YDG University

About YDG University

YDG University is a series of regional training sessions designed to instruct Young Democrats on the best practices for working on campaigns in their local communities.

Beginning in June 2011, YDGU will conduct a training session in a different YDG region throughout the year. Each YDGU training session will feature experienced Democratic professionals teaching classes on a variety of campaign-related topics, such as messaging, fundraising, and field organizing. The material covered during these classes will have a specific emphasis on politics in that particular region, though the trainings should provide crucial and informative instruction that will also appeal to young activists from all over the state.

Chapters in the region will be actively engaged to help organize YDGU trainings and encourage members to attend. On top of that, YDG will promote the trainings throughout the region to bring in participants who may not necessarily be previously involved with a chapter. Any such participants will be referred to local chapters to help boost new member recruitment.

With YDG University we will be able to compile a database of trained potential campaign workers for use by Democratic candidates. Each database entry will include basic contact information, prior political experience, areas of interest, and a complete history of YDGU participation. Any participant who completes at least one training session will be entered into the YDGU database; however, certain participants may be more highly recommended depending on the amount of sessions completed.

Early next year YDG will provide the database to all Democratic candidates running throughout the state. Candidates can use the database to contact energized young activists who are already trained to work in their local area.