Before your first meeting
- Let your Chapter Chair and the Global Women's Caucus chairs know that you are interested in forming a group.
- We can publicize your upcoming first meeting on our website and Facebook page if you would like.
- Make sure to have everyone sign up on the DA website for the Women's Caucus, so they are on our mailing list.
- Check out our Wiki to learn more about how our organization works. You can also find DA logos, graphics and templates you might like to use.
At your first meeting
- Designate one contact person who can interface with the Global steering committee and attend regular WebEx meetings.
- Hold a group reading of our statement of purpose (found on the DA website under Women's Caucus).
- Discuss ways in which your group might work toward these goals.
- Some suggestions for activities you might want to plan:
- Educate yourselves and others on the issues with film nights, discussion groups, viewing and discussing of TED talks, lectures or political events from YouTube and other relevant media, hold teach-ins, workshops etc. Invite local experts to talk to your group.
- Monitor legislation in the U.S. Participate in calling/writing campaigns, and connect with women's advocacy groups and legislative caucuses in the U.S. Check our website for links to relevant materials.
- Sponsor events: GOTV, social, seasonal, always with an emphasis on our specific women's caucus goals.
- Check out local events that your group might attend.
- Participate in events sponsored by other DA caucuses. They would appreciate our support.
- Join on-going DA "Calls to Action," updated regularly on our website and Facebook page.
After your first meeting
- Share pictures of your events with us, preferably with a short text, so that we can post them on our Women's Facebook page. They could also go up on your own local DA chapter page. Unless you have a very large and busy group, we would prefer that you do not start an additional Facebook page for your caucus. It is best to bundle our strength.
- Keep the communications going with the International group through social media, newsletters and participation in our regular WebEx meetings.
- Keep the communications going within your own group. Send them articles you think are interesting, important, etc. even if they don't have to be sent to the international group. Ask specific people in your own group to be on the look out for interesting articles they come across in their areas, for interesting people who might speak to your group.
- Let the International chairs know if you are interested in planning an event to which all members may be invited. We can help you get the word out.
- If members of your group have special skills (graphic artists, IT specialists, expertise in communication, political organizing, etc.), we would love to hear from them.
- Be careful about participating in any kind of protest under the DA women's caucus banner. Please consult your chapter chair or the Global Women's Caucus Chair. Guidelines for protests and vigils as well as guidelines for social media can be found on our Wiki.