Political parties and their roles in democratic development have changed significantly in the past two decades, both in industrialized western democracies and in newly developing democratic nations. While the changes have resulted in a weakening of the connections between citizens and the state, there remains widespread consensus that political parties are essential elements in democratic societies. In general, they serve to organize, aggregate and articulate the political interests of citizens in the political arena.
In this two-part program, we examine the vital importance of political parties in affecting policy change. Part One of our program focuses on how grassroots party organizations are formed and nurtured and how, through effective communications with party members, governmental officials and public interest groups, consensus can be forged on particular issues. This broadens the base of party support and is a rallying point for those seeking public office.
Part Two of the program concentrates on “focus sessions,” where participants learn how to identify a wide range of policy themes and then narrow the themes to two or three primary issues. TPPA personnel assist in the development of clear, finely tuned messages, and then examine varying techniques to “get the message out” to appropriate audiences. |
