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Blast From The Past
These archives are for all the various front page stories that you've come to expect on the NYRA page. If you miss a current story check back here, it'll be archived. Also for novelties sake scroll down and see what NYRA was up to months and years ago. It's interesting to see how far we've come.
December 15, 2001
Officers Appointed, Board Gets To Work
At a recent NYRA Board of Directors meeting officers were elected to serve the 2001-2002 term. Alex Koroknay-Palicz was again appointed President, Christopher Coes was appointed to be Vice-President, Chris Manley was appointed Treasurer, and non-board member Rich Jahn was appointed Secretary. The new board has begun to hold regular online meetings and is busy at work getting accustomed to the new positions and sorting through difficulties faced in the past by NYRA. Read officer and Board profiles here.
HB 4627 Passes
After a modest campaign this summer to derail the Michigan bill that would legalize discrimination against youth in hotels this legislation has been passed into law by Governor John Engler. Other anti-discrimination protections remain in Michigan for youth. While not successful NYRA's campaign succeeded in changing a few minds and raising awareness for Youth Rights.
November 13, 2001
NYRA To Fight Curfew
After loosing in district court the Indiana Civil Liberties Union is carrying their fight to strike down the Indiana curfew law to the federal court of appeals. NYRA will be writing an Amicus Curiae Brief for this case which will let the court know NYRA's reasons why the curfew should be repealed. NYRA is assembling a legal team to help write this very important Amicus Brief, if you have any legal experience please help out.
Victory for New Chapter
The newly formed Augusta, Georgia NYRA chapter has already won its first battle. The local high school attempted to ban all private displays of the Dixie Flag and after pressure from the NYRA-AUG chapter the school removed the policy. Students of all races were upset over the new policy since it limited their freedom of expression.
November 11, 2001
New Board Elected!
The 2001 NYRA Elections have finished! It was a competitive election with wonderful turnout, over 60 members voted. The top six vote getters were: Alex Koroknay-Palicz, Christopher Coes, Alex Cotoia, Matt Herman, Chris Manley and Mark Stanford. All newly elected Directors will attend an online meeting shortly to elect officers for the 2001-2002 term. The Annual Report was delivered on Saturday at the General Meeting in Washington, DC, feel free to read the report here.
November 8, 2001
DC Chapter Reformed
Paul and Gillian St. Lawrence have agreed to head up the NYRA-DC chapter after a recent meeting in Washington, DC. They are in the process of assembling a group of young DC area leaders to help with the chapter, if you are interested in helping out click here. DC is a hotbed for Youth Rights activity, check out this calendar of events.
Meeting On Saturday
The General Meeting is scheduled for this Saturday in Washington, DC and will conclude this year's Board of Directors election. Details on the meeting can be found at the new Election Section, just Click Here to visit the page and also to cast your ballot before Saturday! All members can attend the meeting and vote.
NYRA-AU To Show "Newsies"
On November 15th, the American University NYRA chapter will show the Disney movie, "Newsies" for the campus. The showing will be free and food will be provided. "Newsies" tells the tale of newsboys in New York who stand up for their rights and go on strike. A handout will be distrubuted that relates the movie to Youth Rights.
October 2, 2001
Vote In The General Election
It is that time of year again, time to vote for a new NYRA Board of Directors. The BOD runs the business side of NYRA. This year we've made the voting process as easy as possible. Just Click Here to visit the new Election section of the page. All members can vote and you have till November 10 to cast your ballot, but why wait? Vote Now!
October 1, 2001
NYRA Wins Battle In Michigan
All three of the discriminating businesses in Michigan have taken down their signs in response to NYRA's action against them. This is a total victory for Youth Rights and NYRA. So far NYRA is 4 for 4 and is looking to expand this highly successful campaign to the Washington, DC area. Two stores have been found in Maryland and will be approached soon. These stores have policies that limit young people allowed in their establishment according to state laws this is illegal. Statewide Michigan Talk Radio featured the NYRA President, a recording of the broadcast will be available soon. Read coverage in the Grand Rapids Press...and the Holland Sentinel.
AU Chapter Secures Budget
The American University NYRA chapter has had its $800 dollar budget approved by the university this week. In March NYRA-AU is planning on bringing Dr. David Hanson to campus to speak about lowering the Drinking Age. NYRA-AU is also planning on holding fundraising concerts and helping with the Anti-Age Discrimination campaign. NYRA-AU's first meeting of the semester will be October 14th at American University.
September 17, 2001
Board Nominations Needed
Every year NYRA holds elections for the Board of Directors according to our bylaws. This year's election starts October 9 and concludes November 10 at a meeting on the campus of American University. We need nominations for the Board of Directors, anyone can run so if you are interested or know someone who is please e-mail us.
September 14, 2001
Age Discrimination Campaign Heats Up
NYRA has achieved its latest victory in its fight against discriminatory businesses in Michigan. Hometown Hobbies has agreed to take down their sign in response to our action against them. Two more Holland area stores are still resisting. An additional business in Lansing has been located, but has yet to be reported or contacted. These stores have policies that limit young people allowed in their establishment according to Michigan law this is illegal. Statewide Michigan Talk Radio featured the NYRA President, a recording of the broadcast will be available soon. Read coverage in the Grand Rapids Press...and the Holland Sentinel.
