The most amazing thing happend to me tonight: Question to DUer's

[WLKjr]

Tonight I just attended my very first county Democratic Party Meeting here in OH. I was invited there to dicuss thier very first website EVER......and also the youngest there, (19yrs. old) literally.

Website a go, voted for one unanimously by a mix of famers that live near me, bankers, other memebers of the business community and involved residents of this county. I was introduced as a college student from ITT Tech Dayton and a rural resident from a small town in the county. I made a short 'speech' about the benifit of a site would have, how to achieve it, and the other reason I was there; Howard Dean made me believe I could make things change. People sat in silence, then when asked yay or nay, it was unanimously yay. Everyone said it was about time that they got some young blood to pave the way...........

And very quickly after that I was nominated and simultaneously elected to the county party executive committee. And then told I should consider looking into my local school board, some vacancies are comming up, and to also look into a thing called the Blanchard River Watershed Conservation group that just started up.

:( I have no clue what I am to do, I hate crash courses......but I am very happy (never felt this kind of happy and proud at the same time, I feel like I am representing rural Ohio) and can't wait to start making some noise :D! I feel like I am on a path to greatness........that's what I feel like right now!

Well here's the question....what does an executive committee member do other than attend monthly meetings?? Could any DU veterans clue me in and give me some pointers?

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

1. Wow. I'm glad you went to this meeting and glad this is happening to

you. Good luck with it!

[WLKjr]

5. Thank you!

is luck my only pointer? :D lol


thanks just the same though!

[crispini]

2. In my area, being on the executive committee

is the same thing as being a precinct chair. Is that true in your area?

[WLKjr]

3. I don't know that is why I am asking :) ! eom

[seventythree]

30. you could be on executive committee where I live

and not be a precinct committee person. By law, in Illinois, only the Chair must be a committeeperson, as the law says the committeepersons shall chose one of their number as chair -- all other officers don't have to be committeeperson, but usually are, unless no one wants the position. This often happens with secretary.
Generally the executive committee is the officers, but nothing would prevent the membership, if there is a quorum, from expanding the numbers. Good for you -- besides attending the meetings, you will now be chosen to do anything and everything that no one else wants to do, but you will learn and grow and in turn, the party will push you forward.

[WLKjr]

36. Thanks for The info! eom

[JDPriestly]

4. Wonderful.

This is such exciting news. Good luck in all you do. You are doing the right thing. Thank you. This is how you change the world. We will all benefit from hearing your voice. Please let us know what your web address is. You are an inspiration.

[WLKjr]

Let me put it this way

this county has pretty much been in the dark technology wise with the local party. I wanted to change it, through some people I know (former candidate for 4th district congress last election cycle) and got the party chair email address, contacted him and he agreed to do one, and said it's something that needs done. So what did I do, I did what democrats do, volunteer my efforts for the greater good.


I am so excited right now, I am still cheesing and I hugged my brother who doesn't get hugs from me all that often and he was excited too.

[Wilms]

6. Good for you! (And us, too.)

Here's a few words from Granny D.

“Trust your sensibilities toward justice and fairness and toward the environment and peace. Understand that your value judgments in these areas are better because they have not been beaten down or crusted over. Information overload can make us insensitive. While your eyes are wide open--and so also your heart--trust what you see. Do not hang back from involvement in addressing the problems of the world, waiting to become an expert. You are expert enough. You are our annual re-supply of new eyes and fresh hearts to give our sorry species its best hope for improvement and survival. Take your part in the great dramas and the great struggles now still in their opening acts in this world. It is the part where you storm on stage with a confused but mischievous look and the audience cheers you madly. Don't wait to know the part too well, or the moment will pass without you.”

- Doris Haddock, September 05 2003

More here:

http://forum.truthout.org/blog/story/2005/2/7/9448/40144


And I fully expect you to run for President in 2028.

[WLKjr]

8. Thank you much Wilms and Granny D

I will bookmark and print that, maybe even borrow a couple of lines for a speech or something.


President in 2028, if I have the money, I bet I could be the first President from Ohio in a very long time........but I have other things I must do first, like become a locomotive engineer befor I am 21. :D Thanks again!

[ultraist]

7. Congratulations!

:toast:

Your Democratic Party should have a description of all positions/duties (ours is on our website).

You may want to also consider calling an old timer committee member, let them know you are very interested and ask if they'd mind giving you some info. I've found that more experienced people often times really enjoy telling you about what they do. Maybe offer to take them out for coffee or lunch. This would be a good opportunity for you to network, as well.

Good Luck!

[WLKjr]

11. Thanks for the pointers!

I will do just that! matter of fact I have quite a member list in my hands and that didn't cross my mind, now it has thanks to your help...two brains are better than one! Thanks ultraist!

[katinmn]

9. Good things always happen when you volunteer

usually not so fast, though. Congratulations!

