What Do We Do?
Any caucus of the California Democratic Party (CDP) is a branch of the CDP that ensures representation of their specific issue(s) within the party structure. Specifically, the Veterans Caucus provides a strong voice and representation within the party structure for Veterans, promotes the welfare of Veterans through effective legislation, and, encourages Veterans to participate fully as Democrats at all levels of policy making and public service.
Who Are We?
We are Veterans and civilians who are Democrats and live in California. We come from all areas of the state, all branches of the services and all periods of war and peacetime service. We are united here for the purpose of going further than the non-profit organizations who serve our Veterans by crossing political barriers and ensuring that those running for, and elected to, office are well aware of our needs and issues.
How Do I Join?
Joining the Caucus is easy. You only have to be a registered Democrat in the State of California, and pay your dues or be granted an economic hardship waiver by the Caucus Chair. Both processes are online in this website. Our membership consists of both Veterans and those who believe in supporting Veterans and their issues within the CDP.
How Are We Organized?
This Caucus operates within the California Democratic Party’s Bylaws and under our own Caucus Bylaws. Our Executive Board is comprised of five elected officers: (1) Chair, (2) Vice Chair, (3) Corresponding Secretary/Communications Chair, (4) Recording Secretary and (5) Treasurer and three additional appointed committee chairs: (1) Organizational Committee, (2) Policy and Legislation Committee and (3) Programs Committee. Officers are elected at the Caucus meeting during odd-numbered years at the meeting held in conjunction with the California Democratic Party’s conventions. All officers and standingg committee chairs are voting members of the Caucus and the Chair and Vice Chair must be a member of the Democratic State Central Committee (DSCC).
Additionally, the Chair may appoint a Parliamentarian that does not have to be a member of the Caucus.
When Do We Meet?
Regular Veterans Caucus membership meetings coincide with the annual California Democratic Party Convention and the meetings of the CDP’s Executive Board, which meets a minimum of two or three times during each year. These caucus meetings are open to all members of the California Democratic Party and members who can attend are able to exercise their full voting and membership rights. Additionally, teleconferences of the Executive Board occur usually monthly and the entire Caucus membership is invited to attend these meetings. All meetings are noticed to the membership at least 10 days in advance of the meeting. The teleconferences usually use ZOOM or Google Meets.