This past summer, the College Democrats of North Carolina were awarded the 2011 State Federation of the Year Award at the 2011 College Democrats of America National Convention.  The 2010-2011 year was the most successful year CDNC has ever had – with groundbreaking events and programs like our Historically Black College & University Leadership Conference, grant program, and unprecedented fall campaign programs.  It was an honor to be recognized for those efforts on a national level with the most prestigious award that can be given to a state federation.

The state federation award was not the only thing CDNC was recognized for at the national convention.  Travis Crayton, Vice President of College Democrats of North Carolina, was also awarded a 2011 Rising Star award.  Tori Taylor, former CDNC President, was elected National Council Chair and Eliza Hernandez, current CDNC President, was elected National Political Director.

We are excited to begin another great year of programs and events to build on our successes from last year.  We have no doubt that College Democrats of North Carolina will remain one of the best state federations in the country for years to come.  Thanks to all our chapters, members, and supporters that made this award possible for our state!

Last night, Democrats across the state of North Carolina were disappointed with the election results.  We lost several hard battles, including the one for our U.S. Senate seat and our General Assembly.  We watched the candidates we’ve worked so hard for fall to extreme right-wing candidates across the state. Last night, we saw that we have to make sure that we give 110% in order to keep moving North Carolina forward.

This was a hard election for Democrats across the country, especially College Democrats.  Many of us got involved with politics in 2008 and this is the first time we’ve experienced such a loss.  I don’t know what the next two years will hold for North Carolina.  I don’t know what it will hold for our country either.  But let me tell you something I do know.  I know what the future holds for us.  I know we will get back on our feet.  Why?  Because that’s what we do.  We may lose an election, our candidates may fall, but we live to see another day.  Each and every one of us has a burning passion for the ideals of the Democratic Party.  That passion cannot be put out by a single election.  Politics is not a game, it’s not a sport.  It’s about you, me, and the people we fight for.  These battles we fight every day are about our communities, schools, and the struggles of our neighbors.  Democrats are going to continue working hard in this state and across the country in order to keep the promise of change alive.   We can let this election be a setback, or we can brush our shoulders off, hold our heads high, and continue to move this country to uphold the promise of freedom to every citizen.

Why?  Because no matter how bad it feels in the moment, there will always be one thing that unites us.  Each and every one of us has a burning passion for the ideals of the Democratic Party.  We don’t give up.  We may get knocked down, but we never stay down.  Tomorrow is a new day.  We will continue to work hard to inspire young people into action across North Carolina. I’m proud of each and every one of you today.  North Carolina has an amazing group of College Democrats.   From Asheville to Wilmington, you all worked extremely hard this election cycle, despite a tough political climate.  No matter what odds we face, no matter how many polls are against us, we carry on with the same energy and dedication.  We have more battles to fight and a war to win.  Let’s keep pushing on 2012 in mind.  This is not the end, but a wake up call on how challenging change is to make.  This is not a time to remain defeated; it is a time to keep hope alive. 

Be proud of the work you’ve done, College Democrats.  On to the next one!

On behalf of the College Democrats of North Carolina Executive Board,

Thank you.

Tori Taylor
President, College Democrats of North Carolina