An Open Letter to the Democratic National Committee

To Tom Perez and Keith Ellison, as well as all our Democratic leaders:

First off – thank you.  For being willing to pick up the pieces and move forward after the 2016 election.  You have been put in charge of a most difficult task, and seem dedicated to improve our electoral system.

However, as someone who has identified as a Democrat since college – I have to warn you that I’ve serious considered leaving the party.  I know I’m not alone.  But even after so many losses, it doesn’t seem like the Democrats understand the fight they are facing.

Even today, as I’m working to get involved in local politics, the Democratic Party is only partially helpful.  I’m so thankful for the National Democratic Training Committee and the support I received from my local county chair.  At the same time, I’m frustrated because 9 times out of 10, when I hear from the DNC, I’m asked for money.

We do not need more money.

We need Democrats that understand how to talk to people that aren’t like them.

We need Democrats willing to explain policy in a way that makes sense to someone that raises cattle or drives a truck.

We need Democrats that can show how a comprehensive health care is good policy for all Americans, not just those “working the system.”

We need Democrats that feel the conflict of not being able to go on vacation while they see other people on the golf course every weekend.

I say this because I believe that at its heart, the Democratic Party is fighting for everyone’s best interest.   That’s why I’ve stayed so long.  But we have to do better.  We have to stop the emails and social media fundraising asks and get down to the hard work of organizing and talking.

So, I’m asking for help.  Help me stay active and engaged in a time in our history that wears me out fighting.  Give me the tools (like the factivist emails) to fight back, or empower our Democratic representatives.

Stop asking me for money, and give me something to do.

Sincerely,

Jen McMillin

Jen McMillin