The New York State PDA FAQ
Written by Charles Lenchner, NY State Coordinator, April 15, 2006

Progressive Democrats of America is a nationwide, grassroots organization. As an organization, we function through chapters, generally organized by Congressional District (CD). In each state, the various chapters are also organized in different ways, often through a state caucus.

Since our founding in 2004, different states have developed at different rates. In some states, we have supporters but no officially constituted chapters. In others, we have many strong chapters united in state wide efforts to influence the party. New York State is somewhere in the middle: our chapters are mostly new or in formation.

Q. How many chapters are there in NY? How can I reach them?

A. Visit http://pdamerica.org/statecaucus.php?s=NY to see an updated list of chapters, and how to reach chapter leaders.

Q. What is the role of the NY State Coordinator?

A. To offer support to chapters. This is an appointed, volunteer position. Learn more about this role at http://pdamerica.org/orgs/state-coordinator.php. You can learn more about me at www.pdanewyork.org.

Q. How will forming or joining a PDA chapter help the progressive cause?

A. Political activists have a huge variety of groups and causes to support. Our supporters generally agree on these points:

• That progressives need to be linked with their counterparts across the state and across the country if they want to be effective.
• That influencing the Democratic Party is possible and productive, if we follow a long term strategy. It’s been done before, and can be done again.
• That progressives must work with each other across the boundaries that have divided us in the past. (Look at a list of our allies and national board members.)

Q. What are your top issues, and who decides them?

A. Our top issue is, beyond a doubt, ending the war in Iraq as soon as possible. Chapters make their own decisions about what they want to work on. At the state and national level, priorities are often decided upon based on relationships with key allies – but those priorities are not binding on specific chapter.

PDA has task forces around certain issues. In areas where our position is not fully developed, we welcome your help!

Q. How can I get PDA in New York, or nationally, to do more on the issue I care about the most?

A. This is very hard… NY chapters are not working on state wide campaigns yet. You can write to PDA at the national level (info@pdamerica.org). The best way is to join a chapter, take on a leadership role, and become known far and wide as someone easy to get along with who believes in the mission of PDA. This won’t happen if your primary goal is to get PDA to work on your favorite issue.

Q. Election season is coming up. What is PDA up to?

A. Some of our chapters are meeting candidates, sending out issue questionnaires and taking endorsement votes. Chapters make the decisions about how – and if – they want to do endorsements. For state wide offices like U.S. Senator, we are encouraging chapters to come to a decision as soon as possible. PDA leaders – including Tim Carpenter, our Executive Director - have been open about supporting the campaign of Jonathan Tasini. However, only PDA chapters have the power to grant Tasini our endorsement.
* update: Our Ithaca Chapter voted to endorse Tasini this past week!

Q. What is the difference between PDA and DFA?

A. A number of PDA chapters are DFA chapters as well – and vice versa. While there are differences, our goal is to see DFA as an ally when and where possible. Our sense in New York is that DFA has been more focused on local races, while PDA is focused on national issues. There are political differences – but I haven’t seen a good accounting of them yet.

Q. Who is a member of PDA?

A. PDA has a large database that chapter leaders can access. Being on the database implies that an individual is a supporter, donor, or just wants to receive updates. We use this list to make announcements. Membership, on the other hand, is only applicable at the chapter level. Each chapter sets its own criteria for membership, and has to maintain its own membership list. Examples of criteria: member of the founding group, pays dues, attends meetings, etc.