Dear Young Dem,

It's an exciting time to be a young Dem right now. President Obama and Democrats in Congress have just passed landmark health care reform. The Ohio Democratic Party has officially launched its Next Generation Dems initiative. The Ohio Young Democrats are getting ready to host their annual convention.

Read about all those new developments in our March newsletter. Plus, you'll hear from Congressman Tim Ryan--a former Young Dem himself--on the importance of 2010. Finally, find out how to get in touch with statewide candidates and volunteer to make the difference in November.

As always, we look forward to hearing from you about what your chapter is doing to get ready for victory in November!

OYD will celebrate a year in Democratic politics and look forward to a successful election
cycle during its annual convention April 9-10 in Cleveland.

Festivities will begin Friday night, April 9, at 8:30 p.m. with a social at Anatomy nightclub
downtown.

On Saturday, April 10, the OYD conventionwill be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cleveland. Registration willbegin at 10 a.m. The convention will include special guests, a newchapter workshop, a young elected official panel, trainings and officerelections.

The final portion of the convention will take place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at 6 p.m. on
Saturday, with the first ever OYD Awards Banquet. The event will include a sit-down
dinner, appearances by statewide candidates and a celebration of the past year in
Democratic politics.

To RSVP for these events, click here.

For those who wish to stay the night in Cleveland on April 9 and/or 10, the Cleveland
Crowne Plaza has provided an OYD discount rate. Make your reservations here.

Additionally, OYDCares will be collecting items for the Renee Jones Empowerment Center,
a nonprofit group providing opportunities for those struggling with poverty, homelessness,
teen pregnancy, domestic violence and drug abuse. OYD will be collecting the following
items for donation at the annual convention:

Socks (for men and women)
Safety razors
Deodorant
Toothpaste and tooth brushes (mouthwash)
Underwear (for women and men)
Women's personal care items
Lotions
Small gift bags
Small journals

For more information on OYDCares, click here or email OYDCares coordinator Mary
Rebecca Wilson at mrw112003@yahoo.com.

The following categories will be awarded: Ohio Young Democrat of theYear, County Chapter of the Year, College Chapter of the Year, HighSchool Chapter of the Year and Distinguished Service Award.

Next Gen Dems Hold Inaugural Summit

On Saturday, March 6, more than 200 young people attended the Ohio Democratic Party's
Next Generation Democrats Inaugural Summit. The day-long event at ODP headquarters in
Columbus featured organizing, communications and finance workshops, as well as an open
forum with Governor Ted Strickland.

The Party's statewide ticket also stopped by to share their recollections of first getting involved in the political process.

Scott Surovjak, leader of ODP's Next Generation Democrats initiative, was extremely
pleased with the event.

"I could not have been happier with the Summit," said Surovjak. "The statewide speakers
did a great job and used the opportunity to have a real, candid discussion with us. The communications, field, and finance sessions were well received and gave attendees a
foundation to help build their chapters and campaigns."

Surovjak also added that the summit is merely the beginning of a new focus on the
importance of young Democrats.

"Moving forward, we will connect Next Generation Democrats with ODP Field
Directors across the state, work to increase access to our candidates and elected officials,
and continue to find new ways to link young Democrats with the Party and one another as
we turn our ideals into action."

House Passes Historic Health Care Measure

On Tuesday, March 23, President Obama signed into law a groundbreaking health care bill,
the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, passed by the House of Representatives
late Sunday night, March 21. The Senate had approved the same measure last winter.

Among the bill's provisions are its extension of health care coverage to an additional 32
million Americans, its creation of an insurance exchange designed to increase choice and
competition and its ban on lifetime coverage limits and denials for pre-existing conditions.

Obama said the bill strikes at the very heart of what people believe is possible under our
democracy.

"It's been easy at times to doubt our ability to do such a big thing, such a complicated thing, to wonder if there are limits to what we as a people can still achieve," the President said. "We are not a nation that scales back its aspirations. We are not a nation that falls prey to doubt or mistrust. We don't fall prey to fear."

Rep. Charlie Wilson (OH-6) said his vote in support of the bill was cast for several reasons.

"My vote tonight was for the 40,000 uninsured residents of my district who will now be able
to get coverage," Wilson said. "My vote tonight was for the 116,000 residents in my district
who are on Medicare...My vote tonight was also for our economy. If we don't act, not only
will millions more lose insurance, but health care spending will bankrupt this country."

"Tonight we did the right thing," Wilson added.

Congressman Tim Ryan Discusses Importance of Young Dems

Representing Ohio's 17th Congressional District, Rep. Tim Ryan has proven himself a strong
and talented advocate on behalf on those living in the Warren, Youngstown and Kent areas.

A member of the House Appropriations Committee, Ryan has emerged as a leading voice
among Ohio Democrats.

OYD recently asked the fourth-term Congressman about his early experiences in politics
and his outlook for 2010.

OYD: How did your experience with the Trumbull County Young Dems help prepare you for a
career in public service?

Ryan: Having been a member of the Trumbull County Young Dems, I realized the
importance of being active at a young age. The opportunity provided me with insight as to
what everything looked like behind the scenes and helped me build my network well in
advance of running for political office. I can't express enough the importance of networking
through similar organizations.

OYD: Why is it important for young people to be engaged politically in 2010?

Ryan: Democracies can only survive if the citizens are taking part in what's happening. We
need to make sure our young citizens are active in shaping the future for not only themselves, but generations to come.

OYD: How can young people make a difference in the political process, both this year and
in general?

Ryan: The best way to get involved in the political process is to look up every local office
holder that you support and ask them how you can help. You never know what
opportunities it might lead to. Read, read, read! And most importantly, keep an open mind.

Statewide Ticket Needs Your Help

As we inch ever closer to November's crucial election, the state's Democratic ticket has
begun campaigning in earnest. Ohio Treasurer Kevin Boyce, Secretary of State candidate
Maryellen O'Shaughnessy, Auditor candidate David Pepper and Attorney General Richard
Cordray have joined Governor Strickland and his running mate, Yvette McGee Brown, in
traveling across the state, spreading the Democratic message to Ohioans.

So many things depend upon the result of this year's election, including the drawing of
legislative districts for a decade and the fate of the state's continuing economic recovery.

This year, the Party and its slate of candidates need your help in making 2010 a Democratic
victory. So what can you do to make a difference? Get in touch with the candidates listed
below and find out what you can do on the local level. Organizing, canvassing, writing letters to the editor and spreading the word about Democratic candidates are all important parts of a successful campaign. What part will you play?

Ohio Treasurer Kevin Boyce

Ohio Secretary of State candidate Maryellen O'Shaughnessy

Ohio Auditor candidate David Pepper

Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and Lieutenant Governor candidate Yvette McGee Brown