Guidelines for Life and Work of Local CDP Organizations 1

Guidelines for Life and Work of local CDP Organizations (Districts, Clustered Districts) Introduction
The CDP is an ideology and program oriented, dues-paying membershipbased political party and is a living, breathing organism. It must therefore thrive within the community that it serves and nurtures and from whence it also draws its strength. The CDPs survival and sustainability is fuelled by year-round activities participated in by its members including the community. Initiated from the local level, this makes for a vibrant district political life. Given the diverse profile of each community, activities therefore vary from each district, each municipality and even regions. However there are standards and familiarities. For a political party these include pursuits distinct from non-political associations, professional civic clubs, self-help groups, development projects or civil society organisations. They have to include primarily events and projects related to political decision making on local and national levels that are relevant to the greater parts of the citizenry or disadvantaged groups of people of each respective area.

1. Target areas and types of activities

The whole membership within the CDP structures from the lowest levels (district, clustered districts i.e. cities or provinces, or smaller parts, i.e. municipalities & baranggays) encompassing issues and concerns relevant to them and the communities they serve are the main focus of these activities. Local activities can be directed on issues from district-, city-, municipality- or even baranggay levels.

Guidelines for Life and Work of Local CDP Organizations

A. On the Political Life of the Community

A1. Influencing local political decision making It is the natural task for a local political party organization to influence decisions on local level (barangay, municipality/city, and province) in the interest of the citizens or of group of citizens. We have two types of engagements: issues which are not under consideration at the respective local government units and where the local CDP brings them to the attention of and/or promote certain decisions on these issues by the decision making bodies; and Issues where decisions from the local administration or council are under preparation and where the local CDP tries to prevent these decisions from being implemented and/or influence them toward a certain direction. These efforts to influence political decisions on local the level should not contradict National CDP Platform or local platforms if one exists. In these considerations, the interest of the powerless sectors that CDP champions must be balanced toward the greater good. interventions to bring the issues to the forefront: the presence of the mayor and/or of local decision makers to a CDPorganized public forum; confidential or public letters written to the local decision maker(s); press releases or radio interviews; demonstration/mass actions (CDP alone or together with respective groups of citizens); utilizing other influential citizens close to the decision makers; and distribution of flyers, leaflets, brochures and other printed materials. There are various ways of

Guidelines for Life and Work of Local CDP Organizations

It is imperative however to clarify before the initiation of these interventions what exactly CDP hopes to achieve, how, with whom and at what cost. It is also important to have exit strategies in case the efforts are not successful. This should be the rule of thumb in all of CDPs activities specially one involving other groups, organizations, associations and even with other like-minded political parties. A2. Holding accountable local elected officials or representatives of local administrative bodies Closely related to the influencing of local decision making is a second type of activity: holding accountable local elected officials or representatives of local administrative bodies. For an elective CDP member, regular reports to the respective CDP local assembly are a must. They are to justify their performance, actions and decisions relevant to the party precepts and values. Any deviation or inadequacies are to be dealt with by the appropriate party structure. These reports shall be disseminated to the electorate carrying the imprimatur of the party. For other non-CDP elective officials and representatives of the local administrative bodies, CDP members and other allied groups have the right of the governed to question their performance, plans, priorities and important decisions relative to the greater good and hold them to their preelection promises. These are done during meetings and public discussions (with or without media presence) on the political, economic, social and cultural development of the respective area. Their personal behaviour as public servants is likewise open to the scrutiny of those that installed them to power - the voters.

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A3. Dialogue with elected representatives on the national level on specific laws or draft bills, political developments or challenges Districts/regions from time to time should organize dialogues with

