NYRA Freedom
ISSN 1933-5229
Volume 1, Issue 3
September 24, 2001
Contents:
Introduction
Attack on America
Age Discrimination
Promotional Committee
New Treasurer
Chapter Highlights
Board Nominations
Recap
Introduction
For all those who are new to the National Youth Rights Association (NYRA), my name is Ryan Bolz, editor of “NYRA Freedom.” The newsletter is here to keep all members up-to-date on the latest happenings in NYRA, and is distributed the 24th of each month. In this month’s issue, “NYRA Freedom” will highlight the current age discrimination campaign in Michigan, the founding of the Promotional Committee, chapter updates, and various other topics. There will also be a special tribute to all those affected by the brutal and unprecedented attack on America.
Attack on America
September 11, 2001, now marked 9-11, brought down a rain of terror across the United States that will live on in infamy. Four planes hijacked by terrorists crashed into American pride when two brought down the World Trade Center, one striking the Pentagon, and yet another plummeting from the sky before it ever reached its presumed target. The estimated death toll is in the thousands. President Bush spoke on behalf of the nation saying, “Freedom was attacked, and freedom will be defended.” With these words, America has declared war.
Despite the tragic events, the sun rose the next day, as it has and will every other day. And with the rising sun rose the spirit of nationality and pride that had nearly been overshadowed by the night. We will get through this. Alex Koroknay-Palicz stated, “We must not allow the hate and spite of a small minority affect the freedom we cherish so dearly. These terrorists seek to disrupt our American way of life; there can be no greater rebuke to their acts than to now more fully cherish that way of life.” And with that, we will. NYRA extends its sincere sympathy to all those affected by this tragedy. We hold you in our thoughts, hearts, and prayers.
Age Discrimination
NYRA has achieved its first victory in the latest age discrimination offenses in Michigan. Hometown Hobbies is the first of three stores in Michigan to remove signs discriminating against youth in response to our action against them. Two more local area stores are still resisting. In addition, two other businesses have also been spotted with age discriminating policies; one in Lansing, Michigan, and yet another in Maryland. NYRA plans to take the campaign to the Washington D.C. area to further our cause and exemplify our civil rights. We ask that if any members stumble upon stores with similar discriminating policies to immediately contact NYRA.
Promotional Committee
Sunday, September 9, a meeting was held to officially form the Promotional Committee, a board of members responsible for creating and distributing promotional material for NYRA. Dana Hagooli and Jay Owens are the appointed co-founders of this committee. Hopefully, this council of skilled individuals will provide the framework for all future recruitment efforts. If any NYRA member with a talent for art or writing is interested in joining this committee, please contact NYRAUSA@….
New Treasurer
Chris Manley has readily volunteered to assume the task of NYRA treasurer. Already, Manley is working on the tax status situation to allow NYRA to be recognized as a charitable organization. NYRA looks forward to working with Chris on this project. Updates will be available on the website, www.youthrights.org, and in later issues of “NYRA Freedom.”
Chapter Highlights
The American University Chapter recruited nearly 70 members recently at a local club fair, bringing the NYRA-AU chapter membership to about 100! Dr. David J. Hanson will be speaking on campus concerning lowering the legal drinking age to promote safer, more responsible drinking habits.
The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana contacted NYRA recently requesting assistance in their battle against the state’s curfew laws. It is up to us to mobilize now and speak out for our fellow youth in that area. Check the website at www.youthrights.org to find out what you can do to help!
The Chapter Formation and Recruitment Committee (CFR) is still upholding its goal of obtaining at least one chapter in each state by March of 2002. Already, various members have shown interest in forming chapters in their local areas, but this is not enough! Be proactive! Take action! It is now up to you to help CFR and NYRA as a whole achieve this goal. Visit www.youthrights.org and click the chapters section if you wish to submit a chapter formation request.
Board Nominations
Every year NYRA holds elections for the Board of Directors as stated in the bylaws. This year’s election will begin October 9 and conclude November 10 at a meeting to be held on the American University campus. Any member is eligible to run, so please send all nominations to NYRAUSA@…!
Recap
This is the third issue of “NYRA Freedom” and so far the best. The previous two issues have provided a foundation on which all following mailings will be based. Still, “NYRA Freedom” encourages all members to submit articles or even quotes to be included in the newsletter and to frequently visit www.youthrights.org for updates that were unable to be included in each mailing. Thank you to all our readers, and God bless!
Best of wishes,
Ryan Bolz
CFR, Southern Region
“NYRA Freedom” Editor
