Tonight I was proud to be one of 50+ attendees at a meeting combining representatives of the Malden, Melrose, and Wakefield Democratic Committees (and one representative from Lynnfield). Held in Malden, this meeting was probably one of many similar gathering held across the country whose theme was basically, “What can/should we do now?” The formal tag line was “Thoughts into Action.” Ideas ranged across issues advocacy, engaging new/infrequent voters, protecting human rights, and improving committee organization locally and statewide—along with sharing our best practices and events, not only within our organizations but also across our region and beyond. For me personally, the meeting helped crystallize the way I want to focus the time I have to give to improving the Commonwealth (and my city) in the near future. The proof will be in the action.
We experienced a healthy tension among a range of issues, from climate change to income inequality to pressuring the State Committee–and our state elected officials–to DO MORE. Would women’s reproductive issues be part of human rights/sanctuary cities or a separate issue? Would income inequality receive its own small break-out or be subsumed under another? No perfection here—just the messiness of ordinary people with a will to take action. Common themes were anger, frustration, and fear—and wanting to transform those legitimate feelings into practical action, satisfaction, inspiration for others—and real achievement. Most inspiring, perhaps, were two age poles—the group of students who had formed a High School Democrats club at their Wakefield high school—and the retired teacher from Malden who said “I’m here to defend the Constitution of the United States of America.” While the meeting was a first step and not conclusive, each of us emerged with a clearer idea of what we want to accomplish, and some actions we can take. One small step for a region, one giant leap for NOT curling up in a fetal position for the next 4 years. Kudos to Sam Hammer (Melrose), Amanda Smith (Malden) and their associates, not all of whose names I caught. Stronger together.
I knocked doors with them and they campaigned for Hillary in New Hampshire.
Fred Rich LaRiccia
Thank you, Linda for this excellent write up of a very special evening!
To almost run out of chairs on a freezing evening and to have such energy and constructive sharing of ideas and strategies was quite heartening. Just being able to meet each other and make plans to stay in touch in the future is huge. I predict quite a lot of mutual support and sharing of best practices going forward.
And I agree the Wakefield young Dems are awesome — they’re clearly doing great work and will do more. They were in our break out group so we got to hear a lot about their accomplishments and plans.
Cheers
Amanda Smith