Nebraska Democratic Party

From the Road: YDA Convention in Dallas

Jul 20, 07:44 PM CST

After waking up and getting ready, I started the day with a bright smile and a spirit of Democratic adventure. I ventured out of the room to different caucus meetings to find out all that YDA could offer. I experienced rousing and exciting meetings propelling the organization forward with special causes. I considered even running for a position on the College Caucus. Since this is my first convention and since I’m so new to YDA, I have been reconsidering that notion. I then attended trainings concerning the war in Iraq and Climate Change. They were both very interesting and informative. I was invited to a youth climate change gathering in Washington D.C. in January called PowerShift.

I met up with everyone from Nebraska for the General/Opening Session and shared the stories of our days. The General Session opened with the introduction of the Executive Board and consisted of rousing speeches from our five keynote speakers and the YDA President, Chris Gallaway. The keynote speakers included distinguished guests, former governors, members of Congress, and other political professionals. The highlight of the speakers was Jim Hightower, writer, commentator, and former Texas Agricultural Commissioner. Jim Hightower reminded us about citizenship, used humor and wit to bring to our attention the power we, as youth and as Democrats, possess, and told us that George W. Bush was “a corporate wet dream.”

The rest of the evening was comprised of camaraderie and networking between our follow Americans and Young Democrats, as well as international guests from the International Federation of Liberal Youth who are joining us in Dallas for a conference. It was a good start to what I hope to be an excellent convention.

Nick Jensen
Norfolk Senior High Young Democrats

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