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NYRA Freedom
ISSN 1933-5229
Scott Davidson and Adam King
Volume 5, Issue 12
December 3, 2005
Contents:
Introduction
Alex Koroknay-Palicz attends drug policy conference
NYRA gains technical support
Koroknay-Palicz attends Kennedy Memorial
Hold house parties for NYRA, Board suggests
NYRA Board of Directors passes new chapter policy
Chapter News
--WAYVRS
--NYRA-Berkeley
--NYRA-Gainesville
--NYRA Chapter Meeting
Staff
Feature: Freedom increases in size
News From the Web
Conclusion
Introduction
by Scott Davidson
The youth rights movement has had another successful month. The
national office continues to work on obtaining grants and creating
chapters. At the local level, youth rights activists are achieving
tangible success in their struggles against various manifestations of
ageism. Though things are going well, it is important that members
continue to donate, especially until we start receiving some grants.
For the past three years, this publication has been comprised almost
entirely of my writing. I am pleased to announce that Adam King, my
friend and colleague, has joined NYRA Freedom, and contributed
significantly to this issue. Adam and I will be accepting submissions,
400 words or less, for publication in future issues of NYRA Freedom. If
you are interested, please email Scott.
Alex Koroknay-Palicz attends drug policy conference
by Scott Davidson
Alex Koroknay-Palicz, NYRA’s Executive Director, recently attended a
conference in Long Beach, Cali., organized by the Drug Policy Alliance.
The conference attracted many leaders in the drug policy reform
movement, including Scarlett Swerdlow, formerly of NYRA's Board of
Directors, and former Sen. John Vasconcellos (D-Cali.), who sponsored an
important voting age bill in California.
Koroknay-Palicz had many opportunities to network with other activists.
He attended two fundraising workshops, and he received tips from
individuals who run large non-profits. From the time he boarded the
plane until the end of the conference, Koroknay-Palicz was meeting with
influential people who could potentially become staunch allies and even
lead NYRA to new sources of funding.
Perhaps most importantly, Koroknay-Palicz had an opportunity to lead a
panel discussion. The discussion dealt with the drinking age and how
parents should talk about drugs with their sons and daughters. The
panel was a resounding success, and many of those who participated found
themselves in agreement with NYRA's Executive Director. Ira Glasser,
former Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union, was one
of those who agreed with Koroknay-Palicz's arguments.
The generous people at Common Sense for Drug Policy agreed to pay
Koroknay-Palicz’s way to the conference. Special thanks to Common Sense
for Drug Policy and the DPA for organizing the event.
NYRA gains technical support
by Adam King
NYRA members may begin to notice changes on the website and on the
forums. In mid-November, James (Jim) Pleger joined the developers at
NYRA to enhance the site. With the additional help, NYRA will become
more integrated and user-friendly.
Pleger is currently studying
Computer Information Systems (CIS) at a local college in Phoenix, Ariz.
While attending school and working with NYRA, he is also employed at
GoDaddy.com. "Youth rights are a huge thing to me, and I think that
they are way too important to not have them," Pleger said.
"We had many other pieces to our tech puzzle with design people, other
tech skilled staff," Executive Director Alex Koroknay-Palicz said, "We
just needed that one last person to complete it. I am very pleased to
have Jim with us now."
Koroknay-Palicz attends Kennedy Memorial
by Adam King
Alex Koroknay-Palicz, NYRA’s Executive Director, attended a memorial in
Washington, D.C., to honor the legacy of Robert F. Kennedy.
On Nov. 16, Koroknay-Palicz went to events held at the Capitol Building
in memory of Kennedy. Koroknay-Palicz hoped to network with important
people and spread the news about NYRA.
Koroknay-Palicz tried to talk with representatives from organizations,
relatives of Kennedy and a reporter from CNN. According to
Koroknay-Palicz, his attempts at networking did not go well. “I’m not
so good at networking or talking to people I don’t know on semi-social
situations,” he said. “I’ve always got good intentions though.”
At an awards ceremony for people carrying on the legacy of Kennedy,
approximately 500 attended. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), Sen. Edward
Kennedy (D-Mass.), CEOs of companies and organizations and other public
figures were among those present.
“It’s significant that we got invited to such an important gathering,”
Koroknay-Palicz said. “It’s a sign we are moving up in the world.”
Portions of the memorial, however, were marked by overt ageism. Rep.
Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) gave a speech in which he attempted to align the
values of Robert Kennedy with V Chips, curfews and school uniforms.
