DNC Platform, Built from the Ground, Up

This past month, Sen. Obama and the DNC (Democratic National Committee) again demonstrated their belief that the Democratic Party should function from the ground-up. This time the process of how our national party platform is drafted was overhauled by holding local platform meetings nationwide. The meetings are part of Listening to America, a new initiative announced by the Obama campaign and the DNC to elicit supporters’ input for the Democratic Party platform. In the past, the platform was drafted by holding hearings among party officials and interest groups. This year the platform process was turned upside down. Over 1,300 meetings were held nationwide in living rooms, barns and libraries. At each of these platform meetings, attendees discussed issues important to them that should be included in the national platform. The final product from these platform meetings were then submitted by the meeting moderators and hosts to the DNC platform committee team. The committee's final product will be submitted to the Democratic National Convention in Denver scheduled for later this month.

As an Obama delegate to the National Convention, I was chosen to be a member of Sen. Obama's policy committee. Committee members were asked to help with the platform meetings in their area by either attending or facilitating the meetings. I had the opportunity to attend and help facilitate several platform meetings around the state. One was a platform meeting held on a farm in Johnson County which was 1 of 6 in the nation on rural and agricultural issues. Portions of the meeting will be broadcast at the national convention. Another meeting held at the Hamilton County Democrat Club’s monthly meeting was also successful. It was refreshing and exciting to hear about issues and concerns from those in attendance.

The affects of the Obama campaign continue to make the party and the country better. The grassroots movement and enthusiasm continues to amaze me.