2009 LACYD Platform

The following platform was approved by the Los Angeles County Young Democrats on February 18, 2009 after input and collaboration by the Legislative Committee and Executive Board.

Mission Statement

The Los Angeles County Young Democrats are dedicated to empowering young people to engage in the democratic process through education, opportunity and action in order to strengthen our influence in politics and policies that affect our lives.

Pursuant with this mission, the Los Angeles County Young Democrats does hereby adopt the following Platform in order to guide our organization as it confronts issues and challenges in the coming year.

Civic Participation

LACYD seeks to engage young adults in the political process. LACYD supports efforts which will increase participation in democracy by encouraging voter registration, participation, legislative and political advocacy, and civic volunteerism. LACYD seeks to share the connections, expertise and idealism of its membership in order to help young adults take ownership of the political process.

Economy

LACYD seeks to foster a strong and stable economy by supporting programs and initiatives that encourage sustainable growth, cooperative partnerships between labor unions and businesses, support and expand opportunities for local businesses, drive technological and environmentally friendly innovation and invest in job training and vocational education that will build a strong, skilled workforce.

Education

LACYD supports measures that will improve the quality of education in California from pre-school through higher education and vocational training programs. We support increased access to colleges and universities, keeping the cost of education to students reasonable and affordable, ensuring that quality teachers are hired to educate California’s youth, and protecting the financial resources of state and local school districts. We further support measures which would increase opportunities for after school programs.

Environment

LACYD supports measures that will lead to a clean and safe environment, which is vital to the sustainability of our society. LACYD will support efforts to reduce pollution, advocate smart growth and development, encourage conservation and the efficient use of our natural resources and pursue the advancement of alternative and renewable fuels and technologies.

Equal Opportunity, Diversity and Civil Rights

LACYD supports the protection of equal opportunities and civil rights for all and seeks to promote equal access to a fair legal system, health care, housing, education and equal marriage rights for everybody. LACYD will promote the rights of all Americans to vote, have their voice heard, and be free from oppression.

Health Care

LACYD supports measures which seek to ensure that necessary health services are provided for everyone. We believe that everyone deserves health care (including medical, mental, dental and vision care) as a fundamental right. LACYD believes it is important to continue to fight for equal quality, affordability and access to health services for all, the protection of patient rights and reproductive choices.

Labor Rights

LACYD supports and promotes the right of workers to form a union free of fear and coercion. LACYD further supports measures which ensure and protect the right of workers to collectively bargain for a contract that meets the needs of both workers and their employers.

National Security and International Relations

LACYD seeks to promote national and international security and engender peace at home and abroad by supporting the protection of democracy and democratic institutions, promoting strong international diplomacy, confronting terrorism and its root causes, and providing access to basic resources and human rights for all. LACYD supports the standards of the Geneva Convention as well as other international laws of war and diplomacy. LACYD supports measures which ensure that communities are free from institutional oppression and intimidation.

Transportation and Infrastructure

LACYD views our transportation network and basic infrastructure as the foundation of a functioning urban society. We support prioritizing and investing in public and alternative transportation, transportation oriented development and to improving basic infrastructure in order to reduce congestion and improve regional mobility.

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