I'm back! Did you miss me? I apologize for missing last week's newsletter. Due to some health circumstances, I could not get it out in time.
Speaking of healthcare...I had my first hand experience with trying to get it last week. It's been almost 5 years since I last went to a doctor.With no health insurance offered by my company (and paying on my own not financially feasible) that trip to the ER cost a few grand for the basic bloodwork and tests that were run.
Recently, I had some health concerns with chest pains (likely due to all the financial stress of surviving in our current economy) that got me to finally try to see a doctor, even though I knew I wasn't sure where I'd get the money to be seen.
It took me a few hours of research, calling several different numbers, but I spoke with a few people at my local county health department and got 2 appointments made. One with the primary care clinic in late August and one with the women's health clinic in early October. Both being the earliest appointments they had available at the time. Without insurance, my cost is roughly $100-$125 for each appt., but it is based on the patient's income, so it actually could be less.
I'm trying to keep stress levels down and avoid having to call 911 before the first appointment. I know I'm not the only one out there who experiences frustrations with the current health care system. Last year, I was one of several people interviewed for the local paper on my personal story about living without health insurance. This occured during all the craziness to get healthcare reform passed.
I'm sharing this story now because I want to live in a better world and I have power to make that change. Just as you do.
Healthcare, education, transportation, equal rights, immigration...If you aren't happy... DO SOMETING ABOUT IT! Get involved! Use your voice. Speak up. Take action. Head to your local poll and place your vote for the candidate that best represents the changes you want to see made. Make sure the candidate you want, makes it to the race in November if he/she is running in a primary.
That being said, I want to personally thank ALL the democratic candidates running for office in GA, who are stepping up to make their difference how they can. I am especially inspired by the young democratic candidates running. After attending the YDG recognition of young candidates a couple weeks ago at Manuel's, I feel even more empowered and hopeful for our future.
WE CAN DO THIS!!
Make sure you're registered! Vote early if possible! Know what to bring when you arrive at the polls!
Raise your vote! Visit: https://www.raiseyourvote.com/content/GA
Early voting goes on until July 16. Primary Day is July 20.
For more information, visit: http://www.sos.georgia.gov/MVP/Login.aspx
Young Dems Representing GA in DC!
Tune into Bravo at 9 PM Tuesday 07/13 (That's tonight!) to watch Kathy Griffin's My Life on the D-List. Look for Tyler Alley and I representing active YDs from GA, in the front row of the HRC sponsored Repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell Rally in Washington, DC!
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Also...excited to report we will have great representation at the YDA Summer Meetinghappening in DC this weekend 07/16-18. We wish our YDG representatives: Jane, Louis, and Nikema, a safe and productive trip and to also have a great time!
YDG Labor Caucus is in its formative stages. Please contact Steve at swgolde@emory.edu if you are interested in helping to form this new group.
*JOB OPPORTUNITIES*
The House Democratic Caucus is looking for campaign managers to run campaigns for House candidates. This is a paid position, and requires a full-time commitment between now and the November elections. If you're interested, please contact Don Weigel, Director of the House Democratic Caucus, at don@gahousedems.com
We’re going to boost Democratic turnout this November, and you can be a part of it. The DPG Victory 2010 Coordinated Campaign is now accepting applications for its Field Organizer positions. Interested applicants should send resumes to:organizer2010@georgiademocrat.org.
The DNC Youth Council is a resource for information and conference calls with top elected and appointed officials. For more info, visit:
www.facebook.com/DNCYouthCouncil OR on Twitter @DNCYouthCouncil
And in more DNC Youth Council news...
Recently two of our at-large positions with the DNC Youth Council came open, one representing the South and one representing the West. For the application form, as well as other relevant information to the position, including requirements for at-large members, contact A’shanti Gholar atGholarA@dnc.org or 202.863.8000
The Youth Council, were formally constituted as a council of the Democratic National Committee in December 2005. The membership consists of all DNC members under age 36, as well as 12 at-large members selected from each of the DNC’s four regions (East, Midwest, South, and West). We work to ensure the Democratic Party maintains a majority of the youth vote and to increase involvement of young people in the inner workings of the DNC and state parties.
If you or someone you know is interested in applying for one of the positions, please note applications are due July 16 at 11:00pm EST. Please feel free to share this information with others.
Save the Date! August 14, 2010
The Democratic Party of Georgia - State Convention is coming up in Athens!!
We expect to have a full crowd and an energized group of Democrats ready to take back the Governor’s mansion! County elections for delegates must be completed by each local party by July 24th. Please contact your county chair (www.georgiademocrat.org/county_chairs) if you’re interested in being a delegate to the state convention.
EVENTS
ATL Solidarity Committee hosts a Solidarity Worker Town Hall
Thursday, July 15, 6 PM
Crowne Plaza Airport South
ATTENTION Community Leaders! On July 15, 2010 the Atlanta Airport Solidarity Committee are asking for you to attend the Solidarity Committee Town hall which will be held at the Crowne Plaza Atlanta Airport. Come listen to and participate in a discussion with Delta Airline & Transportation Security Administration employees regarding their day-to-day work, problems that they face on the job and why it is important for them to have real change and a voice at work.
We will start on time!!!! PARKING will be covered. Please RSVP with first and last names to aiverson@aflcio.org or call 404 754 3186. Thank you!
Fly Around Friday with Carol Porter
Friday, July 16, 8 AM - 6 PM
Come join me as I visit four towns by plane this coming Friday the 16th. I plan to stay at the airport for one hour and have a meet and greet with supporters (hope that means you if you are in the area). I will also give a short speech and the press has been invited. Hope to see you there!
