job checklist The secretary invites party members to events and informs them about statutory deadlines for example for submission of resolutions or procedures for elections. The secretary takes minutes of meetings and informs higher party bodies board or delegates’ election results The secretary should be on top of the country’s party law, their own party’s internal regulations, and the rules of procedure for statutory events, to assist the chairperson in the event of queries about procedure. The secretary may send regular mailings/newsletters to branch members. The secretary administers the members’ database (together with the treasurer) If employed and if the party has an office : If the branch has the means of maintaining an office, the secretary coordinates the daily party work from such premises and makes it available for the public, i.e. it is the official address for postal mail reaching the party, and the formal contact point for voters with requests and interest in the party. Administration of the party’s files and election campaign material.
Spokesperson/Press officer Publicise the great work your party branch is doing ! Both the party’s supporters and critics should be aware of the branch’s activities. Issue regular press releases, but only if you have relevant news to share or events to announce. An overkill of press releases will only gain you the reputation of being nuisance. Also ensure that your party members write letters to the local press so that liberal opinion is widely published. To achieve the goal of placing your messages in the media, maintain a contact list of local and regional media, and establish a working relationship with journalists and editors. If you are new in the job and don’t yet possess 44
MANUAL - The little Liberal Book | Party structures and functions