What to Do if Your Local Democratic Organization Seems Unfriendly

I've read that many times here when I've encouraged participating in local Democratic Party politics. People will say that they went to a local party organization meeting, but it was an unfriendly group, so they never went back. Well, it can be difficult to become part of any existing organization, but you shouldn't give up. If your goals mean something to you, the effort is worthwhile to be part of the process. Here are some ideas you can use to get over that newcomer feeling. I realize that some are going to come into this thread and attempt to nay-say what I'm suggesting. Ignore those people. They're wrong:

1. If a group seems unfriendly to newcomers, look around. Find someone who smiles when you look at them and go introduce yourself. There are always people in any group who are open to new faces. Find those people.

2. Don't leave and fail to return after just one meeting. Come back for the next one and the ones after that. Follow step 1 in this list each time and make acquaintances in the group. Joining any group and becoming part of it takes some time. Not long, but some time.

3. Volunteer. There's always stuff to do that goes begging. Maybe they need people to stuff envelopes or to set up the meeting room before meetings, or whatever. Just volunteer. Or just pitch in if you see people doing necessary things. Participating by volunteering will make many friends, I guarantee.

3. Listen before you speak. You have something to say that's very important, of course. But, a willingness to listen is equally important, especially in group settings. You'll have opportunities to offer your thoughts, but don't insist on doing so when open dialog isn't the order of business. Listen to others and learn more about what the current priorities and norms of the group are.

4. Don't be rude. That might seem like an unnecessary caution, but it's not. I've seen too many people come into a group for the first time and immediately start telling the group what is wrong with that group. That's rude and will poison the group against the issues you want to raise. Reread point 3. Be patient. You'll have your opportunities, but present your points politely and clearly, without attacking others.

5. Be patient with existing group leadership. Yes, you may find the business side of group meetings boring and useless, but just let them happen. Leadership in Democratic Party local organizations is a volunteer thing. It's also a thankless job. Yes, most of the leadership is old, but those people were once young and had idealistic principles, too. They've volunteered to chair meetings and do all of the other business of the group. Don't be tempted to dismiss the importance of that.

6. Be prepared to offer services in lieu of monetary donations. If you don't have money, donate your time. If the group is holding a fundraiser, for example, that costs more than you can afford, volunteer to work at that fundraiser. Talk to the committee chair that is organizing it. Help to set up, clean up, hand out name tags, check people in, or any other function that needs to be done. You'll still get to attend the fundraiser, and when your task is done, you can mingle with everyone else. Time and money are more or less interchangeable.

7. Be constant in attendance and participation. Show up. That's the first rule if you want to become a real, working part of any organization. People will notice you. People will get used to seeing you. People will recognize you and will listen to you when you have points to raise or suggestions to make. It all takes time and presence to make this happen.

8. Be prepared to speak. Don't stand up to address the group without knowing clearly what it is you want to say. When you have an opportunity, have a plan already in place to take advantage of that opportunity. And there will be many opportunities to make your case, whatever it is. Take them. But make the most of them. Be concise, coherent and on-topic. People will listen.

9. Volunteer for leadership positions. Democratic Party organizations at all levels have committees, boards, and a number of leadership positions. All involve being elected at whatever annual meeting that includes elections of leadership people. If you've followed the first 8 steps above, you're ready. There's always someone who is ready to step down - someone who has volunteered but who would like to spend more time on other things. When nominations are open, offer yourself for open positions. Self-nomination is the name of the game and is an acceptable thing to do. If your local organization is typical, you'll be the only one willing and will get elected. Don't try to become the organization chair the first time. Just get on a committee or do some other job. But become part of the leadership group.

10. Finally, your participation in a local Democratic Party organization will be what you make it. If you want to participate and follow the steps to becoming part of leadership, then it's up to you to find the time and the energy to be part of leadership. Be careful not to take a position you're not willing to actually fill. When you get that position, do the job the best you can. In a far shorter time than you think, you'll become an important part of the organization. When you do get into a leadership position, please remember what you thought when you came to the first meeting and don't be one of the unwelcoming people you didn't like at that first meeting.

I know. This was long-winded and preachy. Oh, well. It's my opinion, and it's based on having done all those things in my 50 years of being part of the Democratic Party wherever I have lived. It works. Thanks for reading.