This past weekend, the Virginia Young Democrats honored all the Young Democrat candidates who ran for office in 2011, at its annual J. Sargeant Reynolds Dinner.  Our own Stephanie Clifford was recognized for her run for the House of Delegates. Congratulations!

AYD February General Membership Meeting
Wednesday, February 15th, 7pm
NRECA Building, 4301 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston)

Special Guest- Rep. Bob Filner (D-CA)

Join the Arlington Young Democrats as we recognize Black History Month and welcome Congressman Bob Filner (D-CA) to speak to us about his involvement with the Freedom Rides during the Civil Rights era.
RSVP on Facebook.
Details about Congressman Filner’s role during the Freedom Rides are also available on our website.

Snacks and drinks will be served. Doors open at 7pm and we expect to start our program at 7:30pm.

The NRECA Building is metro accessible to Ballston (Orange Line), and free parking is available in the NRECA garage on the corner of Wilson and Taylor streets.

Arlington Democrats’ Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, February 1st, 7pm
NRECA Building, 4301 Wilson Blvd. (Ballston)

This meeting will be a great opportunity for Young Democrats to get plugged in to upcoming political events in Arlington. Among tonight’s topics:
- Planning the strategy for the March 27th County Board special election
- Presentation by Frank Leone, one of the four Virginians to serve as members of the Democratic National Committee, on how the Commonwealth will pick its delegates to the Democratic convention in Charlotte, NC
- Breakout sessions focusing on political messaging

RSVP for this event on Facebook.

Virginia Democrats’ Jefferson-Jackson Dinner Weekend in Richmond
Friday, February 10th – Sunday, February 12th
Richmond Marriott Downtown

Join the Arlington Young Democrats for the annual Virginia Democrats’ Jefferson-Jackson Dinner!

Friday Night: Festivities begin with a reception for Young Democrats featuring special guest Brian Bond, who is the Director of Constituency Outreach for the Democratic National Committee.

Saturday Morning: Join Arlington Young Democrats’ leadership at the Virginia Democrats’ Women’s Caucus annual breakfast (8am). Contact Lauren at president@arlingtonyoungdems.org if you are interested in joining. (We will be coordinating rides both from Friday and early Saturday for folks wanting to go to the breakfast.)

Saturday Night: Jefferson-Jackson dinner, featuring Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer. Governor Schweitzer was elected in 2004 and re-elected in 2008, and was mentioned by many in 2008 to be on the short list for Vice President.

To get a guaranteed ticket to the dinner, a ride, or lodging with AYD, please RSVP by Thursday, February 2nd on Facebook, or visit our website

Make a difference in 2012 and become a leader with AYD!
If you are interested in helping to make a difference in 2012, consider becoming an officer or a committee member with the Arlington Young Democrats.  We have open positions on our board, and on our various committees.  Check out our online application form here: http://bit.ly/applytoayd

If you have any questions about available positions, please email Lauren atpresident@arlingtonyoungdems.org and Gordon at vp@arlingtonyoungdems.org

Our board meetings are open to the public, and our next board meeting is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 12th at 7pm.  We will be meeting at Arlington Democrat Headquarters in Courthouse (2009 14th St. N., 22201- 6th Floor, Suite 612)

Join Women for Obama!
Women for Obama are looking for some young professional Arlington ladies to host and organize house parties in the coming months. Contact Lauren at president@arlingtonyoungdems.org if you are interested.