August 28, 2001
More Age Discrimination in Michigan
NYRA is again taking action against discriminatory businesses in West Michigan. Three businesses in Holland and Zeeland Michigan have policies that limit young people allowed in their establishment. A similar case was pursued and won regarding a Blimpies subshop. The Michigan Civil Rights Department will get involved supporting NYRA's position. Read coverage in the Grand Rapids Press...and the Holland Sentinel.
August 4, 2001
NYRA to help ACLU fight Curfew
NYRA Representatives recieved word from the Indiana chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union requesting assistance in their battle of the state's curfew law. The ICLU has asked NYRA to help mobilize youth to speak out against the curfew to provide support while the ICLU fights the law in court. Stay tuned for details on how you can help.
July 30, 2001
NYRA Trounces MADD in Debate
Alex Koroknay-Palicz, NYRA President, was featured Sunday night on CNN debating lowering the Drinking Age with a member of MADD. Koroknay-Palicz emphasized the fact that lowering the drinking age will promote safer, more responsible drinking. By all accounts the arguments to lower the drinking age carried the day, MADD's scattered arguments were successfully refuted by Koroknay-Palicz. To read a transcript of the debate Click Here. To participate in the discussion of the debate in the Forums Click Here.
July 27, 2001
Make CNN An Interactive Experience
Watch CNN in the company of other NYRA members! Chat in Real Time during the debate in the new NYRA Chat Room Also all members and visitors are welcome to comment on the program in the NYRA Forums.
July 25, 2001
NYRA President To Appear on CNN
Alex Koroknay-Palicz, NYRA's President will be featured on CNN this Sunday at 5:30 PM Eastern Standard time. Koroknay-Palicz will be discussing lowering the drinking age with a representative from MADD. Encouraged by the news Koroknay-Palicz said, "This is certainly a high-point for Youth Rights. Millions of people across the country will hear arguments in favor of lowering the Drinking Age, those arguments will come from NYRA."
July 3, 2001
NYRA Wins Battle Against Blimpies
The Blimpies subshop in Holland, MI that NYRA was going to take to court has voluntarily taken down their sign in response to NYRA's complaints. While the manager was hostile to NYRA initially, he has now submitted to NYRA's demands that he follow the law. The two area newspapers are interested in doing a story on NYRA's victory. NYRA's lawyer, Kary Love, is suggesting a letter be sent to the Blimpies National office warning them to expect a lawsuit if this policy ever reemerges.
June 25, 2001
Green Day Recruiting Drive
NYRA Representatives from the Washington, DC area attended a Green Day concert on the campus of American University on Sunday, June 24. Wearing NYRA T-shirts and passing out flyers to the fans waiting in line 125 new NYRA members joined the organization. A similar recruiting drive on Tuesday, July 10 at a Baltimore Staind concert was shut down by police.
June 20, 2001
Recruiting Chair Appointed
Christopher Coes was appointed this week to head up the Recruiting and Chapter Formation Committee. Growth is vital for this organization, and NYRA is confident this appointment will contribute significantly to progress in this area. Read about Christopher here.
June 10, 2001
HB 4627 Clears House
The Hotel Youth Discrimination Bill has passed the Michigan House of Representatives with a vote of 95-7. It is now in the Senate Transportation and Tourism Committee, your help is needed now more than ever please click here to learn more and write a letter. This bill will rewrite the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act to allow Michigan Hotels to deny service to people under 18.
May 20, 2001
Mailing Lists Created
To increase discussion and participation in Youth Rights action regional mailing lists have been created for NYRA members. Using Yahoo Groups these lists will provide a method for building community within the organization and allowing members to discuss ways to further Youth Rights.
May 3, 2001
NYRA Mourns Loss of Youth Rights Leader
CYRA President, and NYRA Board of Advisor member, Josh Gilbert passed away recently after taking his own life. Josh has been an active member of the Youth Rights community for several years, and he will be truly missed. Helping the cause of Youth Rights in both Canada and the United States, his passing is a dark day for the movement.
NYRA-AU Shows Breakfast Club
On Tuesday May 1 NYRA's American University Chapter held a free showing of The Breakfast Club for AU students. This program was a chance to invite students to learn about Youth Rights and enjoy a classic movie. Students attending the program enjoyed free breakfast food provided by the chapter. This program recieved a good turn out from AU students, a few joined the organization. To read the handout passed out at the event click here.
NYRA Soon to be a 501(c)3
NYRA's newly elected Treasurer, Robert Grant, and President Alex Koroknay-Palicz are working on securing Charitable tax status with the IRS. This will allow the organization to offer donors tax deductions. Once the tax forms go through, NYRA leadership will begin aggressively seeking out money and grants.
NYRA Vice-President Resigns
NYRA's Vice-President, Beau Daniel Sanchez, has resigned from the post that he held since late Fall 2000. Citing time constraints Mr. Sanchez stepped aside to allow for more active members to take his position. If you are interested in being on the Board of Directors please apply here.
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