A VERY BIG DEAL!! Supporting the Democratic Party

State Party Rule 4 outlines the State Central Committee’s Powers and Authority. Financing is one of those. It reads: “The policy of the DPNM is that its business shall be financed primarily by the contributions from each of its individual members as their means allow. The State Central Committee has the responsibility of fulfilling that policy by maintaining a systematic program for soliciting and collecting such contributions. It shall have the authority for appropriation of state party funds.”  This is a VERY BIG DEAL!!

 It is also totally overlooked by SCC members and most state officers.  I know that none of us want to give to any organization until we have clarity concerning how the funds are to be used and then see a report on those expenditures, but ignoring the harsh reality of funding the Party is not an option. The State Party needs our financial support. If you want to be a member of the SCC then you had better be prepared to demand a budget and financial reports AND then to contribute as you can afford. I don’t care if it is $5 a month, it is necessary and it is meaningful. My point being, we have to do more than demand transparency, we have to contribute as well.

 I have long believed that this is the answer to Democratic Party finances. When I worked at the Bernalillo County Democratic Party I worked hard to create a sustaining member program – the ask was $10 per month. Some people got on board but most ignored my many requests and some just went ballistic!   There are around 425 SCC members, if each were to give $10 per month we would have $4,240 in the bank each month, a total for the year of $51,000. While this would not completely support the Party’s efforts it would certainly help.  

 Each SCC member should be giving time in some way as a volunteer.  The SCC is the governing body of the State Democratic Party.  SCC members should be the first to step up in their county or in their community.  Recently I was asked to serve on the Bernalillo County Party Budget Committee.  I was honored to be asked by our County Chair and I look forward to serving.   

 The same goes for members of County Central Committees, the responsibility needs to be shared by all.  Financing your party is part of the job description and we can no longer afford to ignore it.