I'm getting involved.

No, I'm not running for office. I'm a software developer, for God's sake. I don't have the personality for it. :)

No, for the first time in my life I'm actually getting into the political process at a deeper level than just going to the polls--and more recently, donating money to a political campaign. (Another first for me, I might add.)

Come April 13th, 2004, I'll be attending the Democratic precinct caucuses in Colorado and helping select the delegates to the county convention. (I might even be one of the delegates, although I'm not holding my breath.) This is the most politically active I've ever been. Ever. The one good thing His Chimperial Majesty did for me was make me wake up and realize I had to take a more hands-on approach to what was going on around me.

Anyone else had a similar burst of political fervor in the last couple of years? Kind of exhilarating and scary at the same time, isn't it?

What do they do? seriously...I'm in the dark, but it seems like it's a good way to get involved.

...the way I understand it, any registered Democrat who's a.) lived in the precinct for thirty days or more and b.) been registered as a Democrat for two months prior to the caucus can just show up at their local precinct caucus. This is just Colorado that I know of, mind you.

As for the process, I cribbed this from another website--I don't have the link handy, but this is the gist:

"At the precinct caucus, a preferential poll will be taken to find out who everyone wants to be the Democratic candidate for President (as well as other offices for your precinct). Delegates to the county convention will also be selected. The delegates will be selected based on proportional representation.

At the county convention another preferential poll is taken to determine the representation of the county to the next level of convention for the county, and so on up to the Colorado Democratic State Convention and then on to the Democratic National Convention."

the county party office.

:thumbsup: :bounce: :bounce: :toast: :beer:

can you lay out a short and sweet step-by-step of how you did it? i'm sure it's different for every state, but just a roadmap so that others who want to take the same initiative have a general idea of the process.

Your best bet is to check out your local Democratic Party headquarters for information. (That's how I got mine.) For those of you in Colorado, you can go here.

To find out what precinct you're in, you can call your local county clerk and recorder.

nm

We have caucuses in Washington too. They are really quite fun. Sitting on someone's living room or school classroom with neighbors who are also Democrats. Whenever I attended, I went home happy knowing that so many of my neighbors felt as I did and really cared about other people (and other Democratic values).
Enjoy yourself!

May I ask, were you R before? If so, I'm certain that I'm not alone in thanking you for waking up and realizing what the chimperial has done to everyone except his cronies.

No, I wasn't Republican...I've been a registered independent the last few years. I'm going to reregister as a Democrat very soon here, though, and definitely two months before the caucuses.

I found out about Dean.

:hi:

I am also new at this activism thing, and one thing I have learned already is that one person can make a difference.

FOR YOU!! Dean got me involved too.

Glad to have you working for the party!

These days, since 911, I've been reaching this same turning point you are.

When I saw your post this afternoon (I couldn't reply at the time) I wanted to say Thanks. You inspired me to just do it today -- I picked up the phone and called my county caucus to find out how I can get involved.

High-Five!

I registered Green this past year because the political landscape at the time was very different. With the exception of very few brave representatives, to me, the Dems in position to challenge Bush, seemed stunned and sleepwalking lockstep with the WH.

Things have changed. The stakes are rising by the day. And I'm hearing the voice of dissent at last loud and clear! It's exciting and i'm thrilled to hear it from the Democrats. There's a chance of reviving the party I think, so I've decided to switch parties and throw my drive behind the Dems with support for 2004.

I feel we need fewer walls politically among progressives, now more than ever.

who have decided to be a part of the process. :toast: And welcome to DU! :hi:

You'll find a wealth of information and inspiration here that will nurture your newfound activism. Glad you could join us! :D

I have been donating money, attending meetings, posting flyers, soliciting friends and relatives...But in the coming months, I will also be precinct walking and attending my local caucus for Dean. Even I am surprised by the depth of my commitment. )

but It's great you are making an effort .
Before bush I was pretty political :hi:

"Not running for office?"

There are only a few offices to run for. It takes a lot of work by a lot of people to fill them.

The grassroots worker may not get a lot of press, but he or she is the very backbone of the democratic process.

You are to be congratulated on your iniative. Too often, people think of "standing up for what you believe" as only raising their hands somewhere. The real test is in the trenches. Before an election is won, a lot of doorbells must be rung, a lot of people talked to and given rides to the polls, a lot of flyers handed out.

It isn't glorious work, but if you believe your country and your principles are in the balance, you can do it with energy. And you can be a part of history by doing it!

I jumped in with both feet a year ago. You would be amazed at the difference 1 new person can make!!

Good for you and welcome to the active ranks of the Cause! Glad to have you aboard. :hi:

Julie