Originally posted by Dan Lucas at: www.21stdems.org/blog
This weekend, we kicked off our Urban Youth Initiative in Brooklyn, NY. Our hosts were the Progressive Democrats Political Association of Central Brooklyn. The goal of our training was to help empower the community by helping create a stronger grassroots network of determined, independent Democrats who want to be a part of the solution to problems confronting all of us in the 21st century. These Democrats are changing the political paradigm in central Brooklyn. They have already elected the first immigrant woman to the New York City Council; the first Haitian American to sit on that Council and the dynamic young Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (NY-11).
The Progressive Democrats of Brooklyn want to see dramatic changes in the community by building institutions that respond to local needs. They are demanding accountability from the educational system that teaches their youngsters and from a health care system that unfortunately does not serve everyone who enters its door: regardless of economic standing or immigration status.
Over 80 people attended the training which focused on Volunteer recruitment, canvassing techniques, Get-Out-The Vote strategies and date collection and analysis. As the photographs show we had lively exchanges and the crowd was engaged throughout the day.
The day featured a luncheon panel "The New Generation and Political Action" which was moderated by Dr. John Flateau. We were fortunate to have Tiffany Raspberry, Vice President of Wolfblock Strategies, Rodney Capel, Deputy Chief of Staff, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Glynda Carr, E.D Education Voters, Inc., Patrick Jenkins, V.P. Kasirer Consulting and Rachel Mann, V.P. The Advance Group. These young people are striking examples of the effect that competence, energy and "political smarts" can have in our electoral system. The panel discussed topics such as how to build bridges and manage growing diversity, cultures and identities; how to reconnect politics, policy, local decision groups and people and how to embrace new technologies for organizing and communications. There were quite a few questions from the audience and I think we could have gone on with the panel for the entire afternoon!
Yvette Clarke, Congresswoman from the 11th CD addressed the group and gave stirring remarks about the importance of grassroots action and policies that effect local people. She spoke at length about the future and encouraged everyone to "stay connected."
The photographs say it all. It was a terrific weekend of political action and I can't wait for our next training. You can keep up with everything we're doing and find out more about our trainings by visiting the training page on our website. Stay tuned!