WASHINGTON, D.C. — People For the American Way Foundation’s nonpartisan Young Election Officials Network (YEO) launches a 100-day sprint to host its 20th anniversary gathering of young, progressive elected leaders in Washington, DC, and to relaunch its Front Line Leaders Academy (FLLA), providing intense training of a new generation of organizers, elected leaders and campaign professionals committed to creating a truly representative government that delivers for historically marginalized communities.
The announcement comes at the convergence of Martin Luther King, Jr., Day and Inauguration Day, hours before Donald Trump begins his second presidential term promising 100 days of actions that could reverse progress for the American people on crucial issues including civil and human rights, ethical leadership, fair courts, and the freedom to learn.
Both FLLA and YEO will use the next 100 days to help promote a stronger movement of freedom and justice among young leaders. More specifically, FLLA will provide values-based trainings, comprehensive curriculum, and leadership development to individuals seeking positive social change in their communities.
The YEO Network’s 20th Anniversary National Convening, themed “Our Fight, Our Future”, will be like none before it, bringing together a diverse and dynamic group of young elected officials, faith leaders, activists, innovators, policy experts, and partners from across the nation to share best practices while they participate in three days of intense issue and skills-based trainings.
On the 100th day of a new administration that will surely put our values to the test, the YEO Network will gather to celebrate the incredible progress made together – and recommit to YEO’s indispensable mission of helping the next generation of leaders defend democracy, advance justice, and secure freedom for everyone.
“The Front Line Leaders Academy (FLLA) provides comprehensive skills and policy training to help promising young leaders to become effective local and state campaign managers, organizers, communications experts and candidates,” said People For the American Way Vice President of Campaigns and Programs Raquel Jones. “This is a transformative time for our nation, and we need transformative change makers to meet the challenges of the years to come as our communities prepare to face unprecedented challenges and build a more just and equitable future.
“The spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his fight for equal justice, will inspire us to redouble our fight to protect and build on the positive social change we have helped achieve in cities and small towns all over the country,” said People For the American Way Foundation President Svante Myrick. “Over the next four years, we have an awesome opportunity to support front line leaders and young elected officials who are eager to advance freedom, justice, and democracy for every person in America regardless of race, faith, class, gender or geography.”
“Today’s YEO 20th anniversary convening announcement and the relaunch of our Front Line Leaders Academy are especially significant as we celebrate Dr. King and take up the mantle prioritize advocacy, public service and empowering others,” said People For the American Way Foundation National Political Director Markus Batchelor.
FLLA alumni are a cross-section of diverse individuals. Women comprise 63 percent of the alumni, 93 percent are people of color, and 33 percent are LGBTQ+. In the YEO Network, women make up 36 percent, 63 percent are people of color, and members serve in all levels of office in all 50 states, DC and the US Virgin Islands.
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