Youth in politics

Today a local Philly politician blogged in honor of the 40th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, and asked, in essence, how we can get young people reconnected with the political process. As if in answer, Charlie on MyDD tells the tale of the recent convention of Young Democrats of America, traditionally an organization of folks more concerned with making connections to advance their careers than in any set of issues or actions -- this year reform-minded progressives took over the organization and reset its goals. They hope to get behind the campaigns of 1000 progressive candidates in the next two years, and to support a number of progressive actions:

At the convention, the dominoes fell in favor of those who would like to see the YDA take a bolder progressive stance, and put action behind it. Single-payer healthcare, withdrawal from Iraq, immigrant rights, and improved union organizing rights all made it into the new YDA platform. And the Action Caucus resolution passed unanimously, both in committee and on the floor of the convention.

Only time will see whether this organization can re-invent itself and re-energize young voters, but every bit helps.