Ohio Grassroots Organizing

Organizing should be Self Directed

• Federal Law prohibits coordination by National Campaign staff

• However, Grassroots can and should be active

• More Info go to WWW.FEC.GOV

So What Can We Do?

• We Can Donate directly ourselves- either online or to Obama Committee via mail

• We can give up to $2,300 per election

• We can encourage others to give-via our own MyObama.com

What Else Can We Do?

• Organize and attend meetings

• Participate in visibility Events

• Wear Buttons, Bumper Stickers, T-Shirts

How Far Can We Go?

• We Need to be careful in whatever we do-We don’t want to harm the Campaign

• However, we can reach out to friends and neighbors, co-workers and friends at school.

• We can promote Obama in Public but cant spend or raise money – more than $250.00 (11C.F. R. 109.10) unless we report.

Examples of Things We Cant Do

• Collect Money at Public Events- but we can recoup expenses

• Sell Buttons and Bumper Stickers- except we can recoup our costs-again limited to the $250.00 per person, unless you report, then unlimited.

• Print and Distribute Literature- if coordinated every dime is reportable. However, if we print independent materials and include disclaimer, then we can do up to 250.00 without report. Non electioneering communications are not covered I. E. promoting happy hours, volunteer recruitment.

How Do We Fit In with Campaign

• We play huge role in building volunteer Base

• We can help raise awareness and $$$

• We will lay foundation for later activities

What Else Happens Later

• In Early 2008 Party Caucuses are held in each Congressional Districts

• Delegates to National Convention are selected

• Number of Delegates Pledged to Candidates are determined by vote in Ohio Primary on March 4, 2008

DNC & ODP Set Rules

• Caucus meetings held by 18 Congressional Districts

• Anyone can run for seat as Delegate and candidate with most votes wins-must be gender neutral

• Some rules relating to Affirmative Action

Primary Election

• Determines which Candidates get Delegates-15% Minimum

• Ohio has 159 Delegates out of 4305 Nationally

• Delegates must vote for Pledged Candidate in First Round

What if we have additional Questions

• Seek help on web sites FEC or Obama links like MyObama.com

• Consult with Meeting Leaders• Call or email me at

• Steve Chaffin

• lawbug@hughes.net

• 740-294-3204