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What’s going on with Central Brooklyn political clubs? Part 1This past summer has only cemented my belief that there needs to be a new Democratic club in central Brooklyn. CBID, IND, and other groups have done their part in local politics for quite awhile. However, their effectiveness and cohesiveness have begun to dissolve. Now, this is not a rant about what these clubs did or can do, just an honest assessment of what these clubs are and what they can be. I am not too familiar with IND and have never been a member. What I have heard is there is constant fractioning and division in the club. Old members are fighting amongst themselves, while new members envision a dramatically different club. The reason I bring this up, is to add more contents to the situation that CBID finds itself in right now. I was at one time a member of CBID and know many of its members. I do not think that CBID is going the way of the Dodo, but do believe a cleaning house and revamping of the club is in order. For progressive grassroots candidates to stand a chance, against well financed candidates, local political clubs need to provide large amounts of street presence for the candidates they endorse. CBID, did a fine job gathering signatures, canvassing, and leafleting subway stops, considering the small number of people they had. However, the club's lack of numbers and presence is what scares me most. CBID, is basically confined to Park Slope, for it ever to be a real force in Brooklyn politics it needs to expand its presence in neighborhoods like Prospect Heights, Windsor Terrace, and Kensington.
The reason why this expansion is so necessary for any political club is quite simple, numbers. For groups like CBID to be effective they need to put boots on the ground. The only way I see to expand those numbers, is to increase membership from other neighborhoods. This will hinge on a kind of quid pro quo club leadership, where geographically the club will have to sometimes focus its attention outside of its base in Park Slope, to appeal to its new members. What’s going on with
You mean Carrol..... Just joking I feel your pain but things will be changing soon
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I hope you're right Keith and I think there is a great need for new blood in central Brooklyn and i hope you stick around. We need more Keith's in Brooklyn
there are a lot of problems with these local clubs I don't know if they will ever work. You need to find an issue that really gets people going and then you will get a great club. Many of these clubs were founded in the 60s because of vietnam we have our own problems today with Iraq and the economy. If these clubs could only rally around these points. Also, so few are actually known in there areas, they need to be on the streets. The local political club can work and they have in the past. You are right that many of these clubs where founded during the Vietnam War, that and the civil rights movement were two great catalysts to spur membership and involvement. People realized that they needed to hold their elected officials accountable and could have a say in elections if they were united.
Again you are correct, that we have similar problems with Iraq and the patriot act, but seemingly can't get people to rally around progressive clubs. I think there is a need for these clubs to be oriented around the neighborhoods they claim to represent. People are attached to where they live; and if a political club can make real contribution to its area people will begin to flock to a club.
The problem is that too often these clubs just plan for the next day and not the future. This is why active membership and general street presence is down across the board. CBID is becoming an extention of Develop Dont Destroy. A one platform cause, and it is taking away from all the wonderful activism on many levels. It is sad to see it self destruct. The old guard most be removed first of all. Also if most of these organizations want to become one issue groups then at least get something done. That is the main thing. If you ride on one issue than make sure you are successfull at doing it. CBID is not an extension of DDDB. They may be opposed to the project but are in no way joined together. The clubs main base of support is around Jim Brennan, a guy who has taken a smart stand on Atlantic Yards, calling for reduction and compromise. That is not nearly as fervent a stand that DDDB has taken on A.Y. So, unless you know some new affiliation that I don’t know about, I think they are completely separate groups. Also, I think the club has a real shot at reviving itself. If people like Josh Skaller and John Keef, can strike a peace with the other members, the club will do fine. Most of the other active members are really dedicated and smart; they just need to learn how to get along with each other. Keith, I really hope CBID and other clubs don’t become one issue groups. They can do so much more as progressive political groups. It is a much bigger tent and will allow them to survive much longer than the flavor of the week kind of clubs. Post new comment |
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