State Party News and Notes
From CADEM.org
2010 Endorsement Information
The California Democratic Party’s Pre-Endorsement Conferences will be held in March 2010. The Pre-Endorsement Conferences are the first step in determining which candidates we endorse for Assembly, Senate and Congress. moreCalifornia's Redistricting Commission
Redistricting is the once-in-a- decade opportunity to redraw the State’s legislative districts. This single act may do more to influence the make-up of the Legislature and its agenda over the next 10 years than all of the elections during that period combined. For the first time, this critical task will not be performed by elected officials but by a new Citizens Redistricting Commission. more2010 Platform: a work in progress
We invite all Democrats to help shape our 2010 platform. Join our effort to promote a progressive platform so we may achieve the California of our dreams. moreWhat is DEM2010?
Have you signed a DEM2010 pledge? Click here to learn more.It's a New California Democratic Party
Increased Outreach
Regional Directors are the backbone of the California Democratic Party. To improve two-way communication, the CDP has launched monthly conference calls with Regional Directors. To build an even stronger team, our first-ever peer-to-peer Regional Director training session is happening at the November eBoard. The Party has also begun monthly calls with Caucus Chairs.Grassroots Coordinator Hired
You are one of the thousands of activists who make our party strong. And you have questions, suggestions – even occasional complaints. That’s why the CDP has hired a grassroots coordinator to help the Party work better with activists and to ensure your needs are met and your voices are heard.Unprecedented Online Organizing
In recent months, the California Democratic Party has enhanced online communications and organizing to an unprecedented extent. The Party is using technology to communicate regularly with grassroots activists, so you can lead the charge and make your voices heard on everything from the state budget to climate-change legislation to health reform."Learn to Win" Grassroots Training
In August, the CDP started offering popular two-day campaign skills training camps across the state in areas where President Obama outperformed the Democratic nominee for Congress, Senate or Assembly. These are prime areas of base growth for the party. For information, visit www.cadem.org/trainings.Training Modules: Voter Registration, Traditional Field, Community Organizing, Data & Data Management, Campaign Messaging, Integrating New Technology and Fundraising & Finance
Locations: San Diego, Santa Clarita, San Bernardino, Riverside, Ventura, Irvine, San Luis Obispo, Concord, Fresno, Merced, Citrus Heights, Stockton, Grass Valley
Voter Registration Drive
Mid-September, we began a voter registration drive in the overlap of CD3 and AD5 with both paid and volunteer components. Exceeding projections, the drive has registered more than 2,600 new Democrats to date – nearly all of whom signed up as permanent absentee voters. If funds allow, this will be the first of many extensive voter registration drives leading up to November 2010.Enhanced Communications
One of the Party's priorities has been to beef up internal communications. Party members now receive regular talking points, emails about volunteering, action alerts to put our beliefs into practice and more. We have more resources online, making it easier to register for trainings and eBoard or submit a resolution. The communications team is working to soften up Republicans, promote Democratic issues and help local activists plan events and garner media coverage."Protect All Californians" Campaign
Two weeks into the new CDP administration, we launched the "Protect All Californians" campaign. Coordinating with labor and other partners, we gave activists the tools you needed to play a significant role in the state budget debate. Through innovative online programs, along with in-person phone banks, activists sent over 10,000 letters to lawmakers, 500 unique letters to the editor and made countless phone calls to legislators and the Governor.New Literature
In response to popular demand, the Party updated the "Why We're Democrats" brochure and distributed it for local fairs and events. To make the CDP more user-friendly, we created a "Menu of Services" brochure listing all the services the Party offers and how to easily access them.New Small-Donor Program: DEM2010
Of course, none of this is possible without funding. Historically, the Party has existed on large-donor contributions, which the Chairman is still successfully raising. But our goal is to grow our small-donor base too – which is why the CDP rolled out the DEM2010 (Donate Every Month) program. A strong small-donor base will ensure the Party's overall financial sustainability in the coming years. When Controller Hilary Crosby first launched the program in July, nearly 200 small donors signed up to give on a monthly basis. For more information on how you can become a DEM2010 team member, please visit www.cadem.org/dem2010.
