As we approach the truly spectacular national remembrance of our fight for independence, appreciation for the sheer audacity of democracy and the vision of our founders runs high.
They took enormous risks, fashioned a rebellion, found success, and commenced to create a system of rights, laws and governance unparalleled in their time, as well as ours. The thought that citizens not only had rights equal to those of the titled aristocracy, but also that they should participate in government to create a “more perfect union,” elevated aspirations and spawned imitation across the world.
Today we perpetuate their dreams and the democracy they created whenever we attend a community meeting, participate in debate, write or call, gather in support or protest, and of course, vote.
As a party, Democrats believe that wise government by and for the people has a beneficial effect upon the lives of its citizens. In Ridgefield, our Democratic Party, led by the “town committee,” lives this belief in democracy in numerous ways. We are active in local, state and national issues from gun safety to school building. We champion fair society, fiscal discipline and the rights of all. We work with community organizations as volunteers at road races, at the library, women’s shelters, environmental groups, human rights organizations and children’s organizations.
As a party we find great candidates to run for office, then take up their cause by running campaigns, and helping elect officials in Hartford, Washington, D.C., and town hall. We meet with senators, congressmen, constitutional officers, state legislators and town officials. And we are vocal … with letters, forums, columns, digital media and grass-roots action. We have ears open to those who want to help make our community better and stronger.
You might call us “fans of democracy.”
And that is where you come in. Ridgefield’s Democratic Party is seeking a few more “fans of democracy” to join the party’s town committee. Yes, you must be a registered Democrat in Ridgefield. Which also means that you have to be 18 years of age. We meet monthly on the second Thursday of each month at town hall. Each of us takes a supporting role … from writing a letter, sending emails, organizing a meeting or event … to contacting neighbors or contacting Congress. We work as a team — “many hands make the work light” — according to our time and interests. We have fun. We respect each other and we make a difference … sometimes great, sometimes small.
Ridgefield Democrats wants you to join our team. Experience is not required. All it takes is an email (see below), and a meeting with the town committee members to get a “look” at who we are and what we do. Oh, yes, and you must be a fan of democracy, willing to participate and contribute to the most audacious and inspiring form of government ever created. Intrigued? Contact me: scocco@ridgefielddems.org.
The author is chair of Ridgefield Democratic Town Committee, which supplies this column.