Draft Plans for the Next 4 Years & Highlights 2020-2024

Pending membership input this is the plan I would like to continue to execute over the next four years: 

Vision

To empower Native voices, ensure representation at every level of the Democratic Party, and advance policies that uphold tribal sovereignty, equity, and justice for Native peoples.

Mission

To organize, advocate, and build political power for Native Americans within the Democratic Party, while strengthening partnerships with tribal nations and allies across the country.

1. Organizational Growth & Strengthening the Caucus

Goals

• Build a strong, sustainable caucus infrastructure.
• Expand membership and leadership pipelines.

Strategies

• Expand partnerships and communications with all state-level Native caucuses
• Where a caucus is lacking and needed - assist in launching in at least 5 new states by 2029.
• Secure dedicated resources from the DNC for staffing, outreach, and communications. Main priority restaffing the Native Coalitions Director Position immediately (work on this has already begun)

Milestones

• Year 1: Create a membership database and communications platform.
• Year 2: Implement mentorship programs for Native youth and first-time candidates.
• Year 3–4: Achieve representation in all DNC standing committees.

Accomplishment over last 4 years:

Securing record amounts of funding to tribal communities including rural for communications and staffing both in off and on cycle working with the DNC leadership team.

2. Political Power & Electoral Engagement

Goals

• Increase Native voter turnout and representation in elected office.
• Ensure Native issues are central in Democratic platforms and campaigns.

Strategies

• Build a Native Voter Engagement Program focused on voter registration, turnout, and protection in Indian Country.
• Partner with state parties to prioritize Native outreach in battleground states.
• Advocate for Native representation at all levels—delegates, convention speakers, and appointments.

Milestones

• Year 1: Develop a Native turnout toolkit for state parties.
• Year 2: Increase Native delegate representation by 20% at the 2028 Democratic National Convention.
• Year 3–4: Support Native Democrats to local, state, and federal offices.

Accomplishment over last 4 years:

Increased investment in partner organizations to GOTV in tribal communities in battleground states the last cycle.

High visibility and participation with tribal leaders up to the 2024 Convention.

3. Policy & Advocacy

Goals

• Elevate tribal sovereignty and Native priorities in Democratic policymaking.
• Ensure Native voices are heard in federal and state policy debates.

Strategies

• Continue to advocate for platform language that supports sovereignty, treaty rights, voting rights, climate justice, and economic development.
• Build partnerships with Native organizations, tribal governments, and Native-serving institutions.

Milestones

• Year 1: Publish a “Native Policy Priorities” document.
• Year 2: Continue to host issue forums at DNC meetings and the 2028 Convention.
• Year 3–4: Ensure every major Democratic candidate has a Native policy platform.

Accomplishment over last 4 years:

Worked with high visibility campaigns to ensure Native platform and engagement was central to campaign work.

Ensured tribal participation in the drafting of the DNC Platform each cycle and will continue to expand.

4. Communications & Visibility

Goals

• Amplify Native voices and issues in party communications and media.
• Build a positive, unified narrative of Native leadership and impact.

Strategies

• Continue to ensure Native representation in DNC media, convention coverage, and national campaigns.
• Create a rapid response strategy for Native issues.

Milestones

• Year 1: Redevelop and relaunch brand identity and media strategy for the Caucus.
• Year 2: Continue  monthly newsletter and hot issue releases via listserv.
• Year 3–4: Double media presence for Native issues in party press releases and public events.

Accomplishment over last 4 years:

Developed talking points for DNC leadership.

Created a DNC Native American voter brand that was launched Nationwide.

Invested in social media and listserv applications.

5. Partnerships & Coalitions

Goals

• Continue to strengthen alliances within the DNC and with other constituency caucuses.
• Build solidarity movements across Indian Country and beyond.

Strategies

• Co-sponsor events with Youth, Black, Latino, AAPI, and LGBTQ caucuses.
• Formalize partnerships with tribal governments and Native advocacy organizations.
• Engage with labor, environmental, and social justice groups on issues impacting Native peoples.

Milestones

• Year 1-4: Continue to  host cross-caucus roundtable on shared priorities & Co-develop joint resolutions and policy statements.

Accomplishment over last 4 years:

Events in collaboration with councils and caucuses 

Regular meetings with constituency chairs for greater collaboration

Passage of the DNC resolution in support of the release of Leonard Peltier

6. Digital Presence & Member Engagement

Goals

• Create a strong online presence that amplifies the work of the Caucus.
• Provide a direct channel for members to engage, contribute, and stay informed.

Strategies

• Launch an official Native American Caucus website with sections for:
  • Mission, leadership, and history of the Caucus.
  • News, press releases, and policy updates.
  • Voter resources (registration links, Native voting rights info, turnout tools).
  • Event calendar for caucus meetings, DNC activities, and Native community events.
• Member Input Portal where caucus members can:
  • Submit ideas, policy priorities, or resolutions.
  • Participate in surveys and polls.
  • Nominate leaders or propose agenda items for meetings.
• Create a member login area for caucus updates, draft policy documents, and working group collaboration.

Milestones

• Year 1: Launch the official website; establish the member input portal with basic surveys and feedback tools.
• Year 2: Expand the portal to include policy proposal submissions and delegate forums.
• Year 3-4: Ensure members are registered on the site and actively participating in caucus business.

Accomplishment over last 4 years:

Established DNC Native Caucus branding and items in the DNC store

Created social handles for the caucus on high visibility platforms (@dncnatives)

Procured the domain: dncnatives.org 

Invested in social media and listserv applications.

Accountability & Evaluation

• Progress reports presented at DNC meetings.
• Midpoint review after two years with adjustments as needed.
• Final evaluation in 2029 with recommendations for the next 4-year cycle.