Organizational framework

Gettysburg DFA is an independent, non-partisan political education and advocacy organization. Its main mission is to bring people together to promote and advance the expansion and strengthening of a healthy and robust democratic government in America that includes everyone. Its members inform themselves about critical local and national issues, communicate about these issues through traditional and social media, and advocate for solutions to problems within their areas of interest.

Steering Committee. The Steering Committee schedules meetups and public appearances at events such as the Heritage Festival, has custody of DFA funds, and has oversight of all activities undertaken by or on behalf of Gettysburg DFA.

Task forces. Much of DFA’s work is done through task forces. Currently, there are four task forces, addressing communications, government accountability, healthcare, and education. New task forces may be created at any time.

DFA’s task forces generally set their own meeting times and agenda and operate independently. One member of each task force shall be designated as liaison with the Steering Committee and will serve as a member of the Steering Committee. At each Steering Committee meeting, each task force liaison will present a brief summary report of issues and past, ongoing, and anticipated activities of the task force. Task forces are also asked to share a copy of each meeting agenda with the Chair of Gettysburg DFA and to propose topics and speakers for DFA meetups.

Task force annual plans. Each task force is expected annually to prepare a brief summary report which lists: the active members of the task force, its chair, and the steering committee liaison; the time and place of task force meetings; and the key issues that the task force anticipates addressing in their meetings and their communications (including op-eds) the coming year. The annual plan will outline the most important issues facing the nation and the community in the task force’s topical area and the strategy for how the task force will address them in the coming year.

The annual plan will be presented to the Steering Committee each January.

Communications. DFA’s communications program ensures that DFA’s opinions and conclusions are conveyed widely through the local community and statewide. At present, communications resources consist of our mailing list (which is used sparingly to inform members of upcoming DFA meetings and other critical issues), the News and Notes newsletter, the Gettysburg DFA Facebook page and web page, letters to the editor (LTE), and occasional news features and announcements in local news media. Task forces will periodically remind their members of these numerous outlets and encourage them to write LTEs and other materials.

Op-eds. Op-ed columns in the Gettysburg Times are DFA’s most important communications tools. They are prepared by DFA task forces and are generally written by task force members, though occasionally guest writers may prepare them. Task forces should write Op-eds to address issues consistent with the Task Force annual plan. These Op-eds must reflect DFA’s values and professionalism. They should reflect original thought and should not include previously published material. They must be temperate in tone and must refrain from personal attacks.