It sounds like you didn't even know you were going to be voted on. Well, you must have done a good job!

I can't help you because I'm a novice in a lot of areas myself but there are a lot of party people in the Minnesota forum who can give you some coaching.

(hint: PM dpbrown, dflprincess and Lydia Leftcoast or start a thread in the MN forum. I guarantee within a couple days you'll get a number of responses.)

[WLKjr]

12. I will get right on that, give them a heads up that they will be hearing

from me in a few days when I don't have to work next. Thanks!



and your right, it was a massive suprise, I can't describe it.

[ultraist]

27. They probably spotted a lot of potential in you!

;)

[WLKjr]

37. I don't know what it was

but whatever it was it felt right and personally, significant in a way to what I want to do later in life.

[PassingFair]

10. Hey WLK!

Good on ya! I am on the executive committee (such as it is) in my county, and I basically just help out wherever I can. Last month, I got to propose a resolution supporting Howard Dean for DNC Chair! Now THAT was fun. Especially when the vote was unanimous for him.
Just go with the flow, don't bite off TOO much more than you can chew. Make sure you're taking care of business at work and at HOME.


Now: Change the world!

[WLKjr]

14. Thank you for the advice

I was brought up that home always came first, everything else second. Don't worrry about that with me. Making that website must be a pretty giant step.

[FreedomAngel82]

13. Congrats

I'm glad for you. I'm sure you'll do them proud!

[WLKjr]

15. That's what I want people to feel in this county actually

proud to be a democrat again. Like my tag line says, "Virtue, though depressed, shall rise again." and I believe that fully.

Thanks for the kind words!

[lonestarnot]

16. OH YEAH FOR YOU ONLY READ FIRST LINE GOT SO EXCITED

I HAD TO POST FIRST!:grouphug: :yourock: :headbang: :hug: :kick: :dem: :hi: :thumbsup: :beer: :dunce: :smoke: :bounce: :toast: :party: :)

[WLKjr]

17. Post #16, sorry :-)!

lol, thanks, I am feeling really really really happy and energized right now. When I get this way it's hard to stop me. I like to say it's like trying to stop a train (I like trains, use them in descriptions as much as possible). Thank you :toast:

[lonestarnot]

18. How exciting! The post got even better as I read on... Very proud of you

whoever you are!

[WLKjr]

19. It's the red hair!

I have always told people this! :D thanks again!

[lonestarnot]

20. Yep Red Heads got the fire! You go! n/t

[crispini]

21. Well, if you are a precinct chair,

you have responsibility for your precinct. In my area the precinct chairs and the executiive committee are the same thing. This means that you build a small group of people in your precinct and when elections roll around, get out the democratic votes by doing flyer drops, canvassing, calling them, making sure they have rides to the polling place and so on. This what we call "working" our precinct. It means getting people to help you and taking responsibility for the voters in your precinct to get the maximum Democratic turn out. I did this for my precinct in the last election.

Here's the Dallas County Democratic party manual for precinct chairs:
http://www.dallasdemocrats.org/mod.php?mod=userpage&menu=1500&page_id=28

Like I said, though, each state is different, and you probably want to ask people who are also on the executive committee about your responsibilities.

[WLKjr]

22. Thank you!

I wasn't really told anything, just that I am elected officially.


So right now I feel blind.

[peacetalksforall]

23. Someone should collect these testimonies....to -

compassionate Dems
and faith in Dean

Good show!

[WLKjr]

24. The room was silent when I invoked his name

as the reason for even being there and wanting to do this in the first place, not just to show up and eat and leave. Did it with a straight face, serious tone. Even said "not to offend anyone, but this local party has no 'real' voice in this age." and even told them I did not know they existed till I asked a couple of people from another county who knew some of them that were over it.

It seemed that they all listend to what I had to say. Website got a go with a unanimous vote, with exception of one fellow dem, who voiced that he wanted to know a little more, I explained and he said good enough.

Thank you.

[Kukesa]

25. Good for you!

You've come a long way from that first anti-Shrub demonstration at Hara Arena last spring. Remember that? You were new to DU and didn't even know how to post photos.

I'm proud to have you as a fellow Buckeye because you make me believe that there is hope for our state and our country. Someday Ohio will be BLUE again.

Kudos!!

[WLKjr]

28. LOL I Know

come, learn, speak, listen. That's what I have done.


I wasn't quite dumb on how to publish pictures, just didn't know how to on this site....most post before were on a LAN party site out of columbus that I frequent. I could just link the pic there and have it served, not from another computer like here.


Your right, ohio can only blush for so long before it get's blue in the face.

