On Democratic activism and New Year's Resolutions

I made twelve new year's resolutions for 2008. Now, almost eight weeks into the year and 254 days from the Big Day, I wanted to reflect on those resolutions and what I'm doing to change our Party and our communities for the better. As you read about what I've done/am doing, I want you to think about what you have done and can do.

The Tough Road to Leadership

Last week College Democrats chapters throughout the state held elections for the Executive Board of the Michigan Federation of College Democrats (MFCD). I decided to run for President of MFCD for both personal and greater reasons.

The MFCD President serves as an Officer-At-Large of the Michigan Democratic Party and thus sits on the Michigan Democratic State Central Committee. Since 'State Central' (as it's known in Michigan Democratic circles) met last April on the campus of Central Michigan University, I have been fascinated by the inner workings of the Party structure, its rules and bylaws, and how its operation can help/hinder the party, its electoral success, and its ability to stand up for true progressive principles. The MFCD President is also a Vice Chair of the MDP Youth Caucus.

In recent years, MFCD has lacked the leadership needed to become effective. I won't go into the gory details, but let's just say I knew that if I was going to become President, I'd have my hands full. But if MFCD was to become effective, good leaders needed to step up and grab the bull by the horns. I did not want to sit on the sidelines and let MFCD continue to suffer.

My opponent was MFCD's Treasurer, so I assumed I would have an uphill climb. Still, I contacted each chapter and asked them to support me. I shared with them my vision for MFCD and reminded them that

The stakes are just too high for the status quo to continue in MFCD this election year. We must put an end to the days of dischord and ineffectiveness in MFCD.

Despite my efforts, I didn't win. Still, the new President, Chris Stergalas, said he'd be willing to appoint me to an ex officio position, and at yesterday's MFCD convention he spoke about how he too sees the need for MFCD to change in order to become effective.

Robert F. Kennedy once said, "Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly." Yet I don't think I failed at all. Sure I didn't win, but (1) I didn't expect to win; (2) I learned a few things during my campaign; (3) as I said, Chris said he'd make sure I and the others who lost MFCD races had an opportunity to serve as ex officio officers; (4) I am confident that the issues I raised during my campaign will be addressed. Thus, I am not as disappointed about not winning as I figured I would be, and I don't regret running (though I'm sure I would've regretted not running).

On the Prowl

I suppose the disappointment surrounding my loss was cushioned by something else that happened to me on Thursday night.

I stopped by the Isabella County Democratic Party (ICDP) office to drop off a couple of books for the ICDP's mini-library (one that includes books by Al Franken, Maureen Dowd, Jim Hightower, and others which are donated by ICDP members themselves).

I had a nice long chat with ICDP Treasurer John Barker about how our lives are going, the McCain/Iseman story (see his post on the ICDP Dispatch), and opportunities to get involved this year. That's when he informed me that the person heading up the Blue Tiger Democrats in Isabella County was stepping aside.

Long story short, I am the new coordinator of the Isabella County Blue Tiger Democrats (ICBTD)!

What are the Blue Tiger Democrats?

Blue Tiger Democrats believe that civic engagement must be a major priority of local Democratic and Progressive organizations across the country.

We advocate channeling the massive volunteerism seen during the 2004 and 2006 elections towards projects in our local communities just as Democrats did historically from the mid 1800s through World War II.

Among other things, Blue Tigers in Michigan and New York have educated folks on how to save energy and take advantage of veterans' benefits.

To lead an organization that can have such an impact on both the local Democratic Party and Greater Mount Pleasant is such an honor. I can't wait to help build ICBTD into a powerful force in the Mount Pleasant community!

A couple more things

I have also decided to apply for a paid internship/fellowship in DC, having been nominated by a good friend of mine who took advantage of that opportunity last year. The bad news? If I am chosen, I will spend ten weeks a thousand miles away from my home. The good news? I will get paid to earn valuable experience and spend time gin the nation's capital, familiarizing myself with the city where I'll be working after I'm elected to Congress in 2018. :-)

I have also applied to be an uncommitted district or at-large delegate (I applied for both) to the Democratic National Convention in Denver. More on that later this week!

About those resolutions...

Back to the resolutions I've made (see link at beginning of post).

I've lost a few pounds and have commenced my summer job hunt (in case I don't get that internship). I'm studying hard for midterms so I can make that Dean's List. And of course I am beginning to kick my activism into high gear for the election, as I hope you are too. (Here's to more and better Democrats!) And I am excited to fulfill my resolution to lead something - ICBTD!

In all honesty, I've slacked off when it comes to organization and frugality. And the Student Government Elections Committee was filled before I heard about it. And why do I keep putting off contacting my elected officials?!

But as I consider that each moment is precious - and as you can gather from this post - I am taking Gandhi's advice to become that change I wish to see. On December 31, 2008, I don't want to look back on this year as a wasted opportunity. I want a sense of accomplishment to fill my heart both then and whenever it is (several decades down the road, hopefully) that I lay on my deathbed.

On that happy occasion next January 20, when our new Democratic President takes that oath of office, I want to look myself in the mirror and say that I was a part of it.

And on that solemn occasion down the road, when my family and friends reflect on my (hopefully long!) life and lay me to rest, I want someone to prepare a simple two-word epitaph for my tombstone:

No Regrets

How we will make MFCD effective

My plan for the Michigan Federation of College Democrats involves three key areas: Improving communication amongst College Democrats; voter registration, education, and turnout in the November election; and student activism beyond the November election.

