STRONG – Serving the community will be the focus when the Franklin County Democrats meet from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, March 29, at the Forster Memorial Building.

All registered Democrats and people considering joining the party, as well as those who would like to serve their community in a nonpartisan fashion are welcome to the meeting and potluck supper.

“The county Democratic group is transforming itself into a community service and advocacy entity. The meeting is the first of a series of sessions at which people will determine action plans for issues they would like to focus on in the coming two years,” said Chairwoman Anne Geller of Farmington.

Issues that could be considered include direct support of community members in need, such as food pantry donations and giving rides to appointments, working to make communities more energy efficient or increasing the rates of recycling, she said. Better health insurance coverage, workers’ rights, and education reform are other issues that people might be interested in working on.

The meeting will begin with a session of brainstorming ideas that will then be prioritized and short-term and long-term projects selected. The group will then develop action plans including task lists and timelines, matching people to tasks and determining resources needed.

Geller said that when she became chairwoman after the November elections, she knew she wanted the group to be active rather than just being the one to run meetings. Then President Barack Obama’s transition team wanted to turn the campaign effort into a community activist effort using millions of volunteers to be community organizers, she said. That helped her to realize she wasn’t on her own, she said.

During the fall campaign, over 500 volunteers in Franklin County served the Democratic party with others who came to caucus. With those numbers, several community projects could be accomplished, she said.

The group will meet monthly to figure a strategy for group and short-term projects to meet specific needs while individuals will be encouraged to contribute with projects of their own. Members may also want to address larger national issues, she said.

Those attending the meeting Sunday are asked to bring nonperishable food items for the Economic Ministry Food Pantry in Salem. The Democrats plan to donate to a different food pantry each month.

For more information or to share a ride, contact Geller at 778-6672 or [email protected]