Lee Dems: Jan/Feb Review

I think that I'll write a review at the end of each month summarizing my engagements with the party. Since I didn't do so for January, this post will be for both January and February.

January:

26th: Monthly Meeting:

Having already joined the DNC and making a small donation to the Democrat Party of Virginia, I wanted to join the Fairfax County Democratic Committee (FCDC). Joining the county party seemed like a slam-dunk decision for me, because my goal has always been to be involved at a community level. However, the FCDC website recommends that anyone considering joining should come to a meeting before submitting his or her application. To get things moving, I decided to go to a Lee Dems meeting.

The meeting was at a local member's house. I barely made it on time, because I teach a class on Thursdays. By the time I got there, the house was packed. It was the biggest meeting the Lee Dems had ever had. The orange man, it appears, has the magical ability to make other people turn blue.

I met so many people. As there was more than one person, I don't remember any names. Fatima being the exception. I had worked with her at the City of Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services. It was nice to see her.

The meeting ended up being more of a social gathering than anything else. The Lee Dems just weren't prepared for that many people. There was a small round of motions, but they were Greek to the 3/4 of the people in the room who were new. 

Nevertheless, I enjoyed myself.

February:

2nd: Indivisible Mt. Vernon-Lee:

I had been told about this event at the first Lee Dems meeting. The folks that invited me put their best feet forward to explain what the meeting would be about, but I didn't understated because everything was new to me. I just assumed that it was another meeting, and I'd attend to keep my momentum rolling along. 

This was not a Democrat meeting so much as an interest meeting for Indivisible. Many Democrats having been inspired and encouraged by the turnout for events like the Women's March of Washington wanted to keep engaging in that fashion.

This movement is for people who want to be political, but want to march and not be tied down with boring committee meetings. On the other hand, I joined specifically to become a member of boring committees. Plus, despite my participation in the Women's March, I'm not a fan of protesting. I'm not looking down on the activity. It's just not my style.

To wrap up, I don't think that I'll be participating with this group. Though, I wish them well.

9th: Lee Dems Welcome Night :

This meeting was to explain the structure of the FCDC to new members and to folks who were considering joining. 

I got a lot of good information out of it. The local party fights in many arenas. I'll need to figure out were I can help out the most.

I did have a nice conversation with Ed Joseph. Ed is the Vice Chair of Precinct Operations for Lee District. We discussed the possibility of me becoming a Precinct Captain. This seems a pretty good fit given my background working as an election official in Alexandria. So, hopefully this will come to fruition. 

23rd: Monthly Meeting:

In anticipation of a large crowd like January's meeting, this meeting took place at the Landsdowne HQ. Given the number of people in attendance, this turned out to be a wise decision.

I, among others, was approved as a member.

Ed and I had another detailed discussion about Precinct Operations. The conversion occurred after we both remembered each other. So, there's progress!

I also had a lovely conversation with Kim Pollard about joining the Veterans Military Families Committee (VMFC). Kim is the VMFC Secretary. We had a lengthy conversation, and she thinks that I could be a good member for her committee. So, cross those figures.

Ending Notes:

Like any other group you want to be involved with, you end up having a lot of meetings to plan future meetings. I do feel that I'll be able to get some work done in the near future. Hopefully, I'll be working in operations and with veterans.