MWatkins Solutions

I am proud to announce my candidacy for the Virginia Young Democrats (VAYD) Public Affairs Director! I have been involved in VAYD since my freshmen year at Norfolk State University (NSU). After serving as Vice President of the NSU YDs during this past year, I am excited to take leadership to the next level for VAYD.

Unfortunately due to COVID-19, VAYD as we know it is constantly changing. The next group of leaders need to be regionally and culturally diverse so all chapters of VAYD are adequately represented. As a young African American, I will represent the diversity that VAYD has.

I have a the following plans for VAYD Communications and Public Affairs:

1. Provide more resources to chapters. As the Executive Committee, it is our responsibility to make sure chapters have the best practices for digital organizing. We must prepare our chapters to be able to digitize what we have done so long in person.
2. Communicate more with chapters. As the outgoing Vice President of the NSU YD Chapter, I have seen first hand the need for communication with the Executive Committee and the various regions and chapters. Chapters need more direction and guidance on how to establish events and conversation with their local elected officials.
3. Utilize social media more. When looking at the current social media of VAYD, it needs to change drastically. Social media is how most college students communicate and hear about events and opportunities. It is time to take advantage of that.

With that being said, I hope I can gain your support in being the next VAYD Public Affairs Director. Stay safe and stay connected!