Thursday, July 18, 2013

Mid-July News Update

As the days of summer roll past and we inch closer to November, HRYD has been busy with events across the region and the state. For the most up-to-date information on events, news and other updates, follow us on Twitter at @HRYoungDems and on our Facebook page at Hampton Roads Young Democrats.

New Logo

Officially unveiled at the monthly meeting on July 10th, HRYD debuted our new logo that replaced the original design with one that we feel best signifies the spirit of our group as well as incorporates the cities we represent across Hampton Roads. The logo was designed by our Vice-Chair, Joel McDonald, after being inspired by the events of Jefferson-Jackson Weekend in Richmond. We think it's a great design!

Hampton Roads for Atima Reception
This year, Young Democrats from Virginia have a chance to help one of their own in an important race for the leadership of the Young Democrats of America. At the YDA Biennial Convention next month in San Antonio, Texas, Virginia's own Atima Omara-Alwala is running for the office of YDA President for the 2013-2015 term. To help support her bid, HRYD, along with the Norfolk City Democratic Committee and help from committees across Hampton Roads, hosted a fundraiser at the Belmont House of Smoke on Tuesday, June 25th. Notable people attending included Del. Lynwood Lewis, former Del. Paula Miller, DPVA vice-chair Gaylene Kanton and Democratic Nominee for Norfolk Commissioner of Revenue, Evans Poston.
 

It was as great time and a successful event with food graciously prepared by the Belmont House of Smoke staff. We thank everyone who made it out and donated to Atima's campaign! A number of HRYD members are planning to attend the YDA Convention, so we hope to see her election in person next month! If you are interested in attending the Convention, e-mail us at hrvayds@gmail.com.

Jefferson-Jackson Weekend
The Democratic Party of Virginia's annual Jefferson-Jackson Weekend took place from June 29th until July 1st, marked by a number of great speeches, meetings and other events that brought the party together and energized us for November. HRYD members were there staring Friday night with the VAYD reception, held at the Marriott Hotel and Convention Center.

Saturday's events were held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center where a number of caucus and general business meetings took place during the day. HRYD Vice Chair and Vice Chair of Technology and Communication of the LGBT Democrats of Virginia, Joel McDonald, helped to plan and preside over the LGBT Democrats first annual Equality Breakfast, held Saturday morning with Sen. Tim Kaine as Keynote Speaker. We congratulate Joel and the LGBT Democrats for their work. Former ODU Young Democrats President and HRYD member Terrell Kingwood was awarded the DPVA Rising Star Award at the Grassroots Luncheon later that afternoon in honor of his work over the previous year. Once again, we congratulate Terrell on his award.

Later that evening, the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner was held with Virginia's congressional delegation and the majority of the statewide delegates and senators in attendance. The highlight of the night was the dinner's Keynote Speaker, Vice President Joe Biden. Vice President Biden emphasized the successes of President Obama and his administration as well as the growth of the private sector and the jobs created because of that. Most importantly, he emphasized the importance of this year's statewide election and the risks we run if Ken Cuccinelli, E.W. Jackson and Mark Obenshain are elected to office.
After the dinner, HRYD members met and spoke with Hampton Roads' own Rep. Bobby Scott and Lt. Governor candidate Sen. Ralph Northam, Attorney General candidate Sen. Mark Herring and DPVA Chairwoman Charnelle Herring. We had a wonderful time meeting with Democrats from across the state and we are ready to work to elect our slate to Richmond!

McAuliffe-Northam-Herring Joint Phone Bank in Virginia Beach

The McAuliffe campaign in Virginia Beach hosted a phone bank on Tuesday, July 2nd, at their office in Virginia Beach with Terry McAuliffe, Sen. Ralph Northam and Sen. Mark Herring in attendance. Through our social media outlets, HRYD informed its members and followers of the event through Facebook event creation and tweets from our Twitter page. This publicity spread further when followers such as DPVA Chairwoman Del. Charnelle Herring retweeted our event post on Twitter. HRYD members participated in the event through posting of videos, photos and working the phones to inform local voters about our Democratic ticket.

Upcoming Events

This Saturday, July 20, the first debate between Terry McAuliffe and Ken Cuccinelli will be streamed online. Coinciding with that event will be two debate watch parties which are to be held at the Norfolk and Virginia Beach McAuliffe Campaign Offices starting at 11 AM. For more information on this event or RSVP for them, visit our Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/513772332029318/?ref=3

The following weekend, July 27th and 28th, HRYD and the McAuliffe campaign will be holding a Weekend of Action across Hampton Roads in an effort to inform voters about Terry's campaign through canvassing, phone banking and other volunteering opportunities. More information to come as the details are finalized.

Website Notice
With a new logo, some new events coming up and the campaign season rolling along, HRYD will soon be making another change within the next few weeks as we will be leaving Blogspot for a new host by the end of July. Further details will follow shortly.

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