North Carolina Association of Teen Democrats

Teen Democrats, did you know that you can preregister to vote even if you're only 16 years old? Last summer, the NC General Assembly passed legislation sponsored by state Rep. Tricia Cotham (D-Mecklenburg) to allow 16 and 17 year olds to preregister to vote. What does that mean? You or any of your friends can fill out the same voter registration form as anyone else if you are at least 16 and a U.S. citizen, and then you will automatically be registered to vote as soon as you turn 18.

Hello Teen Democrats and friends,

In the aftermath of Tuesday's earthquake in Haiti, millions of people continue to suffer. Port-au-Prince, a city of over 2 million people, was largely destroyed by the earthquake, and some estimates of the number of deaths are as high as 500,000. Many of those who survived lack food or clean water, and they are currently unable to receive proper medical care. The people of Haiti need our help in the face of this crisis. Please consider donating to one of the following organizations to support those affected by the earthquake:

In Massachusetts, there is currently a fierce battle being waged between state Attorney General Martha Coakley (D) and state Sen. Scott Brown (R) for the U.S. Senate seat that once belonged to the late Sen. Edward Kennedy. After the seat became vacant following Sen. Kennedy's death in August, a special election was scheduled, for next Tuesday, January 19, 2010. Despite Massachusetts' status as one of the bluest states in the country, Brown (R) has performed well in some polls and this race is considered highly competitive.

Why does this race matter? Right now, Democrats hold 60 seats in the Senate-the minimum amount needed to overcome a Republican filibuster. By winning this election and reducing the Democrats to 59 seats, the "Party of NO" will be able to obstruct and block much of the Democratic Party's and President Obama's legislative goals, no matter what the cost to American families. Healthcare reform was the cause of Sen. Kennedy's life, and it would be tragic if his seat were lost to a Republican so vehemently opposed to fixing our nation's broken healthcare system. A win for Brown and his Republican allies is a loss for the American people.

So it's up to YOU to make a difference as Teen Democrats! The Obama campaign has set up a system with which you can call voters in Massachusetts using a website that provides you with their names and numbers. You just call them up and ask them to vote for Martha Coakley and the positive change that the American people voted for in 2008. It's easy and it only takes a few minutes to do. Follow this link, tell your friends, and make real change happen!

Our Fall Rally will be held on Saturday in Raleigh! Here is some information:

Date: Saturday, October 17
Location: NCDP Headquarters, 220 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27603 and NC State Fairgrounds
Time: Registration opens at 10:00 AM, event starts at 10:30, at 1:00 people can head down to the Fair if they would like
Activities: Icebreakers, breakout sessions on several topics (club building, Organizing for America, youth involvement in political campaigns), a catered barbecue lunch, prominent speakers (U.S. Senate candidate Kenneth Lewis is one), a raffle for door prizes, and the State Fair!
Cost: $5 for the Fall Rally, $5 online or $7 at the door for the State Fair, $4 for a round trip bus ticket between NCDP/state fairgrounds. If you bring more than 5 people from your club, we will give you a $10 rebate for gasoline costs.
Website: www.teendems.org/fallrally
Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=144046046401&ref=ts
This will be a great event, and we encourage you and your club members to come so that they can meet lots of other teens from across the state!
 

Have you ever wanted draw state or congressional redistricting maps--but without having to buy the $4,000 software?

Well, now you can create as many redistricting plans as you like with an easy to use and free online tool. Dave's Redistricting App was created by software engineer Dave Bradlee to open up the redistricting process up to everyone. The Redistricting App uses 2008 population estimates and interactive maps to let you create up to 500 districts per state. There are 18 states available, including North Carolina.

The NCATD encourages Teen Dems across the state to try out this incredible piece of technology and better understand an important aspect of the political process. Then, when you make a map you can upload it to the NCATD website and share it with other Democrats across the state.

It's that time again!

The North Carolina Association of Teen Democrats will be hosting our own Spring Convention on April 25 at the Democratic Headquarters in Raleigh, NC! I encourage ALL members, new and old, to attend this important convention!

Registration will begin at 10:30 AM, and the Program will start at 11:00 AM. Costs are $7 per person, which includes lunch at the Headquarters and state dues. If you have any problem whatsoever with costs, please contact Hailey Best at hbest1025@yahoo.com or Susan Oller at soller@ncdp.org.

In addition to guest speakers and club reports, the 2009-20010 statewide officer team will be elected at the convention. Open positions include:

                                           - President
                                           - First Vice President for Publicity
                                           - Second Vice President for Club Expansion
                                           - Third Vice President for Fundraising
                                           - Secretary
                                           - Treasurer

If you are interested in running for office, please fill out and return the attached Declaration of Candidacy form and follow stated directions.

In addition, the Convention Announcement form attached may be printed and used at your local chapter meeting. We ask that all attendees fill out the RSVP and mail it to Teen Democrats at North Carolina Democratic Party.

Thanks so much everyone! I hope to see you all on the 25th!

Matthew Hutton
First VP of Communication

UPDATE: Susan Oller has 7 free ticket to the Jefferson-Jackson Breakfast for teen dems. The Breakfast will be held the morning of our convention (April 25) at the North Raleigh Hilton at 9:30AM. If you are interested in attending this event, please contact Susan at soller@ncdp.org

Security on and around The National Mall was tight.

Hundreds of military personnel were in Washington. Here, they stand along side citizens -- taking pictures and enjoying their time.