- COLUMBUS, GA- Flightways @ 9:00 am
- ALBANY, GA- Eagles of America @ 11:00 am
- SAVANNAH, GA- Signature Services @ 2:00 pm
- AUGUSTA, GA- Aviation Services @ 4:00 pm
Georgia Association of Democratic County Chairs - Annual Dinner
Saturday, August 14, 5 PM (Recepton) 6 PM (Dinner)
Classic Center in Athens, Georgia
The event will be after the state convention on August 14. Our Chair, Jane Kidd, will be the recipient of their 2010 Richard B. Russell Public Service Award. It is the GADCC's highest honor, and we're thrilled that Jane will be recognized for her hard work. If you'd like to attend, tickets may be purchased at the GADCC website.
ACTION ALERTS
Stand with our President to Repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell LINK
Pledge to Buy Gas from Anyone but BP until the oil crisis is resolved LINK
Reform Immigration for America. Stop Racial Profiling in Arizona LINK
YDG MEETINGS
GCSU Young Democrats meetings are every Monday 5:30-6:30 in the Student Activities Center, Maple A in Milledgeville
YDAtl meets the first Wednesday of the every month at Manuel’s Tavern. New Member Orientation begins at 6:30, and the meeting begins at 7:30.
Young Democrats of Cobb County meet twice monthly at various locations throughout Cobb County, please visit us on Facebook for upcoming meeting information.
Young Democrats of Hall County meet twice monthly (1st Wed. evening & 2nd Sat. afternoon of each month) Wed. at the Gainesville Library, and Sat. depend on what the event is. Check us out HERE on Facebook for upcoming meeting information or contact ydhc.ga@gmail.com.
CAMPAIGN OPPORTUNITIES
DuBose Porter for Governor E-mail Steve at steven.golden@youthocracy.org
David Poythress for Governor E-mail Trevor Southerland at tsoutherland@poythressforgovernor.com or visit www.poythressforgovernor.com
Carl Camon for Governor Visit www.camonforgovernor.com for more information!
Roy 2010 is recruiting campus interns for the upcoming gubernatorial race.
RJ Hadley for U.S. Senate Visit www.hadleyforussenate.com for more details!
Michael Thurmond for U.S. Senate Visit his page on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/group.php?gid=98584104984&ref=ts
Ken Hodges for Attorney General seeks Campaign Finance Interns. Please send us your resume at dre@kenhodges.com or shannon@kenhodges.com
Rob Teilhet for Attorney General Visit us at www.robforgeorgia.com. Email resume and questions to David at david@robforgeorgia.com or Rebecca at rebecca@robforgeorgia.com
Angela Moore for Secretary of State Please call 678.888.9001 Visit our website(s): www.mooreforgeorgia.com and for the younger GA voter's www.voteformissangela.com
Gail Buckner for Secretary of State Please call 770-473-9039 for more information! Visit us online at www.gailbuckner.com
Michael Mills for Secretary of State Visit www.michaelmills2010.com
Brian Westlake for Georgia State School Superintendent Please visit www.brianwestlake.com or contact via email campaign@brianwestlake.com or call 912-441-4487
Will Avery for House District 19 Contact Steve- stevenwilliamgolden@gmail.com
Haley Shank for House District 173 Visit http://haleyshank.com/volunteer
Sandy Murray for State House District 80 Contact sandymurray@comcast.net or call 404-273-0906 for information.
Keith Gross for State House District 80 Please visit www.keithgross.com or contact staff@keithgross.com to get involved.
Senator Curt Thompson, District 5, encourages you to visit his website at www.makingyourvoicecount.com, to learn more about him and his campaign.
Elena Parent for House District 81 High-level roles are available for qualified YDs. Please contact Jeff Romig at sjromig@gmail.com for more information!
Simone Joye for Georgia Assembly House District 88 Please send an email inquiry to Pamela Forntey pfortney@joyeforthehouse.com or telephone (770) 573-4210 if you are interested.
Andrew Bostic for State House District 94 Visit www.andrewbostic.com to sign up. Or contact stephanie@andrewbostic.com for more information on how you can Make A Difference!
Joan Garner for Fulton County Commissioner, District 6 is seeking interns & volunteers, please contact Preston L. Harden at (404) 376-6833 for opportunities or visit www.garnerforcommissioner.com
Alisha Thomas Morgan for State Representative House District 39 is seeking volunteers to phone bank, canvass, and flyer. Weeknights 6-8:30 pm, and on weekends. Interested parties can contact Bre at bre@alishamorgan.com (404) 550-5956.
Dar'shun Kendrick for State House District 94 is looking for volunteers on Election Day for two shifts: (1) 7 am -1pm and (2) 1-7 pm to provide a presence throughout the district and at the polls. Dar'shun is the past Youth Coordinator for YDG during the 2002 cycle and current Communications Director for Young Dems of DeKalb. Victory Party to follow that night! Sign up to volunteer at www.kendrickforgeorgia.com or call (678) 323-7887 or email dkendrick@kendrickforgeorgia.com.
Eric Christ in State Senate District 40 is running to turn Dunwoody and northwest DeKalb from red to blue. To join the campaign, visit www.christforsenate.com or email info@christforsenate.com
In this critical year, the need for advocacy and action heightens. Please support the Young Democrats of Georgia by clicking the link below with a pledge. Your support is needed more than ever. Thank you! http://www.georgiayds.org/contribute
Newsletter submissions are accepted from all YDG/CDG chapters, Democratic candidates, and other organizations. If you wish to submit, please email Jen at jdr.ydg@gmail.com by Monday night at 5 PM.
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