FAQs

Where did the Leon Democratic Party logo come from?

By now most DEC members have seen the new Leon DEC and Leon Democratic Party logos, but they may not be aware of where they originated.  These were developed in January 2006 by John Jarrard, a web designer and graphic artist who previously worked on Bob Graham’s senatorial website.  However, he first created the capital and flag theme for the Leon County Young Democrats over a year ago.  Chair Rick Minor and other Steering Committee members liked the LCYD logo so much that they asked the Young Democrats if the DEC could use the same theme.  Fortunately, LCYD President Alan Brock and his membership granted us permission, and the rest is history. 

A BIG thanks to John Jarrard and the Leon County Young Democrats for an incredible set of DEC logo designs!

Why should someone consider giving to the Leon DEC?

This year the Leon DEC has been TRANSFORMED!  All around Tallahassee, Democrats are hearing about the new DEC and are excited about the prospects of a resurgent Democratic Party in this county.  We've made TREMENDOUS progress on a number of fronts, namely:

• Website - We've created, for the very first time, a fully-functional website (http://www.leondems.com/) featuring an event calendar, photo gallery, news articles, officials/candidate list, and an online volunteer sign-up page.  An online contribution page will be set up soon. 
• Surge in Membership - We've launched a MAJOR recruitment drive to expand our membership.  During the past six months, we've had more than 60 Leon Democrats become members of the DEC.  The county’s perception of our party is changing, and increasing numbers of Democrats consider the DEC to be something they want to join.  Furthermore, we're attracting professionals and community leaders who will be instrumental in building a stronger DEC.
• New web-based voter file - The DEC has purchased from the FDP the use of a web-based voter file application.  The Leon County voter file will be accessible online and can be updated in real time.  The DEC will have a voter file tool that will not only generate call sheets and walk lists, but also be continually refreshed with the results of our calls and canvassing.  It will also be updated with detailed voter-specific data obtained by the FDP and national Democratic Party.  We'll have higher quality data and have it updated more frequently than ever before.
• Moving to the next stages of success will require money – There’s no doubt that the county party is getting stronger every day, but we can only go so far without more funding.  The success and effectiveness of Leon Democrats will depend on everyone pitching in with contributions.  In 2008 we have the opportunity to make HUGE gains against the Republicans, but we can’t do it without financial assistance.

What does a DEC do?

The Leon County Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) is the official representative body of registered Democrats in Leon County.  It has supervisory power and jurisdiction over Democratic Party affairs in Leon County, and its members serve as the “Democratic voice” of their constituency in the precinct they represent.  The Leon DEC is responsible for turning out the vote in Leon County, supporting our candidates, and promoting the Democratic principles that we all care about.

What is the difference between the Leon County Democratic Party and the Leon County Democratic Executive Committee?

While the Leon County Democratic Party consists of every registered Democrat in the county, the DEC is the decision-making body that sets the party’s overall direction.

What are the priorities of the Leon County Democratic Party and the Leon DEC?

Our top priority will be to mobilize Leon Democrats for the 2008 elections.  We must do our part to ensure that a Democrat wins the White House and that our legislative seats remain Democratic.  And we must expand our focus on Leon County’s local races and local issues - increasing Democratic representation in our local government is essential to our future.

What types of things would be required from me as a DEC member?

Each DEC member is required to attend our monthly meetings, which take place at 7:00 pm every fourth Monday of the month.  At each meeting we make decisions on running the county party and usually have an engaging speaker. 

The main responsibility for DEC members is to reach out to voters and promote the Democratic principles that we all care about.  Of course, different people like to do different things, and so our DEC is organized in a way that encourages members to work on the things they like.  Some examples of our activities:

-          Event planning (annual fundraising dinners, rallies, etc.)

-          Phone calls to registered Democrats and Independents

-          Walking neighborhoods and visiting voters door-to-door

-          Managing teams

-          Communicating our message (writing letters to the editor, calling into radio    programs, etc.)

-          DEC Membership development

-          Developing and presenting training

-          Recruiting new members and/or volunteers

-          Registering voters

-          Participating in community development

-          Serving as liaisons to other local interest groups

-          Writing articles and designing layouts for our DEC newsletters

Is there a membership fee?

No, there is no membership fee for joining the DEC.

I happen to know that my precinct already has a DEC member. Does that mean I cannot join the DEC?

Even if your precinct already has a DEC member, there are many other ways to become involved in the DEC.  Please speak with the District Representative for your county district (see below for contact information).

Whom should I contact if I have more questions about membership?

Our membership recruitment is divided into the five county districts in Leon County, and each county district has a team leader:

Your team leader will be the one who represents your county district.  Your county district is the FIRST digit in your precinct number.  (e.g. If you live in Precinct 5217, your county district is “5”.)

If you don’t know your precinct number or your county district, feel free to call ANY ONE of the people above.  They will be very happy to help you.

How will the Leon DEC be spending my contribution?

The Leon DEC spends its funding on the following:

• Field operations, materials - A large portion of funds raised will be spent on supporting the field operations essential to getting Democrats elected in 2008.  We'll focus heavily on local races as well as the state and federal ones.  The Republicans are targeting two of our local Democratic officials - Commissioners Rackleff and Thaell - and we'll need to do everything possible to keep those seats Democratic.
• Rent, utilities, etc. - our operational expenses run about $350/month, which includes phone, internet usage, and printing costs. 
  
• Advertising - We'd like to rent billboard space, as well as other innovative ways to show Leon County Democrats that their party is stronger than ever before.  We have Leon Democratic Party pamphlets, lapel stickers, bumper stickers, and other materials that we use to increase the strength and visibility of our party.  With sufficient funding, we can establish an INCREDIBLE presence in Leon County and mobilize the support we need to win!

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