IMPROVING COMMUNICATION:
-Substantially increase MFCD's online presence through a website, YouTube, etc. This will help boost visibility - which is important in an election year. The North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee Federations of College Democrats have good, resourceful websites, and so can MFCD.
-Establish an MFCD listserv and Gmail account. This basic step will help ensure that the lines of communication between MFCD leadership and rank-and-file College Democrats across Michigan are open.
-Connect College Democrats to campaign volunteer opportunities, events, internships, and other opportunities. Democratic candidates, politicians, and organizations across the state are in need of help from students, especially in this election year. These opportunities offer excellent chances to build political experience and foster progressive leadership. MFCD needs to make it easier
-Invite one person from each chapter to serve as a nonvoting member of the Executive Board. We at CMU have felt ignored by MFCD. We have found it difficult to provide input or to get in touch with them. To ensure that all chapters have a seat at the table, I will invite each chapter to choose someone to represent them on the MFCD Executive Board. They will not be able to vote unless we change the Constitution; however, they can still provide valuable input that can steer MFCD in a positive direction.
-Maintain contact with College Democrats from across the nation. As President I will actively seek out good ideas from across the state and nation so we can determine whether or not to try them in Michigan. We can also share our ideas with other College Democrats across the US.

THE NOVEMBER ELECTION:
-Ensure that each chapter has strong voter-registration and Get-Out-The-Vote efforts. This election year, chapters should focus on registering as many students to vote as possible students and get them to vote. We must also teach students how to go about registering and voting, especially given the Rogers Law and its restrictions on students' right to vote. As MFCD President I will make every effort to ensure each chapter is in a strong position to do both.
-Inform students on where the parties and candidates stand on key issues. Being an informed citizen means you know where candidates stand on important issues before you vote. With the false propaganda the Republicans are sure to throw at Democrats this fall, Democrats - including College Democrats - must be ready to counter these lies. Chapters should be armed with the information needed to educate students on where each party and candidate stands on issues important to students.
-Help educate students on the importance of down-the-ballot races and proposals. Most students who pick up a ballot intending only to vote for President. They are baffled by the wide range of offices and proposals on the ballot. Yet these are also important. At CMU in 2006 I created a flyer called "So What Is A Probate Judge Anyway?" which sought to explain each office on the ballot, as well as each statewide ballot proposal, so students have a better understanding of what they see on their ballot.

STUDENT ACTIVISM:
-Connect students to service projects put on by the Blue Tiger Democrats and other Democratic/progressive organizations. People want action, not just talk. That's why it's important for Democrats to show that we are serious about improving campuses and communities. MFCD ought to connect College Democrats with projects that the Blue Tiger Democrats and local Democrats are putting on in their communities.
-Promote the use of free media (i.e. letters to the editor, radio and TV call-ins) both on and off campus. Many newspapers are getting few letters to the editor. Many TV and radio programs allow viewers/listeners to call or email them with their thoughts on the issues of the day. Students - especially Democrats - ought to know how to get their views heard.
-Enable students to easily and effectively share their views with elected officials. If elected officials are going to heed our wishes, they need to hear from us. College is an excellent opportunity to show students how to effectively communicate with their lawmakers.

Feel free to offer any ideas for for what else you would like to see MFCD do under my leadership.

Bits of Tid: February 13, 2008

Valentine's Eve Edition

• Well, how do you like the new design? I tried to fiddle with the HTML a little bit to get the CBS delegate widget to fit entirely within the sidebar, but that wouldn't work. But while it won't all fit, you can still see the meat and potatoes of it.
• Seven years ago tonight my maternal grandmother passed away at age 84. One week ago today my paternal grandmother turned 84 years young. I wrote about both of them one year ago. Grandma's health hasn't changed that much; I must admit I'm pleasantly surprised she made it this long after Grandpa's death in 2004.
• Got anything planned for this Saturday? How about attending Activate08 in Lansing? Free food and admission, and Jennifer Granholm will be there. Registration deadline is tomorrow! And when you're done registering for that, sign up for the 2008 Michigan Policy Summit, which will be held May 10!
• Welcome back writers!
• Curious as to how many votes each candidate has received in each of the primaries and caucuses to date? Find out here.
• Tomorrow I will post my MFCD agenda/platform/plan/vision/whatever-you-wanna-call-it.
• I have submitted my first pick for Lake Superior State University's 2009 Banished Word List:

  Super Tuesday - Is that the best term they could come up with to describe the day with many Presidential primaries and caucuses?

I am running for President of the Michigan Federation of College Democrats

I am pleased to inform you that I am running for President of the Michigan Federation of College Democrats.

Among other things, a group like MFCD ought to serve as a medium for collaboration amongst chapters and as a forum for ideas from College Democrats across the state.

MFCD must also support College Democrats chapters across the state in their efforts to engage students on their campuses, as well as provide information on internships, events, and other opportunities for interested students.

Unfortunately, MFCD has simply not been effective in recent years. I have heard people say that communication amongst MFCD officers, much less between the MFCD board and chapters, has been mediocre at best. Because of this, MFCD is in a rut; it is not helping chapters or connecting College Democrats with opportunities to get involved.

We cannot accept this status quo, especially with a critical election coming this November.

MFCD desperately needs leadership dedicated to not only solving its problems, but making sure College Democrats across the state are armed with the tools to do the hard work that needs to be done if our classmates, roommates, and friends are to support Democratic candidates and policies.

Which is why I am running for President of MFCD. We cannot simply wait for the right leadership to come along and do what needs to be done to make MFCD effective. We need to act now if we want MFCD to become a functioning organization that will help to shape the future of our communities, state, and country.

I am ready to take MFCD in a new direction. I am ready for MFCD to have an impact on our Party and our campuses. Join me, and let’s make MFCD effective.