Important: The Democratic Leadership Program - PLEASE JOIN TODAY!

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

We Interrupt the Circular Firing Squad for This Important Announcement

I just came back from a DNC Rally in Madison, WI, were Howard Dean talked up the Neighborhood Leadership Program. It's how we're going to win in November, and unless you're keen on the prospect of the McCain Administration, I would beg you to get involved.

It works like this: You agree to knock on the doors of 25 Democrats in your neighborhood (lists of Democrats and training will be provided by the DNC) three times between now and the election. You talk to your neighbors, learn their concerns, and then in subsequent visits, talk to them about how the Democratic Party is going to address them. Remember, you're not going out to convert people to the Democratic Party, these are people who have been identified through previous phonebanking as strongly or leaning Democratic. All told, the contacts would take your three Saturdays between now and November.

This program was piloted in the 2005 Virginia Governor's race. A variety of GOTV techniques were tested in different locations, and most bumped Democratic turn-out by 1-2 percent (which is good, even critical, in a close race). But the Neighborhood Leadership Program saw Democratic turnout jump by 12%. The simple fact is that you, as a neighbor and a friend, have more power to influence people's behavior than does a gasbag like Rush Limbaugh.

Please. I'm begging you. No matter which candidate you support in the Primaries, please go to www.democrats.org and sign up for the Neighborhood Leader Program. You'll sleep well tonight if you do. I promise.

[Kittycat]

1. Where do you find the link for the NLP?

Do I just sign up under the regular volunteer program?

[femmedem]

2. K & R.

For people who've never canvassed, it can be a lot of fun. And three times is perfect--I've read that that's how many contacts it takes to persuade.

And if you then volunteer at the polls on election day you'll be so satisfied seeing the people you canvassed show up to vote.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

11. And this is "easy" canvassing...

The people are already pre-identified as being on our side. If you've done much canvassing, you've probably had doors slammed and been yelled at by some really rude Republicans. Not only are these people already on our side, they really and truly are your neighbors, and people are much more polite to you when they know you live just around the corner.

[femmedem]

24. When I canvassed for Lamont

I walked my own neighborhood. I always began by saying, "Hi, I'm your neighbor Laura. I live over there..." Than I'd say why I was there. No one ever was rude. I had some great conversations. And I know I persuaded some people to switch from Lieberman to Lamont, and persuaded other people to vote who would have otherwise stayed home.

Plus I got to know my neighbors better.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

25. That's exactly how to do it...

People will be rude to a stranger (door knocker or phone banker), but if they know you're a neighbor, they're usually quite polite even when they disagree with you.

[40ozDonkey]

3. Bookmarked, K&R.

Thanks for the info.

[rox63]

4. That sounds like a fantastic plan

But I live in the bluest state in the country. (MA) I am very confident that the Dems have this one locked up in November.

[ThatBozGuy]

6. All votes must get out, apathetic and locked up votes often result in the same outcome

When people think its locked up a lot coast and don't bother, that is just as damaging as those people that are apathetic and believe their vote wont matter because they are from a red state.

IT ALL MATTERS

Get Out The Vote

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

9. I understand what you're saying, but...

this program isn't JUST about this election. The Democrats' chronic weakness is that the party infrastructure assembled itself in Presidential Election years, and then went moribund in the off years. The 50 State Strategy and the Neighborhood Leadership Program are designed to create a strong party both in this election and in EVERY SUBSEQUENT ELECTION (sorry about the caps). So even if you think this one is sewn up, there are always state and local elections that need the support of a strong local Democratic Party. And this is how you build it.

Besides, its fun to meet your neighbors and walking is great excercise :)

[ThatBozGuy]

5. You can find more information on this and other NLP events in the 50 state strategy at

http://www.democrats.org/a/party/a_50_state_strategy/

Thanks for pointing it out Jeff, its not just about us political junkies GOTV is a must.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

7. Thanks for the link...

My system is running glacially slow tonight, so I'm glad you could get it for everybody.

At the risk of sounding like I'm promoting my own thread. Please Recommend This -- It really should be on the Greatest Page.

I'm really excited about this program. I've been trying to organize Democrats in my neighborhood (I live in suburban Milwaukee) since I move here three years ago. Nothing like a "big election" to get the Democrats moving.

[ThatBozGuy]

12. Ithink it would have more of chance at the front page with a slightly less

attacking title, just an opinion. GOTV is important, the rest is just noise

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

14. You make an excellent point...

Sometimes I'm too much of a smart ass for my own good!

[ThatBozGuy]

17. Aren't we all at DU?

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

20. 117,681 Registered Comedians...

nt

[Lucky 13]

8. Sorry, I was busy reloading. Did you say something?

Kidding.

Completely agree. As hard as it would be, as Billy once said, In the primary you fall in love. In the general you fall in line.

[Coexist]

10. no events in Florida yet - but I'll keep my eye out

thanks.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

15. No Need For An Event

Just go to www.democrats.org and sign up. I think I can speak for Howard Dean (particularly since he said this himself) that this is a grassroots effort that you can customize any way you want it to be.

Door knock three times? Maybe. One of my three contacts is going to be a cookout at my place this summer. Don't like the talking points that the DNC gives you on a particular subject? Write your own. Serious. The Neighborhood Leader Program will work if people take the initiative and make the contact.

[Melinda]

13. Your brain is just so perfectly wired.

How refreshing, yeah!! :yourock: K&R

[bicentennial_baby]

16. Sniffa and I are going to sign up!!

:bounce:

Thanks! :hi:

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

19. Hey! That reminds me! I made my quota!

That's another part of the Program. They want a half million people nationwide participating, so they want you to try (try, mind you) to sign up two other people to take part.

So the two of you are my first draftees!! I'm hoping to get many more. Thanks for signing on!

[bicentennial_baby]

22. I have at least two awesome people in mind!

and maybe a few more!! Thanks for the info!! :bounce:

[Kurovski]

18. K&R. (nt)

[HowHasItComeToThis]

21. AS JEFF SAYS IN HIS PROFILE

If it weren't for "hate speech," Republicans would have nothing to say.

[Kurovski]

23. Kick. (nt)

[crispini]

26. .

:kick::patriot:

[crispini]

27. Is there a specific place to sign up?

I can't find it. :hi:

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

28. www.democrats.org

Click on the "50 State Strategy" link on the right-hand side of the page. That should get you there.

[Jeff In Milwaukee]

29. Kick for the morning shift

[Melinda]

30. Cause it just needs to be said and to be heard over and over again...

:kick: