Once again: the Young Democrats of Oregon
Kari Chisholm
Every few years, a group of energetic up-and-comer Oregon politicos get inspired to create a Young Democrats of Oregon. In 2005, that was BlueOregon contributor Jenson Hagen. Back in 1996, I was part of a similar effort.
This time, I'm hopeful that the effort has staying power. And there is reason to be optimistic.
The YDO, 2011 edition, is kicking off on Saturday - at a meeting of the Young Democrats of America here in Portland. At this regional meeting, Oregon's Young Dems will be joined by YDs from Alaska, Montana, Washington, California, Hawaii, Arizona, and Guam. And they won't be starting from zero - there are already YD chapters in Multnomah, Washington, and Lane counties.
And it won't just be a meeting; it'll be a day-long campaign boot camp - led by Christine Pelosi, a campaign consultant, former executive director of the California Democratic Party, and current executive director of the YDA. I heard somewhere that her mom is famous, too.
The keynote address will be from our own Congressman Peter DeFazio. It's 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Jefferson H.S. in Portland. Learn more and RSVP.
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10:06 a.m.
May 13, '11
Congrats go to the entire YOUNG DEMS Team! BTW, everyone is welcome (even those of us only Young at heart) to the Conference tomorrow. Even if you can only come for a portion of the conference, they've got a great line up - kicking off with progressive Congressman Pete DeFazio at 10am.
12:06 p.m.
May 13, '11
There's an aspect that makes this attempt unique; instead of an energetic bunch of young people, this time around it's an energetic bunch of groups!
The conference, and this version of the Young Democrats of Oregon, came about because chapeters of the Young Dems were successfully formed in Multnomah, Washington and Lane Counties; and it is these entities; along with Young Dems from the University of Oregon, Lane Community College and various chapters of High School Democrats, that are organizing a state-wide infrastructure for Young Dems in Oregon.
Additionally, the Young Democrats of Oregon - which will become known as YODA(Young Oregonian Democrats of America) - is designed to begin as a very modest entity; mostly charged with communication between and support of county chapters. The county chapters are the most important groups; and the state group exists because of them, and not the other way around. In this way, YODA has already succeeded!
The long term vision is to eventually develop Young Dem chapters in all of Oregon's 36 counties, providing a structure for Democrats to be engaged as Democrats, from before they are even able to vote. We are developing our party's members as future leaders of Oregon's Democratic Party, and of Oregon. A properly functing YODA will not only make party members more effective, it will make Oregon stronger.
Visit mcyds.org for more information; including the proposed Constitution of YODA!
Thanks for the article Kari!
Joe Bazeghi, Chair, Multnomah County Young Dems
3:42 p.m.
May 13, '11
Ah yes, the continuation of a fine Young Democrats tradition.
That was me in the late 70s/early 80s.