Feedback on DFL SD38 Convention and Caucuses

Vicki Wright, SD38 DFL Chair

Before I write anything else, I want to mention how thrilling, compelling and gratifying it has been for the people involved in planning our Convention on Saturday to have so many people make the commitment to join in the process. Grassroots democracy is the kind that really matters - even if it is the Presidential campaign or the U.S. Senate campaign that stimulated the interest. And, by taking the time to offer suggestions about how we can improve is also a commitment you are making to our efforts and it is deeply appreciated.

I regret that you decided to leave early. One thing that is painfully true about grassroots democracy, especially the DFL variety, is that it can appear to be a complex and inscrutable process (and you have a good point that we could do more to explain how resolutions are considered and adopted on up the line).

A top-down organization (read: Republican Party) appears much simpler and straightforward because there is much less room for debate and much less power at the roots. In the DFL, all of our rules and processes are intended to open all aspects of the party organization to everyone (newcomers and oldtimers alike) and to give everyone a voice. The result is often very messy and can be tedious at times - I doubt that you'd get much argument on that point. BUT - and this is a big BUT - all of us sitting up front, behind the podium, watching the discussion of the resolutions, were amazed and delighted by the respectful, thoughtful and engaged audience of delegates. It was clear that people were taking this process seriously and giving it real attention. At times, you could have heard a pin drop (although, possibly, not in the rear of the room).

And, your point on this is also well-taken. For the future, please note that any delegate in the convention is within their rights to address the chair with a point-of-order asking that the area behind the delegates be cleared and that conversations be taken outside. I regret that this disturbance occurred and we'll be certain to add this to our planning for 2010.

However, back to my point. When people are given a chance to participate by giving voice to their heartfelt issues, a connection is made. The convention ceases to be something you are witnessing and becomes something you are part of. The value of that connection is incalculable. The pre-convention committees created a written ballot (which had not been done before) and deliberately inserted the resolution discussion into the agenda before delegate election (limiting the time to 30 min.) because we wanted to ensure that resolutions were given their due, without being too lengthy. Remarkably, when the 30 min. ended, a motion passed to continue discussion another 15 min., although a subsequent motion to continue for an additional 15 min. failed. (Apparently 45 min. was enough for most everyone.)

Anyone who stayed for sub-caucusing can attest to the chaotic state of the hall following the state delegate elections. In 2006, we had some difficulty reassembling the delegates after sub-caucusing to consider the resolutions and we felt that this experiment in re-arranging the agenda was worth a try. And, I emphasize that this was an experiment. We will be making adjustments for future caucuses and conventions - with the goal of increasing their relevance and maximizing interest.

Building a party is always a work in progress and I thank you and everyone who is participating, because you will help make us better and stronger.