December 20, 2017
2017 Has been a hectic year and unfortunately running for the position of Ward 3 School Committee took up a lot of time, thus this blog took a hit. My Candidacy for School Committee was based on the view that Education empowers people to gain a better future.. to develop their future and build their dreams. These values are inherently Democratic. and are heart and soul of what we are trying to build with the Brockton Democratic City Committee- a team of dedicated people who like empowering people to be the best they can be.
April 20, 2017
Here in Brockton, The Democratic Party is growing, while the Republican Party is SHRINKING. Over the past month a number of Elected Officials who were Registered Republicans have Changed their Party Affiliation due to the Trump effect. Ward 3 School Committee member Mark D’Agastino who was listed as CHAIRPERSON of the Republican City Committee on paperwork filed with OCPF is now UNENROLLED.
Since May 2016, the Brockton Democratic City Committee has increased membership by 22% from 94 active members to 123 Members who will be working to build a strong Democratic Party in Brockton.
We are growing as a result of the Trump Presidency.
February 1, 2017
To start the month I would like to share the words of Gus Bickford, the Chair of the Massachusetts Democratic Party.
Gus talks about how people can get involved and what local Democratic Groups can do. He talks about preparing for the 2018 Massachusetts Gubernatorial Election and the 2017 Local elections.
Although many Brockton positions are “non partisan” We must work to elect Democrats at all levels. If you choose to sit on the Brockton Democratic City Committee then there will be an expectation that you will work for the Democratic Candidate. That includes
- Mayor
- City Council
- School Committee
Gus Bickford
“The highs and lows of this past week since the inauguration of the president have been unprecedented. The highs include the Women’s Marches with estimated attendance over five million at registered marches. That doesn’t include small local marches that people organized including those in nursing homes complete with people using canes, walkers and wheelchairs. I don’t think that there is any need for me to talk about the lows.
I am going to focus briefly on two areas in my remarks here today. What can an individual do to make a difference and be part of our resistance? What can Democratic groups do to reach out to newly energized people to get folks involved?
The success of Saturday’s marches is a testament to the power of an individual action in an atmosphere when people want to get involved. A few people posted on facebook the idea of a women’s march on the day following the inauguration. It went viral. But it took much more than a post on facebook to make it happen.
In brief people can make a difference in three overall areas:
* Involvement with the Democratic Party. Caucuses are coming up over the next few months. We are expanding our infrastructure to increase out effectiveness in the upcoming 2018 elections.
* Issue advocacy. Much can be done right now around issue advocacy either through organizations or your own efforts.
* Involvement with campaigns: Elections will be happening in 2017 in every municipality in Massachusetts. We have a Governor’s election and the midterms in 2018.
A silver lining is that people who have not engaged actively in the past are ready to engage. Every event I attend has people who have never participated in a comparable meeting in the past.
What can Democratic groups do to reach out to newly energized people to get people involved? The answer is simple. Do something and tell people about it.
Now, more than ever. Democratic groups need to publicize what you are doing. Use newspapers, community calendars, social media and word of mouth to spread the word about events. Events don’t have to be large to publicize them. You can plan coffee with a friend on Saturday morning and publicize it as “Coffee and Conversation.” For those who are interested do some voter registration after you gather.
These are longer than my usual opening remarks. The fact that you are reading this newsletter is a testament to the power of the individual. What started off as a group e-mail to a handful of people has become a newsletter that is utilized by thousands of people across the Commonwealth.
January 3,2017
I applaud the efforts of the Massachusetts Legislature on their efforts to restore funding for much needed programs which were de-funded by Governor Baker’s 9C cuts. These funding cuts include the following:
$1 million out of a $2 million budget for English Language Learner programs in Gateway Cities. Brockton has been a major recipient of these funds and has a vibrant Service network the Community Partnership for Adult Education which has built strong ESOL programs with Training Resources of America, Massasoit Community College and the Adult Learning Center as primary service providers. There are currently 1,504 people on wait lists for the Adult Learning Center, and 480 people on wait lists for Training Resources of America. During my 40 year career with DTA , I assisted many clients use these programs to become self supporting and can personally vouch for the quality of these programs.
December 27, 2016
This website would not be possible without the generous support of Rep. Gerry Cassidy. We recently sent Gerry a $150 campaign donation which he returned with the instructions “Put this money where it is needed: A Brockton Democratic City Committee Website ” Well my friend, The BDCC Website brocktondems.org is live thanks to you.
I would also like to thank President Archie Gormley , Treasurer Bill Hill the members of the Brockton Firefighters Union Local 144 IAFF for hosting the Brockton Democratic City Committee Meetings at Keating Hall during 2016. Without their help this Committee would not be able to build a strong Democratic Party In Brockton
Thanks
Steve Kelley
Brockton Democratic City Commitee 