I have long been a political geek, since the first precinct caucuses I attended as a transplanted Minnesotan in 1980. So, yes, folks have accused me of “drinking the political Kool-Aid” over the course of the past 30 years. 

I confess that my original entry into the political world was for personal reasons - my neighbors asked me to go with them. I didn’t know what political party I was, but thought going to the caucus would be a good way to meet new people and it was. I have since attended countless caucuses, conventions, and gatherings and usually focused on candidates rather than issues.  I noted that there were some elections I participated in where the voting was so close that literally, my neighbors and I could have changed our votes and influenced the outcome.  However, as an “insider” I had only a little faith that the resolutions passed and entered into the party platforms actually are read and “believed” by candidates of that party. 

My opinion of caucus resolutions and issues has changed in the past few years, however, and for professional, not personal reasons. 

Whether or not elected officials abide by the platform is unimportant—the dialogue about long-term care financing reform, adequate funding for older adult services, and the need to fundamentally change the role of government in delivering and overseeing older adult services -- that is the important message. Talking to anyone who will listen - expanding the circle of interest - is what we all need to do more of, whenever we get a chance.  

We need to take to heart the story of the butterfly effect: The notion of the butterfly effect states that a seemingly minor event can create ripples that ultimately trigger an outcome of far larger proportions. Taking this concept to caucus and other discussions, we don’t know how many repeat the stories or the facts we share at these events, or in newsletter articles, or in any grassroots activity we undertake. We just need to believe that the ripples do occur. Over the next few weeks, I am doing several presentations on long-term care reform and the future of long-term care and I certainly hope there is a butterfly effect after those events! 

Back to the caucuses: if you did not have the opportunity to attend your precinct caucus, or if you are a bit reticent about drinking the political Kool-Aid, I am taking this opportunity to do a “plug” for what I hope is the next wave of grassroots political opportunities. Due to scheduling conflicts and, frankly, candidate confusion on my part, I did not attend my local precinct caucus this week. However, I wanted to still be a part of the process, and wanted to share the key points from our resolutions and public affairs agenda.  I was intrigued by the idea of an on-line caucus being promoted by the Independence Party (yes, the party of Jesse Ventura, but also of a few others!) and when I found out this option was available for an extended period of time, I took advantage of it. 

While I historically have not been a member of the Independence Party, I liked the idea of being able to more thoughtfully “talk” about what was important to me professionally and personally without the potential of questions from neighbors. I was pleasantly surprised when joining their on-line caucus because the survey allowed me to fill in issues of concern in a more thoughtful manner. I would hope other political parties would consider a new way for “regular” citizens to discuss their issues in a less threatening fashion in the future but for now, if you are interested, and if you missed the caucuses on February 2, click HERE to go to  their website. 

Their on-line option is open until February 28^th.