Koroknay-Palicz raised his objections to Emanuel’s speech, but the
audience seemed partial to Emanuel’s view.
Koroknay-Palicz has written a blog entry about the event at
www.oneandfour.org. NYRA leaders have already begun to write Emanuel
regarding his speech, and all NYRA members are encouraged to do the
same. Emanuel is the Chairman of The Democratic Congressional Campaign
Committee. "It is important that he knows the Democratic Party will not
attract young voters by advocating youth curfews and school uniforms,"
Koroknay-Palicz said.
Hold house parties for NYRA, Board suggests
by Adam King
At the last meeting conducted by NYRA's Board of Directors, an idea for
members to host house parties was suggested. Board Director Keith
Mandell is coordinating the national effort. Mandell hopes the money
generated from holding house parties will "take NYRA to the next level
as a major civil rights organization."
During the month of December, members are urged to gather with their
friends, co-workers, peers or family to make this effort a success. In
order to raise money, members should ask for a donation from their
guests. There are several ways to make the parties fun: Play video
games, watch movies, listen to movies or do whatever else you please.
The parties do not necessarily have to be at a house. They can be held
in a restaurant, outside or any place available.
In addition, members can visit with the owners of local businesses or
write to them explaining what NYRA does. When asking for money, members
should inform the owners that NYRA is an IRS-designated 501(c)(3)
non-profit organization. The donations to NYRA will be tax-deductible.
With the donations from local retailers, members can then hold a raffle
or silent auction at their party.
The parties can be large or small. If there are only five people who
can come, invite them, Mandell says.
"December is NYRA House Party month for two reasons," Executive Director
Alex Koroknay-Palicz says. "First, it is a great time to hold a party
and get lots of people to attend. Second, NYRA is trying to raise money to ensure a
successful 2006.
"We need to raise at least a $1,000 to make sure that we will have
adequate funds to pay our Executive Director into next year and to
engage in numerous specific civil rights activities..."
For information on how to hold a silent auction or receipts for
donations, contact Koroknay-Palicz.
For general information or to request support, contact Mandell
NYRA Board of Directors passes new chapter policy
by Scott Davidson
The Board of Directors recently passed a resolution that will add
certain rules to the bylaws governing the creation and operation of
NYRA's chapters. The new bylaws will remain in effect until the general
election this summer, when they must be approved by an affirmative
two-thirds vote of the membership. Until now, NYRA has had no official
chapter policy. NYRA's leaders feel that the new policy will make it
much easier to deal with issues regarding the relationship between
NYRA's chapters and the national office.
The policy was written by the bylaws committee, which consists of Alex
Koroknay-Palicz, Chris Howell and Scott Davidson, along with Keith
Mandell, NYRA’s chapter development coordinator. The Board was
overwhelmingly in favor of the new policy. Davidson was the only
director who voted against it, despite having a hand in writing it.
He has been calling for the Board to adopt a chapter policy since last
year. “This is a good proposal, but it does not ensure that chapters
will adopt all of our position papers," Davidson said. "We should be
willing to sacrifice a few potential chapters in order to retain our
ideological purity.”
Koroknay-Palicz shared Davidson’s concerns, but he did not vote against
the new policy.
The policy requires chapters to
*include “National Youth Rights Association” in their name;
*have a minimum of five charter members;
*pay a $30 charter fee; and
*be approved by the Executive Director.
The policy also details that chapter status will be revoked in the
following situations:
*If any chapter openly contradicts a NYRA position;
*If they are known to discriminate; or
*If they fail to address corruption.
It also defines chapters as separate legal entities that do not fall
under the incorporation of the national office.
The second half of the policy addresses the issue of state chapters. It
sets specific requirements for the creation of state chapters, and it
places limitations on what they can and cannot do. The policy only
applies to future state chapters, so NYRA-Vermont will not be affected
by the resolution.
Every Board Director agrees that the creation of new chapters is vital
to NYRA’s success. The national office functions as a coordinating
body, but it is up to the chapters to lead campaigns, change laws and
show initiative.
“The new chapter rules will clear up some confusion we've had in the
past and better enable a smooth-running grassroots organization,”
Koroknay-Palicz said.
