DFQC: Targeting the Offline Community
by Caroline Vernon

I initially wrote this article for Blog for America a few months ago, but since I didn't get to share it with ya'll,  I felt it was worth repeating, particularly since it embodies the invaluable contributions of some of our senior activists.

Given all the emphasis we have placed on the Internet community, it is also very important to continue outreach efforts within the offline community.

As much as 20% of our local Meetup (Democracy For The Quad Cities) attendance is comprised of individuals who are notified by telephone and word of mouth. Many of these are senior citizens that already have a long-standing history of grassroots activism and community involvement. In fact, they are the very bedrock of our democracy; eager to share their experiences and ready and willing to pass the torch to the next generation of movers and shakers. And what a story they have to tell... there is so much to learn from them.

DFQC is extremely fortunate to have benefited from the steadfast participation of such seasoned political veterans as Lou and Joe Waechter, and Betty and Cal Drumm. Our local group has been enriched by the collective contributions and lifelong experiences of these two couples.

Joe and Lou Waechter have been involved with the grassroots as far back as 1963, when Bill Gluba and Art Small (recently local candidates for the US House and Senate) recruited Lou as Precinct Committee Person while canvassing from house to house in an effort to organize the Democratic party. Over the years, the Waechters have continued to open their home and their hearts in pursuit of promoting life, liberty and happiness for the common good.

2005 Scott County Democrats Red, White and Blue Fundraiser -
 Lou and Joe Waechter with Flat Howard

Betty and Cal Drumm are also longtime activists. Betty indicated there were many times when she had set aside the money they would have used to dine out, in order to be able to send money to the Democratic party. She said, "It would be a win-win situation, such as, no calories, lose pounds, no heartburn, and the Democratic party would gain a few more dollars." Cal expressed the importance of taking care of business in our own back yards first. During the Democratic primary Cal contacted every registered person in their ward, urging them to vote in the caucus, as well assisting Betty in her role as Caucus Captain.

Halloween 2004 -DFQC Members as Billionaires For Bush
Betty and Cal Drumm on either side of Flat Howard

The contributions of these couples reflect the value and the need of developing a variety of tools for outreach to all aspects of our communities. In addition to establishing contact by phone and word of mouth, we are currently in the process of creating and distributing flyers to promote upcoming Meetups and other events within the progressive community. Senior centers and union halls are ideal locations to post flyers. Contacting local newspapers and radio stations are also very effective methods for promoting Meetup.

Both the Waechters and the Drumms were inspired and re-invigorated by the call to action from our very own Chairman, Governor Howard Dean. Cal speaks for all of us at DFQC, "We would like to thank Governor Dean for what he brought to our table... we learned so much from him, and we wish you the best Howard, as Chairman of the DNC. We know the best is yet to come."