NYRA Freedom
ISSN 1933-5229
Volume 1, Issue 4
October 24, 2001
Contents:
Introduction
NYRA Election
1200 Members
Quote of the Month
Victory in Michigan
“Break-Out Session”
Chapter News
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 upcoming Board of Directors Election, NYRA’s victory in Michigan, and will touch briefly on recent chapter news and various other topics.
NYRA Election
Seven candidates are running for next year’s Board of Directors and its up to you, the members, to vote! Candidates include: Christopher Coes, Alex Cotoia, Matt Herman, Alex Koroknay-Palicz, Chris Manley, Moises Mendoza, and Mark Stanford. All of you are encouraged to visit the election webpage at www.youthrights.org/election.shtml. From there, you have the option to vote, read statements from all the candidates, visit the election message boards, or get details on the General Meeting which will be held November 10. Be sure to submit your vote by the end of November 10! That will be the final day votes will be accepted!
1200 Members
NYRA membership has nearly tripled in the past recent months! Special thanks go out to Dave Varney for his outstanding recruiting efforts! As the NYRA webpage reads, “Welcome to everyone and thanks for making NYRA the biggest Youth Rights organization in the country!”
Quote of the Month
“Freedom is man’s capacity to take a hand in his own development. It is our capacity to mold ourselves.” – Rollo May
Victory in Michigan
All stores have retracted their age discriminating policies in Michigan in response to NYRA’s action against them. NYRA is now four for four and is extending the anti-age discrimination campaign to the Washington DC area. One store has already been located in Maryland and will be approached soon if you are aware of more be sure to let us know. Each of these stores hold policies that limit the number of youth allowed in their establishment. By state law, this is illegal and is a violation of youth rights. Michigan Talk Radio featured the NYRA President and will be available online shortly. Visit www.yourights.org for updates.
“Break-Out Session”
NYRA President, Alex Koroknay-Palicz, was offered the chance to facilitate a “break-out session” at an ACLU conference on school violence October 20, 2001 in Washington DC. The event proceeded successfully. NYRA also tabled at the conference, distributing well-made pamphlets on zero-tolerance and youth violence. Alex explains, “We were able to introduce many DC professionals to our ideas.” Yet another step for NYRA.
Chapter News
Both the NYRA-AU and the NYRA-DC meetings went over well! Alex Koroknay-Palicz’s appearance on RNN discussing the drinking age was shown during the AU meeting. Though leadership positions were not chosen, the DC meeting brought in new members who saw posted flyers around the city.
The Chapter Formation and Recruitment Committee is still pushing for its goal of at least one NYRA chapter in each state by March of 2002. The Chapter Formation Handbook is currently under heavy revision and an updated version will be available soon! If anyone is interested in forming a chapter in their local area, go to www.yourights.org and click on the Chapters section.
Recap
This has been the fourth issue of “NYRA Freedom”. The months are slowly running by, and the news is constantly rolling in. These are exciting times in NYRA, so let’s all make the most of it! Whether you are actively involved in a local chapter, or simply have personal views on youth rights, there is always a place for you in NYRA. Thanks to everyone who make what we are doing possible!
Best of wishes,
Ryan Bolz
CFR, Southern Region
“NYRA Freedom” Editor
