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Locate! Educate! Activate!
Who We Are
Democratic Leadership for the 21st Century is an independent
organization of young, progressive New Yorkers. Since 1993, DL21C
has been dedicated to increasing the political awareness and participation
of a new generation of New Yorkers. DL21C is the premier political
group for young people in New York and serves as a model for grassroots
organizing nationwide.
What We Do
We offer a series of DL21C forums featuring prominent politicians
and public officials. We maintain Issue Committees that focus on
research and policy development. We host Debates and run Straw Polls.
We coordinate a Campaign Clearinghouse in each election cycle to
organize volunteers on campaigns. We offer substantive ways to get
out and advocate for issues and public policy.
Most importantly, we have fun.
Our meetings are informal and provide a great place to learn about
politics, network and just generally hang out.
Why We Are Effective
A $50 annual membership provides free admission to all
our events. Otherwise our large events are $7 and our small events
are $5. We have a large Forum once or twice a month at a bar or
restaurant. Our speakers address the group for 20 minutes or so,
and our members have the opportunity to ask substantive questions.
What Are DL21C Events Like?
Our forums feature America's top elected officials, candidates,
and policymakers. In 2003 we hosted a Road to the White House series
that featured each of the 2004 Presidential contenders. We host
a Political Author Series that has featured such luminaries as Sidney
Blumenthal, David Brock, and Eric Alterman. In 2004, we will be
hosting potential candidates for the NYC Mayoral race in 2005 and
the Gubernatorial race in 2006.
We have hosted numerous debates on topics like welfare reform, hospital
privatization, drug legalization, electoral reform and school vouchers.
We regularly conduct Straw Polls among young voters to determine
their candidate preferences. Over 1,400 people participated in our
2001 Straw Poll featuring the candidates for Mayor, Comptroller,
and Public Advocate. For a complete list of our past events please
click here.
What Are the Issue Committees and How Do I Participate?
The Issue Committees are perhaps the most substantive part of DL21C.
The Committees provide an intimate forum to educate ourselves about
the critical issues that define the political landscape. The Committees
meet with major policymakers, academics and opinion-makers in a
small venue - typically in an apartment or conference room. The
Committee meetings are an opportunity to have significant face-time
and discussion with the people who shape public policy. The Committees
also produce issue reports and opportunities for political/policy
action.
The Committees currently are Education, Economic
Development, Women's Issues, Health
Care, Environment, Religious Issues
and Foreign Affairs.
Why we make a difference
Through outreach to other likeminded young people, DL21C seeks to
locate those who have the potential to become active politically
in our community but have not yet found a suitable outlet. DL21C
educates and activates its members to become informed citizens and
active participants in the democratic process.
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