Democracy Alliance Ending Youth Funding?

Cross posted at MyDD. Please recommend.

The League of Young Voters is reporting that they are losing a full 1/3 of their national funding, and rumor has it that the reason is that Democracy Alliance is cutting off all of its youth outreach efforts. If true, this is really fucked up.

The League is one of the only youth groups that appeals to a truly multi-racial audience. They're focused in how they distribute their resources, they are culturally in touch with their target audience, and they are serious about getting shit done. At almost every conference I go to, there is a huge contingent from the League sharing the experiences and improving their game. The fact that they are struggling for funds is bad news for the progressives everywhere.

If the rumor mill is correct, and Democracy Alliance is abdicating all responsibility for youth funding, that is even worse news. Democracy Alliance is supposed to be the progressive answer to the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy, and the immense conservative funding network set up by the Coors, Olin, Scaife, Koch and Bradley Foundations. In 2003, Conservative Foundations gave approximately $48 million to conservative youth organizations. That's almost as much as Democracy Alliance gave to all progressive grantees in its first two years of operation. We need to be spending more money on youth programs, not less. After the last three elections you would think progressive donors would understand that.

I still haven't spoken with the League yet for my book. This seems like as good a time as any to get in touch. I'll also make some other inquiries and try to find out if its true about Democracy Alliance. Will report back when I know more. If anyone has more information, please email me at mike [dot] connery [at] gmail [dot] com.

You can help out the League by donating here.