University of Virginia Library

Young Democrats Consider
Joining National Group

In an experiment that could shake the
foundations of "legitimate" college politics,
prominent members of the University
Young Democrats are hoping to
introduce reforms in the organization's
structure tonight that would change the
club from a collegiate arm of the
Democratic Party into an independent
part of the national youth movement.

According to the sponsors of the reforms,
including a member of the Executive Committee
of the Young Democratic College Federation,
the new measures will be introduced at
the meeting of the Young Democrats tonight at
7:30 in Room 4A of Newcomb Hall.

Peyton Whiteley, College third-year man,
University YD officer and College Federation
officer, explained to The Cavalier Daily the
proposals that he hopes to introduce at
tonight's meeting.

He explained that the national College
Federation has been discussing for some time
the idea of experimenting with the traditional
college Young Democratic structure and was
interested in finding a group willing to institute
the reforms.

Basically, Mr. Whiteley continued, the group
would try to encompass all interest groups in
the community, including high school students
and young workers. The organization, hopefully
including young people of all political
persuasions, would work independently from
the national party and would take stands on all
political issues. Hopefully, if the experiment
works, it would be copied by other Young
Democrat organizations.

At the meeting other major issues facing the
YD's will be discussed, including the spring
state YD convention. Mr. Whiteley said he
hoped that all students interested in the new
reforms and the state convention would attend
tonight's meeting.