For the first time in months, the New York State College Democrats and NY State Young Democrats met to discuss joint efforts at impacting the upcoming election. How we plan on taking back the NYS Senate for the first time in 40 years and more...
cross posted on: http://collegedemsny.com/...
This past Saturday, the NYS Young Democrats organization, led by President Matt Silverstein held their monthly executive board meeting in Broome County in upstate NY. The significance of the meeting location was two-fold: it would enable me to attend my first NYS Young Dems meeting as President of NYS College Democrats, and it would increase attendance at the Broome County Young Democrats fundraiser later that evening.
Every month, the NYS Young Democrats hold their executive board meeting at a different Young Democrats chapter location. As a student at Binghamton University, I had been unable to attend their previous meetings due to long distance traveling and other commitments. As per the NYS Young Democrats constitution, the President of the NYS College Democrats is a non-voting member of the executive board.
I first met the NYS Young Democrats President Matt Silverstein in Denver at the DNC Convention. My predecessor, Scott Hoberg introduced us at a Young Democrats of America/College Democrats of America social function and in Denver, Matt helped me learn the ropes with respect to NYS politics.
During the meeting, each board member, including myself would make a presentation as to what each was working on within the organization. About a dozen members of the executive board arrived in person to Binghamton, with another half dozen listening to the meeting via conference call.
In addition to being updated on Young Democrat activities occurring throughout the state, I was able to talk with the NY Young Democrat members about working together more on key races like Addabo, Foley and Ginero. We also began preliminary discussions about a joint trip of our respective memberships to PA to help Obama win.
The NY Young Democrats organization has greatly expanded under Silverstein's leadership. Although the organization remains dominated by strong NYC/ Long Island chapters, new upstate chapters have been forming each month. The Broome County Young Democrats started two years ago and their successful fundraiser at the Regency Hotel showcased local politicians and the success of their chapter.
The entire day was a lot of fun and with College Democrats and Young Democrats working together and stronger than ever, we can make a difference in this upcoming election.