professionals showing up to county committee meetings. We are parents and workers who believe that the Democratic Party must reflect the people it serves, starting with the next generation.
Our members don't wait to be invited into the process. We show up, knock doors, build chapters, and run for office. Many of the Democratic Party's leaders across New York — and across the country — got their start right here, in the Young Democrats.
What We're Here to Do
Elect Democrats. We mobilize young voters, support democratic candidates, and show up in the close races that decide control of statehouses, city halls, and Congress.
Grow the party. We recruit, train, and develop the next generation of Democratic organizers, operatives, and elected officials. We serve to ensure the party's future is as diverse and energized as New York itself.
Register voters. We run voter registration drives, expand youth turnout, and work hard to ensure every young New Yorker knows their voice counts.
Build community. We create spaces: chapters, caucuses, and events where young Democrats can connect, organize, and support each other across every corner of the state.
Develop leaders. We provide hands-on experience with campaigns, grassroots organizing, fundraising, and more. The skills you build here translate directly into a lifetime of public service.
Our Place in the Party
NYSYD isn’t just a social group. We are the Youth Caucus of the New York State Democratic Committee (NYSDC), the official governing body of the Democratic Party in New York. That relationship means we have a real seat at the table.
Part of a National Movement
NYSYD is New York's chartered unit of the Young Democrats of America (YDA), the nation’s largest youth-led partisan political organization, with over 20,000 members nationwide. Through our YDA affiliation, NYSYD members are part of a network of young organizers.
What that means in practice: the relationships you build in NYSYD don't stop at the state line. Whether you're organizing a chapter in Buffalo or interning in Albany, you're connected to a movement that stretches coast to coast.
There’s a Place for You
NYSYD reflects the full diversity of New York — racially, geographically, and economically.
We have 11 active constituency caucuses, including caucuses for AAPI members, Black members, Latine members, LGBTQ+ members, Jewish members, women, labor, rural New Yorkers, students, and people with disabilities. Every caucus is a community within the community, with its own leadership, events, and agenda.
We have chapters in counties across the state, and we're always looking to start new ones. If there's no chapter near you yet, we'll help you build one.
Support Our Work
NYSYD runs on the energy of young New Yorkers and the generosity of people who believe in what we're building. Your support keeps our initiatives alive.