Chair: Marion McNamara
752-5556
Contact Vice Chair

DNC Chair Chair Howard Dean has been laying the foundation for the party's 2006 campaign strategy, attacking Bush and the GOP for their failed domestic and international policies and describing broad parameters of the issues on which Dems will run next year. While the party has not revealed a specific platform or set of policy details, Dean's recent op-ed piece and his address to the fall meeting of the DNC have clarified the broader range of those issues, but, more importantly, have set the tone for the party's 2006 approach: Vigorous, unwavering opposition to, as Dean put it, the "hollow promises" of the Bush Administration.

meeting at the Party HQ, on Grant

more details when Marion returns from Botswana!

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.