By Marie Huey, Public Policy & Advocacy Coordinator
On Tuesday, February 25 at 7:00 pm, Minnesota will holdprecinct caucuses around the state. They are the beginning of a process thatMinnesota?s major political parties use for choosing the candidates and theissues they will support in elections. You can find out where your caucus is byusing the Secretary of State?s CaucusFinder.
Attendingyour party?s precinct caucus provides you with an opportunity to advance anissue that matters to you, support the candidates of your choice, and buildyour involvement in the political process. You can learn more about what toexpect by visiting the Secretary of State?s websiteabout precinct caucuses.
Beyondvoting for the candidate of your choice, another way to participate in thecaucus is by submitting a resolution. Resolutions are position statements thatcan be adopted at the precinct level and advanced to become party positions.
Whatdoes a resolution look like?
Aresolution is usually a one-page document that outlines:
- The problem or opportunity
- A rationale for a position for the issue
- A policy statement about what should be done about the issue
Howdo I present my resolution?
- There is time for resolutions on the agenda
- Resolutions must be presented in writing
- Present your proposal and the reasons for it. Be persuasive! (Ithelps to lobby early and have copies).
- If there is disagreement, the caucus chair will facilitatedebate (often 3 statements for and 3 against).
Vote!
Usethis sample resolution at your caucus to support early learning:
Whereas,Minnesota has some of the worst opportunity and achievement gaps in thenation; and
Whereas,improving the early learning landscape across Minnesota improves the lives ofchildren and the future of our state; and
Whereas,children start learning at birth;
Therefore,be it resolved that the _________ Party supports:
- increasing access for the most vulnerable children to attendhigh-quality early care and education programs by expanding Early LearningScholarships,
- continued support of Parent Aware- Minnesota?s quality ratingsystem for early learning programs, and
- ensuring that early childhood educators are valued, respected,and fairly compensated for the important roles they play
