- What is the purpose of Cal Dems?
Our mission to provide college students with opportunities to engage in meaningful Democratic activism.
This includes supporting Democratic candidates, educating the campus about issues, and training students to
be effective leaders.
- How can I get involved?
1) Sign up for the listserv.
2) Come to weekly meetings (Thursdays, 7pm, 56 Barrows).
3) Participate in our activities. They'll be advertised at our meetings, on campus,
over the mailing list, and on the website.
- Is it too late to get involved?
NEVER!
- I'm interested in Cal Dems but I can't make it to Thursday meetings. What can I do?
Be sure to subscribe to the listserv so you're aware of our activities. If you're willing to help the club
with tabling, voter registration, fundraising, or publicity, contact Molly B. or
another board member. You're also encouraged to get involved in one of our committees.
- What is a typical meeting like?
Our meetings vary; they may be spent listening to a guest
speaker, discussing an issue, or watching a film. We'll also announce upcoming activities in the club, as well as other
notable events on campus and in the community. If you have an suggestion for one of our
meetings, contact a board member ahead of time. See the events calendar for the weekly meeting time and location.
- How does Cal Dems campaign for elections?
On campus, we have extensive education and get-out-the-vote (GOTV) efforts, including voter registration,
events, speakers, and debates. Additionally, we support Democratic candidates and issues through precinct
walking and phone banking.
- How can I become more active in Cal Dems?
We encourage all of our members to join one of our committees to gain experience helping with the core
activities of the club. Currently, there are three committees: the Outreach & Development Committee, the Campaign Committee, and
the Policy, Values, & Communications Committee.
- What are some of the most exciting events in a typical year?
Our
annual debate with the Berkeley College Republicans is always a hit, as is the biannual California
Young Democrats retreat in Lake Tahoe. Other recent events included our Nevada campaign invasion in the days
leading up to the 2004 election, and the Frist Finals Filibuster in Spring 2005.
- I have an idea for an event or activity. Who should I contact?
The appropriate board member. Molly B. coordinates most
on-campus club activities.
- Tom Delay is so corrupt, Deep Throat is wishing he'd waited a few years. You know what I'm saying?
Yes.
- How does Cal Dems maintain its presence on campus?
Campus events, tabling, and the Smart Ass are three major ways in which Cal Dems interacts with the campus
at large, educating students and recruiting new members.
- What is tabling? How does it work?
Tabling is the time-honored Cal tradition of promoting an organization by maintaining a table on Upper
Sproul Plaza during the school day. The table is essential to recruiting new members and informing the campus
about our activities. The table also serves as a location for members to socialize during the day. So
tabling is an activity that is both vital and fun! If you're willing to be paired with another Dem to table
for an hour or more each week, contact Molly B. to sign up!
- I have an announcement which I think is relevant to club members. How can I get it sent out to the mailing list?
Email a brief announcement to Molly G.. We'll try to include it
in our Sunday email announcement if we think members will be interested.
- I would like make an announcement or a presentation at a club meeting. Who should I contact about this?
Contact Sarah G. BEFORE the day of the meeting. We often have very limited time to make
announcements in meetings, so we may include your message in the weekly email instead.
I'd like to work on a publication which presents Democrats' viewpoints on policy and politics. Can I do this at Cal?
You're in luck! Smart Ass is a student publication with a mission to amplify the Democratic voice at
Cal. Interested in being a writer, graphical artist, or copyeditor? Contact
editor@smartass.caldems.com and visit the
Smart Ass website to read past issues.
- Tom Delay's so corrupt that when he takes the Oath of Office, he holds his hand OUT instead of UP!*
We know. You should write about it for Smart Ass!
- How big is Cal Dems?
Cal Dems is one of the largest college Democratic chapters in the state: we chartered with 300 members in 2005. Over 1000 people are subscribed to our mailing list. A typical meeting might have 30 to 50 attendees.
- What are the requirements of membership?
To be a member, you must be a registered Democrat or intend to register as a Democrat at the earliest
opportunity. To be a member in good standing, which entitles you to vote in Cal Dems elections and gets you
discounts on certain activities (and a free T-shirt!), you must pay the semester dues ($10), complete a
membership form, and attend at least 5 general meetings.
- Do I need to be a member to come to meetings or events?
Usually not. Members-only events will be advertised as such.
- Who's in charge of Cal Dems?
The Executive Board. Constitutional officers are elected at the end of Spring semester. Our job is to plan
and direct club activities, but we want to hear your ideas! Feel free to contact any of us with your thoughts.
- How can I find out about leadership positions in Cal Dems?
We'll announce any open positions and Spring elections on the listserv and at meetings.
- What other organizations is the club affiliated with?
We are chartered with the California Young Democrats (CYD), an arm of the party that operates within the
Young Democrats of America (YDA). We belong to the
College Democrats of America (CDA), as well as the
California College Democrats (CCD). We're also
affiliated with the Alameda County Democratic Central Committee.
And of course, we're an ASUC
student group with 501(c)(3) status.
- How do I register to vote?
See our voting page for details. We generally participate in campus-wide voter registration efforts
leading up to elections. You need to re-register to vote if you move, change your name, or change your
political party affiliation. (The deadline to register for the Nov. 7, 2006 general election is Oct. 23.)
- My question wasn't answered here. How can I get an answer?
The best way is to contact a board member (we don't bite—promise!) or to ask club members at meetings.
