National Convening Program Books 2015 YEO National Convening Program Book | Page 12

2015 Issue Areas YEO Network Policy Platform The YEO Network supports the values of freedom, fairness, and opportunity for all. Regardless of party affiliation, we accept members who self-identify as progressives. While we represent a diversity of perspectives and communities, we celebrate the same core values: we believe in addressing structural barriers that prevent all communities from living in a free and diverse society; we believe in defending workers, and their right to a livable and fair wage; we believe in every child’s right to a quality public education; we believe in protecting the environment as we create sustainable economic growth; we believe voting is a fundamental right, and that moneyed interests have no place in a healthy democracy; we believe in equality–and equity–for all individuals, families, and partnerships, regardless of how you identify or whom you love; and we believe in women–and all communities’–right to health care. In order to improve and focus our policy support ENSURING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE for YEO Network members, we create an annual YEOs across the country face platform of key issue areas reflecting these values. environmental threats that directly In our annual membership survey, YEOs identify impact their communities–from priority issues and policy interests. In YEO Policy chemical spills that endanger their water supply, to drought, to natural gas Council Sessions at the National Convening, YEOs drilling, to inefficient transportation and will expand this list into an agenda of mutual goals infrastructure that affect air quality. and policy priorities. This approach of targeting However, we’ve seen YEOs champion the environment: creating incentives specific issue areas will enhance the impact that for fuel-efficient or alternative-fuel young elected officials can have in their communities cars, banning fracking, and creating and as a collective force in the progressive movement. access to solar gardens and other renewable energy sources. YEOs have The YEO Network’s priority issues include: DEFENDING WORKERS AND FAMILIES Protecting workers’ rights and advocating for families are once again key priorities for YEOs this year. While wealth and influence continue to be concentrated in the hands of too few, we also see progressives developing a response at the state and local levels and an agenda around economic opportunity and justice. YEOs have introduced paid sick days and paid family and medical leave for municipal workers and in state legislatures across the country. They have found innovative ways to overcome pre-emptive state laws and fight for a living wage in their cities and towns. They have instituted fair and responsible contracting. They have championed non-discrimination ordinances, pregnancy accommodations, and collective bargaining in red and blue states alike. Within this issue area, we encourage YEOs to find new avenues for ensuring that every worker’s labor is visible, protected, and valued. also taken an interest in greening the built environment through smart urban planning and responsible development, as well as creating sustainable and equitable food systems in their communities.