CYD Candidate Questionnaire
CANDIDATE INFORMATION 1. Name as it will appear on the ballot: First Name Middle Initial or Nick Name Alissa 2. 3. 4. 5.
Last Name Ko
Office Sought: President Are you the incumbent? No Are you a Voting Member in Good Standing of SFYD? Yes How many years have you been a member of SFYD or other YD Chapters? I have been a member of the Sacramento County Young Democrats for 4 years. 5. Contact Information: Home Address: Campaign Phone: Campaign Email: Campaign Website:
alissaforcyd@gmail.com
Alissaforcyd.com
CYD Candidate Questionnaire
POLITICAL BACKGROUND Beginning with the most recent position, please list previous leadership and elected roles in the Young Democrats and other relevant Political or Leadership Organizations. Office/Role CYD VP of Finance Elective/Appointive? Elected Dates Held 4/08 - 4/09 Leadership Role (if any) Raised over $65k for CYD; Implemented first ever statewide online training; Instrumental in making the rural campaign successful; Organized the budget discussions regarding budget cuts to higher education Revitalized SCYD with membership recruitment and fundraising; Established committee structure to the organization; Established community presence Helped establish PAC giving; Helped revitalized yearly event
SCYD VP of Fundraising
Elected
1/07 – 2/09
National Women’s Elected Political Caucus- Capitol Caucus State Board Representative Taiwanese American Appointed Citizens League Internship Program Coordinator SEIU Local 1000 Political Organizer Employment
1/07-1/08
March–July 2004
Consumer Attorneys of California PAC/
Employment
Revamped the Sacramento Lobby trip; Spearheaded trainings for the interns 3/08 - Present Helped draft campaign plan for the 2008 General Election; Ran statewide campaign for nurses regarding a bill; One of a ten person team who assisted in strategic planning for the union February 2005– Assisted in implementing March 2008 statewide fundraising
CYD Candidate Questionnaire
Development Coordinator plan; Assisted in executing a communications plan; Drafted plan for a grassroots public image campaign July 2004– Organized the field November operation, recruited 2004 volunteers and allied organizations, and planned events; Helped coordinate one of the region's largest GOTV efforts with 103 volunteers
Joanne Verger for State Employment Senate Deputy Campaign Manager
QUESTIONNAIRE 1) Why are you running, and what makes you qualified for this position? I am running for President of the California Young Democrats because I believe in the difference our generation can make. Young Democrats should not be thought of as leaders of tomorrow but the leaders of today, I’m running for President to ensure that happens. Young Voters in California will be the deciding factor in the race for United States Senator. For Governor. Young Voters will decide whether the Democrats in the legislature cross the crucial two-thirds majority required to pass a sane budget. Young voters may be deciding a rematch of Proposition 8. Young voters will be deciding. But you are not just a young voter. You are a Young Democrat. We have a chance to have a far bigger impact than simply casting a vote. Obama's win only proved what we have been saying for years: when young people vote, Democrats win. The rest of the political establishment has started paying attention to us. So now that we have their attention, the question facing CYD is what we are going to do NOW. Now that we are in the majority, our core mission as an organization is to evolve from being the foot soldiers of the establishment to being the conscience of the Democratic Party. That's why I'm asking you to join me in my race for President of California Young Democrats. It is a given that California Young Democrats will be leading the charge towards victory in 2010. We have a proven track record of engaging young voters--from Stockton to Orange County, CYD has been involved--and young voters have proven decisive--in every race in California. CYD needs a leader who understands what our new mission is. I am that leader.