Congressmen on issues of national and local concerns. This is a venue where CDP advocacies of national significance can be introduced and in the process may influence the elective officials positions in tandem with CDPs House allies (examples are House Initiatives on the Political Party Reform and Competition Draft Bill). Information on these events should be sent to the National Secretariat and the CDP leader(s) in the House of Representatives (ifany) allowing them the opportunity to build broader constituencies. A4. Linking up with civil society groups, activists, sector representatives or faith based groups to organize advocacy on specific problems CDP as an authentic political party and aggregator of the aspirations of its diverse constituencies recognizes its role as a link between the citizens and political decision makers. It makes sense therefore that the local party organizations align its own advocacies with those of the legitimate civil society organizations who likewise represent the sector of society with especial interest (labour, youth, fisher folks, etc.). This cooperation can either be formalized and structured (i.e. alliances, partnerships); or it can also be informal and tactical, simply grounded on shared issues. What is essential is the clarity of the objectives for such cooperation set down in the terms of reference (TOR) from the onset, stating which role each wants to play and in which forms cooperation and communication shall assume. It is however important also to be wary on linkages with groups or organizations whose actuations, methods and values are suspect and may be contradictory to those espoused by CDP. A5. Set up and cooperation with Centrist Democratic Sector Associations The existence of local Centrist Democratic Sector Associations (CDYAP, CDLAP, etc.) can be a boon to the life and work of a CDP district or clustered district. Therefore it is strongly recommended that the districts

Guidelines for Life and Work of Local CDP Organizations

assist and even initiate the establishment of Centrist Democratic Youth, Labour, Small and Medium Business and Farmers and Fisherfolks local chapters in places where their numbers are substantial enough to support their respective constituencies. The launching of joint events between the party and one or several of these associations can bring a wealth of attention and additional colour to party work.( See also point 10 in these guidelines.)

B. On Recruitment, Membership Expansion & Internalization of CDP Concepts/Practices

B1. Basic Orientation Seminars (BOS) for Prospective Members A real political party needs quality dues-paying members to continue to be a relevant political force. Its growth needs to be nurtured through systematic recruitment and injection of new blood and ideas. Therefore each CDP district should conduct a full-day BOS every 23 months to introduce the party, its characteristics and platforms to interested citizens. It might make sense especially in rural districts that these BOS be conducted in one municipality or two or three adjacent ones or groups of barangays. These allow reduced travel time and costs and perhaps inexpensive venues. The speakers and trainers can be drawn from among experienced CDP members from within the respective districts/regions and prospective CDP candidates giving them exposures for the upcoming elections. In exceptional cases, leaders and personalities from the national level party chairman, party president, and the board of advisers may be invited to grace the occasions. B2. Enhancement & deepening of members on thematic issues and party characteristics Each district should organize regular thematic deepening or enrichment sessions for the new and old members interested to learn more about the

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party positions on unfolding issues, its procedures, dynamics and more importantly the root centrist philosophy of governance and its pedigrees. These learning events can be in the form of lectures & symposia with some of the certified senior trainers available in the respective region or visits from respected academe and local/foreign experts with centrist credentials. These can similarly be structured as brainstorming sessions and internal dialogue encounters which output can be source materials for political strategy and policy studies; dissecting together the Constitution and ByLaws of the Party; scrutinizing the national political platform or parts of it; or any other documents or tools published and distributed by the party in its website. This practice should be institutionalized also as a training process and a must for those interested to join future electoral contests. An important component of the enrichment processes are short local & regional foreign exposure trips and studies that may require full or part time academic course work. This will be offered by relevant Centrist Democratic Institutions CDP is affiliated with principally the KAS & CDPI. Conferment of awards, grants and scholarships to deserving CDP members are solely upon the discretion & prerogative of these institutions. B3. Contributions to programmatic discussions within the party on certain issues or on the political platform in general Every member of the party is encouraged to participate in thematic discussions and the development of political positions of the party and to contribute ideas or suggestions to this continuing process. This can be coursed thru emails or position papers to the National Secretariat and also through formal or informal meetings and dialogues in the local level touching specific issues. These concerns could be generated thru the initiatives of members or those aired and debated in public by media. These thematic issues will gain more importance and will be debated more thoroughly as the campaign period progresses. CDP in espousing these themes will have the opportunity to shape the debate enhancing the

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partys profile allowing it a broader appeal to the general public as program-oriented and not personality based.

