Who are AYDs?
The Arlington Young Democrats are a collection of Arlington citizens, ages 17-35, committed to furthering the Democratic cause, making an impact in the Arlington community, and providing a fun social opportunity for young people in Arlington. People under the age of 35 make up one third of Arlington County, two-thirds of which vote for Democrats. AYD membership currently stands at nearly 200 people.
How does AYD work?
AYD consists of a steering committee that guides the activities of the organization, committees and caucuses who work in particular areas and further our political action, and a general membership who volunteer in committees and caucuses, attend meetings, fundraisers, and social events; and help AYD achieve our goals.
What does AYD do?
In support of our mission, AYD engages in a variety of political activities, often in tandem with other official Democratic Party or Democratic-affiliated organizations. These activities include, but are not limited to, precinct and area organization, voter registration, multicultural outreach, fundraising, and issues development. During campaign season, Young Democrats put up yard signs, deliver literature to neighborhoods across Arlington, volunteer at visibility events, make get-out-the-vote phone calls, and assist candidates in Arlington for offices as diverse as county treasurer and president of the United States. Our members serve as campaign managers, campaign volunteers, and community leaders, and AYD members make up at least 25% of the Arlington County Democratic Committee Steering Committee.
AYD and its individual members also perform a wide variety of non-partisan or non-political activities, such as community service projects. In addition, AYD sponsors happy hours, social networking events, fundraisers, summer picnics, holiday parties, member appreciation events, various field trips, and several other informal events that offer young people the opportunity to socialize and network with other like-minded individuals.
