West Virginia State Democratic Party

WEST VIRGINIA DEMOCRATIC YOUTH LEADERSHIP ACADEMY (WVDYLA)

The 2007 WVDYLA will be held on the campus of the University of Charleston during the week of July 24-27. We are inviting the state Democratic organizations around the state to sponsor high school students from their perspective county.

Our goal is to have a minimum of 60 sponsored students attending the academy where they will hear guest speakers, attend educational workshops on a variety of subjects, visit the state capitol, and socialize with other young Democrats.

With the knowledge and excitement they gain at the summer academy, these students will be prepared to go back to their home counties to organize and/or develop strong Young Democratic organizations in their schools and hometowns and remain civic minded individuals.

CONTACT: Director Sandy Shaw 222-0319

2007 Academy Registration Form
Frequently Asked Questions

Executive Summary from past Academies

Joint effort between WV State Democratic Party, WV Young Democrats, WV Democratic Legislative Council, WV County Democratic Chairs Association, and the WV Federation of Democratic Women

Students were selected and sponsored by the county Democratic Executive Committees or Democratic Women's Clubs

Active Young Democrats from the state's colleges served as Academy counselors

Current WV Young Democrats President served as Executive Director

WVDYLA was formed as a non-profit educational entity and therefore not subject to campaign financing laws. Approximate cost is $10,000.

Activities included:

Mock elections:

• 2 competing political parties (Nationalist vs. Federalist)
• Party platforms drafted at party caucuses
• Primaries held
• Candidate speeches
• Candidate debates

Visits by WV Democratic Officials:

• Governor
• Congressman
• State Party Chair
• Legislators
• State Treasurer
• Secretary of State
• Local mayor
• State Supreme Court Justices
• Party organization leaders (Women, Young Dems, State Party, etc)

Political Seminars:

• Grassroots activism
• Young Democrats organizing
• Media

Recreation:

• Sports
• Swimming
• Dance/Karaoke
• Campfire discussions

Exit Surveys revealed nearly 100% wanted to become more involved with the State and local Democratic Party organizations, and to attend the Academy next year as a counselor.