As the Right ramps up its efforts to put up barriers to voting, from voter ID requirements to restrictions on third-party voter registration, it is becoming more urgent to empower students and defend their voting rights. That’s why People For the American Way Foundation’s Young People For (YP4) program wants to empower young progressives with tools to get out the vote among people their age in their communities. With the help of YP4, they will coordinate activities on their campuses, including rallies, phone banks, shuttles to the polls, and student housing canvassing. They will lead the charge to combat political attacks on student voting.

We are among many great organizations working to mobilize and protect the student vote.

Hey #YP4 Fellows, Alumni and Friends!

We thought we’d get a head-start on the upcoming regional trainings in Pittsburgh, Oakland, and Atlanta by opening up a discussion here on the YP4 Blog to

Have you heard of Avater: The Last Airbender? Neither had I until I saw the movie promotions. The Last Airbender is the latest Paramount picture to hit the motion screen. It's famous for it's American cult following who, much like 'Buffy: The Vampire Slayer', are fans of the television series. Why are we taking up the topic of Avatar: The Last Airbender?

I should start with my solid handshake and 30 second pitch- hello, my name is Antoinette Davis and I am a 2009 YP4 Fellow. My blueprint involves using technology to communicate and engage the citizens of Pittsburgh and particularly college students in political matters and social issues.

It's been a wonderful experience working as an intern for YP4. In the billion other internships I've worked at, I have never seen so dedication or passion concentrated in one office. Thanks for the memories.

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If you are brilliant, know your way around Dreamweaver, can write profound blog posts, and are knowledgeable about the progressive movement, the NYC YP4 office wants to hear from you! We're looking for an intern for the spring 2009 semester!

You voted. Now what? Kristina Rizga of WireTap writes:

Many progressives hope that the elation and idealism that Barack Obama's campaign helped inspire will turn into a lifetime of community service. [...] And while the president and Congress deliberate policy and allocate funding, the direction of their work will depend, in part, on the continued grassroots activism of young people.

So you’ve nominated every superstar college activist you know for the YP4 fellowship. (If you haven’t, nominate already!) Now what?