Get Involved in Local Politics

All politics is local. Or so the former Democratic speaker of the House, Thomas "Tip" O'Neill, once said. And that is never more the case than in off-year elections like the one coming up less than 18 months from now, in November 2006.

The good news is that we are building a strong grassroots organization to make sure our strides at the local, state and national level continue. And we'd like to have your help in any way that you can give it.

Whatever you're good at, we can find a spot for it. Or stretch your wings. The great thing about working for a political cause is that you can take a chance and try new things. Let your enthusiasm (or your anger!) lead you to step out of your comfort zone. You'll be amazed at what can happen when you do. George Bush was once a bankrupt frat boy from Texas, after all.

Ways to get involved

Here are some of the things you can do NOW that will help get good candidates elected in 2006 and beyond.

1. Volunteer to be a Democratic precinct committeeperson or assistant committeeperson. Studies show that personal contact really helps get out the vote for your favorite candidates. You don't have to be slick or silver-tongued. People don't expect that. You just have to be friendly. And you are not required to work for every Democratic candidate Ð but we'd like you to work hard for those you choose to support. And we'll provide you with training, support and campaign materials to make the job easy and fun. (See "What Does a Precinct Committeeperson Do?" elsewhere in this issue)
2. Help us plan and execute programs. Programs bring new people into our group, and they help familiarize us with political issues and election tactics. We need people who like to make arrangements, help people feel welcomed, or who have ideas about programs we could offer.
3. Assist with administrative and research tasks. We need help with everything from stuffing envelopes to researching candidate voting records. Politics depends on people who are willing to spend the time to make everything run smoothly.
4. Get involved with our "big party." We're going to have a big fundraiser in the fall with a well-known speaker. (To be announced shortly!) The fundraiser will feature a silent auction of great merchandise, gift certificates and, probably, contributions from Democratic celebrities. Help will be needed to make the arrangements, obtain the prizes and work at the event. It should be a blast.
5. Develop our message. A new committee is being formed that will make sure our progressive message is clear to voters. The "Issues Committee" will decide which issues EDDI will focus on and develop compelling messages with which to communicate them.
6. Wrangle our data. We will be offering databases, maps and other computer services to candidates and precinct committeepeople. If making computers sing is your thing, this is the place for you. We can also use your help (on a different committee) if numbers and finances are where your talents lie.
7. Help tell our story. If you like writing, marketing or photography, we want your skills. You don't have to be an expert or a published writer. This is the place to learn from experienced media people. We can use your help on press contacts/press releases, covering our events and on this very newsletter.
8. Recruit others to our cause. Especially if you are already involved in EDDI, the most far-reaching thing you can do is to introduce us to someone else. We have already shown the power of local organizing. Democratic candidates are winningÑor at least coming closeÑin the Eighth Congressional District in Lake, Cook and McHenry counties. The more people who are talking to voters about these issues, the more likely Democratic candidates are to win.

If you'd like to volunteer to take on something that needs doing-or if you'd like to suggest something else we could do-please contact me at illinoiseddi@hotmail.com.