General Meeting Minutes--Saturday, September 16, 2023, 11:00am at HQ
Welcome and Introductions: Julie called the meeting to order at 11:00am and welcomed attendees.
Area Leader reports: Karl reported that the last County meeting was held on September 9; the Judicial candidates and john Matthew Smith attended. He also mentioned that the handouts the County created with D. candidates on one side and R. candidates on the other are difficult to understand; he’ll reach out to Matt about it. Wendy talked about the future distribution of a mailer and doorhangers containing candidates’ information.
Approval of the Minutes: Minutes from the June 10th General meeting will be corrected to show that Larry and Earl are not new PCPs in their precincts. Otherwise, Wendy motioned and Donna seconded the minutes’ approval.
Treasurer’s Report: Donna reported that our balance is $8548. Since the Executive Committee meeting in late August, we’ve raised over $3000. CADC will contribute a total of $5000 to support a coordinated effort with the Citizens’ group for mailers, texting, and doorhangers. Recurring donations can be made via the CADC website and ActBlue.
Picnic with the Party event: Will be held on October 7 at Jerry Stirkey’s parents’ property. There will be a cash raffle, photo booth, food, drinks, and everyone is encouraged to spread the word; a food and drink donation sheet was passed around and we’re hoping for at least 100 guests. Attendees will be able to pay at the door or online and the proceeds will help fund next year’s Presidential, Senate, and House election efforts. Speakers will include Patty Kim, two school board candidates, two county commissioner candidates, and two borough council candidates.
Rick Galena re: the Citizens’ campaign: Rick thanked the Dems for a successful primary due to fundraising, canvassing, etc. Turnout was increased in 9 of 15 precincts and total turnout was 30%.
· General Election strategy
o We expect 7500 people to vote
o Citizens’ campaign will contact voters six to nine times each
o Messaging is student-focused and non-partisan
o Over $63000 has been raised and CADC will support the mailer/text/doorhanger efforts
o The Team for Change is starting a digital ad and direct mail campaign
· Priority needs
o Canvassing – the Citizens must knock 5000 doors starting in N. Middleton, then Dickinson Twp., then the Borough and Mt. Holly. Volunteers can sign up on the Citizens’ website.
o Postcards – they have 5000 to go out and postcard-writing parties planned—see their website.
o Lawn signs and LTEs (in The Sentinel and Patriot-News) stating why choosing Citizens candidates with a positive message.
o Poll greeting talking points – a student-focused, non-partisan campaign.
o Possible participation in AAUW Forum; will depend on format (not a debate or a town hall.)
CADC events leading up to Nov. 7:
· Every Saturday and Sunday – opportunities to help with Citizens’ canvassing (sign up on their site.)
· Oct. 14 -- Molly Pitcher Birthday Bash information tabling opportunity
· Last two-three weeks before the election – doorhangers much go out
o PCPs will organize turfs, and coordinate volunteers and poll greeters
o Targeting Dems who’ve voted in the past three of four elections
o Rick recommended focusing on his Votebuilder list (not I’s); he’ll send this to Wendy
§ Will include newly registered voters
Announcements:
· Julie will meet with the Dickinson Dems
· Project SHARE’s food truck event is tomorrow from 2:30 to 7:00pm
Adjournment – Julie adjourned the meeting at 12:10pm