The Massachusetts Democratic Convention is coming soon. This is a Platform Convention; you have a voice in the party platform and it is good preparation for a nominating convention. In 2014 a number of candidates will compete at the Convention for the Democratic Party endorsement and the coveted 15% needed to appear on the ballot. In my experience, people who have participated in a previous convention have a better chance of getting elected in a competitive year. I don’t have links back to 2006 and 2010 but I recall stories of people who had difficulty getting elected because they were not familiar to the regulars. Take the time NOW, attend the Convention on July 13, and you’ll be familiar to the folks who take part, as well as having a better understanding of the process.
If you were not elected a delegate, there are many ways that you can participate.
1) If you are 35 years old or younger, are a member of a minority or have a disability,. you can apply to attend as an add on delegate. Applications must be returned to the Democratic State Committee by March 29, 2013.
2) High School students who are not registered Democrats can take part in the Convention through a special youth program. Past participants have described this opportunity as life changing. Apply here by March 30, 2013.
3) You can volunteer at the Convention. We always need volunteers, especially during registration. This is a big help to the Party. You generally need to commit to being there early. After most people have registered then you can attend the general session and the training sessions. No charge to attend! You can sign up here. Just put in your contact information and mark in the comments that you want to attend the convention.
4) You can sign up to attend as a paying guest. The charge is only $25 and it leaves you free to do whatever you want during the convention.
There will be the opportunity to hear from prospective 2014 candidates and attend informative workshops and breakout sessions.
It is always a lot of fun to meet activists from across the state.
Lots of excitement about the High School Convention! Looking forward to it!
I appreciate your help in getting this information out. Kate