Political Engagement Yields Political Action
The Arlington Young Democrats are gearing up for an exciting year of campaigns and political action. Become a part of the most active Young Democrats chapter in Virginia and get involved with some great political activities.  If you have an interest in any of the following, please email Andrea atpolitics@arlingtonyoungdems.org

-Voter registration with Obama For America (OFA)
-Neighborhood organizing in Arlington (Neighborhood leaders/Building Ambassador Program for high rises)
-Arlington County Board special election (March 27th- Libby Garvey, Democratic nominee)
-Arlington School Board Caucus (May- 3 candidates seeking the Democratic endorsment for November’s general election)
-Jim Moran For Congress/Tim Kaine For Senate/Obama For President

Young Democrats Meeting in Chicago
Friday, March 9th – Sunday, March 11th

The Young Democrats of America Winter Conference will be held in Chicago from March 9th to March 11th.  The conference will include a number of joint sessions and trainings with the College Democrats of America, and you will have the opportunity to tour the Obama headquarters and hear from senior campaign staff. Early Bird registration ends this Friday at 5 pm. Visit the Arlington Young Democrats website for additional details. If you are interested in attending, please email Gordon atvp@arlingtonyoungdems.org.

Save the Date:
February 25 & 26: Obama Campaign Youth Summit in Richmond (Details TBD)
March 30 – April 1: Virginia Young Democrats’ Convention in Richmond
June 2: Democratic Party of Virginia Convention at George Mason University in Fairfax
June 8: Arlington Democrats’ Jefferson Jackson Dinner
September 3 – 7: Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina

This is the first time in many years that YDA and CDA have co-located for a major national meeting.

The conference will take place Friday, March 9th – Sunday, March 11th in Chicago, Illinois. YDA meetings will begin around lunchtime on Friday and run through noon on Sunday. The summit will include a number of joint sessions and trainings, and we will have the opportunity to tour the Obama headquarters and hear from senior campaign staff. A more detailed schedule will be released in the coming weeks.

Hotel information will be available later this month; however, registration is now open: – Early Bird registration ($45) will be open until 5:00 p.m. EST Friday, February 3rd – Regular registration ($55) will then be in available until 5:00 p.m. EST, Friday, February 24th – After 5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, February 24th, only On-Site Registration ($75) will be accepted. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the meetings team at YDA- meetings@yda.org

Join the Arlington Young Democrats for the annual Virginia Democrats Jefferson-Jackson Dinner Weekend!

A link to the facebook event is here

If you are interested in attending, please RSVP on facebook AND/OR complete the following google form: http://bit.ly/DPVAJJ

SPACE IS LIMITED.  If you are wishing to join AYD for Friday and/or Saturday, and are interested in getting lodging through AYD (up to four per room), and/or transportation, you must RSVP USING THE GOOGLE FORM by Thursday, February 2nd.

RSVPing on facebook only will not qualify as an RSVP.

Click here to see the agenda for the weekend.

The festivities will begin on Friday, February 10th with a reception that night for Young Democrats.  Brian Bond, who is the Democratic National Committee’s Director of Constituency Outreach will be the special guest.

To RSVP for the Welcome Reception on facebook, click here

Click here to visit the website for the Welcome Reception

Saturday morning is the Women’s Caucus Breakfast. If you are interested in attending the breakfast ($60), please email Lauren at president@arlingtonyoungdems.org

You can purchase your tickets for the Young Democrats Welcome Reception, and/or the Women’s Caucus Breakfast by clicking here.

Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer

The dinner on Saturday will feature the Hon. Brian Schwetizer, who is the Governor of Montana.  Governor Schweitzer was elected in 2004 and re-elected in 2008.  In 2008, he was mentioned by many to be the short-list for vice-president.

AYD is in the process of finalizing partial sponsorships and lodging for CURRENT MEMBERS who have paid their dues in full, and are interested in attending. If you are not currently a member, or haven’t renewed your dues in the last year, please visit http://www.arlingtonyoungdems.org/join-us/

Please direct any questions to Gordon at vp@arlingtonyoungdems.org

Rep. Bob Filner with Mug Shot (Photo Courtesty of Ron Logan and East County Magazine)

In recognition of Black History Month, please join AYD as we welcome Congressman Bob Filner (D-CA) on Wednesday, February 15th, to speak to us about his involvement with the Freedom Rides during the Civil Rights era.

We are very excited to host Congressman Filner, and we hope you will join us to hear this very dynamic and inspirational speaker!

