Chapters converge on Miami for the annual FDC Spring Convention

By Erin Murphy, Vice President

April 11th, 2011

The Florida College Democrats held our annual state convention in the spring of 2011, the weekend of April 8-10, at the University of Miami. Members from eleven chapters travelled to Miami from all over the state, to learn from the trainings and speakers at our conference. Over 100 College Democrats registered for the conference.

Our Spring Conference began on Friday evening with a cookout reception on the beach, where College Democrats from all over the state had an opportunity to get to know each other socially. Members shared experiences from over the past year and relaxed.

Throughout the day on Saturday, we had a mix of guest speakers and training sessions on the University of Miami campus. The chair of the largest DEC in Florida (Broward), Mitch Cesar, talked about ways to improve relationships with our local DECs. This was helpful for our chapter leaders, because they maintain active relationships with their local DECs. Other speakers included Mayte Canino of Planned Parenthood, who gave us a legislative update and talked about ways to continue fighting for choice; and Brian Goldmeier, a finance staffer from the Alex Sink campaign in 2010. Goldmeier went over some valuable tips for fundraising on the chapter level, and explained the more confusing aspects of campaign finance laws. Jason Roth, a staffer with the Florida Democratic Party, addressed the group about political careers and how to form your own path to success. He also accepted resumes to be submitted to a statewide Democratic resume bank, providing our members with potential job offers for the 2012 campaign season.

Saturday evening was the Conference Banquet, held at the local IAFF (firefighter’s) union hall and catered by a locally owned restaurant. State Representative Richard Steinberg and Tallahassee City Commissioner Nick Maddox were the keynote speakers. The awards ceremony for Chapter of the Year, Most Improved Chapter and the Challenger Award also took place at the banquet.

On Sunday, our conference wrapped up with constitutional review and officer elections. The Florida College Democrats Spring Conference is an event that attracts many of our chapter members from all over the state on a yearly basis. It is an opportunity for College Democrats to network, learn ways to improve their chapters, and find opportunities to better assist the Democratic Party.