Maryland Heights and Creve Coeur Democratic Townships combined monthly meetings in order to host Stephen Webber, Chair of Missouri Democratic Party, on March 9th. Nearly 100 people attended the meeting, chaired by Harvey Ferdman of the Maryland Heights Township. Introducing Mr. Webber was Creve Coeur Committeeman Burton Boxerman.
Webber outlined a staged strategy for changing prospects for the Democratic Party in coming election cycles. The strategy turned on one key action: Training.
Recruiting Candidates, Communication, and Grass Roots organizing comprise the Missouri Democratic Party’s strategy that Webber had articulated at previous speaking events. Comprehensive training for the Voter Activation Network (VAN) will soon be available. Training for social media competence and facility and for basic grass roots organization techniques will be rolled out and made available through townships and club organizations in coming months. Making these training programs available to rural Townships and outstate Democratic Clubs is a key component for success, Webber explained.
Putting people in place to lead and coordinate these strategies and training programs is critical. Webber indicated recruitment to fill these roles was currently underway.
Mr. Webber’s vision for this strategy and the associated training is that it would pay off in “incremental wins” initially which he described as percentage increases in Democratic voter turn-out and vote tallies, if not election victories. “Each increase adds to statewide vote totals and could ultimately mean wins for local and statewide candidates.” Webber said.
Others in attendance at the meeting were state representatives Sue Meredith (71st District) and Mary Nichols (72nd District) and Bill Otto, Chair of the St. Charles County Democratic Committee. Organizations represented included Swing Left, a grass roots group targeting Illinois Congressional District 12 held by Mike Bost, and Mobilize Missouri, an activist group inspired by Bernie Sanders.
Submitted by Mark Kumming, WCD Member