CYD Candidate Questionnaire
I have spent my life standing up for the causes we believe in. For Young Democrats, these are the fights that affect us the most, and the fights where we must be leading the charge. We cannot cower in the corner allowing the powerful to set the agenda, but must speak truth to power even when it falls upon deaf ears. We must foster and encourage leadership wherever we see it. As a fundraiser for the Consumer Attorney's of California, I defended the ability of working men and women, the disabled, and the poor to stand up and seek redress from Corporate America’s acts of injustice. And as an organizer for the Service Employees International Union, I have spent every day of the last year fighting for California's workers--a fight against the powerful might of the Chamber of Commerce and their Republican stooges. I became involved in politics because I believe in the core values of our party, and I believe them more strongly today and each day as I fight. As a young, Taiwanese woman diversity of voice and action within every organization has been my rallying cry. Young Democrats must always be a pulpit from which diversity is championed in our Democratic Party. My running mates include both regional and ethnic diversity. I don’t believe in simply talking about diversity, but actually carrying it through with actions. In 2008, I organized the Stockton CYD field office that employed two young democratic activists campaigning to turn the San Joaquin Valley Blue. And due in great part to CYD’s efforts in the San Joaquin Valley, its represented by only democrats. CYD’s efforts: AD 15 changed from Red to Blue with the election of Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan, AD 10 changed from Red to Blue with the election of Assemblywoman Alyson Huber, AD 15 remained Blue with the election of Assemblywoman Cathleen Galgiani, SD 5 remained Blue with the election of Senator Lois Wolk, and we turned the City of Stockton’s Mayor from Red to Blue with the election of Mayor Ann Johnston. I believe that a cooperative, grassroots approach from below is more productive than a top-down organization. I believe that the grassroots is where this organization’s strength is centered and that our leadership must be committed to actively supporting, sustaining and strengthening our chapters. I have used this approach in my home chapter, where our leadership team succeeded in doubling our membership and budget in a single year. My home chapter was led from a collaborative approach, where all voices were heard and all perspectives honored. I have used this approach in my home region, where the number and size of each chapter grew this year. And I have used this approach in my current position of Vice President of Finance, bringing in resources to both CYD and, more importantly, working with chapters to ensure they are capable of sustaining themselves. We can also continue to make our organization more reflective of California’s diversity of thought and identity by continuing to expand our Caucuses. By developing more Caucuses, each
CYD Candidate Questionnaire
of us and CYD as a whole can become more educated and cognizant of the expanding progressive movement. As we develop these Caucuses we can continue growing our strength as a force for progressive change. I have spent this year focusing on each of these priorities. As the most successful Vice President of Finance this decade, I have been instrumental in ensuring this organization has had the resources to meet our lofty goals--and this in spite of one of the worst economic climates facing our nation in decades. In the last year I have raised over $65,000 for CYD amid the worst economic time our nation has faced since the Great Depression. But I have not only raised money for CYD, I have also helped many chapters throughout the state meet their fundraising goals by training them in Fundraising 101 and linking them to local political leaders in their area. I am committed to continuing my web-based fundraising trainings so that all chapters can build the fundraising base that can they need to sustain themselves. 2) What are the main challenges facing the California Young Democrats as an organization in the context of this position? How will you address those issues if elected? If you are the incumbent, please list at least three concrete accomplishments in the office.
Fundraising, Communication, and Chapter Building are the main challenges facing CYD as an organization. Fundraising In the last year I have raised over $65,000 for CYD amid the worst economic time our nation has faced since the Great Depression. This was accomplished through hard work and continuous outreach to electeds, unions, community groups, and individuals throughout the state. CYD and all chapters can be successful fundraiers if we use our personal connections to organizations and electeds in our fundraising endeavors. My plan for the next year is to have more CYD-local chapter fundraisers, have phoning for dollar phonebanks, and reach out to non-political groups to help build our base of funders. I also believe that CYD needs to open a 501(c)(3) to pay for our operational costs, this will allow our funders to write off a portion of their donations to CYD and expand our reach to non-profit foundations. But I have not only raised money for CYD, I have also helped many chapters throughout the state meet their fundraising goals by training them in Fundraising 101 and linking them to local political leaders in their area. I am committed to continuing my web-based fundraising trainings so that all chapters can build the fundraising base that can they need to sustain themselves.
CYD Candidate Questionnaire
Communications The biggest challenge facing our chapters is the fact that we do not have an institionalized line of communication. CYD communicates directly with Chapter Leaders but does not reach out to members of chapters linking them into CYD’s events, trainings, and meetings. CYD must develop a more cohesive, grassroots approach to communication. I believe the first step in this process is linking chapters by region more aggressively. I will work with regional directors to ensure that chapters within each region know what other chapters are doing and how they can link together to accomplish their goals in a cooperative process. If you accept the premise that each chapter is stronger when other chapters are standing with it, then it’s clear that the executive board of CYD must overhaul our communications structure. For example, SFYD might organize a fantastic rally in favor of the Employee Free Choice Act. But that rally might be significantly stronger and more successful if every chapter of CYD in Northern California is made aware of and attends the rally. As a Labor Organizer for SEIU Local 1000, I understand that our union is much stronger when other unions are standing with us. The same is true of CYD chapters, and in order to meet that challenge, CYD’s communications structure needs to be completely overhauled. Chapter Buildings I believe that a cooperative, grassroots approach from below is more productive than a top-down organization. I believe that the grassroots is where this organization’s strength is centered and that our leadership must be committed to actively supporting, sustaining and strengthening our chapters. This starts at the chapter level. CYD must develop a communication plan, as stated above, that links chapters together by region and then all regions together to CYD. A cooperative, grassroots approach can help us continue the amazing progress we have made in building an infrastructure of growth within the Central Valley. That infrastructure stems from creating a cooperative regional base that helps all chapters grow. Plus training programs that gives all chapters the building blocks they need to prosper. I led the charge last year to bring web-based trainings to ensure that all chapters, no matter their location, could connect and learn from the many leaders CYD has throughout the state.
