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What is PDA?
A large group of progressive grassroots activists from across the country who want to support other progressive grassroots activists locally.
What is PDA's mission?
Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) exists to carry the progressive agenda from the American grassroots to Congress to guide the development of progressive legislation, fight for its passage into law, and support the realization of progressive policies at the state and local levels.
Who runs PDA?
Right now, the day to day operations are managed by a group of grassroots activists who work within the parameters set for them based on what tens of thousands of grassroots supporters tell them. PDA is currently working on setting up a policy board to recommend policy.
Does PDA have a governing board?
No, PDA is a conglomeration of thousands of grassroots activists, all who can voice their opinions by contacting the appropriate person in PDA (see contacts). Please contact the correct person, as we are an almost entirely volunteer organization and need to be as efficient as possible to better support our activists.
How do I make my voice heard?
PDA has many ways to listen to the grassroots which include:
Policy Board
Local chapter
"We the People" Blog
Contact page
Can I apply to work for PDA?
We are always looking for volunteers. Unfortunately we are underfunded and have no available paid positions at this time. Only 2 staff and 2 interns currently get paid, and over 20 people put 40 to 100 hours a week into PDA. If you would like to volunteer .
Who is PDA?
You. All progressives who support an inside/outside strategy to create change.
How do I start a Chapter?
When five people have come together with this intent, organizers should complete the online application form to request recognition as an Organizing Chapter. The request will automatically be sent to the .
What is a PDA Chapter?
A Chapter is a local organizing unit at the city, county or Congressional District (CD) level that wishes to establish a formal relationship with PDA. Groups may organize specifically as PDA Chapters. Other groups that already exist--such as Democratic clubs, peace groups, Democracy for America (DFA) groups, senior citizen special interest groups, etc.--may maintain their original identity while also taking on an identity as a PDA Chapter. See more.
What is a Caucus?
PDA State Caucus: A Caucus is a statewide organizing unit within the State Democratic Party (in some states called a Club or an Initiative). A PDA Caucus is organized to provide a structure through which individual progressives and PDA Chapters can work collectively to rebuild the party and renew democratic values. See more.
Why should I start a chapter?
In order to build a unified National Grassroots Progressive voice. PDA Chapters and Caucuses will have input into the national PDA strategy through communication from the grassroots to national leadership and from national leadership to the grassroots.
If we are part of DFA can we still be a chapter?
Yes! See above note on "What is a Chapter?"
How do I connect with other groups in my state?
Find chapters in your state. Our goal is to have a State Organizer in every state. If you do not see an organizer listed for your state, and would like to volunteer, please contact us.
What is the difference between Caucus and chapters?
A Chapter is a local organizing unit at the city, county or Congressional District (CD) level that wishes to establish a formal relationship with PDA. A Caucus is a statewide organizing unit within the State Democratic Party (in some states called a Club or an Initiative). A PDA Caucus is organized to provide a structure through which individual progressives and PDA Chapters can work collectively to rebuild the party and renew democratic values. Read more.
What if our state party says we can't be a caucus?
Each State Democratic Party has their own established rules and guidelines. Some states call a Caucus a Club or an Initiative.
Can we use Progressive Democrats of America in our name?
No. We prefer local groups to have their own identity. We are not legally
affiliated with other groups. We are a non-connected PAC and independent of any other group. Groups can include Progressive Democrats in their name, i.e. Any County Progressive Democrats.
Can we use the word Democrat in our name?
Yes. Democrat is not a trade name. Some state democratic parties claim that other groups are not allowed to use democrat in their name without permission of the state party. If you would like to work with the party (which is what we suggest) then you want to play by the "rules," however we could find no legal reason that this would be true.
As a chapter/caucus/partner/ally, can we use the PDA logo?
Yes, however, we ask that you use it in accordance with PDA's vision and make clear that your organization works with PDA to advance that vision. Click here for logo.
What is a 527?
527 is actually an IRS code for political organizations who are tax exempt. All political organizations are designated as 527 (although some 501c3/charitable orgs and 501c4/social welfare orgs do some political work). Even the parties are designated 527.
What is a Federal PAC?
To work with federal campaigns and elections, you must be registered as a Federal PAC with the FEC.
Read the FEC Guide or browse the FEC site.
What is an EIN? Does our group need to apply for one?
An EIN (Employer Identification Number) is required to file any paperwork with the IRS (even if you do not have employees). Banks also require this to set up an account. It is the same thing as Tax ID number. To get more information or apply for one click here.
How can we find other PDA members in our state?
PDA has a database of all our members. Each state has a database access coordinator. To find the coordinator you your state, email diane@pdamerica.org. Find the chapter nearest you.
How do we set up events on the events calendar on the PDA site?
Each chapter and caucus will have access to the state PDA calendars eventually. If you do not have access yet, email diane@pdamerica.org to request access or to send your event information.
What events are eligible for listing?
There are several comprehensive progressive events calendars on the web. We would like to keep the PDA calendar limited to events sponsored by state caucuses that work with PDA and PDA chapters. See the current Events Calendar.
How do I work on issues in PDA?
Go to the Task Force Policy page of our website. Choose your area of interest. An email link to each chairperson is listed. Contact them to see what you can do to help.
What if I don't see a task force or policy about something I think is important?
The PDA Policy Board and its issue Task Forces are still in the formative stages. Learn more about the PDA PB. To submit nominations to the PDA PB send email to nominations@pdamerica.org.
Are donations to PDA tax deductible?
No. We are a political organization. Donations to political organizations are not tax deductible.
Why can't we take contributions from corporations?
PDA is a Federal PAC. We work on "hard money" and follow campaign finance law which prohibits contributions from corporations. We can only accept donations from individuals.
How do I contact PDA?
For General Information email us at .
For specific topic or list of contact people go to our Contact Us page.
