Strategy & CAMPAIGN
These Committees merged as the functions were so entwined, now as ONE it serves as the DTC engine!
In the Winter-Spring “off-season,” the Strategy & Campaign Committee weighs local issues, current events, and the DNC platform to choose ELDTC’s campaign priorities and STRATEGY. Meanwhile, they must also recruit and vet potential candidates to serve the Town. Each year, East Lyme’s 20+ Agencies, Boards, and Commissions have a certain number of scheduled, and/or un-scheduled vacancies. As well, there is the cyclical election of our First Selectperson. It is the Committee’s mandate to pro-actively seek matches for every available slot (elected and appointed). The DTC also has a role in the election of State and Federal candidates, but the role of all DTCs nation-wide is first-and-foremost to support its municipal party functions and local Party members.
In June & July, the group starts to shift to CAMPAIGN mode, filling final spots, orienting candidates to needed skill sets, and preparing them for a best-fit role per the East Lyme Town Charter. As summer hits its stride, both the ELDTC endorsement of its slate, paired with the buzz of “Celebrate East Lyme,” kick work into high gear! By early August the Committee must develop slogans, design campaign materials, arrange for contractors & office space, start organizing Meet & Greets and a formal Campaign Kick-Off, plus a heavy FALL ONSLAUGHT of sign-waving, event visits, Letters to the Editor, Voter Registration education, & more.
But MOST IMPORTANT?! — The Committee rallies the troops for DOOR-KNOCKING (or “canvassing”) & VOTER ID CALLS (or “phone banking”). PSSST… these ARE the not-so-secret KEYS to winning campaigns! Finally, the last hurrah is the Early November PUSH called “GET OUT THE VOTE” or GOTV!
Fundraising
This enterprising and resourceful small ad-hoc group does the work of setting up fundraisers for both the DTC and individual candidates. Through Social events, merchandise sales, Dine-out nights, and/or solicitations, funds raised are added to the DTC member ‘assessments’ to make up the annual budget. Volunteers for these efforts rely on their thrift and creativity and have much latitude in decision-making. They may work alone, collaborate with a personal team of friends or family, or in partnership with a business. We always welcome those with the entrepreneurial spirit of a fundraiser!
OUTREACH
This is another small but key, often ad-hoc group that organizes events that promote Democratic identity and values, connect us to the community and other DTCs, and promote civic engagement. Outreach team members may make and pass out buttons/stickers, post on Facebook/Insta or the website, or organize outings such as road-side clean-ups, Restaurant Week Dine-outs, running/walking in local 5ks, or a proud tradition of participation in events like Celebrate East Lyme, the Light Parade, and the Memorial Day Parade. ~ A shared co-leadership model is sought for this team to expand its efforts. ~
ARE YOU 15-35 Years of age?
Do you want to network, learn more about your town, and offer your leadership on local issues? The ELDTC seeks to forge increased ties to young parents, newlyweds, high school & college students, and ‘twenty-something’ area workers. Too often these groups have unique concerns or constraints to political participation. The ELDTC recognizes this and wants to assist with your greater involvement — whether via existing Committees or new avenues. Please reach out!
GOVERNANCE
In addition to participating in candidate selection, the Governance Committee develops communication standards and ELDTC processes/best practices.