Helping to create self-sustaining chapter is also vital. I believe that CYD must also help chapters throughout the state meet their fundraising goals by training them in Fundraising 101 and linking them to local political leaders in their area. I am committed to continuing my web-based fundraising trainings so that all chapters can build the fundraising base they need to allow them to succeed and thrive. Expand the High School to College to Young Professional Pipeline o CYD must continue efforts already underway in areas like Sacramento, where high school chapters are linked to college chapters and all are linked into the
CYD Candidate Questionnaire
young professional chapters helping to build a truly integrated region that helps all clubs grow and thrive. Lowell High YD’s linked to the San Francisco State Dems linked to San Francisco County YD’s Committed to actively supporting, sustaining and strengthening our chapters.
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CYD must invest in our chapters through developing web-based training, white papers on important issue areas, a speakers bureau, a statewide fundraising list with key contacts for local chapters Chapters need to gain the ability to be self-sustaining—this can only happen through trainings and mentoring Create a database of jobs and internships
3) Identify two challenges facing young people in the context of the position you seek? What specific commitment will you make to address these issues if elected? One major challenge facing all young democrats is our progressive values being challenged by the powerful in the CDP, on the campaign trail, and within our own workplaces. Often young democratic activists are threatened by those in power for speaking truth to power, standing up for progressive values, and questioning the status quo for being cemented in the past. As President of CYD I can be an outlet and champion for young democratic activists by standing alongside them while they make their voices heard. Young democrats must be able to speak their minds and not be worried of grave political repercussions. Many young dems were threatened in the 2008 Primary Elections for their efforts on behalf of leaders they believed in. As the CYD President I will be able to reach out to electeds and leaders to make them understand the value of young democratic activists and the vitality we bring to the CDP, the campaign trail, and the language of politics. CYD cannot stand on the sideline as our members are threatened, as President I will ensure that we don’t stand mute when our members are threatened. Another major challenge that young democrats face is winning elections. Too often we hear the rallying cry that a young democratic candidate is too inexperienced to run, when the politician making the call has been in office for years with no results to show for their years of stewardship. I believe young dems can win office throughout the state, not because we’re young, but because of what we believe in. Young dems are the foundation of the progressive movement and our core values are the values of the future. The policies of the past should be viewed by the results we’re feeling today, as abject failures. Young democratic candidates can be successful and have been for years. As President of CYD I will push to develop a strong farm-team of
CYD Candidate Questionnaire
young democratic electeds. Young Dems need to start running and winning School Board seats, City Council seats, and Energy Commission seats. This last election I helped two former Executive Board Members of SCYD win elected office in Sacramento County. That success can be duplicated throughout the state through a CYD commitment to building an infrastructure and fundraising base to enable young democratic candidates to be successful. 4) If elected, what ideas and commitments would you put forward to engage more of California’s, and San Francisco’s, young people in the political process? What specifically would you do?
CYD needs to engage the large phalanx of activists that recently participated in the Presidential campaign. We need to grow the organization with new members and new young voters. A simple way to do this is to work with the California Democratic Party to obtain the voter file information for all regions. The Obama campaign has already transferred their volunteer information to the CDP. I have outreach to Burton’s staff to obtain the information and allow CYD to outreach to our age group. CYD needs the energy, enthusiasm, and passion of the young activists that drove the engine of the Obama Campaign. By reaching out to these activists and inviting them into our organization, CYD will be greatly strengthened. CYD can also link in SFBO leaders and other Obama campaign staff that are leaders within CYD already, such as Ian Magruder, Josh Franco, and Jenn Longley.
CYD also must continue its commitment to voter registration. CYD must help chapters link to their local Central Committees so they can be apart of the CDP Bounty Programs—helping to both grow democratic registrations and helping chapters fundraiser through their efforts. Also, CYD needs to work with CDP and local electeds to ensure that all colleges and university campuses have a polling place located on their grounds. Plus, my basic commitment as President will be to continue expanding the number of chapters within CYD. I will expand the High School to College to Young Professional Pipeline. CYD must continue efforts already underway in areas like Sacramento, where high school chapters are linked to college chapters and all are linked into the young professional chapters helping to build a truly integrated region that helps all clubs grow and thrive. 5) Please describe in sufficient detail at least one of your accomplishments that has improved the lives of young people. These examples should illustrate effective skills and capabilities which apply to the office you are seeking. These accomplishments may have occurred at any time in your personal, professional, or public life.
