NEWS
Letter from the Editor (Jen)
Today we remember a man who had great hope and insightful vision to make a difference in the world around him. Beyond that, we remember a man who also took action.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was an extroardinary man, who still continues to inspire generations to this day. In recognition of him, our country is encouraged and called upon today to take part in this National Day of Service.
Today, Young Dems in GA and across America are taking action and providing help in various forms of community service. Great job out there, YDs!
But, it doesn't start and stop today. As, MLK once said:
“In the End, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."
If we do nothing and stay silent, we do not make change or impact in the world around us. And those who do not share the same beliefs are out there and whatever they are saying, they say it LOUD. We need to counteract that, by getting out there and showing that yes, WE CAN make a difference. We CAN make our world better.
So, for the rest of today and every day afterwards, let's be heard. Let's take action.
Find a way to continue the service in an ordinary day, and extraordinary things will happen.
Rally together! Contact via email or phone, our representatives in Congress and our Senators and let them know what you think. Donate good and/or time to a shelter. Whatever you can do... just DO something.
For more information on how to get involved, Visit: www.mlkday.gov
You can also contact your local YD chapters. If you don't have one yet or would like to start one, let us know! We'll help you out!
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Don't Miss This the YDG Legislative Kick-Off! Tuesday, January 26!
The Young Democrats of Georgia invite you to Manuel's Tavern for a very special meet and greet with Georgia's Democratic leaders. Get to know who is representing you under the Gold Dome. Also, meet with fellow Young Democrats from around the state. There will be a discussion of the 2010 Democratic agenda for the state of Georgia as well.
Tuesday January 26, 6:30 – 9:30pm
6:30-9:30pm at Manuel's Tavern in ATL.
For directions, visit: www.manuelstavern.com
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Young Democrats of America - Winter National Meeting
This year's national meeting for YDA is in New Orleans! The meeting is Feb. 18-21, 2010 and it's coming up quickly.
To register, visit: https://yda.wiredforchange.com/o/720/p/salsa/event/common/public/?event_KEY=13089
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SAVE THE DATE: February 12th-14th, 2010
YDG Winter Retreat - Carrollton, GA
It's time for the first YDG retreat of 2010!
- When: February 12-14th (we'll be done in plenty of time for you to celebrate Valentine's Day)
- Where: John Tanner State Park, outside of Carrollton
- What: Chapter-focused trainings, including programming, event planning, and fundraising
- Cost: $15 per person
We'll be staying in a 40-person lodge with a kitchen and large meeting room. All chapter members are invited, but chapter leadership is particularly encouraged to join us. Space is limited to 40 people, so please RSVP by Feb. 1st.
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YDG Communications Survey - Please Fill Out!
Hey, YD's! If you haven't already done so, please take a few minutes to fill out the YDG Communications Survey. Just click on the link below...it's EASY!
http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?hl=en&formkey=dExMZEUtaFB4a3FtOVE2OFBqMkhlbkE6MA
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SAVE THE DATE: March 22nd, 2010
Jefferson Jackson Dinner - Atlanta, GA
Featuring DNC Chair, Tim Kaine!
Click HERE for more details.
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SAVE THE DATE: April 16th-18th 2010
YDG Annual Convention - Athens, GA
Still need more to be excited about? Here you go: We'll be taking over of Transmetropolitan pizza restaurant and bar, the Gubernatorial Forum, trainings, workshops, networking and fellowship with other YD’s from across the great state of Georgia! Not to mention...a VIP Reception on Sat. evening with state party leaders, candidates, YDG leadership donors, etc., happening in the brand new ballroom of the Tate2 Center at UGA!
The brand new, Leed certified eco friendly, Hotel Indigo in downtown Athens is definitely going to be where IT's at! Check it out: www.athensdowntownhotel.com Get your rooms reserved before March 17th, in order to get the room block. Prices will then go up an additional $55, after that date. So, make sure to reserve your space as soon as you can! Are you a Future Leaders Monthly Donor yet? If so, convention fees are half priced for members at the $10/mo level or above. Contact Daniel with any questions or interest in the convention at dfullerton@gmail.com
Web site coming soon... so stay tuned for more exciting details... meanwhile, SAVE THE DATE!
