Internships

Today we asked participants in the Hope Institute (a crash course in politics for 40 young adults from underrepresented communities) to share why they're a Democrat in 140 characters. Here's what they had to say:

I'm a democrat because I believe in my generation's power to impact and change this country for the better #hopeinstitute

— Yassamin Ansari (@yassaminansari) June 13, 2013

#hopeinstitute I'm a Democrat because I want to fight for all Americans. Every life deserves a voice. The Democrats are that voice.

— Steven Christopher (@domrepp) June 13, 2013

#hopeinstitute I'm a democrat because I believe in a smart, fair, andworkable immigration system

— Garry Jones (@GarryBJones) June 13, 2013

I am a Democrat because everyone deserves a seat at the table #hopeinstitute #dnc

— Colleen Kutney (@colleenkutney) June 13, 2013

I'm a Democrat because I believe in common sense immigration reform that will help improve the lives of 11 million Americans. #HopeInstitute

— Pedro A. Villalobos (@pedro_villa) June 13, 2013

I'm a Democrat because I support the progress in PROGRESSive @thedemocrats #HopeInstitute

— Max (@Max_Not_Mark) June 13, 2013

I'm a Democrat because I believe in equality for ALL. #HopeInstitute

— Erin Murphy (@ErinMurphy1) June 13, 2013

I believe my generation can change the world, but we must have access to affordable education in order to do so! #HopeInstitute

— Maria Carrasquillo (@MICarrasquillo) June 13, 2013

@thedemocratsbecause we believe in opportunities for all #hopeinstitute

— Lupe Arce (@Lupe_Arce) June 13, 2013

I believe in a fair economy and equal educational opportunities that enables all Americans to rise into the middle class. #HopeInstitute

— Joshua Mbanusi (@JoshuaMbanusi) June 13, 2013

I am a Dem because as a gay soldier in Iraq, it was Dems that supported DADT repeal. We care about ALL people! #HopeInstitute

— Eric Williams (@EricWilliams253) June 13, 2013

I'm a Democrat because I believe that everyone, regardless of their zip code, deserve a fair shot at life. #HopeInstitute @thedemocrats

— Joelle Gamble (@joelle_gamble) June 13, 2013

I can't believe it's finally here! For months, our team's been working around the clock reviewing resumes, arranging flights, coordinating logistics, and securing some of the best and brightest public servants, elected officials and political professionals to serve as mentors and guest speakers.

Tonight, we're officially kicking off the Hope Institute — a throw back to then-Senator Barack Obama's "Yes We Can" campaign school and the latest effort by Democrats to invest in the next generation of leaders.

I remember the "Yes We Can" program very well. Launched in 2005, this campaign school trained participants from underrepresented communities on how to break into politics. And it was a huge success.

When I came to the DNC as the new Finance Director, I thought it was important to do some of the things we did well back in the day. That's why we launched the Hope Institute — a crash course in politics for 40 young adults from underrepresented communities.

These next two days are going to be intense. We've put together a packed schedule with speakers, networking opportunities, and real life campaign scenarios. And we've got some surprises too.

I can't wait to meet everyone tonight and look forward to sharing stories from the events. As Democrats, we believe in change that matters. That's why we invest in young people who care.

If you'd like to invest in the next generation of Democratic leaders:

chip in now

P.S. Fun fact: I met my beautiful wife while we were working together on the "Yes We Can" campaign. And that's just one of the many great things to come out of it. Excited to get started!

What I care about is keeping my child healthy — and that's what Obamacare makes possible.

My daughter Zoe was born with a congenital heart defect that required her to have multiple open heart surgeries in the first few months of her life. By the time she was six months old, she had already reached over half of her lifetime health insurance cap, which would have left us unable to pay for the continuing care and future surgeries required for Zoe to survive.

I can't tell you how relieved I was when Obamacare passed. I got a letter from our insurance company telling us that Zoe's lifetime cap had been removed. It meant my family wouldn't have to lose everything to keep my daughter alive.

By re-electing Barack Obama, Americans sent the clear message that we want Obamacare.

But for some reason, Republicans continue to fight against the will of the American people. Maybe it's because they'll do anything to stop the President from succeeding or maybe they want to keep giving insurance companies record profits. Either way, I don't care. What I care about is keeping my child healthy — and that's what Obamacare makes possible.

My family, and hundreds of thousands of families like mine across the country, have been through so much. We deserve better than Republicans continuously fighting against a policy that's been voted on, upheld by the Supreme Court, and reaffirmed by the American people.

Join me and sign this petition telling Republicans to stop trying to repeal Obamacare.

Sign the petition

As we celebrate Women's History Month 2013, young women across the country are taking time to reflect upon the great progress our country has made since women were granted the right to vote nearly 93 years ago, but we also recognize the work that has yet to be done. As Republicans continue to support policies that restrict access to healthcare, family planning, and equal pay, women find themselves struggling to have their voices heard in the most basic and critical ways. And when women's voices are silenced, our economy suffers.