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2008 Speaker Series


21st Century Democrats
Presents

2008 Youth Leadership Summer Speakers Series
co-chaired by Senator Tom Harkin and Representative John Lewis

Every summer here at 21st Century Democrats we hold an event called the Youth Leadership Speaker Series. It’s an exciting and energizing event for young people working in Washington, from interns to Hill staffers to anyone else who’s interested in hearing what top progressives here in our nation’s capitol have to say. In the past, we’ve had outstanding speakers such as Al Gore, James Carville, Hillary Clinton, John Edwards, and Barack Obama!

Around this time every year, Washington explodes with student interns and other young people who are passionately and idealistically committed to service and change. We are hoping to be motivated and energized to go back to our respective campuses and hometowns and continue on our mission to affect change all over the country. The problem is that all too often we are exposed to a very limited scope of American politics, and only get to see what happens in our office or organization.

Our goal with this Speaker Series is to present a new view of progressive politics to these young people and to unite, educate, and invigorate them about how visionary leadership is key to creating a progressive society. Our hope is that the over 9,000 students that have taken part in our event in the past have returned home with a new eagerness and enthusiasm to attack issues like civil rights, health care for all Americans, a sustainable environment, renewable energy and peace throughout the world, and that we can continue this wonderful tradition!

This is going to be a great opportunity for anyone who is interested in being inspired and excited about this amazing and historic year in politics! See you there!

2008 Speakers:

Senator Amy Klobuchar (MN), Robert Greenstein, founder and Executive Director of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, and Jamal Simmons, president of New Future Communications, were progressives speakers for our first 2008 Speaker Series event on Friday, July 25th.

We are very glad to have had Senator Barbara Boxer (CA), Representative James Clyburn (SC), Representative John Sarbanes (MD) and Representative Debbie Wasserman-Schultz (FL) speaking this past Thursday, July 31st on the Hill.

Jeff Blum, Executive director of USAction and Joe Trippi, Political strategist and internet pioneer, were dynamics speakers at our Youth Leadership Speaker Series' event on Monday, August 4th.

Saturday, August 9th training:

This summer series were closed with a successful training in conjunction with our Urban Youth Initiative.