2012 National Convening
The premiere event of the YEO Network, the annual National Convening, was held in Washington, DC on June 21-24, 2012.
The YEO National Convening is the largest gathering of young elected leaders in the country. With an amazing speaker line up and the continued growth of this group, the 2012 Convening fulfilled its promise to be bigger and better than ever.
Joined in the effort to create communities with freedom, fairness, and opportunity for all, 160 members of the YEO Network spent three days sharing policy ideas, connecting with strategic partners, gaining valuable skills training and networking with the most innovative young leaders in our country.
It’s quite an impressive group that was joined by equally impressive trainers and speakers. The Convening kicked off with the PFAW Foundation’s Kennedy Center celebration honoring Norman Lear and the YEO Network. Introduced by Jane Lynch, YEOs Andrew Gillum, Melvin Carter, Kesha Ram and Angie Buhl gave a poignant presentation about fighting for progressive values as young electeds. Kathleen Turner introduced YEO Network’s Barbara Jordan Leadership Awards and presented State Representative Dwight Bullard with this honor.
Highlights from the first full day of training day included HUD Deputy Secretary Maurice Jones and HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, who inspired all of the YEOs with her comments. Her presentation to YEOs was followed by an experienced panel of health experts, including Sean Cahill of Fenway Health; Nancy Keenan of NARAL Pro-Choice America; Leticia Mederos of National Partnership for Women and Families; and Reena Singh of Community Catalyst.
The second day of Convening included an expert panel on how young elected officials can and should use social media and technology in their elected capacity, featuring representatives from Google, Facebook, Comcast, New York Tech MeetUp, and the White House Communications Department.
By far one of the best Convenings the YEO Network has ever had, we were thrilled to see all of our YEOs. Keep an eye out for more information, photos from the event, and additional opportunities to get involved with the YEO Network in 2012.
Access the 2012 YEO Policy Book>>
See the 2012 YEO Program Book>>
