What is your role in the “DTC”?

Formal and INFORMAL Ways to Get Involved

All Ages - All Backgrounds Welcome

Up to 40 elected Town Committee members attend monthly meetings, engage heavily in Committee work, and/or serve as elected officials… but there are OTHER WAYS to be included.

There are four Subcommittees each with their own cycles & needs with work done largely outside monthly meetings. Caring SUBCOMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS are always needed and the primary formal path to “join” DTC efforts outside of elected membership. A great activity for new retirees. Also note: Teens - College Students - Young / New Parents in particular are needed. Learn more about our Subcommittees HERE.

The following INFORMAL ROLES, however, are satisfying too and just as key to our health & success. Please, join us, however you are able!

FOLLOWER / FRIEND - Monthly meetings are the 4th THURSDAY of the month at 7 pm and are always open as are most Committee calls. No RSVP is needed. Only elected members may vote but your opinion & questions are welcome. A follower might join meetings, attend events, or regularly visit the website or social media. This passive participation is important by helping build local Democratic engagement. Meeting attendance and awareness of issues increases knowledge about Town workings. Maybe you’ll then be moved to testify at a public hearing, write a Letter to the Editor, or get more involved. *NOTE: The DTC makes every effort to provide on-site child-care for in-person meetings with advance notice. Transportation assistance may also be requested.*

DONOR - DTCs are registered IRS 501(c)(4) non-profits (social welfare/ political campaign activities). It is a charity but not tax-deductible. Elected members pay annual ‘assessments’ to support overhead costs but added funds are always needed to increase local outreach, education, and vigorously promote the endorsed municipal slate. Funds are independent from state candidate campaigns. Note: DTCs must adhere to strict campaign finance laws which we take pride in honoring as they promote transparency. We invite you to give at any time of year — DONATE HERE

PROMOTER - Distinguished from followers by their level of enthusiasm, these are the followers who go on to discuss issues with friends or family members. They may ‘Like,’ comment on, or share social media posts. They display lawn signs. They honk as they pass sign-waving events. They buy and wear ELDTC or Democratic merchandise. They are positive energy. We love our promoters!

VOLUNTEER / ATTENDEE - As an expression of our values, our DTC engages in community service and tries to help groups with affiliated goals. We may do so by promoting actions or events. Some are campaign related, just as often they are not. You do not need to be affiliated with our DTC to respond to a DTC-hosted action or attend an event. You don’t even need to be a registered Dem or from East Lyme. Events may include road-side clean-ups, food drives, restaurant-week, or post-card writing. If this interests you, keep an eye on our website events listing or follow our Facebook or Instagram. There are typically at least six public opportunities a year (+ open monthly meetings). Events note how to reply or sign-up plus include a contact for questions or more info.

Want to get MORE INVOLVED or interested in more FORMAL affiliation?

Learn about SUB-COMMITTEES here