FOREVER ORGANIZING
MEET THE STAFF
The California Democratic Party’s Organizing Department is excited to highlight the stories of our staff members who are passionate about making a difference throughout our state. From leading our organizing efforts to connecting with local community leaders, our organizing team is working in every corner of California to ensure we continue to elect Democrats up and down the ballot.
[[link removed]] Christian Pierce, North Valley Organizer
Hello Democrats - My name is Christian Pierce and I recently joined CADEM as the North Valley Organizer.
I grew up in Jacksonville, Florida, and attended college at Florida Atlantic University on their honors campus. My first foray into politics was working as a finance intern on Lauren Baer's congressional campaign for Florida District 18 where I discovered my passion for campaigning. It was exhilarating to be part of something that could make a real difference in people's lives.
For me, politics has an impact on everything. Organizing gives communities the power to voice concerns, fight back against corrupt political power structures, and take collective action. At the forefront of what drives me to continue to make a difference are environmental protections, trans rights, and racial equity. Ultimately, my goal is to continue working in politics - particularly organizing, fighting against racial injustices, and protecting at-risk communities.
Aside from politics, I enjoy reading and good food– tamales in particular. In addition to my work as an organizer, I hope to run a trendy bookstore somewhere in coastal California.
[[link removed]] Yolanda Chacon-Serna, Kern County Organizer
Hi Democrats! I’m Yolanda Chacon-Serna, the new Kern County Organizer in the Central Valley.
Growing up in Delano, where my mother, family, and neighbors were farm workers, I was exposed to the struggle for justice at an early age. I spent countless hours on picket lines, participating in boycotts, and campaigning for candidates and legislation. Through these experiences, I learned the power of collective action. It became clear to me that when people come together to fight for a common cause, they can accomplish great things.
I often say that I received my political science degree from the University of the United Farm Workers Union. My mother, tías, and neighbors were my teachers; Cesar Chavez, Helen Chavez, Dolores Huerta, Gilbert Padilla, and Larry Itliong were my professors– among many others.
I am passionate about uplifting and empowering others to use their power to vote and take action. I am very involved locally as an active member of CARA, Delano Guardians, and a board member of Omni Family Health. I believe that everyone has the power to make a difference. Through our collective efforts, we can create a better future for ourselves and generations to come. I will continue to fight for justice and equality for all, and I encourage others to join me in this important work.
[[link removed]] David Perelman, South Valley Organizer
Democrats– my name is David Perelman and I recently joined CADEM as the South Valley Organizer.
I am originally from Lexington, Massachusetts where my interest in politics began. While I was in high school, there was a tax referendum to fund teachers and classroom materials that had failed to pass. Both of my parents are educators, and they instilled in me the importance of a strong public education system. So, I made calls and rallied support for more funding for K-12 public schools in my town.
My father grew up in Los Angeles after his parents fled from Ukraine to escape the Russian Czar at the beginning of the 20th century. He eventually met my mother, who was a Professor of Hispanic Studies at Amherst College. My family's story has made me passionate about policy topics that impact the next generation of youth voters. I believe that we must make public K-12 and higher education more accessible to working-class families and immigrants. We also need to protect our natural resources, farms, and public lands against climate change. And, of course, we need to fund and protect healthcare for individuals and families of all ages.
That's why I decided to move to California – to fight for these social changes and to organize early to flip the US House of Representatives in 2024. Political social change only happens when people vote. Because voting is a personal and a relational action, I organize to empower people to mobilize their friends, relatives, and communities to turnout and vote for leaders who will bring about the change California and our country so desperately needs.
IN THE FIELD
Imperial County Democrats Organize Celebrating Earth Day
The Imperial County Democratic Party is building and growing! CADEM joined ICDP for their first County Party meeting this past month while accompanying them for a site visit of the newly expanded Health Center of Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest. We remain committed to organizing for reproductive freedom in every corner of the state. Climate change is projected to impact the next generations to come, leaving young people vulnerable to environmental crises. To honor Earth Day, CADEM partnered with USF Votes to table at the University of San Francisco to register college students to vote. We heard from students about the urgency of addressing climate change, how it affects their everyday lives, and why it’s crucial that we take action now.
