Our Principles

The Harris County Young Democrats stand for reclaiming the Texas Democratic Party's historic purpose of empowering grassroots Democrats to achieve a more just society. We further stand for returning our party and state government to the people by: Curtailing the influence of corporation and powerful moneyed interests in diluting the power of the people; Advancing basic human rights and protecting civil liberties; Enacting electoral reform and expanding grassroots, low-income, youth, and minority participation in our party and government; Offering universal healthcare for Texans; Ratifying a moratorium on the death penalty; Ending the incarceration of petty drug users; Providing quality universal public education including early childhood and higher education and access to vocational training; Enacting reforms to enable workers both a living wage and the right to unionize workplaces without unfair coercion or manipulation by employers; Protecting clean air and water; and Ensuring fair trade for Texans without loss of democracy or local sovereignty.

HCYD Awards

Barbara Jordan Award The Barbara Jordan Award is given annually to political leaders who uphold the principles of the Harris County Young Democrats. 2007 Honoree:  Hon. Peter Brown 2006 Honoree:  Hon. Hubert Vo 2005 Honoree:  Hon. Gordon Quan 2004 Honorees:  Hon. Garnet Coleman, Hon. Jessica Farrar, Hon. Scott Hochberg, Hon. Melissa Noriega and Hon. Rick Noriega 2003 Honorees:  Hon. Sue Lovell and Hon. Annise Parker Governor Ann Richards Award The Governor Ann Richards Award is given annually for consistent leadership, continued commitment to fundamental Democratic principles and relentless dedication to social justice. 2007 Honoree:  Kris Banks 2006 Honorees:  Chris Bell and Hon. Jessica Farrar 2005 Honoree:  Hon. Garnet Coleman 2004 Honoree:  Erica Contreras Henry Cisneros Award The Henry Cisneros Award is given annually to Harris County Young Democrats for youthful leadership, commitment to fundamental Democratic priciples and dedication to social justice.  2007 Honorees:  Erica Contreras, Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons and Jessica Cartright 2006 Honorees:  Amber Goodwin and Bill Kelly 2005 Honoree:  Hon. Ana Hernandez 2003 Honorees:  King Malaki Sims Cassie Goodin Award The Cassie Goodin Award is given annually to Harris County Young Democrats for their outstanding volunteerism:  2007 Honorees:  Jerry Greenspan, Roaxana Prunty and Max Fisher 2006 Honorees:  Conrad Camit, Jessica Cartwright, Eddie Chism, Rachel Consorte and Matt Jenkins 2005 Honorees:  Emily Cunningham, Rachel Consorte, Eric Goff, Max Cardenas and Amber Goodwin Outstanding Officer of the Year The Outstanding Officer of the Year is given annually in recognition of an officer of the Harris County Young Democrats' work ethic and commitment that goes beyond the position held. 2007 Honorees:  Nora Perez