How she made it to Democratic convention

WHEN LOCAL 113's Carolyn Johnston set out to earn a seat at the Democratic National Convention, she had little idea of what lay ahead of her.

But, as the City of Everett landscaper looks back, she is pleased she took that first step that set her on the road to Fleet Center in Boston in July.

It all began because, over the years, her mother-in-law had insisted she “get involved,” recalls Johnston. This year, concerned about the direction the country is taking under President Bush and his lack of interest in the middle class, she decided to do so. She thought attending a Democratic precinct caucus might be a good start. When Council 2 Staff Representative Rob Sprague mentioned that afscme sponsors attendance at the Republican and Democratic conventions for anyone who earns a seat at the national conventions that was the challenge Johnston needed.

Learning as she went, Johnston discovered she needed to be selected for a series of ever-higher precinct and caucus levels until she made it to the national convention. She found, too, that, at various stages over some six months, she had to volunteer for positions, give three-minute speeches a number of times, prepare a flyer, write a letter of intent and attend long meetings (one lasted from 9 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. the following day).

Eventually her reward came: She was chosen as a delegate to the national convention and was able to participate in the nomination of John Kerry for president.

“I was very dedicated to learning the process,” Johnston says. “That’s how I did it.” Johnston adds that she believes in Democratic values “and I truly believe in John Kerry and I conveyed that conviction to those who elected me.”

Attending the convention “was wonderful,” she says. “I would like to thank everyone who helped me get there. ”