January 28, 2014 (Washington, DC) — Minutes after President Obama concludes his State of the Union Address on January 28th, Phil Agnew of the Dream Defenders will deliver the League of Young Voters’ first ever State of the Youth Address, outlining the social justice priorities of millions of young voters. The State of the Youth Address is sponsored by The League of Young Voters and will debut on its YouTube channel following the #BarackTalk Twitter Townhall.
“Every year, #BarackTalk has been an opportunity for young people to meet online and hold real conversations about our biggest issues, from climate change to gun control,” says Biko Baker, Executive Director of the League of Young Voters. “This year, we wanted to make it clear that the Rising American Electorate is diverse, powerful, and passionate about impacting the world we live in today.”
For ten years, the League of Young Voters has organized nationwide to help young people build civic power and use their votes and vision to be positive change agents in their communities. #BarackTalk is their biggest annual event, attracting over 30,000 viewers to tune in and participate in panel discussions led by cultural, political, and business leaders.
Phillip Agnew, Executive Director of Dream Defenders, says, “The emerging face of our country has begun to fight for the world we will inherit. Our generation knows that true change is more than words and slogans. We are building towards it at every level and, in 2014, we will show our power at the polls.”
The State of the Youth Address, will debut on January 28th at 10 pm ET on the League of Young Voter’s Youtube channel at Youtube.com/99ProblemsDotOrg. Viewers can tune in and follow along on twitter using the hashtag #BarackTalk and #SOTY.
About The League of Young Voters Education Fund:
The League empowers young people nationwide to participate in the democratic process and create progressive political change on the local, state and national level – with a focus on non-college youth and youth from low-income communities and communities of color. The League meets young people where they are, works on issues that affect their lives, and provides them with tools, training, and support to become serious catalysts for change. Visit us @ YoungVoter.org.
About Dream Defenders:
Dream Defenders is an organization of diverse youth, young adults, and students. Through strategic action, education, civic engagement, and creativity Dream Defenders build concrete power in our communities. The Dream Defenders were founded in the wake of the Trayvon Martin murder, and in an act of civil disobedience blocked the Sanford police station doors demanding the arrest of George Zimmerman. Since Dream Defenders inception, in April 2012, the organization has grown from a few dozen students to a membership of hundreds, with active chapters organizing across the state of Florida. Visit us @ DreamDefenders.org
Contact Information:
LaShunda Campbell
lashunda@youngvoter.org
League of Young Voters Education Fund
404.734.2585
Bree Jones
bree@cashmereagency.com
Cashmere Agency
323.928.4196