B4. Drafting of local political platforms and setting up of internal thematic working groups It is absolutely necessary to draft local political platforms in each municipality/city/province where CDP has filed its own candidates. These political platforms should address key concerns of the relevant constituencies in the respective area; explain in simple language the solutions which CDP promotes; and offer a clear distinction between the CDPs approach vis a vis candidates of other parties. The platform should not contain too many issues and clarity of priorities should be a hallmark. Before it is finalized and approved by the respective district assemblies they need to be circulated as a draft to interested citizens testing their relevance and acceptability. This is good politics as this process makes the citizenry co-authors of the platform one they can support during elections. The formulation of the various draft thematic positions for the local political platform can be a major pre-campaigning activity by the members. These working groups may be augmented by contributions from nonmember specialists and experts sympathetic to CDP. Local political platforms must never contradict the CDP National Political Platform. Furthermore their development must have the full agreement of the respective CDP candidates, as they are the partys front-liners standing by its positions and precepts. These candidates therefore must be so engrossed in the language and intent of the platform so as to present these to the voters with credibility and convincing arguments. B5. Internal Strategizing efforts At least once a year the elected officials of CDP in each district/clustered district should convene for at least a full day in a well prepared meeting,

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reviewing the recent past and laying down the strategy for the development and strengthening of the party in the respective area for the future. This includes defining the objectives for the coming year and identifying the key indicators for successfully achieving them; specifying coming various activities and their purposes; assigning responsibilities and authorities for the leadership and specialist core members; and putting in place mechanisms for the monitoring of the work. These strategy sessions require the participation of the representatives of the CD sector associations; other active CDP members with influential positions in their respective localities; and the elected CDP government officials and those seconded into high government offices. The monitoring of the implementation of the strategic plan including updating and amendments should be part of the agenda of the monthly meetings of the CDP district boards. These regular strategy conferences should likewise be utilized as a venue for socializing and bonding of the CDP leadership. B6. Internal social events Every now and then or at least thrice a year local CDP organizations should organize some kind of social events for their members providing them with the opportunity to have fun together; strengthen their bonds in a completely informal manner; reducing in the process animosities which might have grown between members brought about by clash of opinions, approaches and attitudes in their political work; and perhaps be reinvigorated by the knowledge and acceptance of shared commitment to the same cause. These events can have very different character and in some cases may cater specifically to different segments of the membership (i.e. youth, women, families, etc.). (n.b. In order to allow members with little financial resources to participate, it is advisable to request the well-endowed CDP sympathizers and some businessmen among the members to co-fund such events).

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C. Media relations and the Social Face of the Party

C1. Media events/presenting the party or its platforms and positions To gain influence and power in the local level it is not enough for the respective CDP organization to have the best solutions, the most convincing positions, the best reputation with experts and intellectuals and the most upright personalities. In order to win the support and majorities of the populace, media which have generally a wide impact on the masses will have to be persuaded of CDPs principles and practices. An orchestrated approach for cooperation, short of recruiting them to the ranks, may persuade them to appreciate the party better. (Details on cooperation with the media are described under point 10 of these guidelines). Part of the process of persuasion is for CDP representatives to work directly with media in translating the platforms and positions to a language relevant and comprehensible to local communities. Thus media can report in simple terms issues, events and concerns that provide flesh and blood to the theoretical principles contained in the platform of governance.

C 2. Organization or participation in social events with awareness building objectives or entertainment features and potential advertising benefits for CDP Local citizens initiatives and projects on environmental, social or cultural issues infused with entertainment appeal are a good opportunity for local CDP organizations to announce themselves to the broader public and acquire public attention for the party and its advocacies. CDP can co-organize such events or initiate them with suitable partners. Examples are fun-runs, garbage collections or cleaning sorties, public movie screenings, public presentations of sport events or other similar activities. It is important to define the objectives of CDPs participation in such events and to organize the details in a way that these objectives can best be achieved

Guidelines for Life and Work of Local CDP Organizations

(i.e. create awareness for the environmental party platform, provide exposure for CDP candidates for elections, and gain access to media to promote recruitment).

