Peickert/Barton Proposal

For

The Democratic Party of DuPage County



INTRODUCTION


The proposed plan for the Democratic Party of DuPage County must center around the task of electing Democrats to seats in DuPage County, Illinois, and United States government. To become more effective, we must become more efficient in what we do and how we do it. Every county and township activity must relate directly to the ultimate goal of electing Democrats. We must involve more people at all levels who will use their various expertise to create an expansive organization capable of defeating the candidates of the well-established opposition party. More people, new ideas, creative solutions, expanded networking, cooperative efforts, and increased energy will bring us to that level. Our plan is in the ongoing process of review and modification and we need your ideas to make it both the best plan and the best execution of that plan to reach our goals. Your input and support is vital. We propose to:


  1. CREATE A HIGHLY FUNCTIONAL COUNTY STRUCTURE


    1. Expand Executive Board and Cabinet for the purpose of:

      1. Creating an efficient division of labor that will ensure continued and energetic participation by members and an improved harnessing of members’ specific areas of expertise.

      2. Encouraging more voices in the development of ideas.

      3. Bringing in more “brain power” to offer and discuss creative solutions.

      4. Providing more “networking” on a regular basis to bring more members.

      5. Allowing more oversight of governing entities that affect Democratic growth especially the Election Commission and DuPage County Board.

      6. Recruiting more Democratic candidates for state and local offices.


    1. Restructure County Meetings in order to:

      1. Encourage more attendance and participation.

      2. Create a greater sense of camaraderie among delegates.

      3. Structure monthly agendas that focus on our goal of electing Democrats and filling precincts.


    1. Expand Communication Delivery System by:

      1. Maintaining an accessible, interactive, and well maintained web presence.

      2. Establishing a “Media Group” to monitor and send out our message via blogs, small presses, regional newspapers, appropriate list-serves and event calendars, and other branches of the Democratic Party structure.

      3. Building alliances with other groups and organizations (Sierra Club, DuPage United, Illinois Ballot Integrity Project, DuPage Peace Through Justice, etc.)

      4. Reaching out to other Democratic organizations (Kane, Will, McHenry County Democratic Organizations; Cook County Township Organizations, etc.) to encourage an exchange of support and ideas.


  1. BUILD DYNAMIC TOWNSHIPS AND PRECINCTS


    1. Focus County and Township time and energy on:

      1. An ongoing recruitment program with a goal of having precinct committeemen in 100% of the precincts.

      2. Developing dynamic precinct organizations by expanding the number of active workers in each township and establishing a “team” approach to “WINNING YOUR PRECINCT”.

      3. Increasing township revenue opportunities. The county will assist townships with fundraising events and activities in order to provide them with the means to increase PCs, create party awareness, and assist local candidates.

      4. A periodic evaluation of the township programs to determine what worked best and what needed improvement.

      5. The interaction among township leadership to exchange ideas, develop joint ventures, and assist each other as needed.


    1. Create a Sense of Unity and Purpose by:

      1. Encouraging cooperation between townships

      2. Conducting “After-Hours” networking events to broaden our reach and exposure to other Democrats and business leaders.

      3. Hosting occasional “contests” between townships to heighten interest and participation.


  1. MAXIMIZE THE CREATION AND USE OF RESOURCES


    1. Maintain a complete, accurate and updated database to:

      1. Provide townships with necessary data for recruiting and fundraising

      2. Provide candidates with current voter data.


    1. Increase all types of training opportunities to:

      1. Prepare precinct committeemen, campaign staffs, and candidates.

      2. Allow leadership teams to receive training in order to run more effective and efficient organizations.

      3. Encourage county leaders to attend pertinent training programs.

      4. Invite experts to provide periodic training programs at the county and township levels.


    1. Integrate into the larger community for support by:

      1. Joining local Chambers of Commerce, Kiwanis, Rotary, etc.

      2. Developing a Labor, Education, and Business Coalition.

      3. Recruiting candidates for non-partisan elections.


    1. Begin a Central Reference Library with:

      1. Election results and analysis.

      2. Pertinent reference and research material.

      3. Videos for book groups, fundraising showings, and general education and training.

      4. Handbooks and training/best practices manuals.

      5. Political novels and books that can be aggregated and shared.