Click here for a story about Rep. Filner and the Freedom Rides from East Coast Magazine

Snacks and drinks will be served. Doors open at 7pm and we expect to start our program at 7:30pm.

Click here to RSVP on facebook

Our meeting will be held at the NRECA Building (4301 Wilson Blvd.)  is metro accessible to Ballston (Orange Line), and free parking is available in the NRECA garage on the corner of Wilson and Taylor streets.

Please contact Gordon Simonett at vp@arlingtonyoungdems.org with any questions.

Tuesday Jan. 24th- 7pm
Bailey’s Pub in Ballston (Ballston Mall)

Join AYD for our 2012 kick-off meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 24th.  We will introduce our new executive board, talk about what’s ahead for 2012, and rally to support our president!  Following the meeting, stay to watch the State of the Union with your fellow AYDers.  Food will also be provided. Garage parking is available at Ballston Mall. Bailey’s is a short walk from the Ballston metro (Orange Line).  We hope to see you there!

RSVP on Facebook

Virginia Young Democrats’ J. Sargeant Reynolds Dinner

Omni Hotel Downtown, Charlottesville
Saturday, Jan. 28
$35

The JSR Dinner is the Virginia Young Democrats’ premier fundraising event. The dinner is named in honor of J. Sargeant Reynolds, a bright rising star in the Democratic Party of Virginia who died in office as Lt. Governor of Virginia at the age of 34.

If you are interested in attending:

Buy your ticket

RSVP on Facebook

Email Shawn Logue, AYD Careers and Networking Chair, to let AYD know you are interested in going, and whether you would like to carpool.

Women’s Information Network Event: What is the State of 2012?

Democratic National Committee – Wasserman Conference Room
430 S. Capitol St. SE, Washington, DC (Metro: Capitol South, Blue/Orange line)
Tuesday, Jan. 31 – 6:30 – 8:30pm

Hear from one of the DNC’s top advisors, Simone Ward, on what 2012 looks like for women:

What issues will we need to advocate for?
What ‘hot’ elections should we watch?
Most importantly, how can we get involved?

A premier event for any young, pro-choice, democratic woman—don’t miss out on this once-a-year opportunity to hear from one of the DNC’s top advisors!

RSVP to president@arlingtonyoungdems.org AND politicaltrainings@winonline.org, and on Facebook

Save the Date:

February 11: Democratic Party of Virginia Jefferson Jackson Dinner in Richmond

February 25 & 26: Obama Campaign Youth Summit in Richmond

March 30 – April 1: Virginia Young Democrats’ Convention in Richmond

June 2: Democratic Party of Virginia Convention at George Mason University in Fairfax

September 3 – 7: Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina

Join AYD for our first general membership meeting of the year, and stick around for our State Of The Union watch party!

We will introduce our new executive board, talk about what’s ahead for 2012, and rally to support our president.

Appetizers will be served and $2 drafts will be available.

We will be meeting in the Burgundy Room at Bailey’s Pub and Grill in the Ballston Mall, which is a short walk from the Ballston metro (Orange line).  Garage parking is also available in the Ballston Mall.  Doors will open at 7p, and we will begin our program around 7:30

Email Gordon Simonett at vp@arlingtonyoungdems.org with any questions.

RSVP on facebook

Saturday, January 21st

The Arlington Democrats’ County Board Caucus will be held from 11am to 7pm on Saturday, January 21, 2012 at Kenmore Middle School (200 S. Carlin Springs Rd.)

Check out the Arlington Democrats’ home page to see who’s running, and for weather-related updates.

Volunteers are needed and welcome Saturday between 9am and 10pm! Just show up and we will plug you in to the most critical need.

