The Aliso Niguel Democratic Club is a membership organization: that means that we are made up of a body of members who meet on a monthly basis (mostly – we take a couple of months off for the summer and holidays). Members can vote in officer elections or other club business. But – you don’t need to be a member to attend or get involved. Here are some answers to common questions from folks who are new to the Club.

Do I Have to be a Member to Attend?
No, non-members can attend meetings and other club events.

Do I Have to be a Democrat to Attend?
Democrats or independents (aka No Party Preference or Decline to State) voters are welcome to attend. 

How Do I Register for a Meeting?
On the home page of our website, or the calendar tab of the website (linked here), there will be a link to RSVP.

Arrival at a Meeting
When you arrive you will be greeted by our Membership team at our check-in table. If you have RSVPed, our membership chair will have your name on the list and will give you a name tag. If you didn’t RSVP, the membership chair will get your name and give you a name tag.

Schedule
6:30-7:00 is social time and a good chance to get to know people. Typically there is a combination of long-time members, first time attendees, and sometimes candidates or elected officials that are speaking that evening.

The meeting kicks off at 7:00 and the chair may have opening remarks and will announce upcoming club events. The speaker or speakers will then present.

The meeting ends at 8:30PM.

What to Expect
Every meeting is different, but there is typically a combination of club business, speakers, and announcements.

Who Are the Speakers?
Speakers may be there to talk about issues that are important to Democrats or in the news. Examples of past topics include housing, immigration, and reproductive rights.

We also have elected officials and candidates who are running for office.

In election years, most meetings will likely feature candidates. Close to the election, we review the ballot, going over both candidates and propositions (when applicable).

What is Club Business?
This might include voting on support for candidates, updating club bylaws, promoting membership renewals, or electing officers. Only members in good standing can vote, which means that you have to have paid dues, attend one meeting prior to the meeting involving the vote, and be a registered Democrat.

Want to Join the Club! How Much Does it Cost?
$30 per year. You can click here to join online. You can also pay by cash or check at a meeting.

Because we are a chartered Democratic club, only registered Democrats can become voting members. Independents ("No Party Preference" or "Decline to State" voters) may pay dues or make other financial contributions, and will be listed on our roster, but will not be allowed to vote.

Are Meetings Only In-Person?
We love the chance to meet new people in person, but if you can’t make it to the meeting location, we do have a Zoom option. When you register for the meeting, you will also get a Zoom link.

That's great. Canvassing is one of the best ways we have to talk to voters and turn them out to vote for our candidates

What Is a Canvass?
A canvass is where club members and volunteers walk door to door, knocking on doors and asking to speak to specific voters in the house about a candidate, election, or other issue. Phone-banking is similar, except that the conversation happens on the phone. Sometimes an organization will do a “literature drop,” that is where volunteers leave a piece of printed literature on voters’ doorsteps, but do not knock on the door or try to speak to the voters.

How Do I Sign Up for a Canvass?
You can sign up for our canvasses on our website. Click here. Most of our canvasses are hosted at the home of one of our members, so you'll only receive the address in an email a day or so before the canvass. Don't worry: if you're signed up you'll hear from us.

What Should I Bring With Me?
Wear good walking shoes. Bring your phone, a water bottle, a tote to carry canvassing materials, a hat, and sunglasses.

Arrival at the Canvass
When you arrive, you will sign in and be greeted by someone who will confirm that you have the app on your phone that you will use to identify houses to visit. You will be able to socialize while everyone arrives.

Will I Receive Any Training?
Yes! There will be a brief training session before you head out. You will learn how to use the app and how to have a political conversation. You will briefly practice and then head out.

Do I Have to Go Alone?
Only if you want to! Otherwise, we will pair you up. If you are a first-time canvasser we will send you out with someone experienced to show you the ropes.

What Is Canvassing Like?
You will knock on a lot of doors. A lot of people won’t be home and you will just leave them a slate card. For the people who answer, you will initiate a conversation with them about what concerns they have about the country, city, or school board. You will tell them about the upcoming elections and encourage them to vote in the midterms. You will also give them a slate card so they know who the Democrats on the ballot are.

Will I Have to Talk to Republicans?
You will only knock on doors with a Democrat in the house. However, this might be a house of all Democrats, or there may be a Republican or independent. You will ask for the Democrat, but may end up talking with someone else. If you feel comfortable initiating a conversation with a non-Democrat, you can do so. If you are not comfortable, you can tell them to have a nice day and move on.

What Happens When I Have Knocked All the Doors Assigned to Me?
You head back to the host location and, if you have time, stick around for a snack and quick debrief. If you have to get on with your day, that’s fine, too. We appreciate your help getting the word out!