The complete chapter policy may be found on the website here:
http://www.youthrights.org/forums/showpost.php?p=118434&postcount=1
Chapter News
WAYVRS obtains $500 grant
by Scott Davidson
The Washington Youth Voting Rights Society (WAYVRS) recently received a
$500 grant from Mix-it-Up. WAYVRS has strong ties to NYRA, and for a
time they were a chapter. WAYVRS has done important work on a bill to
lower the voting age in the state of Washington. NYRA would like to
extend its gratitude to Mix-it-Up for their generous contribution to the
movement.
NYRA-Berkeley
by Scott Davidson
On Dec. 13, members of NYRA Berkeley will debate two people from the
Junior Statesman of America. The debate will concern NYRA Berkeley’s
efforts to lower the voting age to seventeen for school board elections.
The chapter is also planning to meet with members of Rep. Barbara Lee’s
(D-Oakland) staff to discuss a possible effort to lower the voting age
at the federal level. NYRA-Berkeley Chairman Rio Bauce met Lee at a
party, and she said she supported the idea of a lower voting age. Rep.
Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) has publicly supported the idea of lowering the
voting age, and NYRA Orange County chapter has had some success lobbying
for a lower voting age at the federal level.
NYRA-Gainesville
by Adam King
The membership of NYRA Gainesville, Fla., has decided to take a 2.5
month hiatus. They will resume normal operation on or after Jan. 2, 2006.
NYRA Chapter Meeting
by Scott Davidson
NYRA’s office of chapter formation will hold a meeting on Dec. 18, at 8
p.m. Eastern, in the AIM chatroom “NYRA.” Send an Instant Message to
"teenvote" that night if you wish to be invited. All official chapters
are required to send a representative to the meeting.
Staff Changes
by Adam King
In mid-November, Rio Bauce resigned from his position of West Region
Captain of Chapter Formation. Tina Phillips was hired to take his place.
Phillips may be contacted by e-mail.
Staff Needed
by Adam King
The North, Midwest and Central regions of NYRA are in need of a chapter
formation captain. Keith Mandell is responsible for chapter
coordination, and he said that a captain for the North is the most
needed due to an influx of recent chapter activity. Chapter formation
captains are responsible for handling new chapters, assisting official
chapters and fundraising within their region.
To apply or for more information, contact Mandell
Feature: Freedom increases in size
by Adam King
Seeing as how I am joining the NYRA Freedom newsletter staff this month,
I believe that an introduction is in order.
I have been working closely with NYRA since the beginning of 2005. In
March, I became the Assistant South Region Captain, and in July, I
acquired the job of South Region Captain. In the time since I have
joined, I have performed various tasks for the administration and for
the Board of Directors. In addition, I am currently serving as the
chair of NYRA’s High School Policy Committee.
By joining the Freedom, I hope to bring my knowledge of journalism and
my experience with youth rights to the readers of this publication.
To contact me, email me.
News From the Web
Compiled by Scott Davidson
Student Suspended for Hair
http://forums.youthrights.org/showthread.php?t=5853
Kids not so suicidal after all
http://forums.youthrights.org/showthread.php?t=5877
Lawmaker: Lower Drinking Age For Troops
http://forums.youthrights.org/showthread.php?t=5825
Paterson curfew idea flies with voters
http://forums.youthrights.org/showthread.php?p=120251#post120253
Sony PlayStation to Get Parental Controls
http://forums.youthrights.org/showthread.php?t=5815
Paterson voters to decide on curfew; not all happy with idea
http://forums.youthrights.org/showthread.php?p=120251#post120251
Youth Found Competent to Make Medical Decisions
http://forums.youthrights.org/showthread.php?t=5748
At Some Youth ‘Treatment’ Facilities, ‘Tough Love’ Takes Brutal Forms
http://newstandardnews.net/content/index.cfm/items/2619
Young Voters Led Surge in 2004 Election
http://channelone.com/news/2005/11/17/ap_voters/
Conclusion
by Adam King
It is hard to believe that the calendar year is coming to a close once
again. I have been involved with NYRA for almost a year, and I have
witnessed a lot of changes and successes. During this year alone, NYRA
has gained chapter formation captains, increased the number of chapters,
hired Alex Koroknay-Palicz as its full-time Executive Director and has
done much more. With every month that goes by, NYRA gets better and
better. During this past month, NYRA has been recognized by other
organizations and important people. This allowed Alex to attend a
conference on the West Coast and to attend a memorial for Kennedy. I
hope that during this month of various holidays and celebrations, you
will keep NYRA in your mind. Remember to donate money or to work on
other important tasks that NYRA greatly appreciates.
------NYRA------
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