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We need to talk about these "membership" emails from Democratic Party orgs (
@dccc @dscc). We all get them, see them, and ignore them as another annoying fundraising ploy, right?
Not exactly, there is a deeper problem. Here's why.
(1/9)
@dccc @dscc). We all get them, see them, and ignore them as another annoying fundraising ploy, right? Not exactly, there is a deeper problem. Here's why.
(1/9)
"Membership" in the Democratic Party is a key tool. It's a great way to engage grassroots volunteers and donors, to recruit local candidates & is a major source of revenue for state and local parties. But here's the thing. You cannot be a member of the DCCC, DNC, or DSCC. 2/9
Sure your $10 donation may get you a "member" sticker, or more likely, an official looking, mailed solicitation about your expiring "membership."
You CAN however, be a member of your County or State Democratic Party, and YOU SHOULD.
Why? 3/9
You CAN however, be a member of your County or State Democratic Party, and YOU SHOULD.
Why? 3/9
Because state constitutions (the Michigan state constitution, for example) endow chartered state parties, and by extension their members, with actual legal rights in the political process. Take a look at the MDP's $25 grassroots membership here. 4/9
"Benefits include voting rights" If you're a party member in good standing, you can be one of a small group of Dems to set state party platforms, and select your Dem nominees for offices like Atty General, State Supreme Court, DNC delegate, +more.. Indredibly important 5/9
Do you wish your state Dems had backed that $15 minimum wage initiative? Or marijuana legalization proposal? Join your state party. You have no such rights with the DCCC or DSCC, and they know that. And here is the problem - Local and State parties need those members. 6/9
Imagine being a County Party Chair (like I once was) and recruiting new members..
"I'm already a member, I get the emails from Nancy Pelosi."
"I have to join the local party too?"
The national party orgs are deliberately selling bogus "memberships" to local Democrats... 7/9
"I'm already a member, I get the emails from Nancy Pelosi."
"I have to join the local party too?"
The national party orgs are deliberately selling bogus "memberships" to local Democrats... 7/9
many of whom are elderly. This "membership" ploy sows doubt about where a local Democrat is a member, what rights they have as members, and where their dues are going. This also starves local and state parties of much needed revenue. 8/9
Finally, this nationalizes grassroots Democrats participation away from state and local parties, where strong benches and local organizing deliver downballot wins. This fundraising practice is a disgrace, and it needs to stop. Membership must be reserved for state & local parties
