Mobilizing Key Constituencies: Labor, Women and Veterans August 25 th, 2010 Questions? nightschool@democracyforamerica.com Twitter: @DFATraining Paid for by Democracy for America, www.democracyforamerica.com, and not authorized by any candidate or candidate s committee.
Tonight s Trainers Bailey Childers, Political Action Rep, AFSCME Sam Bennett President, Women s Campaign Forum Robert Diamond & Tyson Belanger Truman Project 2 Questions? Use the Q/A tool in the WebEx side bar.
Constituencies Matter Democrats are an inclusive coalition Targeting your message: Knowing what to emphasize Mobilizing our constituencies is key to progressive victories in November 3 Questions? Use the Q/A tool in the WebEx side bar.
Getting to know Labor Internationals AFL-CIO Change to Win State Federations ALFs (Area Labor Federations) CLCs (Central Labor Councils) Locals 4 Questions? Use the Q/A tool in the WebEx side bar.
How Labor Helps You Win Endorsements Contributions Volunteers Crowd building Captive audience 5 Questions? Use the Q/A tool in the WebEx side bar.
Effective Labor Outreach Education on Candidates events Messaging Communication Include a Labor Rep on Kitchen Cabinet 6 Questions? Use the Q/A tool in the WebEx side bar.
Final tips. Know the laws Say thanks! Remember Labor has a program out there too! 7 Questions? Use the Q/A tool in the WebEx side bar.
Women are natural progressives When they run for elected office they overwhelmingly self-identify as progressive or Democratic Roxanne Conlin IA- Sen Beth Krom CA-48 Jocelyn Benson MI - SOS 8 Questions? Use the Q/A tool in the WebEx side bar.
Engaging Women on a Campaign Women and men get involved for different reasons Appeal to desire for improvements to their communities Emphasize specific and local change Ask for their help to make it happen 9 Questions? Use the Q/A tool in the WebEx side bar.
She Should Run! US is ranked 86 th in the world in the number of women elected to office Getting women involved in your campaigns is the best way to get them to run for office Use WCF s free online She Should Run tool www.sheshouldrun.org 10 Questions? Use the Q/A tool in the WebEx side bar.
Questions? Use The Q/A Tool in the WebEx Sidebar Email: nightschool@democracyforamerica.com Twitter: @DFATraining 11 Questions? Use the Q/A tool in the WebEx side bar.
Truman National Security Project: Mini-Mil 101 and Veteran Outreach For more information, e-mail Truman s Political Director Michael Moschella (michael@trumanproject.org).
SECTION #1: Mini-Mil 101
I. Does Military Outreach Matter?
Freedom from Fear is a core progressive value. We keep America safe with smart & strong policies.
Good News: Many service members & vets agree. In 2008, the majority (under 60) voted for Obama.
And in 2009, 50% of the 121 veterans in Congress were Democrats (13/25 Senate & 47/96 House).
In a Feb 2010 poll, 57% of Americans approved of Obama s security leadership, only 40% disapproved.
Not-So-Good News: The poll also said Democrats are losing ground on being better on national security.
This poll also found Democrats, as a party, trailing Republicans by 31% on ensuring a strong military.
This gap can hurt us. 8% of Americans are veterans. 20% are vets or dependents of vets. 21
The Truman Project helps you bridge the gap between progressives and service members. 22
II. Organization
Service members swear an oath to defend the Constitution and follow civilian policy makers.
The President commands our military. For example: In 1947, Truman created the DOD.
Army Large scale, long term, and high intensity ground operations. Air Force Air, space, cyber, and long range airlift operations. Navy Naval security, long range transport, and force projection. Marine Corps Rapid naval deployment, ground operations, and embassy security. Each service has a mission (with some overlap). Each has active and reserve units. All are federal-led.
Army National Guard and Air National Guard units are state-led and may be federalized. Our Coast Guard provides near shore security as part of the DHS and may serve under the Navy.
III. Duties
Army = soldier Navy = sailor Air Force = Airman Marine Corps = Marine Coast Guard = Coast Guardsman Not all military personnel are soldiers. When in doubt, use service member or kindly ask.
75% 50% 56% 25% 0% 15% 1% 28% We have two basic ways to serve (as officers or enlisted) with hundreds of occupational specialties.
Army, Marines, & Air Force General Colonel Navy & Coast Guard Admiral Captain Lieutenant Colonel Commander Major Captain Lieutenant Commander Lieutenant 1 st Lieutenant Lieutenant JuniorGrade 2 nd Lieutenant Ensign Commissioned officers lead missions. They graduate ROTC, service academies, or Officer Candidate School then earn commissions from the President.
Enlisted service members accomplish missions. Junior Enlisted may become Non-Commissioned Officers. NCOs are the Back Bone of the U.S. military. Note: NCOs are not called sir/ma am. Some NCOs specialize and become Warrant Officers.
