Theme of the 52nd annual DWCF State Convention:

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN "CHANGING THE TIDE"

Talk given by Vi Niggl at the DWC Meeting 9/13/08

 I arrived at the Convention as an Alternate, who was just hoping to go to the beautiful Lido Beach Resort in Sarasota for some much-needed R & R, but before I could say "NO", I suddenly had a whole new job description...Delegate.

 Like Ado Annie, I'm just a gal who can't say "NO".

 As a first time attendee, and Delegate, of the Democratic Women's Club of Florida Convention…but as a former business woman who attended many conventions during my working years...I have nothing but praise for the women who worked so hard to put together such an exhilarating event. There's nothing like being together with like-minded Democratic women from all over the State of Florida, all "fired up and ready to go" in this election year.

 From the opening ceremonies, held outdoors by one of the pools, we got a very good idea of things to come...good food, good speakers, good events, good entertainment and lots of good camaraderie.

 However, I couldn't help "feeling" the hurt of the Hillary Democrats and it seemed to me, that there was a concerted effort on the part of the officials to tread lightly on the subject and even bend backwards a bit.

 As someone who easily was able to make the transition from my original "allegiance" to Hillary over to Barack, at times I wanted to interject some of my feelings about how important it is for us Democrats to stay united in our cause to elect a Democratic President and Congress.  And I thought it was interesting that AARP, had said it best in a health flyer they were giving out at the Convention, that I'd like to improvise on.

 THEY say...Together, AMERICA will accomplish amazing things. DIVIDED, WE FAIL!

 I  say.....Together, DEMOCRATS will accomplish amazing things. DIVIDED, WE FAIL!  And that ought to be OUR platform.

                                 WORKSHOPS

 I attended 2 of the 6 workshops given simultaneously, 3 followed by 3 more, which always is a problem for me as I'd like to attend all. Someday, maybe they can figure out how to do that by possibly filming or videotaping all workshops and then having them available to view at different times for folks like me who are interested. Don't you just hate that feeling of "I've probably missed the best ones!"

 The first workshop I attended was called: Reaching out to all Democratic Women. The workshop focused on...How to Attract more Young Dems and Women of color to your DWC.  In other words...nontraditional audiences who will ultimately become members.

 The first speaker was:  Lori Poole, the Florida Young Democrats' Executive Director.

 She told us that the 2004 elections marked the largest increase in young voter turnout since 1972. Of the 42 million young people, ages 18-29, eligible to vote, over 20 million cast a ballot..more than double that of

any other age group.  Nearly as many voters under 30, as voters over 65.

 Like older voters, young people will turn out in higher numbers...when targeted. Young voters are trending Democratic, and in this election season, of the 2.2 million new young voters, 2 million voted Democratic.

More young Dems cast a ballot than young Republicans in nearly every state this Primary season, even in staunchly red states. Obama wins over McCain among young voters... who are incredibly engaged in his campaign...by 33 points. Young African-Americans, young Hispanics and young women are particularly

 inclined to support Democratic issues. Young Independents, young white men and even young Evangelicals all favor Democrats.

 Topping the list of concerns among young voters, who are smart and knowledgeable about the issues, are the economy and the war in Iraq.

 The second speaker was the dynamic, passionate candidate for State House, who we've had here as a speaker several times, Betty "G" Gissendanner.

 Betty reiterated a theme we know by heart by now, that this is a critical election year....the most important election in our time. We need good candidates, money, and of course, voters.

 A big problem in some of our communities, in spite of our efforts, is that people register, but don't vote! So we need to take it upon ourselves to NOT let that happen.

 Offer to drive older or physically challenged people to the polls early, or those who insist on voting on Election Day.

 Help people to complete their Absentee Ballots in Veteran's Homes, Assisted Living Homes, etc.

 Urge people to vote early or by Absentee ballot, also known as Ballot By Mail, so "it frees them up to do other things on Election Day", where weather can also be an issue. Instill in them the urgency to vote!

 All women must be working in this election. These are OUR issues! These are FAMILY issues!

 Until October 6th you can register new voters, and try to follow up on those voters you know, to ensure that they actually DO vote. and on Election Day, put up signs at your precincts that might just catch the eye of a

still undecided voter, which seems incredible at this stage of the election, but is a fact.

                           ***************

 THE SECOND WORKSHOP I attended was moderated by our own past president and current

 Region Chair, Carolyn Helms.

 The topic of this workshop was: BUILDING YOUR MEMBERSHIP

 (Well of course I'd be interested in this topic, since I'm one of those members who constantly bugs everyone on the Board who will lend me an ear, about increasing our membership by announcements, advertisements, etc. So I was pleased to hear what Pat said today.

 The flyer that outlined the workshop topics, read "Wondering How to Build Your DWC Membership? Learn from the Best: Your Sister Clubs!

 And so it was.

 In all cases, the 2nd VP of each of the Clubs is the Membership Chair, and some of them offered ideas which I'll share with you.

 First, we need "Call Girls"....who are actually communication persons, who will call other like-minded members in their communities and elsewhere, and encourage them to come to DWC meetings. How do you find Democratic women?  For starters, voter lists are available on our Van System, that originate from the Supervisor of Elections Office, and are regularly updated by Democratic volunteers at both the DEC office and the Obama Campaign offices.

 As Marj did, you follow up on new driver's licenses by sending out information and membership applications and hand write the envelopes! It makes it more personal.

 Sometimes, you may have to offer an incentive like treating them, but that's not so bad. It might even make them feel obligated to come again, and maybe next time they'll treat you!

 You need to have a good program, with good speakers to retain potential members.  You need to bring in younger members, but then keep it simple and fun. They need social events, particularly those held at popular

 neighborhood restaurants.

 You need to hold special events such as Women's Days. One which we've recently experienced was called Women's Equality Day. You can wear costumes or just hats of famous women and this can make for a GREAT fund-raiser. Or, Fabulous 40's, 50's, and so on, birthday parties. (Mention Carolyn re Women's Equality Day).

 Wine and cheese events are great fund-raisers as JoAnn Cerilli experienced in Rhode Island. So also our Club.

 You may know women who would like to come but can't afford to join. Offer to pay their membership if you can. (I've always thought we should encourage memberships by allowing women who are strapped for funds to join as members, but to come without the need to buy lunch.)

 More suggestions by other Club members - think about changing your meeting days, in our case, from Saturdays to weekdays or even weeknights to attract more younger and/or working women. (This may not work for our Club, but it should be considered).

 Several Clubs can join together to have joint dinners, and by all means...invite and encourage MEN to join.

 Each member is important. There MUST be a group in each Club who is responsible for keeping track of members who, for example, join...then don't come back.  Believe it or not, "FEAR" is sometimes the problem with new members.

 A brochure for new members was another great suggestion, giving reasons to belong, and explaining the set-up of the Club and other things often unknown to new members.

 Mass mailings of the Club's Newsletter may work to attract new members, as successfully done by the Collier County Club. Mail to Super Voters or Infrequent Voters, all names available on the Van.

 The challenge is "Reaching Out".  Reaching out to Gays, African-Americans, Hispanics, Men, Young Dems, Veterans, political junkies the physically challenged. And then, last but not least and with all due respect to our non-senior members, there's us, The Golden Girls....The Great Old Lady Democrats!

                                 Thank You