One of the tools we have for getting the DNC to host a climate debate is to ask county and state parties to pass resolutions calling on the DNC to do so.
Several weeks ago, Roxanne Bohren introduced this resolution calling on the DNC to host a climate debate. Having gotten wind of it, I joined the local South Bay Sunrise group and the San Jose Youth Climate Strike, to come in and speak in favor before the vote.
We met outside for pizza, did a little bit of role play on how to talk with people, and then went down to the basement cafeteria where the county Democrats meet each month. We spoke with assorted local Democrats and asked for their vote while waiting for the meeting to start, then sat through several earlier agenda items.
Finally, Roxanne Bohren got up and introduced the resolution calling for a climate debate, and Sunrise members got a few minutes to speak. Video wasn’t allowed under party rules, but several people spoke, and, unlike more contentious measures, the resolution calling for a climate debate came to a vote a few minutes.
While I had been expecting substantial support, I was surprised that there wasn’t a single “nay” during the voice vote. We hung out for a little, exchanged contact information with the local party, and then headed home.