About Our Coalition

We are a unified coalition of Democratic Committee members and engaged residents from nine small rural towns in Dutchess County NY, working together to strengthen our collective voice and build political impact.

Individually, our towns are small. Together, we represent a powerful and growing community of voters committed to advancing Democratic values, supporting strong candidates, and shaping the future of our county, state, and nation.

By collaborating across municipal lines, we demonstrate a clear and visible critical massattracting county, state, and congressional candidates to our rural region, while energizing local voters to get involved, stay informed, and take action.

Why We Matter

Small rural towns need a strong voice. By joining forces, we create the visibility and organizational strength needed to influence policy, attract leaders, and win elections.

When we organize together, we are not nine small towns — we are one powerful regional community.

What We Do

  • Expand and energize our voter network through face-to-face social events; facilitate voter registration; identify and reach out to new residents and second homeowners; generate social media.
  • Persuade and Get Out the Vote through email blasts and snail mail, leafleting and door-to-door canvassing, and GOTV and Petition Party events with candidates and elected officials.
  • Fundraise, generate awareness of issues and campaigns, share best practices.
  • Win elections!
 

OR…. (from ChatGPT)


Build Regional Strength

We share strategies, coordinate efforts, and align messaging across towns to create a stronger, more visible Democratic presence in our region. Together, we amplify our impact.

Engage and Grow the Electorate

We work to register new voters, welcome new residents, engage young voters, and reach underrepresented communities. Our goal is an informed, energized, and expanding Democratic base.

Support Democratic Candidates

We demonstrate that our region is organized, active, and ready to win. We host candidate events, forums, and meet-and-greets, and provide grassroots volunteer support to campaigns at every level.

Mobilize and Get Out the Vote

Through canvassing, phone banking, digital outreach, and community events, we connect directly with voters to share Democratic priorities and ensure strong turnout in every election.

Fundraise and Build Capacity

We raise the resources necessary to sustain our work, invest in organizing tools and training, and support candidates who reflect our shared values.

Educate and Inform

We keep our communities informed about key issues, local and statewide initiatives, and upcoming elections—empowering voters with the knowledge they need to participate confidently.

Operating Structure

Officers

Co-Chairs
Benjamin Miller (Stanford)
Jill Fieldstein (Dover)
Treasurer
Richard Kaufman (Stanford)
Secretary
Jill Fieldstein (Dover)

Events

Cecilia Collopy (Washington)
Barbara Fink (Stanford)

Communications

Eliot Werner (Clinton)

Digital Team

Anthony Sarnicola (Stanford)
Dan Berndt