Getting started with GCA

Get local, catch fire, and be the solution—three steps to saving democracy with the GCA process. Separately, each one of the steps has multiple tasks that require the coordination of resources, the development of content, and planning before hosting the first engagement event. The whole thing can be a little overwhelming. As I was brainstorming ways to reimagine the Democratic Committee, I was also thinking about its implementation.

To support people interested in trying the GCA process, I am developing a website with a membership section for storing notes, templates, and examples of content. The platform is at the core of developing the GCA process; it is completely free and open to anyone that wants to give this process a try. If this sounds like an interesting idea, please consider becoming a member and getting access to the content. The following are some broad strokes that committees should think about before beginning the process.

Committee by in

While everyone agrees that the Republican echo chamber is a problem, it's very difficult to build consensus on how to combat it. It's also extremely difficult to get Democratic committees to move in a new direction. To help with this, I put together a PowerPoint presentation and the outline of a script that I used to sell the idea to my committee. This is available in the membership section, along with examples of all the content produced during the 2022 election cycle.

Turnkey solution

I have developed a few turnkey project plans to use for creating engagement events in the GCA process. The project plans use an agile and team-based management approach. The project plan includes a task list, instructions, schedule, scripts, and meme template graphics to get things started. After each engagement event, a debrief is done with all the Democratic Committee members. In the debrief, the engagement event is reviewed to improve the process. Based on results from the debrief, the project plan is updated, customized, and localized before the next event. There is also an overall workflow for the GCA Process, with a supporting content calendar and management plan. Please feel free to adopt any of the tools to meet your specific needs in your community.

GCA Management

The GCA process management structure expands on what is already in place, incorporating a functional team approach for project management. The management structure uses four teams: content, activity, community, and technology. Each team specifically focuses on different aspects of the process and is made up of multiple volunteers. Each team has a list of project tasks that are limited to under 4 hours a week they are designed to not overwhelm the volunteers.

• The activity team plans, sets up, and runs all engagement events for the Democratic Committee.

• The content team is responsible for the creation, distribution, and management of content.

• The community team is responsible for managing the first contact process. When new prospects engage with the committee, this team encourages them to become more involved.

• The GCA process is very technology-driven. Because of this, a tech team is required to manage aspects of the process, which include social media, emails, and data management.

The project plan divides tasks by team and includes an estimate of the time required to complete them as well as the resources required. Additionally, in the membership section is a GCA management guide with an organizational chart with descriptions of each team and profiles of skills needed.

Click here to join the GCA community to learn how to do voter outreach in your community and get access to resources.