First: What DOES IT MEAN TO BE A “DTC member”?
The East Lyme Democratic Town Committee CHARTER allows for up to 40 residents to be elected as ‘MEMBERS’ of the Town Committee, or DTC. The charge of these individuals is to represent all East Lyme voters who registered as Democrats, to recruit and vet candidates, and help those Dems win their races!
These DTC members, however, do not need to raise money, print lawn signs, or go door-knocking to be “elected.” Instead, DTC members are nominated and elected in a single event, by whatever number of Democrats show-up that year at the annual “Committee caucus” in January. — People can be nominated by a friend or family member they bring, by a fellow volunteer, or they can self-nominate which is common. Nominees then say a few words about themselves, maybe with a few people asking basic questions, a simple voting process follows, and results are announced that evening.
Elected members serve a 2-yr term beginning in March, which obligates them to 1x month meetings (though naturally it is OK to miss a few, with advance notice— for travel, illness, family, or work conflicts), as well as to Sub-Committee work, and expected help during campaign season.
Many further serve as an elected TOWN Official! Those people are BUSY.
BUT being an elected DTC “member” isn’t the only way to volunteer! — READ ON!
There are also 3-5 sub-committees people can get involved with (note: more often the “sub-” is dropped). each of these has their own function, schedule, and degree of flexibility.
Caring, reliable SUB-COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS are always needed.
these worker bees are not required to attend monthly meetings, though they are welcome to, and may benefit from the updates or networking.
This is a great option for people with a thursday night conflict, or for new retirees, part-time residents, college students home for the summer, or new-to-Town Dems. with more specialized interests. >> Learn more HERE.
And, can you believe?? There are even MORE ways to get involved,
and these— even more casual! but also welcome & important!
MONTHLY MEETINGS - Usually the 4th THURS, monthly meetings are open to the public, with no RSVP needed. One can come for all or part. Only “DTC members” (see above) may vote, but questions from anyone are welcome. Coming when you can is a valuable way to hear about Town hot topics, get to know leaders, & like-minded neighbors. *On-site child-care or transportation can be arranged with advance notice.*
DTC DROP-IN FRIENDS - In addition to electing local Democrats, DTCs engage in community service. We may promote a march, donation drive, event, or host an activity of our own. Some are campaign related like “Candidate Meet & Greets,” post-card writing parties, or fundraisers — but others might be a roadside clean-up, road race meet-up, painting party, or Restaurant Week outing. You don’t need to be a DTC member or even a Sub-Committee vol to respond to these event postings online. You don’t even need to be a Dem or from East Lyme! Follow us on Facebook or Insta for our 6-8+ events a year.
SUPER DEMS Distinguished from above drop-in friends by their extra zeal, these are followers who attend meetings when they can in order to discuss issues with friends or family members, who ‘Like,’ comment on, or share social media posts, display lawn signs, honk as they pass sign-waving events, and/or wear ELDTC or Dem merchandise. They are positive energy. They are sometimes strident. Be a Super Dem!
~TREASURED~ DONORS! DTCs are registered IRS 501(c)(4) non-profits (social welfare/ political campaign activities). That means it is a charity but not tax-deductible. Elected members pay annual ‘assessments’ to help with overhead costs but added funds are needed for outreach, education, and to vigorously promote our municipal slate. Note- Funds are independent from state candidate campaigns and DTCs must adhere to strict campaign finance laws which we take pride in honoring for the sake of transparency. Give any amount, any time of year— you can DONATE HERE now!