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CADEM Visits the Central Valley Nevada County Picnic
This past month, CADEM’s organizing team traveled throughout the Central Valley to connect with our local community activists and leaders. Starting at the Sacramento HQ, Christian Pierce joined the organizing team to discuss the important organizing work in 2023 and beyond. From Sacramento, CADEM’s organizing team traveled to Madera and Fresno where we met with local elected officials and party activists. We ended our day in Kern County with CADEM’s Organizing Managers, Yolanda and David, to continue strategizing for the important election cycle ahead. Throughout our visit, CADEM had the opportunity to visit local restaurants, engage with community members, enjoy the local food and cuisine while experiencing the hospitality of Central Valley farmworkers who continue to work tirelessly to deliver food to Californian’s across the Golden State. About a hundred Democrats gathered at the annual Nevada Central Committee barbeque and picnic. Nevada County Supervisor Heidi Hall announced her reelection bid, and Grass Valley Mayor Bob Branstrom gave an update on the positive changes taking place in Downtown Grass Valley.
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DEMOCRATS OF CALIFORNIA
The California Democratic Party is a volunteer based organization! Our community activists work with our organizing team to get out the vote and drive our Democratic process. The work to reach voters take community leaders throughout the Golden State who remain committed year-round. CADEM is thrilled to highlight our local volunteers who continue to pave the way for the rest of the state.
[[link removed]] Caesar Seabron and Steven Payan
Hello California - My name is Ceasar Seabron, and I am a proud Democrat. When I was born, I was unable to breathe for 20 minutes which resulted in brain damage. Today, I am living with Cerebral Palsy and my condition requires that a caregiver assist me in everyday activities.
Prior to becoming an IHSS recipient, I was living with my grandparents. Since becoming an IHSS recipient, I’ve had the opportunity to live independently thanks to caregivers like Steven who have become part of my life for years.
IHSS workers perform a vital service that is critical to our well-being. From caring for disabled and elderly people to ensuring that we’re living up to the standard that all people are treated fairly and given equal opportunities - caregivers are essential to the development and growth of our communities. Unfortunately, today, IHSS workers earn wages below the poverty line - leaving many workers behind on their most fundamental needs like health care, groceries, and housing. As a result, caregivers have reported the need to work multiple jobs while receiving CalFresh Food and other government-assisted programs. This is unacceptable!
I'm an SEIU activist and a Democrat because I believe in fighting for higher wages and the dignity that comes with it. Steven, and all IHSS caregivers, have dedicated so much to helping uplift communities throughout California. It’s time we stand and uplift IHSS workers who deserve a living wage.
TAKE ACTION
[[link removed]] Organize at Convention
CADEM is forever organizing around the issues that matter most. To build on our progress, we must do so on a year-round basis and at every possible opportunity. There is no greater opportunity to harness the power of Democrats than at our statewide Convention. Join us to bundle essential items or text young voters!
SIGN UP TODAY [[link removed]]
[[link removed]] Text From Anywhere
Young voters are shaping our Party and our elections. In partnership with the California Young Democrats, help us activate young voters to organize this year by signing up for our text bank. This is a virtual action in conjunction with the California Democratic Party's organizing actions at the convention in May.
REGISTER [[link removed]]
[[link removed]] Youth Vote Interns
The California Democratic Party is looking for Youth Vote Interns to organize on college campuses and in their community. All current and recently graduated college students are encouraged to apply. No prior experience is necessary.
LEARN MORE [[link removed]]
[[link removed]] Register Voters In Tulare
Want to fight for Women's rights, and voting rights while ending book bans? Registering voters is the #1 most effective way to do all these things!
Register voters at the Cinco de Mayo event in Tulare on May 6th! No experience necessary.
REGISTER [[link removed]]
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California Democratic Party
1830 9th St
Sacramento, CA 95811
United States
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