A new local organization, Lodi Forward, is being introduced in the community as an inclusive group focused on civic engagement and local participation.

One of the most effective ways to win elections is also one of the most personal: talking with people you already know. That strategy is called friend banking, and it is a simple, powerful form of relational organizing. On Wednesday, June 10, from 5:00-6:30, CoCo Dems will host a Friend Bank Training at the CoCoDems Office, 315 DeWitt St, Portage to help volunteers learn how to put that strategy into action.

At a recent meeting with a small group of CoCo Dem members, Nick Oestreich, Regional Organizing Coordinator from the Democratic Party of Wisconsin laid out a clear challenge for all of us: if we want to win, we have to get better at talking with people who are still reachable. That means moving beyond frustration and into action. Nick’s message was practical and energizing: stop wasting precious time trying to “win” arguments with the loudest extremists, and focus instead on the voters we can actually move—independents, disaffected Republicans, inconsistent Democrats, and people in our own networks.

On Saturday, May 23 we’re calling on members, volunteers, and supporters to join us as we head into Columbia County communities to help Democratic candidates collect the nomination signatures they need to get on the ballot. This is where campaign season truly begins: With conversations at the door, energy in our neighborhoods, and people coming together to build something bigger than themselves.

Have you heard folks talking about getting Neighborhood Action Teams (NAT) started around the county? Maybe at one of the recent monthly membership meetings? Let me tell you about the NAT running in Columbus. I hope you’ll want to get something started near you.

April was volunteer appreciation month. We give them thanks here.

Our volunteer spotlight for May falls on Bill Lubing. Busy with the CoCo Dems Update blog and other activities, you’ll usually see him with a camera in one hand and one of Mary Ellen’s brownies in the other.

Come join us to Get Out the vote for Chris Taylor this Spring. We’ll be out this Monday and Tuesday, April 6 and 7. Find out how and why it’s so important inside.

It’s been busy at the office. If you’re interested in helping out, read on!

Canvassing is the most effective way to win elections. CoCo Dems is canvassing this coming Saturday, April 4. Read about why you might consider joining us.

While shown above in the corn, volunteer Philipp Veselovsky is anything but corny.