FYI: EMPOWERMENT FUND for Young Democrat Minority Caucus

[Kevin Spidel]

APPLY TODAY!!!

The Young Democrats of America (YDA) Minority Caucus gives a lodging and registration stipend for young Democrats of color to attend national meetings, conventions and regional events. Many young people are unable to attend YDA events across the country, due to financial hardship. This burden is particularly felt within communities of color. The YDA Minority Caucus created this fund to provide financial assistance and scholarship to worthy youth of color.

All applicants for these scholarships must be (1) a member of a Young Democrat local, municipal, state, college, or nationally affiliated chapter or unit, (2) show ability and commitment for organizing and empowering young people within the Democratic Party, (3) must be a YOUNG DEMOCRAT OF COLOR, who self-identifies with a predominant minority group (African, Asian, Hispanic, Native American, Mid-Eastern ancestry), and (4) must commit one (1) calendar year of service to the YDA Minority Caucus, either through volunteer and/or programmatic work or through a Caucus Committee.

Each applicant will be considered for stipends for which he or she qualifies. The Empowerment Fund application deadline is January 29th, 2005. Scholarships are competitive and will be distributed appropriately.

APPLICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE NOW… SO, HURRY!!

LET US KNOW AT [e-mail] Subject: MC EMPOWERMENT FUND, and we’ll send you an application!

The Young Democrats of America meets approximately every three months for a “National Conference” where we conduct official business including meetings of Standing Committees, Caucuses, Regional Organizations, and the National Committee as well as host trainings and speakers to educate and arm our YDA members with the tools to build their chapters and run successful Alliance peer-to-peer campaigns.
Upcoming Conference
Winter National Conference
February 17-19, 2006 in Philadelphia, PA
Hosted by Pennsylvania Young Democrats + YDA
Secure your spot today, sign-up here!

Conference Information:
The Young Democrats of America is happy to announce Philadelphia as the host city and Pennsylvania as the host state for our Winter National Conference.

Conference Registration:
All participants are required to register with YDA. Registrants will receive printed meeting materials and admission to the luncheon and planned social events.

Registration is now $25.
Registration will be $35, starting on Jan. 27, 2006.
Registration after February 10 is $45 and luncheon ticket is NOT guaranteed.
Register for the Conference Today!

Hotel Reservations:
We are happy to announce that the Radisson Plaza-Warwick Hotel will be our host hotel for the conference. http://www.radisson.com/philadelphiapa
Reserve your room in our special YDA block no later than January 11, 2006. The room rate will be $99.00 plus tax. To book your room, visit the website at http://www.radisson.com/philadelphiapa and use the promotional code “YDA”.
You can also reserve by calling 800-333-3333 and asking for the Young Democrats of America block.

Area Information:
Please visit www.gophila.com to find out info about Philadelphia.

Conference Schedule:
YDA trainings, business and caucus meetings as well as special events are listed below. Training topics and speakers will be announced in January.

Friday, February 17, 2006

4:00 – 8:00 p.m.
YDA Registration Opens

5:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Executive Committee
YDA Training + Issues Panel

6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
New Member Orientation
Women’s Caucus
Site Selection Committee
YDA Training + Issues Panel

8:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Welcome Reception

Saturday, February 18, 2006

8:00 – 12:00 p.m.
YDA Registration Opens

9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Minority Caucus
Affirmative Action and Outreach Committee
YDA Training
9:00 - 11:15 a.m.
Rules and Charter Committee

10:15 – 11:15 a.m.
Disability Issues Caucus
Budget Committee
YDA Training

11:30 – 12:30 p.m.
GLBT Caucus
Resolutions Committee
Campaign Committee
YDA Training

12:30 – 2:30 p.m.
YDA Keynote Luncheon

2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Labor Caucus
Finance Committee
YDA Training
2:30 - 4:45 p.m.
State Presidents’ Association

3:45 – 4:45 p.m.
Rural Caucus
YDA Training
3:45 - 6:00 p.m.
Convention and Chartering Committee

5:00 – 6:00 p.m.
High School Caucus
Credentials Committee
College Caucus
YDA Training

6:15 – 7:15 p.m.
Regional Caucus Meetings

Sunday, February 19, 2006
9:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Brunch with YDA President Chris Gallaway

10:00 – 12:00 p.m.
General Session

12:00 p.m.
Meeting Adjourns
Tashea Brodgins, National Chair
Minority Caucus ~ Young Democrats of America
EM: [e-mail]

Join the YDA Minority Caucus!
http://www.minority.yda.org