Saturday, April 22 -- 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. -- University of New Haven.

The College Democrats of CT will be having their annual convention on Saturday, April 22, from 9 to 4 at the University of New Haven. It's going to be a great time with speeches from elected officials, a forum with our Democratic congressional challengers, lunch with the gubernatorial candidates, and panel discussions focusing on campaign management, the state legislature, and more. Last year it was a great time and this year promises to be even better--and it's only 10 minutes away! If you're interested in attending, please e-mail nathan.kilbert@yale.edu. There is a small registration fee of $10/student.

We have a new batch of Dems shirts coming in, so if you've been waiting to get one, now's your chance. They're only $15, so e-mail kevin.bock@yale.edu if you want one. Non-Yale orders are welcome with a $5 shipping and handling charge.

Early Registration Deadline: Sunday, April 23.

The College Democrats of America are having their annual convention in St. Louis, MO, July 20-23. It promises to be a really exciting time: there'll be college Dems from all over the country, training for campus and campaign organizing, and DNC Chair Howard Dean will be giving the keynote address. If you're going to be anywhere in the DC area over the summer, don't miss it. Registration is only $40, and subsidized dorm housing is available. The early registration deadline is on April 23, so e-mail brendan.gants@yale.edu soon if you're interested in going. Several Yale Dems will be attending. Go to http://convention.collegedems.com/ for more information.

Tuesday, April 18 -- 6 p.m.

This Tuesday, April 18th, starting at 6 PM, the Finance Committee of the New Haven Board of Aldermen will hold a public hearing on the proposed New Haven Democracy Fund ordinance, which would create a system of partial public financing for mayoral elections in New Haven. Students for Clean Elections has been working towards this bill for several years now, and the chances look very good for passing it this spring. But we need a strong showing at Tuesday's hearing to convince some Aldermen who are on the fence that there is broad support for this reform. Please come out to the hearing at City Hall on Tuesday. Bring your pre-frosh as well for a hands-on experience in New Haven democracy, and help make New Haven the first city in New England to pass this reform at the same time. E-mail jen.james@yale.edu, for more information or with questions.

Monday, April 17 -- 8 p.m. -- Branford Common Room.

Please join us on Monday, April 17th at 8 p.m. in the Branford Common Room for a panel discussion on overcoming the democratic deficit in Washington. Joining us will be John Rauh, President of Americans for Campaign Reform, and Andy Sauer, Director of Common Cause Connecticut. We will be discussing the prospects of real campaign finance reform in Congress in the wake of the bribery and corruption scandals that have plagued American politics recently. This event is co-sponsored by Yale Students for Clean Elections and Roosevelt Institution at Yale.

Monday, April 17 -- 9 a.m - 12 p.m. -- Hartford.

The Dems are heading to Hartford to meet with legislators and attend a press conference in support of the proposed state EITC. Our president, Brendan Gants, will be speaking at the press conference. If you are interested in coming, e-mail eric.kafka@yale.edu.