The reality that just about half of Democratic state parties had a website in the 2004 election is stunning when you look at where state parties are today. While there is, no doubt, a long way to go in almost every state, the progress thus far has been spectacular. Most Democrats are not aware of this stark advancement, as the findings from the Grassroots Democrats State Website Survey showed that merely 44% of active online Democrats had been to their state party website.
So, as part of my stint here, I want to highlight some of those states using technology to build community, activism and resources. I also encourage each of you to visit your state party website, SIGN UP for email and to volunteer, and get involved on the ground in your state in addition to all you are doing for Dems online. Go to [http://www.grassrootsdemocrats.com] and click on the "In Your State" page to find contact info for your state party as well as an overview of the political atmosphere and redistricting information. Here are just a few of the state parties reaching out to people online:
Activism:
The Texas Democratic Party is using their website and email lists to build participation for the TDP Campaign Camp. This three-day training is targeted at candidates, current and future campaign staff as well as state and local party members and activists. This effort will go a long way to building a strong network of trained, on-the-ground activists. To find out more go to the calendar section on the new TDP website.
[http://www.txdemocrats.org]
The Democratic Party of New Mexico uses its website and email lists to support state leaders and launch calls to action. Last Friday, Lt. Governor Diane Denish guest hosted a local radio program, the state party posted the event on their site and sent out the following action announcement:
"Diane Denish Takes Over 106.3 KAGM!
Diane Denish will be the guest jock sitting in for Lee
Logan on Friday's "The Drive" afternoon radio show,
3-5PM on 106.3 FM KAGM, 94.7 in Santa Fe. Please be sure
to listen and to call in on the hotline, [number
redacted]."
[http://www.nmdemocrats.org/]
Information & Community:
The South Dakota Democratic Party launched a Pod Cast program called the `Dakota Blues.' This innovative program launched in 2005 with special guest Willie Nelson. The party then asked their popular guest to sign a poster which was auctioned on Ebay to support the party. Since its launch, the Dakota Blues has hosted a variety of state legislators, commentators and community leaders. The latest installment boasted none other than Al Franken and Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates, Dennis Wiese and Jack Billion.
[http://www.sddp.org]
The Nevada State Democratic Party launched a widget with all the latest party news and information. This innovative tool gives those who want it, the ability to get all the latest press releases as they launch, and allows the Party to use their email blasts for action alerts, upcoming events, or a particularly important news piece on state legislation etc.
[http://www.nvdems.com]
The Kansas Democratic Party has a strong, active forum with 5 main headings and hundreds of subtopics. Part of the password protected section, the Kansas website allows people to talk about the national and local issues, candidates and legislation that matter to them and organize themselves for action.
[http://www.ksdp.org/...]
Fundraising:
The Tennessee Democratic Party has asked its members to be a part of its Ten4TN campaign. This program asks supporters to commit to giving just ten dollars every month to support the efforts of the State Democratic Party. The contribution is deducted monthly from their checking account and the donor can determine when that deduction occurs. This type of recurring contribution is important in two ways. First, this small contribution gives the donor a stronger sense of investment and ownership in the party and they will be more likely to take action when it is time to Get Out The Vote. Secondly, the party knows it has a steady stream of income that it can use to plan for the future.
[https://www.tndp.org]