Our Mission
The Ohio Young Democrats is the premier Democratic youth organization in Ohio. Open to any Democrat who lives or goes to school in the state of Ohio and has not yet reached the age of 36, OYD has thousands of members from every part of the state—from Cleveland to Cincinnati, Bowling Green to St. Clairsville, Dayton to Youngstown, and everywhere in between.
OYD has earned the reputation of being one of the strongest, most active state chapters in the nation; at the 1997 and 2001 Young Democrats of America National Conventions, Ohio won the "Best State Chapter Award."
The Ohio Young Democrats is made up of local county chapters across the state, as well as all of the local chapters of the Ohio College Democrats and the Ohio High School Democrats, for which OYD is the parent organization.
OYD is the official youth arm of the Democratic Party within the state of Ohio. We strive to:• Elect Democratic Candidates
• Encourage youth involvement in the Democratic Party
• Support the ideals of the Democratic Party at all levels of government
• Instill young people with the values for which the Democratic Party stands
• Provide young people with the skills and experience to lead our nation
Joining OYD will present you with a unique opportunity to participate in the campaign and decision-making process. The Young Democrats serve as a valuable resource tool for our members by offering:
• Grassroots Activist Workshops
• Legislative Lobbying
• Candidate Schools
• Campaign Operative Training
• Organizing Materials
• Leadership Development
• State and Local Party Activism Opportunities
• National Meetings and Events
Young Democrats receive first-hand experience in campaigns and elections, grassroots organizing, fundraising and candidate elective office, just to name a few. Many of the Democratic Party's leaders (like Congressman Tim Ryan, pictured right) got their start in politics with the Young Democrats!
Does this sound like something you want to pursue?