Town Hall Meetings (en francais)

Inspired by Andrew @ Bound by Gravity , I think it's time to put the organizational thinking cap on again.

As we move from the summer BBQ season into the fall, a natural progression of political events is the Town Hall meeting. Some CPC candidates have already begun planning and scheduling these meetings. This is an excellent opportunity for the party to continue with a positive message, directly to the people.

Many candidates are still in the process of forming their teams, raising money and beginning Voter ID efforts. Planning an event such as a Town Hall meeting is something that requires experience, carefull planning and skillfull execution. This is certainly an area where the party could help. A few ideas of the top of my head:

1. A professional Radio ad distributed to all the ridings announcing Town Hall meetings. Simply insert appropriate 'local' info at the end of the ad
2. Multi-media presentation to be used at meetings. Intro from Stephen Harper, highlights from Conservative Critics on current Conservative policy. Make some digital projectors and other such aids available through regional organizers.
3. Town Hall planning package - offer several different formats. List pros and cons of each. Include suggested timings, resources and materials needed. The party has access to all the resources, experience and knowledge to put something like this together. Encourage grassroots ideas and feedback - make this a living, changing document. (Wikis?)
4. Make MPs and CPC officials (National Councillors, Communications officers, Campaign Staff) available as support for these events.
5. Create a national media campaign in support - ie. "Conservatives Talking to Canadians". This is your opportunity to find out for yourself what Conservatives are really all about.
6. Provide translation resources so that these meeting can be used as an outreach tool to all Canadians
7. Virtual town halls - stream content from selected town halls. Offer email and chat access to meetings. Podcast video from townhalls

Just a few ideas. :) If you have any more, throw them in the comments section.

While there's no guarantee anyone from the party is reading my humble little blog, it certainly doesn't hurt to actively discuss things like this. If we truly want to be a grassroots party, then that self-same grassroots needs to make their voice heard. Talk to your local candidate/MP/EDA executive/Regional Organizer. Use the CPC site - send in your ideas and make your voice heard. It's your party too!