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. 

Cameron Forgey

CADEM Digital Organizing Manager

Hi Democrats!

My name is Cameron Forgey, and I'm proud to join the Forever Organizing team as the Digital Organizing Manager.

I'm also proud to be a product of California's Central Valley, raised in Visalia and currently living in Fresno. Working as a community organizer since high school, I saw firsthand the impacts local, state, and national policies have on our neighborhoods.

In 2018, I saw Congressman Devin Nunes, the Republican who represented my hometown for over a decade, put the needs of Donald Trump above the needs of my community. I couldn't sit idly by, and I found a passion working in Democratic campaigns. I joined Democrat Andrew Janz' Campaign for Congress against the disgraced Devin Nunes as an intern, training volunteers, knocking doors, and organizing online.

Although we came a few points short of flipping the district, I was amazed by the people-powered movement we were able to create online and in-district -- a movement for better Representation in California's Central Valley. Since then, I continued my work across the State, with a specific focus on activating new and young voters in the Valley.

For me, community organizing isn't just my career -- it's a lifelong passion. The ability to reach first time voters, take collective action, and advocate for our local communities drives me to continue my work.

Bundling Action

CADEM's Forever Organizing Team was proud to host a back-to-school bundling action for students in the Central Valley.

With dozens of volunteers helping, hundreds of backpacks and back-to-school supplies were prepared and delivered to students in Visalia.

Town Hall

CADEM Chair Rusty Hicks was joined by United States Senator Alex Padilla to be the hosts of a town hall meeting.

Together, they discussed the importance of activating rural regions of California, and the real difference a Democratic majority in Congress makes to our communities.

Cafecito VOTA

With the help of some incredible panelists and participants, including CADEM Executive Director Yvette Martinez, Attorney General Rob Bonta, and California State Assembly Member Esmeralda Soria, we celebrated the launch of our VOTA program!

We're proud to activate and empower Latino voters in every corner of California, and the launch of the VOTA program emphasizes our commitment to activating neighborhoods of Spanish speaking voters across our State.

Defeat MAGA Republicans Day of Action

Team Forever Organizing led a powerful Day of Action targeting five vulnerable House Republicans in California by mobilizing and energizing Democratic voters.

We were thrilled to be joined by Congressman Pete Aguilar, Pro Tem Toni Atkins, and Lt. Governor Eleni Kounalakis, along with over one-hundred activists from across California.

Campus Activation

In August, team CADEM welcomed students across California back to school by registering first time voters on College campuses.

CADEM Organizer Christian is leading the charge at Fresno State University, activating a new generation of Central Valley students.

Rally for Reproductive Rights!

Democrats in Northern California are fired up and ready to unseat Republican Kevin Kiley in CA3!

CADEM Organizer Sue led the charge against Kiley's extreme anti-choice policies by organizing rallies in Rocklin, Nevada City, Quincy, South Lake Tahoe, and Mammoth Lakes.

Moral Mondays

South Central Valley Democrats are also standing up to their Republican Representative David Valadao!

Forever Organizing Team Member Dave Perelman hosts "Moral Mondays" once monthly, bringing local activists together to hold Valadao's feet to the fire on issues like reproductive care, Social Security & Medicare, and support for teachers.

The California Democratic Party is a volunteer based organization! Our community activists are committed year-round to work with our organizing team to get out the vote and protect our democracy. CADEM is thrilled to highlight our local volunteers who continue to do their part in the Forever Organizing work.

Yvette Benton

Tehachapi Mountain Democratic Club

Yvette Benton is the President of the Tehachapi Mountain Democratic Club in Kern County.

Yvette was born and raised in California. Originally from Orange County, she moved to Tehachapi in the year 2007.

She has always been a Democrat, and began her activism as a teenager registering voters for the Democratic party. As someone who always stood up for her truths and beliefs, she brought like-minded Democrats in her Conservative town together. In 2020, Yvette put up a billboard supporting President Biden and Vice President Harris through grassroots fundraising. In the process, she motivated a community for the first time to come out and proudly voice their beliefs. Yvette believes that putting up the billboard "introduced her to the community, and the community to each other."

Since then, Yvette and the Tehachapi Mountain Democrats have focused on becoming a household name in the community, with hopes that more Democrats will find a home in Tehachapi.

From the start of the year, Yvette has welcomed over 25 new members, and is thrilled to reach more activists in her town.

Looking for a way to get involved in mobilizing or registering voters in your community? We want you on Team Forever Organizing.

Whether you're interested in calling voters, knocking doors, hosting organizing actions with your Democratic club or group, or registering first time voters on College campuses, we're thrilled to be doing the good work with you.

Can we count on you to join us for an organizing action this month? Your efforts could mean the difference between winning and losing battleground Congressional districts this year.