Dear Young Dem,

As you celebrate the new year, we invite you to think ahead to Nov. 3, the day after Election Day. Imagine how good it will feel to wake up to story after story about Democrats sweeping statewide races and capturing crucial local victories. Now take a step back. Ask yourself what you need to do to make that vision a reality. What can you do this month, this week or even today to help us succeed in November?

As you'll see from our January newsletter, we are also beginning to think about success this fall. You can read about our efforts to bolster our communications and the steps our executive committee took at last month's winter meeting. You'll also get all the info on the OYD and YDA conventions.

We're already off and running in 2010. This will be a busy and exciting year for OYD. Please share with us any ideas you have on how to make our presence even stronger in this election year.

 Sincerely,

 Ohio Young Democrats

In this edition:
OYD Set to Upgrade Communications Efforts
OYD Holds Executive Committee Meeting
YDA, OYD Announce Annual Conventions
Get to Know the Cuyahoga County Young Dems

OYD Implements New Communications Plan

In preparation for the 2010 elections, OYD needs your help to make our communications efforts successful. Here are the key points of the new strategy we're set to unveil:

-OYD will provide press releases for local chapters to distribute to media outlets in their areas. These releases will help local chapters save the time required to draft releases, but will also allow local chapters to add their own quotes and perspectives on news events. 

-OYD will utilize Facebook as a means of promoting election-related events all across the state. To do this, WE NEED YOUR HELP! Share with us the details of your event so we can distribute them to the largest possible audience.  Join OYD's Facebook Group

-OYD will use Twitter to share important news items that highlight broad, election-related themes. Our "pass the budget" and "Run 2009" themes were very successful, and we plan to develop similar strategies this year.  Follow OYD on Twitter

To share your events with OYD, for help in developing a local communications plan or for anything else, feel free to email communications director Christopher Kromer at kromercm@muohio.edu.

Executive Committee Meeting Sets Stage for 2010

In the midst of the Ohio Democratic Party's 2009 holiday gathering, OYD held an executive committee meeting on Dec. 19 in Columbus. At the meeting, we:

-Voted to accept presidential appointments of Carey McDonald as 2nd VP, Phil Montgomery as Treasurer and Christopher Kromer as Communications Director 

-Heard from Ohio Treasurer Kevin Boyce on the importance of being an Ohio Young Dem 

-Accepted the Cuyahoga County Young Democrats' proposal to host the annual OYD convention on April 9-10

-Received annual reports from various committee members 

-Voted to approve three new chapters (Ottawa Hills High School in Lucas County, Clinton County and University of Cincinnati College Dems)

OYD, YDA Conventions Set

Both OYD and the Young Democrats of America have announced details of their upcoming conventions. At the executive committee meeting last month, OYD voted to hold its annual convention in Cuyahoga County on April 9 and 10. The Cuyahoga County Young Dems presented a proposal to host the event, describing how the OYD convention would fit into the overall rejuvenation that is taking place across Cuyahoga County.

OYD and CCYD are currently planning a two-day event, with a CCYD-hosted social gathering on Friday evening. The main convention, including training and elections, would take place Saturday morning and afternoon, with an OYD recognition dinner held in the evening.
The Cuyahoga County Young Dems are currently researching hotel opportunities and will provide us with further updates as they become available.

In the meantime, if you would like to serve on the Convention committee or any of its subcommittees, including Dinner, Logistics, Schedule and Awards, please email OYD president Sarah Saccany at sarah.saccany@gmail.com.

YDA has also set its winter convention dates from Feb. 18-21 in New Orleans. Ohio Young Dems seeking to find roommates for the convention are encouraged to email Sarah Saccany. More details about the convention can be found here.

Cuyahoga County Young Dems Set to Host OYD Convention

Following an impressive presentation at the OYD executive committee meeting in December, the Cuyahoga County Young Dems have been chosen to host OYD's April convention. Not only will the convention provide a venue for young Dems to come together during a critical election year, but it will showcase the role young Dems are playing in the Cleveland area.

"This is a first step in young people stepping up to advocate for change in Cleveland," said CCYD president Curtis L. Thompson II. "It's time to showcase what Cleveland has to offer--art, music, culture, diversity. Cleveland is truly becoming the city of the new millennium and we want to showcase it for exactly who we are."

Cleveland has an important strategic role to play in the upcoming elections, says Sheley Secrest, esq., CCYD's treasurer.

"Republicans are trying to take over so many seats," explains Secrest, "and it's important for Cleveland to understand its role in making certain that our state stays blue."

Although Republicans may try to make inroads, CCYD legal advisor Shawn Romer reminds Dems that there is strength in numbers.

"As it is with any group of similarly interested people, when young Democrats band together, they can make a greater difference," said Romer. "I am fortunate enough to be a part of a group with not only similarly interested young Democrats, but also bright and motivated individuals who are looking to make a change."

Click here to keep up-to-date with the CCYDs.

ohioyd.org