Proposal: DU Group for Precinct-level Party Politics

[Plaid Adder]

Over on this thread:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=364&topic_id=362392&mesg_id=362392

wildeyed posts about some of the difficulties of getting involved for the first time in party organizing at the local level. I thought this would be something where DU's resources would make a real difference. Many of us would like to be more involved in the machinery of the party itself, but don't know quite how to go about it. Would it be possible to set up a group where veterans could advise newbies about how to get involved at the precinct level?

It's the first step in the plan to take the party back, so it's important,

The Plaid Adder

[notadmblnd]

1. I would read it as part of a group

Not knowing how/where to jump in is one of the things that keeps me from doing more than running my mouth about this regime. Learning about the process might go a long way in overcoming my ignorance?

[wildeyed]

2. I am in.

I need all the help I can get :)

[geniph]

3. Another vote for such a group

It can be daunting when you first dip your toe in that pool, particularly if your district has some weird interpersonal dynamics going on, as most do.

[OhioBlue]

4. I think this is a great idea

I have recently filed to run for chair in my precinct (township - rural area). As of yet, no one else has filed. I read the linked thread and would (if I am elected) very much appreciate the advice and direction from fellow DUers that are experienced with the dem party politics.

[KoKo]

5. Great IDEA! I'm a delegate and was a Vice Chair and was clueless

when I got involved. Sounds like a great place to share info..because it's so bewildering when you are a "newbie activist" in the Dem Party.

Here in my state I thought I would be welcomed....not so. Many folks need help getting tips and finding out how to be more effective. Also having a support network online is really important because depending on where you are you might not get it from your fellow Precinct Chairs or Captains in your County.

It is VERY IMPORTANT! Thanks Plaid!

[cally]

6. I would love this

I got very involved in 2004 and am involved now. I still need lots of advice on how to do this. I swear the interpersonal dynamics are the worse I've seen in any organization if you can call our local Dem party organized.

[omega minimo]

7. k&r oh you mean like DU something?!!!

:hi: :kick:

[OhioBlue]

8. another thought

in line with the linked thread, i am also new at this. I am the youngest person that I have met at the local party meetings. (My county party welcomes any dem to the central committee meetings - maybe b/c so few actual central committee persons attend) I am in my early 30's. To be effective, I will have to keep in mind all of the work the current members have put into the local party over the years. Even tho, the local party is currently looking for a life preserver. I want to help and I want to make a difference. However, I can see how a lot of people before me may have started to get involved and become frustrated and just disconnected. I have read where Howard Dean is calling for a precinct level, grass-roots effort to rebuild the party.

I enjoy DU. I like reading the posts, I like being able to post and say things as liberal or outrageous as I want. I also realize that should I go into the "precint chair", I have to remember that I am still in a very conservative area - even for registered Dems. I also realize that there is a history and a type of hierarchy to the local party. A DU group would be a great support group as well as a forum to mentor those of us that are unsure, and could get discouraged.

[rpgamerd00d]

9. Me me me me me me me toooo!

[newyawker99]

10. kick

:kick:

[H2O Man]

11. I recently

re-read an interview that Bill Moyers did with Harvard political philosopher Michael Sandel, featured in Volume 2 of "A World of Ideas" (Doubleday, 1990). Sandel quotes de Tocqueville, "The town meetings are to liberty what primary schools are to science.They bring it within the people's reach."

At various times, I have tried to introduce some basic concepts for grass-roots level democrat activities. It would seem that this might help DUers be more effective in their own communities, and perhaps help DU's activist group reach its potential.

[mzmolly]

12. I LOVE this idea!

:toast:

[crispini]

13. I think it's a great idea, but I wonder if a group (which tends to be kind

of hidden) will have the visibility you want? Regardless, I'd sign up and participate.

[wildeyed]

16. That is always the problem on a big site like this.

There is so much competition for ideas that a lot of good ones get lost in the shuffle. And then a lot of the people who would benefit from the group don't even realize it exists. I always say, throw it against the wall, see if it sticks. I am surprised that my original thread got as much response as it did, so maybe people are ready to get back into the organizing spirit.

[Hapameli]

14. Count me in!

I'm already doing it, tho, and like a previous poster, I'm usually the youngest one in the room.

[wildeyed]

15. OK, we need a mission statement.

I can take a shot at it, but not till tomorrow. If anyone else wants to take a shot at it, that is great, too.

[NMDemDist2]

18. here's a rough draft to start us out.....

The Precinct Chair/Local Politics Group mission statement:

This group is dedicated to the grass roots people who are working in their local precincts and districts to elect Democratic Candidates. The purpose of this group is to share experience and techniques, to brain storm for new ideas and effective ways for campaigning and to assist each other to be successful in our local areas. If you work with your local party, or would like to, (or are thinking about it) you are welcome!

[NMDemDist2]

19. kickety n/t

[wildeyed]

21. Maybe add something about

learning to navigate the bureaucracy and personal relationships of local politics for the fist time? Also, we welcome members who are experienced in precinct level politics as guides and mentors.

Maybe we can have special mods (not that they all aren't special) or designated mentors who have done a lot of local political work who check in once or twice a day to answer questions from newbies. One thing that is frustrating about a slower moving group is posting a question and then not getting a response for several days or at all.

[NMDemDist2]

24. you are welcome to edit at will, dear wild, but as for the Mentors, that

will take some input from Skinner. Have you emailed him (or ask PlaidA to) with your ideas?

I just jotted down a couple paragraphs so we could start tossing ideas around. and all your ideas are great so far :yourock:

[NMDemDist2]

17. here's another star for your vote! I'd add this to my favorites list

sign me up!

[crispini]

20. kick

:kick: who's submitting the mission statement to Skinner?

[crispini]

22. We have ten people and a mission statement

:kick: Who's gonna send it in to Skinner?

[wildeyed]

23. I dunno.

What's the etiquette here? Does OP send it, or anyone who posted? AZDem since she did the Mission? :shrug:

Off topic, but I think the precinct organization stuff will be excellent material once we have the member's blogs function. It is the kind of thing that moves slowly and might not be the most interesting topic for GD, but taken as a whole, with a number of posts made over a longer period, might be quite interesting and informative.