For the past five years, I have lived and worked in service of young Democrats locally, statewide and nationally. Moving forward, the promise and potential of YDA will only be realized through the exercise of hard work and honest, transparent communication. We will not make progress by employing the rhetoric and divisive politics of the “Old” YDA, but instead doing our part to get YDA working again.

I believe all politics is local, and like many of you that is how I got my start. After college graduation, I moved to Chicago, and I recognized that young people were not as engaged in politics as they could or should be. I met with other young people that agreed we needed to do more and with the support of our local elected officials, founded the First Ward Young Democrats. This local involvement sparked my involvement with the Young Democrats of Cook County, Young Democrats of Illinois, and ultimately YDA.

Each and every step of that journey prepared me for my two biggest challenges yet. The first challenge is ensuring a successful 2009 YDA National Convention in my hometown and the hometown of our 44th President Barack Obama – Chicago, Illinois.

My newest challenge begins today by announcing my candidacy for Secretary of the Young Democrats of America. In the coming days and months, I intend to work harder than ever before to secure your support.

I have been privileged enough to work with many of you and have experienced firsthand the tight knit familial bond that is held within this organization. The bond goes beyond national conferences, meetings, and conventions – it crosses state lines. The bond transcends elections and candidates. Like no other bond, it has directly affected my life and my family. For that, I am forever indebted to each and every member of the Young Democrats of America.

YDA has been deeply affected by the economic hardships America is facing. The real test of our strength will be in how we respond; whether we turn this crisis into an opportunity to move YDA forward. Some people might want to talk about whom and what is to blame for our present circumstance and not see the opportunity to move us forward. I would rather work to do something about it. I think it is time to get to work and I am proud to join Crystal Strait’s Young Democrats Working for America team to do just that.

I look forward to the many conversations we will have in the next six months about the future of YDA, and how we can do a better job increasing accountability and keeping you informed. I look forward to making this journey with you.

Democratically yours,

Emily D. Robinson

emilyforyda@gmail.com