After all the caucus meetings
yesterday, there was one more. Attendees of the LGBT Caucus
meeting were pleased to learn that the DNC is in the process of hiring
a LGBT desk staffer. Much of the discussion focused on the
upcoming 2016 convention in Philadelphia, which DNC CEO Amy Dacey noted
is just 16 months away. Chief diversity officer Greg Hinton said
the city's commitment to diversity had played a significant role in its
selection. In terms of contracts, he said that "supplier
diversity is a well-oiled machine" there. [There will be nine or
ten major contracts for the convention covering such areas as
transportation, construction, production and so forth, and myriad
subcontracts]. Attention also turned to ensuring a good
representation of LGBT delegates and alternates at the convention;
although there are rigorous affirmative action rules, a lot of work is
required to see that goals are met. At the 2012 convention in
Charlotte there were about 400 delegates and alternates. The
suggestion was made to try to increase the number to 500 for 2016, but
DNC member Rick Stafford pointed out that there will be fewer total
delegates at this convention. Additionally the National Stonewall
Democrats organization, which had played a significant role in slating
delegates, suspended operations at the beginning of 2013, meaning that
active participation of members of the Caucus will be needed.
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