At the Bi-Annual National Convention, YDA recognizes the leaders among us and those before us who have served the organization. The award recipients embody the spirit of passion and activism that Young Democrats across the country pursue daily.

The James Earl Carter Award is awarded to a former Young Democrat who gives service to the organization and the Democratic Party. The award was named after President Carter who continues to emphasize the importance of selfless service to others.

• The 2007 award was presented to Paige Gleason of Georgia.

The John F. Kennedy Award and The Frances Perkins Award recognize a male and female YDA leader for their ongoing commitment and achievement within the Young Democrats of America.

• The 2007 recipient of the John F. Kennedy Award was Councilman Eric Gioia, of New York.

• The 2007 recipient of the Frances Perkins Award was Alexis Tameron, former YDA Executive Vice President.

The Franklin D. Roosevelt State Chapter of the Year was created to YDA also recognizes chapters for their outstanding achievement.

• The 2007 recipient was the Arkansas Young Democrats.

Various other awards are given to chapters as well in the following areas, Outstanding Local Chapter of the Year, Outstanding One-Time Event, Outstanding On-Going Event.

• The 2007 recipients for the Outstanding Local Chapter was the Manhattan Young Democrats; the Outstanding State Event also went to the Manhattan Young Democrats; and the award for Outstanding On-Going Event was earned by the Arkansas Young Democrats for their Facebook Voter File Project.