Youth Council FAQs
What is the DNC Youth Council?
The Democratic National Committee’s Youth Coordinating Council (more commonly called the Youth Council) was made an official council of the DNC in December 2005. The membership of the Youth Council 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).
The goals of the DNC Youth Council are:
- To ensure the Democratic Party maintains a majority of the youth vote.
- To increase involvement of young people in the inner workings of the DNC.
- To get more young people placed on key DNC committees.
How does one become a member of the Youth Council if they are not a DNC member?
Any registered Democrat under the age of 36 is eligible to apply for a position on the Council. Every two years the DNC Youth Council appoints 12 at-large members - three members from each of the four DNC regions. Membership applications become available sixty days before the second DNC meeting in the odd number year. The current DNC members of the Youth Council then vote on the applications of each of the eligible at-large members.
The 2009 application deadline has passed. We will once again accept applications in late summer 2011. Applications will be available from the Youth Council website, the Youth Council Facebook group (DNC Youth Council Facebook Group) and the youth page of the DNC website – www.democrats.org. Any vacancies that occur over the two year period will be advertised on our website and facebook group, and the Youth Council Officers will make an appointment to fill the vacancy.
What requirements should one have to apply for the Council?
Youth Council members should have experience in political activism with an emphasis on youth preferred. Knowledge of the DNC and its structure is also helpful. Members should have a strong working relationship with their State Party and state DNC members, as well as other progressive organizations. Involvement in other activities (law, veteran’s issues, base-vote constituencies) is highly recommended.
What is required of the DNC Youth Council members?
Youth Council members are required to attend DNC meetings (at their own cost) twice a year and to attend monthly conference calls in between meetings. The Youth Council Bylaws do contain attendance requirements. Members will actively engage in the activities of the Council (meetings, trainings, fundraisers, special events) as well as serving as a liaison for their region and to other youth, progressive and allied organizations.
If I am not a member of the Council can I still be involved?
Absolutely! The members of the Council work with young activists in their regions to promote the mission of the Democratic Party and the message of President Barack Obama. We are always looking to our young people in the states to run for state party positions, host community service events, run for public office, and assist on crucial campaigns where the youth vote can swing an election. Our meetings are always open to the public, so please attend so we can hear your suggestions and feedback.