And in related news...
Future Leaders Monthly Donor Club - NEW PERKS!
- again, HALF OFF convention prices for ALL donors at the $10/mo level or above
Go HERE to sign up and donate!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Georgia PIRG and Environment Georgia are co-sponsoring a free Activist Workshop in Atlanta
Thursday January 21, 6pm - 9pm
Run by veteran Public Interest Network trainers, the Activist Workshop will cover the best techniques for organizing your neighbors to take action, and the best ways to persuade your local media to cover an issue you care about. Together with other members and activists, both professional and volunteer, from other organizations, you'll have an opportunity to learn, share ideas and make new connections. And it's all free!
Show up ready for action. We will spend the day moving between large group overviews and small groups to give people an opportunity to learn and internalize skills. ??
We'd love to see you there.
Click one of the links below for the address and more details. I hope to see you there!
https://www.georgiapirg.org/action/action-path/free-activist-workshop-atlanta
http://www.environmentgeorgia.org/action/activist-workshop?id4=ES
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Georgia Go Lead Fundraising Training 2010

Get Trained. Go Lead 2010.
Saturday January 30, 9 am – 6 pm
Emory University
Go Lead Fundraising training will help women create a winning plan for raising money and to overcome the fear of asking for money.
The Fundraising training is ideal for current candidates, campaign managers, finance directors, women working with nonprofits.
The cost for the training is $75 which includes continental breakfast, lunch and materials.
REGISTER HERE
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Young Democrats of Cobb County - 2nd Annual Flippin' Pancake Breakfast
Saturday February 6,
Apple-Bee's Barrett Parkway
Kennesaw, GA
Join us for our second annual Flippin Pancake breakfast to support the Young Democrats of Cobb County!
Our special guest speaker will be Beth Farokhi, candidate for State School Superintendent!
Tickets are $7.50/ person. Include Pancakes/Breakfast Meat of Choice and Beverage.
Please contact Young Democrats of Cobb County if you would like to purchase tickets- cobbyoundems@gmail.com or send a message to one of our officers.
ACTION ALERTS
Demand the Public Option stay on the table. Visit www.yeswestillcan.org and sign the petition today!
Take Action to make sure that the Public Option lives on. Visit http://www.yda.org/content/402/the-dream-still-lives-take-action-on-health-insurance-reform to see what you can do to help, and sign the pledge!
UPCOMING YDG MEETINGS
GCSU Young Democrats meetings are every Monday 5:30-6:30 in the Student Activities Center, Maple A in Milledgeville
YDAtl meets the first Wednesday of the every month at Manuel’s Tavern. New Member Orientation begins at 6:30, and the meeting begins at 7:30.
Young Democrats of Cobb County meet twice monthly at various locations throughout Cobb County, please visit us on Facebook for upcoming meeting information.
Young Democrats of Hall County meet twice monthly (1st Wed. evening & 2nd Sat. afternoon of each month) location varies, (usually Panera or Inman Perk on the Square). Check us out HERE on Facebook for upcoming meeting information or contact ydhc.ga@gmail.com.
Jane Bradshaw, YDG President, and Katie Milway, YDG Executive Vice President, are available to speak to your chapter! Learn more about YDG, YDA, the Democratic Party, how a bill becomes a law, how to organize a successful event, or what’s going on in Georgia politics. Contact Jane at president@georgiayds.org and Katie at evp@georgiayds.org.
CAMPAIGNS
Elena Parent for House District 81 is seeking motivated volunteers to assist with her campaign to unseat Republican Jill Chambers. High-level roles are available for qualified YDs. Please contact Jeff Romig at sjromig@gmail.com for more information!
Rob Teilhet for Attorney General is looking for campaign interns and volunteers. Headquartered in Marietta, Teilhet for a Safer Georgia has several opportunities available for students or other volunteers. Hours are flexible. Join our team and learn all about how statewide campaigns are run. Visit us at www.robforgeorgia.com. Email your resume and any questions to David at david@robforgeorgia.com or Rebecca at rebecca@robforgeorgia.com.
