Committee Notes, Jan 11

The Party Development Committee met on Tuesday, January 11, at the Book Bin. We began by discussing desired outcomes and then outlined a plan of action for the next few months. Some of our goals are:

  • Develop a short "elevator speech" that helps us explain who we are and what we stand for;
  • Develop a counterpoint to conversation stopping comments such as, "I'm against abortion." Being able to get beyond the emotional, hot button issues to real conversation.
  • Develop a culture of inclusion within our party. Allowing all stripes of progressives to find a home with us. Doing outreach to minority groups, and to Republicans who may be in denial about what has happened to their party with the emergence of the neocons. Defining our values so that we are the logical and emotional choice.
  • Build personal and political competency in all who join us.
  • Provide a forum for progressives to discuss issues, interrogate assumptions, and develop positions.
  • Create a homegrown "think tank," a core group of passionate, thoughtful people who will read, write, plan, and act based on progressive values.

Our immediate action plan includes:

  1. Starting book groups. We'd like to get groups of about 8 to discuss some of the excellent books that have emerged to oppose the neoconization of America. This is not your mother's book club -- we will not only discuss the books, but leave each group meeting with an action plan, and will report in on it at the next meeting. The first book club meeting will be at party headquarters (in the office center behind the Elks Club) on Monday, February 7 at 7 PM. We will be discussion George Lakoff's "Don't Think of an Elephant." We will also develop the book list for the year ahead. Suggestions so far have included:
    • What's the Matter with Kansas?
    • Wake up, You're a Liberal!
    • Blinded by the Right
    • The Republican Noise Machine
    • The Great Unraveling

    If you are planning to attend, please let me know-- vicechair2@bcdems.net. If we have more than 8 who are interested, we may need to break out some separate groups. Also, if you have books to suggest, please send those suggestions along. If you are unable to find the books at the public library, it might be worth calling to ask them to get a copy.

  2. Starting film groups. We haven't set a date for this yet. Again, small groups would meet at homes to watch films that convey info on progressive issues. Would probably be followed by an action item, such as writing letters to the editor. Also a good chance to socialize with each other.
  3. Program for the Central Committee meetings. We decided we want these to be informative, to spark discussion, and to leave people with an idea of some action to take. The program for February 17 is (tentatively) about the election process. We are inviting Blair Bobier, a local attorney who has been active in the recount process in Ohio, to speak on the election process and where we need to go from here. We also plan to invite Jill Van Buren to discuss how our own voting process in Benton County works. Please let me know if you have suggestions for future programs.
  4. Creating opportunities for social action. These may include protesting against the perpetual war machine, working with groups that have been left behind by the Imperial Empire Builders (helping at Sunflower House, Jackson Street Youth Shelter, writing letters of support to veterans and their families, etc.), cleaning the highway (which apparently we are already committed to, but haven't been doing.
  5. Creating opportunities for social interactions. We may want to increase the number of Democratic Events that are held for the sheer fun of getting together. Right now the summertime picnic is our main non-fundraising social event. If you have ideas, let us know.
  6. Create opportunities to improve our own skills. This can range from training in party operations, to training in how to develop effective speeches, how to create sustainable networks, etc. This is very open ended, but it is the goal of the committee to create our own talent to take back the country, so we will invest in ourselves as needed.

    7. (submitted by Todd Barnhart on behalf of Marion McNamara)

Committees: 
Party Development