Editor,
I’ve been asked why I’m involved with our local Democratic Party, so I thought I’d share a few thoughts that may aid others in some way.
As the Vice Chair of Community Outreach for the Democratic Party of Carroll County, I have aimed to inform, engage, and promote Democrats in representing our party’s values and platform in the community. Further, we as a local party work to get candidates elected, an ongoing and challenging process. (Remember, AR was Blue not so long ago – think Clinton’s Presidency, and Democrat dominance as recently as 2010).
Personally, while in 2016 in my hometown Memphis, when shocked by the reality of Hillary Clinton’s loss, I felt I had to take action. (Honestly, it helped make me feel better to engage rather than sit by the sidelines and wring my hands). After helping to organize the Memphis Women’s March in Jan of 2017, then moving to Eureka Spring in the summer, I joined the local party.
Think parades, sharing ideas with local Democrats, participation in County fairs and picnics, fundraising, get out the vote efforts, etc. I recognize that all these activities eventually help to get Democrats elected so that they can work to enact policies I believe are good for Arkansas: good jobs, access to healthcare, switching to clean energy, equality, the rule of law, solving our state’s problems, and protecting our freedoms, among other values and policies I support.
Recognizing my personal responsibility for doing “my small part” in the effort to return Arkansas Blue again, I’d chosen to be part of the solution. I hope others will choose the same in whatever capacity they are able to do.
Jean Reed