IV. People
In 1973, our military became all volunteer. Today, 2.5 million serve ( 1% of our population).
75% 50% 25% 0% 17-24 25-39 40+ Age U.S. Army Active Duty: Enlisted Officers Our military is relatively young and often married w/children, overall averaging 1.4 dependents.
100% 75% 50% 25% 0% High School College Degree U.S. Average Enlisted Officers Our military is educated. Beforejoining, all enlisted graduated high school & officers graduated college.
White Black Hispanic/Latino Asian Native American Other US Population Active Duty 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Our active duty military is nearly ethnically representative of the U.S. population.
100% 75% 84% 50% 25% 0% U.S. Military 16% Male Female Our military is mostly male. Gender and sexual orientation issues remain areas for reform.
V. Values
Unselfishness is a key military value. All service members face personal risks to defend America.
MYTH: The military likes making war. FACT: It s complicated. Many are proud to defend America and its values, but they also know the personal costs.
Don t assume service means supporting the policy. Service members may see conservatives as reckless. 46
Service members may see progressives as idealistic. Acknowledge real world dangers & their hard work. 47
Progressives & service members share values: We value unselfish service. We believe in doing the right thing. We resist leaving people behind. We respect merit and disdain unearned privilege.
We succeed by working together. The 2006 COIN Manual and 2008 GI Bill are two recent examples.
This concludes Mini-Mil 101. For the complete version, please contact your local Truman chapter.
SECTION #2: Veteran Outreach
I: HOW TO START ORGANIZING
High Percentage of Military Voters 44 States = Veterans are 10%+ VA-02 (Glenn Nye) = 22% Military Instillation = MUCH higher i.e. NY-23has Fort Drum and former Plattsburgh Air Force Base Arizona: 660,000 Vets 1 out of every 10 voters This does not include active duty or family members
Obama and Dem-led Congress have achieved important successes Post 9/11 GI Bill Largest increase in VA funding in 30+ years Advance funding of the VA Veterans & Caregivers Omnibus Health Services Act Presidential Directive on Military Families Easing of PTSD claims process And more.
Truman Project s Military Roundtable
Establishing VAC or MAC Military Advisory Council vs. Veteran Advisory Council Includes Military Families, Veterans, and can be used for more than just the VA. Advocates and Surrogates Visit VSO, Write Op-Eds, Provide Advice Not just for Photo-Ops Roundtables, monthly calls, etc
Who Should Serve On A Military Advisory Council? Veterans who span generations, from WWII through the current wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Veterans who served in the Reserve and National Guard. Veterans from across services (Army, Air Force, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard) Military family members of active duty personnel, Reserve & National Guard. Male and female members Multi-racial representation NOTE: Active duty military should not be approached to be a part of this effort, as this could be seen as politicizing the military or violating the Uniformed Code of Military Justice.
Take Action Engage the Military Community 1. Visit a Military Base 2. Welcome Home Ceremony 3. Attend a Promotion 4. Host a Military Family Coffee Listen! 5. Sending Care Packages (ex. Netroots for the Troops ) 58
The Data Revolution Enables Us to Build Permanent Infrastructure
Making Vet to Vet Calls
Building Support with a Veterans Pledge 1. Create Military for X on Website Post Pledge Collect Emails 2. Design Hardcopy with Script Volunteers at Fairs, events, parades 3. Distribute to VSO, Military Families, etc
II. What are the Issues Facing Today s Veterans and Military Families?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder As old as war itself: shell-shock from WWI An anxiety disorder not unique to the military Serious car accidents, assault, natural disasters Studies show the vast majority of soldiers are exposed to some kind of traumatic, combat-related situations. Anywhere from 12% -25% of Iraq/Afghanistan veterans may have PTSD
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Signature wound of today s veterans Estimated that 360,000 (of >1.8 million) OIF/OEF veterans may have suffered brain injury Estimated that 22% of all OEF/OIF combat wounds are brain injuries Compared to TBI in 12% of combat wounds in Vietnam Range in severity from road side bombs to minor concussions VA has treated >8,000 for OIF/OEF vets for TBI The science is new
Unemployment On March 13, 2010 the Labor Dept reported that the unemployment rate for young veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan was: 22.1%
