Focus on the Grassroots
Democrats have been turning out to vote in record numbers all over the country. A total of 530,000 people showed up to vote in the Democratic Primary in South Carolina this year compared to 293,000 in 2004. For the first time in recent years, there were more people voting in the S.C. Democratic primary than the Republican primary - and this in a traditionally red state. And so it has been all through the Democratic primary season.
People are eager to take part in this year's election to make certain that we are able to elect a Democratic president and enlarge the Democratic majorities in the U.S. Congress. This bodes well for a large grassroots upwelling in the 8th CD as well as across the rest of the state and the country.
Darcy and the Democrats have both been developing programs to involve new people in building up the grassroots and training to help them do it.
Neighborhood Leaders Program
Darcy and her campaign have developed an early version of the Neighborhood Leaders program, and will be working closely with the local Democratic organizations to implement it across the 8th CD after the caucuses. If you are interested in participating in this truly new and exciting grassroots program, sign up to volunteer here.
Grassroots Training
Darcy has also sponsored a regional Democracy for America grassroots training on Feb. 23rd and 24th at the IBEW Hall in Kent. It is timed to provide an opportunity for people who attend the Feb. 9th caucuses to participate in training to learn how to motivate others to take part in this potentially extraordinary year. “Developing leaders who will change the way we do politics in this country” is the theme of the training.
Democracy for America training is known to be both excellent and fun. This is the first time in two years that DFA has conducted training in the Northwest and we expect folks from Oregon and Idaho as well as from all over Washington State to participate. Click here to learn more or sign up to attend. The cost is low - $60 for two days, $30 for students or those who cannot pay the full amount.
The State Democratic Party is also offering a one-day training for PCO's and others interested in learning how to organize their local precincts and organizations. The training will be held at St. Martin's College in Lacey on Monday, Feb. 18, at a cost of $10 and is followed by the annual Crabfest. Jon Tester will be the highline speaker. Click here to learn more or to sign up.
