THE DNC WANTS TO HEAR FROM YOU!

In February the Democratic National Committee - the
governing body that formulates the vision, determines
the strategy for delivering our message, and sets the
overall tone of the national Democratic Party - will be
electing a new Chair to lead the Party. The Chair is

responsible for communicating that vision and the

collective values of the national Party. Many of us

have ideas about how we would like to be represented,

and here is our opportunity to be heard. In Minnesota

we have six voting members of the DNC and in true

Minnesota fashion they want to hear from the grassroots!

In an event co-sponsored by the MN DFL

and the DFL Progressive Caucus, our DNC representatives

will meet with everyday DFLers to find out where we want
our party leadership to take us as we move forward.

Come share your thoughts!

 Monday, January 24, 2005

6 PM Progressive Caucus Informational Meeting

7 PM Listening Session

American Legion Hall

217 Minnesota Ave

Bemidji, MN 56601

218-751-3821

Contact: Michael Meuers 218-444-5558 riverlot@paulbunyan.net

 
 We look forward to seeing you!

Donna Cassutt, Chair, DFL Progressive Caucus

www.progressivecaucus.net
dcassutt@mn.rr.com

612-798-4952

AGENDA FOR DNC LISTENING SESSION

            Introduction and Explanation of Purpose ( Donna Cassutt) (2 minutes)

a.   Brief description of how we in MN are attempting to lead the way by bringing rank and file Democrats into the discussion (Moderator,

Michael Meuers, 5 minutes)

i.            This is the second of four Listening Sessions on the DNC Listening Tour co-hosted by the PC and the DFL.

ii.           Two more dates are scheduled for Rochester and Cloquet.

iii.          Surveys on chairs provide additional opportunity to express thoughts. We would appreciate your completing those as well.

b.   Background on the DNC and Presentation of Rules (Moderator, 5 minutes)

i.            What is the DNC, and what has been the Chair’s role historically.

ii.           In what way is the Chair accountable to the DNC Committee.

iii.          Who chooses the Chair?

iv.          How our six DNC representatives came to serve on the DNC.

v.            Introduction of DNC members.

c.   Rules

i.            The moderator will interrupt speakers not addressing the national

National DNC or who are otherwise off topic or disrespectful to others.

ii.           Time limits will be strictly adhered to. During the time of public

Comment, speakers must restrict themselves to one minute. To speak, a person must be at a microphone. If s/he has more than one minute’s worth of ideas to share, s/he must got o the back of the line to speak again.

iii.          During the time of public comment, DNC members may respond

to questions or comments from the audience, but they too should restrict themselves to one minute responses.

            DNC: Party Visions and Role of the Chair (45 minutes) – Public Comment

a.   What does the national Democratic Party urgently need? What are the process issues that the Party should be concerned with? What is our message and how can the Chair help to convey it?

b.   What leadership qualities should the Chair possess? How can the Chair

help shape the Party and its direction? The grassroots are strong, particularly in MN. How can the Chair use that fact in making the national party more effective?

            DNC Chair: Who it should be (10 minutes) – Public Comment

            Questions for the MN DNC Delegation, Moderator posed (5 minutes)

How will Minnesota’s delegation to the DNC utilize the comments expressed tonight? Do you intend to vote as a slate? Will you lobby other other state delegations? What are you looking for in a DNC Chair? Is the Party and its leadership on the right course, or are there things you would like to see changed?

            DNC Members Respond (15 minutes)

      VI. Closing