By Marie Brown
The importance of strengthening the Ouachita Democratic Party Executive Committee
There are times in the life of a community when sitting on the sidelines is no longer an option. I believe we are living in one of those times. The Ouachita Democratic Party Executive Committee needs committed, energetic and community-minded individuals who are willing to step forward and help strengthen the Democratic Party in Ouachita Parish. This is not simply about Democrats versus Republicans. It is about whether citizens are willing to participate in the political process and help shape the future of their communities.
The Democratic Parish Executive Committee, commonly known as the DPEC, has an important responsibility at the local level. According to the Louisiana Democratic Party, parish executive committees are responsible for local party affairs, candidate endorsements and building Democratic infrastructure within their communities. That responsibility should not be taken lightly. We need people who are willing to do more than complain about what is happening. We need people willing to become part of the solution.
Ouachita Parish faces important challenges involving education, economic development, public safety, healthcare, infrastructure, jobs, voting participation and the future of our communities. Those issues will not be solved by social media posts alone. They will not be solved by attending a political event once every four years. And they certainly will not be solved by allowing a small number of people to carry the entire responsibility of political organization. We need committed citizens at the table.
We need educators, business owners, professionals, retirees, young people, veterans, community activists, faith leaders and working families who are willing to bring their experiences and ideas into the political process. Most importantly, we need people who believe that their voice matters. The Ouachita Democratic Party has an opportunity to build a stronger organization—one that listens to neighborhoods, engages young voters, encourages civic participation and identifies qualified candidates who are prepared to serve.
That work requires organization. It requires precinct-level involvement. It requires voter registration and voter education. It requires communicating with citizens between elections—not just when an election is approaching. And it requires developing the next generation of Democratic leadership in Ouachita Parish. The recent history of the Ouachita Democratic Party Executive Committee demonstrates that there are people willing to step forward. The committee has added at-large members and expressed an interest in expanding its base and doing more work at the federal, state and local levels. But more people are needed.
This is a call to service. If you have ever said, “Somebody needs to do something,” perhaps the person you have been waiting for is you. If you have ever complained about low voter turnout, become part of the effort to increase it. If you have ever said that our communities need better representation, help recruit and develop candidates. If you believe young people need a stronger voice, help bring them into the political process. If you believe our neighborhoods deserve attention, bring those concerns to the table. And if you believe democracy works best when ordinary citizens participate, then there is a place for you in this effort.
We should not wait until Election Day to become concerned about politics. Democracy is a year-round responsibility. The challenges facing our community are too important to leave to somebody else. The Ouachita Democratic Party Executive Committee needs committed members who are prepared to roll up their sleeves, attend meetings, listen to citizens, build relationships and work.
This is not about looking for titles. It is about accepting responsibility. It is about service. It is about building an organization capable of competing, communicating and representing the interests of the people of Ouachita Parish. The future of our community will be shaped by those who choose to participate.
So, to those who have been waiting for an invitation: This is your invitation. Step forward. Get involved. Bring your ideas. Bring your experience. Bring your passion. Most importantly, bring your commitment. Because these are critical times—and we cannot afford to have committed citizens sitting on the sidelines.
Ouachita Parish needs your voice. Our democracy needs your participation. And the time to get involved is now.