2012 Arlington Young Democrats’ Kick-Off Meeting and State Of The Union Watch Party

Tuesday Jan. 24th- 7pm

Bailey’s Pub in Ballston (Ballston Mall)

Join AYD for our 2012 kick-off meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 24th.  We will introduce our new executive board, talk about what’s ahead for 2012, and rally to support our president!  Following the meeting, stay to watch the State of the Union with your fellow AYDers.  Food will also be provided. Garage parking is available at Ballston Mall. Bailey’s is a short walk from the Ballston metro (Orange Line).  We hope to see you there!

RSVP on Facebook

Arlington Young Democrats’ Women’s Caucus Event

Roe v. Wade Anniversary Vigil at the US Supreme Court

Monday, Jan. 23rd- 5pm

Join the AYD Women’s Caucus, activists from the National Organization for Women (“NOW”), and other pro-choice organizations as we gather for a vigil at the US Supreme Court to mark the anniversary of the Roe vs Wade decision.

If you are planning on attending with AYD, please plan to meet with Women’s Caucus Chair Paradise Kendra at 4:40pm, on the NORTHEAST corner of Independence Ave SE and 1st St SE.

Email Paradise with any questions in advance of the vigil, or call her at 703-615-5328 on the day of the event.

RSVP on Facebook

Virginia Young Democrats’ J. Sargeant Reynolds Dinner

Omni Hotel Downtown, Charlottesville

Saturday, Jan. 28

$35

The JSR Dinner is the Virginia Young Democrats’ premier fundraising event. The dinner is named in honor of J. Sargeant Reynolds, a bright rising star in the Democratic Party of Virginia who died in office as Lt. Governor of Virginia at the age of 34.

If you are interested in attending:

Buy your ticket

RSVP on Facebook

Email Shawn Logue, AYD Careers and Networking Chair, to let AYD know you are interested in going, and whether you would like to carpool.

Kaine For Virginia Richmond Campaign HQ Office Opening

Sunday, Jan 22, 2-4pm

2106 N. Hamilton St., Richmond, VA 23230

Save the Date:

February 11: Democratic Party of Virginia Jefferson Jackson Dinner in Richmond

February 25 & 26: Obama Campaign Youth Summit in Richmond

March 30 – April 1: Virginia Young Democrats’ Convention in Richmond

June 2: Democratic Party of Virginia Convention at George Mason University in Fairfax

September 3 – 7: Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina

TODAY, January 21st, is your final opportunity to vote for one of five Democratic candidates in the Arlington Democrats County Board Caucus (In ballot order)

• Melissa Bondi
• Libby Garvey
• Terron Sims
• Peter Fallon
• Kim Klingler

Turnout for this caucus is expected to be around 2.5% of all registered voters in Arlington County; your vote WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

Visit the Arlington Democrats website for more information about the caucus.

You can also click here to download the latest edition of The Voice, which is the monthly Arlington Democrats newsletter.  This issue includes statements from our excellent county board candidates regarding their candidacy.

Young Arlingtonians comprise almost a third of the population in Arlington County- let your voice be heard and VOTE TODAY!

Where: Kenmore Middle School
Address: 200 S. Carlin Springs Rd., Arlington, 22204
Time: 11am to 7pm

If you are interested in participating, or have any questions, please email AYD Community Service Director Nicole Davies at community@arlingtonyoungdems.org

United States Supreme Court Building

Join the AYD Women’s Caucus, activists from NOW and other pro-choice organizations as we gather for a vigil at the US Supreme Court to mark the anniversary of the Roe v. Wade decision.

If you are planning on attending with AYD, please plan to meet with Women’s Caucus Chair Paradise Kendra at 4:40pm, on the NORTHEAST corner of Independence Ave SE and 1st St SE.

Please email Paradise at womenscaucus@arlingtonyoungdems.org with any questions.  You may also call Paradise at 703-615-5328 on the day of the event.

The vigil will take place at the US Supreme Court Building (1 1st St. NE, Washington, DC) from 5p to 6p.

If you haven’t already seen joined the AYD Women’s Caucus facebook group, please join us!

RSVP for this event on facebook