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2. Form/Methods for conduct of activities

Activities described above can take many different forms: Political and public advocacy activities can be conducted thru single lectures or lecture series, roundtable discussions, brainstorming sessions, workshops, public forums, working group meetings, public protests or demonstrations, mass actions, etc. Media related pursuits can take the form of press-releases, press-conferences, interviews, recording of events, presentation of video clips, presence of media. External social events can be fun runs, sponsoring sports and cultural shows, public viewing of televised sport or cultural programs, participation in food/goods festivals, parades, fashion shows & exhibits, book launching, etc. Some of these events must involve masses of people and can be utilized for party fund raising. Internal social affairs can be grill/cook-out parties, food & wine tasting, picnics, mountain climbing, nature walks/hikes, trips to interesting places or happenings, Christmas/anniversary parties, year-end meetings, karaoke visits, encouraging hobbies, etc. The purpose of all these is to foster camaraderie among party members (including their families) and adherents and reinforcing the bonds that tie them together contributing towards strengthening of the political party. social media coverage and any of the political/public advocacy activities involving the

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3. Places/Venues where activities can be held

It is advisable to identify in each district or municipality locations where the above activities can be arranged without violating non-partisan rules of organizations or institutions and with minimum cost outlay. For public events it should be possible to convince private or public schools, parishes or other institutions with suitable quarters to provide these for party activities that may also involve the general public. Publicly maintained locales like municipal/barangay halls may likewise be used. These could be suitable too for forum for political dialogues with citizens, civil society groups and invited government officials. For fund raising purposes, parks, arenas, wide spaces and large halls designated for public access can be used for negotiated fees/rentals. Hotels, restaurants and auditoriums can be more expensive alternatives. For small private meetings, offices of party members, conference rooms of organizations or institutions owned/managed by party members or where they have privileges or special access may be suitable. However public places like rooms in hotels & restaurants might also be appropriate for minimum or token cost and where participants may be free to pay for individual drinks or food.

4. Frequency of holding activities/events

A local party organization where activities/events are not organized regularly and consistently is bound to wither and eventually die. Party members, operatives and the leadership have their private lives to live, with primary responsibilities toward their own families and concerned with livelihood. Real and serious work in a party structure needs a certain type of commitment. This is political technocracy in practice and this must be woven through our daily lives. It is imperative that regular party activities must in fact complement our routines.

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This is where bonding and intimacy among the membership come into play especially in the local levels. Each should be aware of their time limitations and the responsibilities to their commitment and burden of their official positions. Frequency of meetings, dialogues, sessions, forums and other regular activities therefore are functions of negotiations and agreements among and between the members - but the minimum is at least a bi-monthly physical engagement. The use of electronic tools (internet, social media, skype, etc.) has enabled us even a daily in-situ encounter.

5. Financing of these activities

The funds available for financing of local party activities are the share of the district from the P1, 000.00 basic annual membership dues, net of the 40% remittance to the national coffers. The allocation for the remaining 60% is negotiated between the concerned regions and districts. This amount will most probably be inadequate to bankroll regular local activities. Clearly these need augmentation from voluntary contributions of members themselves, business enterprises or just plain individuals sympathetic to the party. These are active concerns of the whole membership but specific tasks on collection, control, monitoring and accountability for these funds fall on the area treasurer. The other legitimate fund raising options are to connect some party activities with the promotion of services or products paid for by business enterprises; and invest in small business projects originated either by the party, its members themselves or worthwhile investments and investible instruments. However, in both cases it is extremely important that the quality and nature of these products or services and the money making enterprises and investments do not compromise the reputation of the party and in no circumstances are they to contradict the principles and values of CDP. They need too the explicit consent and approval of the proper national structure

Guidelines for Life and Work of Local CDP Organizations

6. Internal Communication with the party members

Its not enough that a local party organization has regular activities. The involvement of all the members in these undertakings is a feature of their ownership of the party. The purposes of these various endeavours therefore need to be communicated to them unequivocally through emails, celphone text messages, announcements through the websites and social media or other electronic means; and in cases where these are not available at least done through regular monthly newsletters. The information should include a review and evaluation of past activities, successes and concerns as well as an announcement of future events. It is an obligation of the leadership to encourage and motivate the members to be active in these affairs soliciting not only their support but also ideas and comment. As part of a well-placed communication protocol, where feasible, the creation of local e-mail groups and the use of the social media tools are mandatory. The same is likewise essential for dissemination of party themes and precepts and matters that need to be debated upon. The communication system is also meant to stitch and weave the different party structures and components together into one seamless like-minded community.

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7. Campaigning for CDP candidates

During the last six months before the elections the campaigning for CDP candidates is the most important type of activity for a local party organization. Gaining political power is the raison detre for any political party. However even during this campaign and election periods, other activities are essential membership recruitment and social events and therefore they need not be curtailed but instead be coupled with the campaign activities.

