The Organizing Unit is the second level of the DFL Party structure. Delegates are elected to their Organizing Unit conventions at their local precinct caucuses. Then, these delegates will endorse candidates for the state legislature and choose delegates to move on to the state and congressional district conventions.
Convention Tasks:
- Endorse candidates for State Senate and House
- Elect party unit officers
- Elect State Central Committee members
- Vote on resolutions for consideration at the State Convention and inclusion in the DFL Platform
- Elect delegates to their Congressional District and State Conventions
- Consider amendments to the party unit constitution
Sample Convention Agenda:
This is a sample agenda for an Organizing Unit Convention with explanations of each event. Your convention’s agenda may look different depending on what it needs to accomplish.
Registration
At registration, if you are a delegate, you will sign in and receive credentials. This is generally a name tag that you wear which allows you to be on the “floor,” or the area where voting is happening. If you are an alternate, you should also sign in and get credentials, and you will be informed of “upgrading procedures.” This is the process by which you can switch from being an alternate to a delegate. You will often be seated near the other delegates from your precinct, but seating is decided by the convention committees.
Calling the Convention to Order
This is simply the official start of the convention and is generally followed by a flag ceremony and welcoming of delegates and guests.
Reading of Affirmative Action, Outreach and Inclusion Statement
We begin all DFL conventions by reading the Affirmative Action, Outreach, and Inclusion statement to help keep these goals at the forefront of our organizing efforts.
Resolving any Credentials Challenges
Credentials are how we ensure the correct people are participating in the voting procedures. If a person believes they do not have the correct credentials following registration, this is an opportunity for them to appeal to the larger group. This allows us to confirm that all eligible delegates and upgraded alternates have the correct badges from registration and are ready to participate in voting during the convention.
Election of Convention Chair(s) and Appointment of Secretary and other Convention Officials
At each convention, delegates get to vote on who will lead the convention as the Chairs. Generally, the Chairs are asked in advance, so they can prepare. However, anyone can be nominated from the floor to fill these positions.
Officer Reports
Officers in your local unit may share what they are working on within the unit or successes they have had since the last convention.
Adoption of Agenda and Rules
The agenda and rules of the convention must be approved by the members of the convention. This is typically done by a vote of acclimation.
Endorsement of Local Candidates
Election of Party Officers and Directors
Depending on how your Organizing Unit elects officers and directors, you may vote to elect either officers, directors, or both at your convention. These positions, plus precinct leadership, combine into your Organizing Unit Central Committee. The convention is in charge of running the local unit, but between conventions, it is run by a unit’s Central Committee.
Adoption of Resolutions
Resolutions that were passed during precinct caucuses are presented at Organizing Unit Conventions, and a certain number of the resolutions earning the greatest number of votes will be considered at the State Convention.
Election of State and CD Convention Delegates/Alternates
Organizing Units are allowed to send a select number of delegates to their Congressional and State Conventions. (See 2022-23 Official Calll). The selection of these delegates can take place as an election or through a process known as a walking sub-caucus. If you are interested in helping to endorse congressional representatives or statewide candidates, you should run to be a delegate at this level.
Election of Congressional and State Convention Delegation Co-Chairs
Your Organizing Unit delegates and alternates make up your delegation. You will elect people to lead this group at the conventions they attend.
Adjournment
This is the closing of the convention.