We had a local Democratic Party Club picnic in my very Republican town in NJ

[Le Gaucher]

Just for reference - The last time we tried this a couple years ago - we had 4 people atttending it ( and 2 of them were running for town council) .

NOT THIS TIME.

We had over 40 people - not counting small kids and dogs ( Hey - dogs are people too!!)

The atmosphere was carnival like, with lots of food, animated conversations and whole lot of energy !!

Also in attendance was Linda Webber. She is making a very serious run for congress to unseat Leonard Lance

(She was on the Joy Reid Show - you can watch her at the link below)

http://www.msnbc.com/am-joy/watch/democrats-strategize-to-win-back-the-house-943640131767

I am so excited and really think we are onto something big .. Go Dems !!

[Doreen]

1. "dogs are people too"

Now if only they could vote also. We know damn well they would be Democrats.

[mopinko]

9. i'm a little suspicious of poodles.

and afghan hounds. but bully dogs for sure are dems.

[Doreen]

10. Poodles yes but Afghans are sweet.

German Shepherds would be our Democratic warriors. Loving, smart, but fierce.

[mopinko]

12. pretty sure terriers would mostly be dems, but

some of those loudmouths you have to wonder about.

true about gsd's.

[bdjhawk]

14. Poodles are smart

so they would vote Dem.

And if corporations are people, dogs should count, too!!

[gratuitous]

2. Very good news

I hope this signals a new era of Democratic activism. Small, regular gatherings of people can generate a lot of momentum. Keep meeting!

[progressoid]

3. We have a lot more people showing up at our meetings too.

The only good thing to come out of the election is that people have woken from their slumber.

GOTV!!!

[Le Gaucher]

4. Would love to get some ideas from you in terms how to engage more participation

We have once a month meetings that are focused on three things


1) Town Council (2017)
2) State senate and Assembly (2017)
3) Congress (2018)

We want progressively build the campaign towards 2018 and learn from our interim successes and missteps


More important we want active participation and someone suggested an Open Picnic. I was skeptical but this turned out really well

[mopinko]

11. grab em by the phone.

get those early folks on the phone and at the door, and teach them how to twist arms to make it ripple.
keep sign up sheets, and recruit, recruit, recruit.

i know that i am one who wont usually volunteer, but wont say no to a direct ask.

i would also say, dont be shy about asking for money. get their wallets in the fight and the phones and the feet will follow.

also get good graphic design. it is sort of an occupational hazard for me to pick apart people's lit, but i know people make subliminal judgements on things they might not outright recognize or criticize.
when they campaign speaks, it needs to do it clearly and forthrightly. messy lit speaks very loudly.

[mopinko]

13. get an actblue page up if you havent already.

money speaks louder than attendance at parties.

[murielm99]

16. Many Democratic central committees

are working well with the newer grassroots organizations. As long as they respect each other and understand that they have the same goal, getting rid of trump and electing Democrats, it can work. Invite them to meetings. Encourage them to run for office.

[LanternWaste]

5. Good games of pan-galactic chess go on at the meetings...

Good games of pan-galactic chess go on at the meetings...

[JustAnotherGen]

6. I couln't make it this weekend

Too much going on.

Glad a good time was had by all!

Signed,

An indivisible ally in the 7th district.

PS - Check out our county clerks message on Flemington United on fB this morning re voter registration. I'm sorry - she may be effective but Ms. Melfi has the taint of Republicanism on her this year. Funny that she waited unitl AFTER the deadline to register to put that up for the primary.

[Le Gaucher]

7. Are you a part of the NJ 7 forward?

NJ7 Forward is a group on fb for our district...You should absolutely be on it if not already.

[JustAnotherGen]

17. Yeppers

We've probably been outside of Lance town hall or office together! We differ in that I'm hoping Peter runs again. He got farther than Kovac, Stender, and Potosnak.

[Le Gaucher]

18. One day I was sitting in a courtroom with 100 other potential jurors and there is

This bearded guy sitting next to me .. As we strike up a conversation that inevitably drifts toward politics .. This dude tells me he is running for congress ..and his name is Peter Jacob. I learn that he is a Bernie guy and I tell I am a Clintonista.

What I like about him that he is not afraid to layout his positions openly .. Most people will thread the needle , especially in a conservative district like ours.


I campaigned in our town a bit for him a bit last year and I hope he runs again.. but either way ..we will have multiple candidates in the primary and may the best candidate win.

[Hayduke Bomgarte]

8. Yes Go DEMS!

Rec'd for this: &quot Hey - dogs are people too!!)"

[pnwmom]

15. That's an encouraging sign. Thanks for sharing and welcome to DU! n/t