Washblog || Membership compromise in Thurston County?

Membership compromise in Thurston County?

By emmettoconnell
Thu Dec 21, 2006 at 12:54:39 PM PST
Section: Diary Topic: Building the base

I just now posted an idea at the Thurston County Democrats blog that I think spans the difference between people that want to stay with a PCO driven organization (where only PCOs can vote) and a membership driven organization, where paid members can participate up to the level they're legally allowed. State law actually defines the role of PCOs, and thereby limits the participation of "members." Though, outside of county organizations and actually only organizational meetings where we choose our executive committees and bylaws, there isn't really anything limiting the participation of a membership.

Votes like campaign services, our yearly budget, spending choices on particular campaigns and endoresments could all be open to members.

I know Thurston County is a bit unique in their PCO only based system, but I'm wondering what other systems for accepting members are out there? Anyone belong to a PCO/member organization? What issues come up with that sort of system?

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Membership compromise in Thurston County? | 6 comments (6 topical)

Thurston County does WHAAAAAT???

Never heard of anything so silly. It's simply shocking, and difficult to envision. Why hasn't the state party mandated an end to such bizarre practices?

In the 43rd, the only "edge" held by PCOs is during the reorg meeting. They're the only eligible voters for the really big positions -- LD chair, 1st Vice Chair, State Committeepersons, possibly (but I don't think so) County Committeepersons. At that point, of course, the only PCOs are the elected ones.

After the reorg, we can appoint PCOs. But aside from the above-noted reorg-voting, there are no special rights during meetings or within the 43rd District Democrats for PCOs.

I can't imagine our organization, or any self-respecting Democratic organization, operating differently.

You're only young once, but you can be immature forever -- Larry Andersen
Blogging at Peace Tree Farm

by N in Seattle on Thu Dec 21, 2006 at 02:43:13 PM PST

* 1 none 0 *

N, the 22nd has no membership, no dues by Particle Man, 12/21/2006 03:01:31 PM PST (none / 0)
*snort* *Laugh* by emmettoconnell, 12/22/2006 06:29:33 AM PST (none / 0)
43rd does WHAAAAT? by partisandem, 12/29/2006 03:31:02 PM PST (none / 0)

voting in the 43rd by N in Seattle, 12/29/2006 06:17:07 PM PST (none / 0)

As a point of refrence you may want

to look at the KC democrats bylaws and then bylaws from a strong D district in KC and a swing dist like the 5th in KC in order to see the range of what is possible under the state charter. If Thurston and the 22nd are going to grow their organizations, changes in both bylaws will likely be needed. I would also say that some changes might be viewed as full of risk when in fact the risk is so remote as to be overshadowed by the benefit the change would bring to the party.

by Particle Man on Thu Dec 21, 2006 at 02:46:15 PM PST

* 2 none 0 *

Membership compromise in Thurston County? | 6 comments (6 topical)

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