Message From the County Chair
2 February 2012
Friends,
Last night I outlined my plan for moving our Democratic Party forward in Harris County. At a meeting of the County Executive Committee, I outlined my vision and plan for building a strong party, one that will serve the needs of the third largest county in the United States and help us elect Democrats up and down the ballot.
My vision is based on a set of principles that, if followed, will give us a stronger footing and make us ready to take on Republicans this November, and beyond.
Principle 1: Creating a Strong and Diverse Harris County Democratic Party
We will fully realize our true strength as a party when we bring all the communities of Harris County together. With this in mind, we will work diligently toward the goal of having all communities represented in party and committee leadership.
Along with party representation, we will focus on recruiting candidates of all communities to run for elected office. Bringing together the diversity of Harris County will enable our party to make sure the voices and opinions of everyone are heard.
Principle 2: Organizing Does Not End on Election Day
Organizing is an activity that should be done throughout the year, and not simply days leading up to an election. Organizing is key to winning elections and should be the primary goal of the HCDP. Moving forward, we will ensure that we are taking steps to continuously organize like-minded individuals.
Principle 3: Strong Precinct Chairs Make an Effective Party
Our power as a party comes from the grassroots. In order to have a strong and effective party we must increase our capacity at the precinct level. This means we need to reduce the number of vacant precinct chair positions, so we can increase our reach throughout Harris County.
As an organization that is dependent on people’s ability to work hard, it is up to us to identify and cultivate leaders. The party will take the steps necessary to identify and cultivate a diverse group of leaders, so we can ensure the progress we make today has someone to carry it into the future.
Principle 4: Financial Health Promotes Organizational Capacity
In order to successfully accomplish the goals of the party, we must be on sound financial footing. To fully reach our potential we must work to increase our revenue and aim higher than mere financial security. To achieve this goal: our efforts will be directed toward raising enough resources so we can carry out programs needed to win on Election Day.
We must begin this process by asking if we are leading by example. Precinct chairs, elected officials and party activists should step-up and become Sustaining Members. The party will undertake necessary efforts to increase Sustaining Members. These funds are vital to the day-to-day operation of the party and can be used to greatly increase our capacity and efficiency.
Principle 5: Message Development, Delivery & Discipline Advance Party Priorities
Message development, delivery and discipline are easier said than done. Message development takes quantitative and qualitative research; delivery takes a strong communications infrastructure, utilizing new and traditional media; discipline takes training, practice, and patience.
Our party will build a communication infrastructure and invest time and resources into sound message development and utilization. To let opportunities pass us by because we are not using social media strategically is unacceptable. Rather, we will work to increase our capacity in social media, and push to garner earned media at every opportunity. Focusing staff resources on ensuring our agility and effectiveness in utilizing all communications platforms will accomplish this.
When we all work together we can accomplish great things. This framework for a stronger HCDP is the first step for moving our party forward. We can only be as successful as the work we all put into building our party. Today, I ask you to step-up and help us lead the HCDP into the future.
Will you join those who sustain the Party by donating $10 today?
Sign up here to Volunteer for the Party.
Do you know of know of any students or recent graduates that would like to Intern for the Party?
Respectfully,
Lane Lewis
County Chair
Harris County Democratic Party
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My Book: As I See It: Class Warfare The Only Resort To Right Wing Doom Hardcopy: http://amzn.to/dt72c7 Kindle: http://amzn.to/lUFQCV iPad/iTunes: http://bit.ly/qB88Lk Twitter: http://twitter.com/egbertowillies |
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