I just joined the DPW, is anyone else a member?

[thoughtcrime1984]

I am a political neophyte, trying to get involved, but not entirely sure how. I am curious about how, well, basically everything in politics works. I am interested in being a county delegate, and I did look into that and will definitely go to my caucus, not sure if I will pursue being a delegate or not, however. I am just looking for anything pertaining to participating in local, county, and state government. I hope this thread becomes a potpourri of Wisconsin DU'ers discussing their entrance into the world of politics. Thanks in advance for any response!

[Broca]

1. How did you get through the extensive

and exhaustive screening process? ;-)

Also a good way to get involved is to get involved in a campaign, assembly, senate, or whatever, and hang around campaign headquarters doing phone calls, writing letters to the editor, delivering signs, helping with literature drops, etc. Welcome.

[thoughtcrime1984]

2. Thank you! Are you going to try to be a delegate? nt

[dragonlady]

3. Welcome!

Thanks for joining and being so enthusiastic about getting involved. That's exactly what the party needs.

Everyone should contact the county party where they live (the counties are the basic unit of party activity) and see when the meetings are held. Here's where to find the contact for your county:

http://www.wisdems.org/ht/d/Committees/committeeLevel/3/pid/734851

There is probably still time to get a slot as a delegate to the state convention, which will be held in Stevens Point on June 13-14. Ask your county chair about how to do that. The convention is a great time to be in a room with hundreds of other committed Democrats and hear from many of our elected officials and candidates. DNC members are also up for election this year. I hope there will also be the 4th Annual DU State Convention Meetup.

As Broca said, volunteering for a campaign is a great way to help out. There will be lots of things to do this year for all our candidates, from legislature to Congress to president. Gathering nomination signatures begins in June, and thereafter there will be lit drops, phone calling, and lots of other opportunities.

:dem:

[thoughtcrime1984]

4. Hello, and thank you! Few questions, though

I see that the caucus for my county is April 6 in Eau Claire, followed by a tier 2 caucus in CD3, location TBD. How does this tie in with the state convention? Are the national and state conventions unrelated? If I am an elected delegate at the county level, do I have the ability to attend the state convention, or is the county caucus purely a means to go to the tier 2 caucus to vie for a trip to Denver? I appreciate your input. :)

[dragonlady]

5. The state and national conventions are two completely separate things

The April 6 and May 4 caucuses are for selecting the delegates to the national convention in Denver. Obviously this happens only once every four years. You've probably read my essay on that procedure, but I'll kick it to the top to remind everyone that the time to submit paperwork is drawing near.

The state convention is held every year in June. You should contact your county party chair about becoming a delegate to the state convention. You could also be a delegate to your congressional district convention, or at least a guest, if you act quickly, because your 3rd CD convention is this Saturday, March 29, in Sparta. Every congressional district holds a convention during the spring (one purpose of these is to pass resolutions that are sent on to the state convention). Delegates to the CD conventions automatically become delegates to the state convention also. Here's a link to information about the CD and state conventions:

http://www.wisdems.org/ht/d/sp/i/1015605/pid/1015605

(And a note to 5th CD members: the CD convention call to order is at 1 pm, not 2 pm as on the website. :( )

This procedure truly is complicated, but just ask and somebody will be glad to fill you in. It's going to be an exciting year!

[thoughtcrime1984]

6. Thanks again, you are an asset to Wis. DU! nt