[dogman]

26. Congratulations!

I'm a precinct committee person which can be an elected position or, if no one has run, an appointed position. I am also on the executive committee which in our county is an appointed position. Our regular meetings are attended by precint chairs and are open to the public. Executive meetings are for members of the committee and invited guests only. The executive meetings are usually planning, strategizing, and dealing with the financial decisions. Precinct chairs are generally responsible for organizing their individual precinct while the executive members are leaders for the whole county organization. I'm sure this varies based on the size of your organization and the population of your precincts. Your county chair will probably be letting you know what is expected of you. As a newbie you will probably attend a few meetings and get the drift. Most organizations are willing to let you carry all the load you are willing and able to carry. Since it is politics you will come to understand the system you are in and work within the parameters you are allowed until you have proven your capabilities and capacities.

[WLKjr]

29. Woah!

information overload, brain expanding.......oooooooooowwwwwwweeeeeeeeeeee.

I do know for a fact that I am the tech guy though. That in itself is enough for right now.

Thanks for the background info!

[catzies]

41. You're in for a fantastic new learning experience! Congratulations!

Just start by soaking up as much as you can.

If your free time and availability are limited, don't over-volunteer. It's easy to say "Yes!" to every who asks for special projects and subcomittees, etc. but don't over-extend yourself while you're in the learning process.

But by all means be a sponge!

[WLKjr]

44. yeah work FT and school FT is tough

but I have balanced both for 2 years alright. Just have to adjust my availibility a bit for work to fit meetings once a month. The website is at my pace. I like that.


I will be more than a sponge....trust me on that.

[seventythree]

33. good point

I was just about to add to my earlier post, that you should ask to be appointed to a precinct that is empty -- it doesn't have to be your home precinct (at least not in Illinois) so you learn the ropes of being a precinct committeeperson and have a weighted vote on issues before the body. (Heck, we only weighted when electing a chair, but it should be done on all issues) The weight comes from the number of d primary voters in the last election in your precinct, assuming you have closed primaries.

[WLKjr]

38. seems a few people have been saying the same thing

Thanks again seventythree! :toast:

[bluestocking_lib]

31. congrats

ohio needs as many progressive minds as possible! much luck.

[WLKjr]

32. well that's what they are going to get soon

at least in one county that is in need of one.

[newyawker99]

52. Hi bluestocking_lib!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[BiggJawn]

34. Awesome! congrats!

You're lucky, because you're at the age where I was when I started "youthful experimentations" that would forever disqualify me as a viable candidate.

Good luck, and let your spirit guide you! Cheat a Domminionist out of a school board spot!

[WLKjr]

35. actually I think my school district is lucky

I don't think we have any hardcore fundies on ours, just some who are not with the times if you know what I mean.


Thanks Bigg(bad)Jawn! :D

[BiggJawn]

45. Go gettum, junior!

That's pretty awesome.
Best of luck to ya!

[WLKjr]

46. Damn man, everyone tells me that, even relatives

I even heard a voice when I read that line, lol. Do I know you?? lol.

[leftofthedial]

39. Oh man! You fell for it!

The executive committee member has to buy the beer!

;-)

congrats! good luck!

[WLKjr]

42. well they will just be SOL then, I am only 19!

I am not a big drinker anyhow. :D


Thanks for the laugh!

[cally]

40. Congrats

It's great that you volunteered and got selected. Just ask more experienced folks in your county and don't agree to do too much.

[WLKjr]

43. So far my work entails getting a website going

I told them I want the members to see my finished work and then decide if they want me to do more. That goes for paying me someway for it too.

I told the chair that we would discuss money later when it is done, or he could get me the hook-up with the inner workings of the Democratic Party and meet some people. That's part of the deal and everyone there tonight was told that by me.

[DARE to HOPE]

47. Michael Moore's first election was to the school board at age 18

I think...before he was elected mayor.

Go get 'em, son. The Web site will be a HIT, I know it.

[WLKjr]

48. I sure hope so

I told them it would bring a lot of small donations in and be a really big boon for the county party and be a good steady source of money in the long run, plus many other benifits as having a outlet for information and opinions and links to blogs (like DU, KOS, Truthout, etc.) and have a link to progressive talk radio (AAR)


I will be sure to post a link when we get it done.

[WLKjr]

49. Well I am going to bed now, Thanks Everyone!

if anyone wants to add anything, feel free to pm me. I am off to work in the morning, get paid actually 2 times (one being a 700 bonus, the other my 400 paycheck) and then off to probably buy my first mac, a mac mini that is.


Thanks again everyone for the kind words. :toast: :hi:

[Ellen Forradalom]

50. That's how it starts, my friend!

Howard Dean started his political career on a bike-path committee or something like that.

Remember to have fun while you're changing the world!

[roguevalley]

51. they make decisions, delegate responsibilities and do the

important things. They are the brains of the organization. Good for you, honey. Go for it.

[ClassWarrior]

53. I'm very proud of you...

I just got around to reading your post (I know, better late than never, right?), and I'm just starting to get involved in my county's party too, so I wanted to say congratulations and to give this thread a kick.

:kick:

Peace.

And Never Give Up.