CYD Candidate Questionnaire
Getting Young Democrats Elected I helped to get my friend and fellow YD elected to the Sacramento City School Board. My friend, Donald Terry was elected to the School Board to fill an open seat in November, he’s 29, a young democrat, and will be a voice for students and young people for years to come. I remember sitting down for dinner with Donald in 2006 and discussing the idea of him running for office. After two hours of discussion I helped convince one of my fellow SCYD E-Board Members to run for office. Through my participation along with SCYD members and my many weekends of walking precincts for Donald he was elected in a very close race. Donald and his many volunteers knocked on thousands of doors, talked with voters, phonebanked, and raised over $50,000 for his race. I was a small part in the effort to get Donald elected and because of that leadership a fellow Young Democrat is one of today’s leaders. As President of CYD I will continue to seek out Young Democrats to run for office. Training and Investing in Our Generation I was the Program Coordinator for the Taiwanese American Citizens League Internship Program. The program was to expand the civic engagement and involvement in young Taiwanese participants. I saw that the program did not train the participants well in the political process although each participant was expected to attend a lobbying visit in a district office. I took a leadership role in the program and revamped is so that each of the participants had the ability to be successful in their appointments. Each participant was given a lobbying project and went through a series of trainings about issues affecting their district and the reforms that needed to be undertaken to solve them. In the end, each participant learned about different issues affecting their community, how to lobby, and made presentations to elected officials and their staff. Similarly with the California Young Democrats, I saw a need for our chapters to learn about fundraising and campaigning. I knew that many chapters did not receive training from CYD and pushed for online trainings. We were able to train close to 100 people on fundraising, peer to peer campaigning and media training.
EXPERIENCE Please list or describe your current and past activities in the community in which you have acquired skills relevant to the office you are seeking. Include your roles in the activities and when you were involved. Involvement consists of many areas such as family, neighborhood, community, employment, or public life. Please explain how your
CYD Candidate Questionnaire
experiences would make you an effective advocate for young people as a CYD office holder. Vice President of Finance for CYD – 2008 to present – Raised over $65,000 for CYD, developed web-based training programs, helped to organize CYD E-Board Meetings, etc. The ability to fundraise and organize events are vital to being President of CYD. As many of you know, YDA is in turmoil due to their inability to raise money on an annual basis. Through my efforts as VP of Finance I have ensured that CYD will continue to stay funded through this year and hope to as President develop sources of annual income to allow CYD to stay funded for years to come. Only through fundraising and revenue can CYD stay a political organization that has a presence statewide. Also, my ability to plan events is vital to allow CYD to stay relevant to local chapters. By expanding our web-based training programs and bringing other necessary resources to local chapters, CYD will become a more vibrant, organized group that will have more affect over local and statewide politics. Vice President of Fundraising SCYD – 2006-2009 – Fundraised over $25,000 for the organization, ran networking events that helped members build their political networks, helped build-up SCYD to more than 500 active members. The ability to build strong networks of people will help to ensure that CYD remains relevant to local chapters. Local chapters can greatly benefit from the many networks and political connections that CYD has through fundraising, organizational development, and by linking together in similar campaigns. Bridging the gap between local elected and local chapters will help to build-up each region’s strength, making both CYD more powerful and the local chapters both politically viable and economically self-sufficient. I have used the tools I learned from Sacramento County Young Democrats and helped chapters in my region and around the state. I believe in guiding and teaching people through the process of building the chapter, fundraising, and planning events. I have helped start high school and community college chapters in my region. In addition, I have assisted struggling or new chapters expand, plan events and fundraise. Political Organizer for SEIU Local 1000 – 2008 to present – Developed a grassroots strategy to help elect Alyson Huber to AD 10, recruited union members to participate in political activities in November election. In addition, I help the union train members on how to advocate for themselves in the Capitol and expand our coalition partners and understand the power analysis of different regions.
CYD Candidate Questionnaire
PAC/Development Coordinator for Consumer Attorneys of California February 2005– March 2008- Team member responsible for raising and handling several million dollars a year to sustain the organization and political activities.
Helped to implement new fundraising database that will track new, current and lapsed members Coordinated and managed statewide fundraising phone banks for 2006 election and State propositions Drafted plan for a grassroots public image campaign Planned, advertised, and implemented events for campaigns, candidates, and special occasions
Deputy Campaign Manager for Joanne Verger for State Senate July 2004–November 2004: Support staff for a winning targeted Oregon State Senate race that helped the Democratic Party regain control of the Senate for the first time in ten years
Organized the field operation, recruited volunteers and allied organizations, and planned events Helped coordinate one of the region's largest GOTV efforts with 103 volunteers Participated in key strategic decisions for the campaign and worked closely with the candidate
Program Coordinator for Taiwanese American Citizens League Internship Program March–July 2004 Member of a volunteer-based organization that organizes a sevenweek internship program aimed at developing advocates of positive social change in the community
Led effort to restructure and expand trip to Sacramento to include issue advocacy Headed organizing workshops and intern training
My political knowledge and connections will help CYD to make the correct choices in the future when we choose what races to take part in. Also, my connections to both Labor and other statewide organizations will help to ensure that CYD understands the political landscape and acts logically to maximize its tools to help elect more Young Democrats.