Activate Our Party
Want to get active in the party? Here's how ...
1. First ... join us
Join the GLBT Caucus of the Democractic Party of Oregon.
The DPO GLBT Caucus, and Oregon Stonewall Democrats (National Stonewall Democrats, Oregon Chapter), are two aspects of the same organization, sharing the same leadership. Visit the following link, and fill out our online registration form, to join the organization(s):
Or, send this information to the Caucus Secretary by regular mail:
- your full name
- your full mailing address, including zip code
- the county you live in
- the statement "I am a registered Democrat in Oregon"
- whether you are currently a Precinct Committee Person (PCP)
- and, the statement "I support the purpose of the DPO-GLBT Caucus"
"The GLBT Caucus is devoted to advancing equal rights for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. The GLBT Caucus will participate in the policy decisions and the outreach programs of the DPO to maximize support of the Democratic Party and its endorsed candidates. The GLBT Caucus will recruit and support GLBT candidates for elective office. The GLBT Caucus will recruit and support GLBT candidates for DPO leadership positions at the state and local levels. The GLBT Caucus will recruit and support GLBT candidates for the delegation to the Democratic National Convention and Committees." - Article II, DPO-GLBT Caucus Bylaws
Send this information to:
Carla "KC" Hanson, Recording Secretary
DPO-GLBT Caucus
Box 244
25 NW 23rd Ave. Suite 6
Portland, OR 97210
2. Second ... learn a bit about how the party works
Oregon DNC Member and DPO Party Activist created the following slide presentation, provided a general outline of how the Democratic Party of Oregon works. Take 15 minutes, and give it a look! (Acrobat PDF Reader required, 2.8mb).
http://www.dpo.org/caucus/glbt/texts/YourParty.pdf
3. Third ... become a Precinct Committee Person
If we want a place at the political table for our community, we must step up and take our seats. We do so by becoming appointed our elected as Precinct Committee People.
• What is a Precinct Committee Person (PCP)?
PCPs represent individual voter precincts, and cast votes within the party (for example, on candidate endorsements, delegates to the presidential nominating convention, and so on). All of the PCP's in any county comprise the Central Committee of the Democratic Party for their county. This is a very important role, as the internal party process, starting at the county level, ultimately determines the State and National party platform, and the party endorsements, from local to Presidential levels. This in turn impacts elections, which deeply impact our lives as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender Americans.
Read more about the role and importance of PCP's by following the link below. While this information is from the Multnomah County Democratic Party Central Committee, it describes the role PCPs play in all Oregon counties:
Click here for information about being a PCP
• How do I become a PCP?
There are two ways to initially become a PCP, by appointment or by election. If you begin by asking to be appointed (as most people do), you must then also file for election in the next Democratic Primary.
It does not matter which way you begin. Most begin by appointment, because elections only come every two years, but you may choose to run for election first. It's your choice, but you can't vote on party business until you've done one or the other. Again, most people simply approach their county party and ask to be appointed.
• How do I become appointed as a PCP?
Between elections, the Central Committee of each county is empowered to appoint PCPs. Appointed PCPs will run for election in the next primary, but may vote and participate as a PCP in the interim. So, don't wait, and don't worry if the next primary is a long time off.
STEP 1: Contact the secretary of the Central Committee of the Democratic Party within your county. Attend the next Central Committee meeting, and ask about becoming a PCP.
All known DPO County and/or Congressional Districut Central Committee websites are linked here. Click on your county to find contact information and upcoming meeting details:
STEP 2: Fulfill the PCP appointment requirements. While specific requirements vary by county, most require that you attend one or more county Central Committee meetings, and fill out an interest form, which varies by county. You will then be appointed by motion at a Central Committee meeting in your county.
• How do I become elected as a PCP?
It's very easy. There are far more open precincts than PCPs in Oregon, and elections are rarely contested.
STEP 1: Contact your county clerk to verify your voter registration and determine your precinct number.
STEP 2: File for election as a PCP in your precinct. Download the following form, fill it out, and file it with your County Clerk (addresses available using the link above). There is no filing fee.
STEP 3: Talk to your neighbors. It's a very easy election, but it is an election. Your name will appear in the next Democratic Primary Ballot, and you must win the election (most run unopposed).
You will be elected for a two year term.
• What do I do next?
Get active! Listen, talk, and engage with your fellow Democrats. Participate proudly in your county Central Committee meetings, and stay in touch with the DPO-GLBT Caucus (glbt@dpo.org). Get involved, stay involved, and do the work to create lasting political change in Oregon.
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead
To have a voice in the Democratic Party, we must be a voice within the party.
Thank you for helping create a vibrant and effective caucus within the Democratic Party of Oregon!!