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Special guidelines for the local level campaigning will be provided to the CDP district- and clustered district organizations by the beginning of 2013. 8. Campaigning for guest candidates The campaign for guests and for CDP official candidates follows similar rules and guidelines except for one critical precondition - defining the character of such arrangement. Whats in it for the CDP? Will the guest candidate after the election become a full-pledged CDP member? Will he support the objectives, political positions and demands of the CDP on national or local level? How can CDP be assured of the candidates commitment and how can he be held accountable for the same after elections? These are concerns that may be negotiated beforehand.

9. Activities in campaigning times at areas where the party has no candidates

In areas where the CDP has no local official or guest candidates, activities will be confined to making people aware of its existence and continue recruitment for members. Furthermore, it must send signals that CDP can be a viable option in future elections. To do that, the local districts will have to do the following: explain to the public that the delayed accreditation by COMELEC, prevented candidates; prepare a menu of local concerns that need to be addressed and expected solutions based on strict centrist democratic criteria including a set of standards that any decent candidate should possess; support candidates running as independents or under like-minded parties that agree openly to the themes of centrist democracy, similar to that of the CDPs, possessing too the standards set for decency; confront and challenge leading candidates with these criteria in roundtable discussions, interviews, debates or other public events; and CDP from carefully selecting and preparing quality

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involve the active CDP members in the decision for supporting other candidates, making clear to the public the reasons for this. Similarly, linkages with civil society groups, professional organizations and faithbased groups should be established also filtered through the criteria set for centrist democrats.

10. Relations with the media

Basically most of the local party activities can be news for local media provided local media practitioners are sympathetic to the party. However, each CDP district organization has to elect a communications officer to systematically handle and coordinate with local media, optimizing the benefits from such relationship. Elements to be included in each local CDP public relations strategy are: the creation of a list of relevant local media contacts and ways of approaching them; the setting-up of regular encounters with local media practitioners sympathetic to the party; planning up regular news feed/press releases to these contacts from both national & local sources; preparing press kits, drafting talking points for local radio/TV guestings /interviews and production of photographs on political events; translating in simple terms political platforms for local media consumption; coaching and prepping up of party candidates in facing local media; and regularly inviting media to local party activities.

Early 2013 a training seminar for CDP communication officers will be organized in order to capacitate these key actors for CDPs public relations and to produce a detailed CDP communication strategy.

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11. Cooperation with civil society and others

Alliances and networking with civil society and professional organizations, civic clubs and faith-based groups among others are vital to the work of CDP. An inventory of these groups is a must in all local districts/regions. By their goals and principles which by nature are close to the tenets of Centrist Democracy, they can be suitable allies of the party. Their leadership and leading personalities are therefore virtually a gold mine for recruitment to CDP membership. Attempts must be made by local organizations to reach out involving them in appropriate CDP regular activities and where possible joint public engagements (ex: a forum on climate change with environmental groups). An important appendage in all districts/regions is the CD Sectors which can accommodate those who may not be comfortable with inclusion to a political party. Efforts should be exerted in tandem with their respective national councils or coordinating bodies to establish the centrist democratic associations (CDYAP, CDLAP, CDSME, CDF&F), where feasible.

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12. Communication with regional and national party level

The districts are the backbone of the party. The basic party work emanates from this level and goes through the whole edifice in what should be a seamless grid. This is the fundamental principle of the party organization growth from the grass-roots. The leadership that must come from this level must ensure the integrity of the structure with all its components and apparatuses. A communication system and feed-back mechanism installed at the outset reinforces this cohesion and harmony. These are the reasons for regular meetings of districts/regional assemblies, regional councils and national bodies of the CDP with consistent reports circulated to all levels. Directives from the national offices need to be clearly communicated to the echelons and responses immediately conveyed back to the source with commentaries or critiques, if any. Districts therefore are likewise enjoined to send reports, information of activities and assessment of their

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political landscape thru the respective regions to national with the same clarity. Tools have been provided for a straightforward communication & feedback through website, podcasts, video clips, newsletters, advisories, social media and coaching visits by national officers. All this in essence is what nurtures and defines the collective personality of the CDP as a living, breathing organism. Manila, November 30, 2012