Today, students from all over Georgia, rallied together at the state capitol in Atlanta. Young Democrats of Georgia proudly partnered with Georgia Students for Public Higher Education (GSPHE) to organize the event.

Students speak out against budget cuts in education. Photo courtesy of Al Turnell.

Representatives DuBose Porter and Stephanie Stuckey Benfield and Senators Nan Orrock and Vincent Fort, along with the Democratic Party of Georgia, showed their support for young people and their concerns for how budget cuts would affect public higher education.

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate, RJ Hadley, had this to say:

"As I have been saying throughout this campaign, everyone must get involved. Young and old, left and right, the challenges are too great to sit on the sidelines. I applaud the efforts of these students today and hope they will keep up the fight for education."

Gwinnett Tech student & active Young Democrat, Tyler Alley:

"I think it was just really awesome seeing how many students cared about their education and that they knew it wasn't right that our lives were essentially going to be cut if that bill goes through."

Students rally together, concerned with proposed budget cuts in public higher edcuation. Photo courtesy of RJ Hadley.

Abby Lopez, a high school age, Young Democrat from Hall County, speaks about the recent news of a $300,000 higher education budget cut in a video, HERE.

For more information on how to get involved, contact your local YDG chapters. If you don't have one yet or would like to start one, let us know! We'll help you out! Send me an email at jdr.ydg@gmail.com

Also, don't forget that 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.

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

SAVE THE DATE: March 22nd, 2010 Democratic Party of Georgia - Jefferson Jackson Dinner - Atlanta, GA GA World Congress Center

Featuring DNC Chair, Tim Kaine!

Visit http://www.georgiademocrat.org/jj2010 for more details.

YDG Annual Platform Convention - Tifton, GA Saturday, March 27th, 11am - 4pm Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) Bowen Hall Room 100 2802 Moore Highway - Tifton, GA 31793 *take exit 64 from I-75*

Want to debate the finer points of Healthcare, Foreign Policy, Criminal Justice, along with a host of other topics, AND have a good time? Come to the Young Democrats of Georgia Platform Convention on March 27th where we debate our platform planks by adding, removing and changing planks covering a huge variety of topics!

Cost: We'll gladly take your donations and sponsorships for lunch! *Open to all members of Young Democrats of Georgia and it's chapters. Need to start a chapter? Bring four friends from your school,

town or county with you and we'll help get you chartered into a full chapter!

Want a copy of the current Platform? email tim@georgiayds.org to request a copy.

Campus Map & Driving Directions here - http://www.abac.edu/map

Don't miss this FUN event to debate policy with your fellow Young Democrats! See you March 27th!

SAVE THE DATE: April 16th-18th 2010 YDG Annual Convention - Athens, GA Jim Galloway, an Atlanta Journal-Constitution journalist, with over 30 years' experience covering politics and more in Atlanta. Check out:Political Insider with Jim Gallowayat: http://blogs.ajc.com/political-insider-jim-galloway. Jim will be moderating a panel in one of the workshops on media/politics at this convention!

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 atdfullerton@gmail.com And in related news... Future Leaders Monthly Donor Club - NEW PERKS!

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again, HALF OFF convention prices for ALL donors at the $10/mo level or above

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5 free drink tickets at the Friday night takeover of Transmetropolitan for $20+/mo monthly donors *

free admission to the VIP Reception with statewide candidates and party leaders to all monthly donors

Go HERE to sign up and donate!

Stay up to date on convention via the following links: Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/event.php?eid=186520994945&ref=ts YDG Website: http://georgiayds.org/more/index.cfm?Fuseaction=more_60085

YDG Labor Caucus is in its formative stages. Please contact Steve at swgolde@emory.edu if you are interested in helping to form this new group.

EVENTS

White House Briefing Call on Health Insurance Reform

Tuesday, March 16, 5:30 PM EST Please call (888) 276-9998, and ask the operator for the “Health Care Call”

The White House Office of Public Engagement is pleased to invite you to a call with youth advocacy groups to discuss Health Insurance Reform. This is a NATIONAL call. We encourage you to dial in a few minutes early to ensure participation in the entire call.

YDG, Sierra Club, and Planned Parenthood - Mad about MARTA?

Wednesday, March 17, 9 AM (breakfast & briefing) 10 AM (lobbying)

Coffee & Issue Briefing at the Coverdell Legislative Office Building (CLOB), Room 306. Located across the street from the capitol on Mitchell Street. Then head over to the Capitol to talk with the 23 in-town legislators who voted against full funding for MARTA in 2009.

Stacey Evans - Volunteer Time!

Thank you for your continued support of the campaign. We are on our way to victory thanks to you! We'll be preparing notes to voters next week and need your help to get those notes out the door and in the hands of voters. There are 2 opportunities to help - can you join us?

Tuesday, March 16, 7 PM - 9 PM REV Coffee 1680 Spring Road Smyrna, GA 30080

Wednesday, March 17, 5 PM - 8 PM Bryan Cave Powell Goldstein* 1201 West Peachtree Street Atlanta, GA 30309

*Parking is available in the building deck across the street, but is cheaper in surrounding surface lots.

If you can make it to either or both (even if for only part of the time), please contact Jonae Wartel at jonae.wartel@gmail.com or (770) 653-9789.

3rd Congressional District Get Together Wednesday, April 21, 8 PM Maguire's Pub 'Dutch Treat' 42 Main Street (DOWNTOWN), Senoia, Ga. NOTE: Young Democrat (Must be 21) Meeting in Cork room at 7 pm. at MAGUIRE’S PUB.

RSVP: Not necessary but would help Maguire’s know how many people to expect.

ACTION ALERTS

Sign the Petition to Save Higher Education

http://georgiayds.org/actionalerts/index.cfm?fuseaction=ActionDetail&actionalertid=81

Demand the Public Option stay on the table. Visitwww.yeswestillcan.org and sign the petition today!

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) Wed. at the Gainesville Library, and Sat. depend on what the event is. Check us out HERE on Facebook for upcoming meeting information or contact ydhc.ga@gmail.com.

CAMPAIGNS

RJ Hadley for U.S. Senate Please visit www.hadleyforussenate.com for more details!

Senator Curt Thompson, District 5, encourages you to visit his website at www.makingyourvoicecount.com, to learn more about him and his campaign.

Roy 2010 is recruiting campus interns for the upcoming gubernatorial race. Applicatiosn are due Wed, February 24 and can be found here:www.surveymonkey.com/s/Roy2010CCMapp

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 website(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 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. He is currently in need of volunteers. 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

David Poythress for Governor is looking for campaign volunteers. E-mail Trevor Southerland at tsoutherland@poythressforgovernor.com or visit www.poythressforgovernor.com if you are interested!

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! http://www.georgiayds.org/contribute

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.