Brooke Nebel for State Representative House District 51 has available opportunities for Young Dems to work on a her campaign. Looking for some hard working and dedicated individuals to help out with the campaign in all areas. Please visit www.voteforbrooke.com for more information.
Angela Moore for Secretary of State is looking for College Interns and Volunteers state-wide. Please call 678.888.9001 Visit our webit(s) @ www.mooreforgeorgia.com and for the younger GA voter's- www.voteformissangela.com zandra@mooreforgeorgia.com
Sandy Murray for State House District 80 is looking for campaign volunteers and interns for state house race in District 80. Areas include: Toco Hills, Briarclif, Brookhaven, Ashford Dunwoody. Please contact sandymurray@comcast.net or call 404-273-0906 for information on how to take part.
Mike Freeman for U.S. House of Representatives Georgia 9th District
Mike Freeman, of Gainesville, has entered the race for the 9th District Seat being vacated by Nathan Deal. Mike is currently the only Democrat in the race, facing 10 Republican opponents. Formal announcement of the campaign to be announced early next year. Mike is currently in need of volunteers to help do research, make phone calls, and schedule visits around the district as short term tasks. As the campaign develops, there will be opportunities for full and part time intern and staff positions. Please visit www.freemanforcongress.org for more information, including contact.
Keith Gross for State House District 80 is looking for campaign volunteers and interns for our busy state house race in District 80. Toco Hills, Briarclif, Brookhaven, Ashford Dunwoody areas. Please visit www.keithgross.com or contact staff@keithgross.com to get involved.
Gail Buckner for Secretary of State is looking for Campaign Interns and Volunteers. Please call 770-473-9039 for more information! Visit us online at www.gailbuckner.com.
Simone Joye for Georgia Assembly House District 88 is looking for campaign volunteers and interns to work on a Get Out The Vote (GOTV) project and assist with community events benefitting young people and seniors. Please send an email inquiry to Pamela Forntey, Volunteer Coordinator: pfortney@joyeforthehouse.com or telephone (770) 573-4210 if you are interested.
Ken Hodges for Attorney General seeks Campaign Finance Interns. Hours flexible. If you are interested in working with Democratic donors, love politics, and want real experience on a campaign, please send us your resume at dre@kenhodges.com or shannon@kenhodges.com.
DuBose Porter for Governor is looking for campaign volunteers. Email Steve Golden at steven.golden@youthocracy.org or visit www.porterforgeorgia.com if you are interested!
NOTICES
College Democrats of Georgia is seeking a webmaster to maintain and improve upon the website, at www.collegedemsofgeorgia.org. If you are interested, please email Steve atsteven.golden@youthocracy.org.
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BARACK OBAMA: People's President
The Campaign that Changed History
January 20th, 2010 marks the anniversary of President Barack Obama's Inauguration. Choices Inc. is promoting a nationwide community screening tour of Barack Obama: People's President - The Campaign that Changed History. This newly released documentary analyzes Barack Obama's journey and follows the unique tactics and techniques never seen before in a national election.
His grassroots mobilization and use of the internet was unprecedented, inspiring and effective. The film shows the real story and the events that changed the face of presidential politics forever. Choices is reaching out to you to screen this evocative film that will ignite discussion and analysis.
All screenings in the Choices Community Screening Program are intended to be a collaboration between you and us. Choices will provide you with a DVD of the film, artwork, photos and other materials to promote your event and make it a success. After the event, you can keep the DVD for yourself or your organization. Working with you to accommodate your budget, your event can also be used as a fundraiser for your organization by selling tickets and concessions.
For more information, see our Community Screenings page on our website and contact us at: (888) 570-5400 orcommunityscreenings@choicesvideo.net
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In this critical year, the need for advocacy and action heightens. Please support the Young Democrats of Georgia by clicking the link below with a pledge. Your support is needed more than ever. Thank you! Happy holidays!
http://www.georgiayds.org/contribute
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Newsletter submissions are accepted from all YDG/CDG chapters, Democratic candidates, and other organizations. If you wish to submit, please email Jen at jdr.ydg@gmail.com by Monday night at 5 PM. If you miss the deadline to submit but need something posted, please contact Chris at cmp.ydg@gmail.com to update the weekly newsletter on the blog.