Suicide Suicide rate for young male veterans 18-29 went up 26% from 2005-2007 Army suicide rate now higher than civilian rate for first time since Vietnam War A record 160 active-duty Army suicides in the year from Oct. 1, 2008, to Sept. 30, 2009 Need a national campaign to combat
Homelessness A persistent and multi-generational problem 1/3 of America s homeless are veterans VA estimates 107,000 veterans on the streets on any given night 95%of homeless veterans are men Approx. 56% are African-American or Hispanic
Female Veterans Women ARE in combat More than 212,000 women have deployed to OIF/OEF 12% of the force 120 killed in action More than 40% of women in the military have children More than 30,000 single mothers have deployed to OIF/OEF Female troop s divorce rate 3x higher than men Sexual assault and harassment In 2008 there were 2,908 reportedincidents of sexual assault involving service members
Truman Project Resources Online The Military Basics Every American Should Know: A Ten-Minute Guide to the Military http://www.trumanproject.org/files/training/ten-minute-guide-tomilitary.pdf Top Ten Mistakes Civilians Make When Talking to the Military http://www.trumanproject.org/files/training/civilian-military-mistakes.pdf 2010 National Security Manual http://www.trumanproject.org/training/nsm
Army: Ranks, Titles, Insignias, Abbreviations Enlisted rank Structure Increasing Seniority Warrant Officer Rank Structure US DoD Pay Grade W-1 W-2 W-3 W-4 W-5 Insignia Title Warrant Officer One Chief Warrant Officer Two Chief Warrant Officer Three Chief Warrant Officer Four Chief Warrant Officer Five Abbreviation WO1 CW2 CW3 CW4 CW5 Officer Rank Structure Wartime Only Source: http://www.defenselink.mil/specials/insignias/officers.html
Air Force: Ranks, Titles, Insignias, Abbreviations Enlisted Rank Structure Increasing Seniority Officer Rank Structure Wartime Only 72
Navy: Ranks, Titles, Insignias, Abbreviations Enlisted Rate Structure Increasing Seniority Pay Grade E-1 E-2 E-3 E-4 E-5 E-6 E-7 E-8 E-9 Insignia No Insignia Title Seaman Recruit Seaman Apprentice Seaman Petty Officer Third Class Petty Officer Second Class Petty Officer First Class Chief Petty Officer Senior Chief Petty Officer Master Chief Petty Officer Fleet/ Command Master Chief Petty Officer Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy Abbreviation SR SA SN PO3 PO2 PO1 CPO SCPO MCPO FLTCM/ CMDCM MCPON Warrant Officer Rank Structure Pay Grade W-1 W-2 W-3 W-4 W-5 Insignia No W-1 rank Title Chief Warrant Officer Two Chief Warrant Officer Three Chief Warrant Officer Four Chief Warrant Officer Five Abbreviation CWO2 CWO3 CWO4 CWO5 Officer Rank Structure Pay Grade O-1 O-2 O-3 O-4 O-5 O-6 O-7 O-8 O-9 O-10 Wartime Only Insignia Title Ensign Lieutenant, Junior Grade Lieutenant Lieutenant Commander Commander Captain Rear Admiral (Lower Half) Rear Admiral (Upper Half) Vice Admiral Admiral Fleet Admiral Abbreviation ENS LTJG LT LCDR CDR CAPT RDML RADM VADM ADM FADM 73
Marine Corps: Ranks, Titles, Insignias, Abbreviations Enlisted Rank Structure Increasing Seniority Warrant Officer Rank Structure Pay Grade W-5 W-4 W-3 W-2 W-1 Insignia Title Chief Warrant Officer Five Chief Warrant Officer Four Chief Warrant Officer Three Chief Warrant Officer Two Warrant Officer One Abbreviation CW05 CWO4 CWO3 CWO2 WO Officer Rank Structure 74
Further Reading/Additional Resources: Army Professional Reading List: http://www.history.army.mil/reading.html Navy Professional Reading List: http://www.navyreading.navy.mil/ Marine Corps Professional Reading List: http://www.mcu.usmc.mil/prodev/profreadingpgm.htm Books: The Unforgiving Minute, Craig Mulaney Black Hawk Down, Mark Bowden One Bullet Away, Nathaniel Fick (considered one of the best new works of the War in Iraq, by a young Marine Captain) The Long Gray Line, Rick Atkinson Fiasco, Thomas Ricks (one of the best works on the Iraq War, according to many Iraq Vets) Not a Good Day to Die, Sean Naylor (the definitive work on Operation Anaconda, Afghanistan) Company Commander, MacDonald Platoon Leader, McDonough Love My Rifle More Than You, Kayla Williams
Homework Make a list of Labor organizations in your area and schedule a meeting to discuss your campaign with them Identify 5 women who are political or civic leaders in your community and ask them to be a part of your campaign Connect with a local Truman Project chapter by email Michael Moschella-michael@trumanproject.org 12 Questions? Use the Q/A tool in the WebEx side bar.
More about our trainers www.afscme.org www.wcfonline.org www.trumanproject.org 13 Questions? Use the Q/A tool in the WebEx side bar.
Sign up for more Night School! We have five more episodes in the series: Sept 1 st -Creating a Positive Campaign Culture Sept 8 th -Relational Organizing Tactics Sept 15 th -Mobilizing Progressives with Google Sept 22 nd -Getting Out the Progressive Vote Register for them all at: http://www.democracyforamerica.com/mobilizingprogressives 14 Questions? Use the Q/A tool in the WebEx side bar.
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