archived: 1 - 7 May, 2005 Back Next
JEFFERSON JACKSON
Junkie had the honor of conducting a parliamentary training course for local Democratic Party leaders in conjunction with the Jefferson Jackson Day gathering of Democrats. I am pleased to report that the NC Democratic Party is alive and well.
Some eighty Democrats attended the session, a healthy number. More importantly, the “mix” of Democrats has changed. The “old guard,” yellow dogs of Junkie’s ilk attended. There were, however, a substantial number of new, younger Democrats.
In passing out materials for the seminar, one young Democrat approached. He could not have been twelve years old. At the next Jefferson Jackson we must ensure that hundreds of his friends are there.
Among the attendees one instantly garnered the impression that there is indeed a new vitality within the Party – a new seriousness of purpose to the tasks at hand. There has been an awakening.
WILKES COUNTY NET
A number of Democratic Party local organizations are getting onto the internet. Wilkes County Democrats recently updated their website and it is a great effort. Take a look at
Wilkes County Democratic Party.Democratic Party organizations across the State should be on the net. A great way to keep Democrats informed. Wilkes County is setting the standard that other Democrats can replicate.
CAMP WELLSTONE
Last week, TPJ featured an article about campaign training by 21st Century Democrats. This week, it is Camp Wellstone. Their program:
Camp Wellstone is an intensive and energizing training program that is open to anyone interested in gaining practical skills in progressive political action. Over 7,000 people have graduated from the camps since they began in 2003, and we have held camps in 25 states to date. During the camp, participants divide into three tracks:
● Electoral Campaigns: Tools and Tactics for Success
● Citizen Activism: Grassroots Advocacy and Organizing
● Being a Candidate: How to Run and Win a Progressive Campaign
Each track has a distinctive curriculum (see below) taught by some of the nation’s leading experts in grassroots politics and organizing. In each track, we draw from Paul and Sheila Wellstone’s distinctive and innovative approach to politics – something we call the Wellstone Triangle. The three elements of the triangle are: progressive public policy, which lays out an agenda for action; grassroots community organizing, which builds a constituency to fight for change; and grassroots electoral politics, which provides tools for influencing and holding decision-makers accountable. – Wellstone Action! Wellstone Action has not made a North Carolina appearance. It is time. Please write Wellstone Action and ask them to conduct a training program in North Carolina. Click on this hyperlink to send an email: -- Wellstone Action!
Last Update: 03/23/2006