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March 28, 2006--As we approach the state convention cycle, the opportunity to pass resolutions is coming up fast. This is an important tool to help pull the party back to its roots, identify delegates interested in joining PDA, and—if done properly—build alliances with people, caucuses, and clubs in the Democratic Party.
First, draft your resolution well. You can get help online. For impeachment, visit: http://impeachpac.org/resolutions. For anti-war, healthcare, and Wal-Mart resolutions, visit: www.citiesforpeace.org. For other issues, you can use these documents as guides. Contact people who've successfully passed resolutions and get advice to avoid problems and assuage concerns.
Present your resolution to your local and state Democratic Committees. Party rules vary widely. Many state parties post their rules on line. Contact the chairperson of the bylaws, rules, platform or similar committee to discuss deadlines, requirements for submitting resolutions, etc. Ask about expected rules changes and follow them.
Develop a strategy. Your state or local party may consider resolutions via a set procedure, but you may have to force a floor vote. Depending on your party's procedures, the process could begin at precinct / caucus meetings, at county conventions, at legislative or assembly district conventions, at the state convention or through some other means. Ask the chairperson of the appropriate committee for guidance, and tailor your strategy to these procedures. For example, you could submit your resolution to precincts and districts at once.
Your outreach to delegates before the convention will determine whether or not you will be successful. Ask the state party for a list of delegates and contact info. You may need someone who has standing in the party to obtain the list. Contact as many delegates as possible before the vote. Address their concerns, find out what they're thinking, and build relationships. Set up a web page or blog presenting the resolution and drive delegates to it. Distribute copies of the resolution to the delegates. Reach out to the caucuses, initiatives, and clubs within your state party. Offer to attend their meetings and make presentations before or at the convention.
Based on your outreach, you'll have a sense of where delegates stand going into the convention. If you have solid support, prepare ahead of time and work hard at the convention. Don't take votes for granted. Organize a team to persuade delegates to support your resolution at the convention. One concern: If you have not built broad support or if you bring the resolution forward knowing it will probably lose, you will appear weak, making it harder to organize inside the party next time. So consider the long term.
These resolutions have a good chance of passing. It's important that we, the rank and file of the party, make our collective voice heard by the leadership. We can help our Democratic Party leaders grow a backbone or urge them to stand down, because those of us who already have a spine are leading the way to Democratic victories by organizing, mobilizing, and getting out the progressive vote.
For more organizing opportunities on these and other issues visit:
Join PDA's Impeachment Working
Group
Current PDA Action Alerts
Progressive Plan to Change America
AfterDowningStreet.org
