300+ Young Democrats Attend the Kentucky YD Convention
By Hailey Snow | YDA
Over 300 young people participated in the Kentucky Young Democrats (KYD) annual convention this past weekend, March 27-28 in Lexington. Representing nearly 50 cities across the state, convention participants heard from some of the Commonwealths most influential political leaders, engaged in workshops designed to advance the party agenda, and began developing strategies for electing a Democrat to Kentuckys U.S. Senate seat in 2010.
Statement from KYD President Chad Aull: This years convention had the highest attendance of any other event in my seven years with the organization. Young people in the Commonwealth havent been this politically engaged and motivated in decades. Im energized about where were going and confident that well continue working to turn the Bluegrass State blue. Well be working hard to keep these young people active for years to come.
Click here for convention photos!
The convention kicked off on Friday night at the Lexington Childrens Theatre with Valerie Biden Owens, sister and long-time campaign manager to U.S. Vice President Joe Biden. Biden Owens connected her personal stories and experiences with smart, witty advice about campaigns, politics, and government. Congressman Ben Chandler and Lt. Governor Daniel Mongiardo also spoke about some of the nations most pressing policy issues and their unique impact on Kentuckians.
Saturdays lineup of speakers at the Kentucky Horse Park included new Kentucky Democratic Party Chairman Charlie Moore, Attorney General Jack Conway, State Representative Susan Westrom of Lexington, and State Senator Ray Jones of Pikeville. All four individuals spoke candidly about the challenges and benefits of public service and how young people can play meaningful roles in politics and their larger community.
Annual awards were also presented to young leaders who have served the organization with outstanding commitment and achievement. Recipients embody the spirit of passion and activism that Young Democrats across the country pursue daily:
* High School Chapter of the Year: Bryan Station High School (Lexington)
* College Chapter of the Year: Western Kentucky University (Bowling Green)
* Edward Ned Breathitt County Chapter of the Year: Franklin County (Frankfort)
* John F. Kennedy Member of the Year: Ryan Clouse (Bowling Green)
Convention participants also elected new officers on Saturday, filling out the 2009 executive committee. Individuals elected on Saturday include:
* Vice President of Chapter Building: Crystal Chappell (Drakesboro)
* Vice President of Programming: Eugene Sisco (Pikeville)
* Secretary: Lauren Ingram (Louisville)
* Treasurer: Wil Rhodes (Frankfort)
For the full story visit http://kyyoungdems.com/2009/03/30/300-attend-rousing-young-democrats-convention/
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