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.