A Brief History of Our Club

A BRIEF HISTORY
by
Virginia Roche

            In the mid 1980’s, a group of women, members of the Volusia County Democratic party,  dissatisfied with the status of political activity in their New Smyrna Beach  community, came together to form a stronger and more productive party.  Quickly joined by their male colleagues, the Southeast Volusia Democratic Club was established.  Following organizational requirements, the club was quickly charted.  There was high enthusiasm as membership increased, bringing together party sympathizers from all areas of the community.

            Active programs were promptly initiated as members met monthly in the DeBerry Room of the local New Smyrna Beach bank.  Contact with the local press was highly successful and close rapport was established with editors, reporters, and general staff; a healthy relationship remains intact today.

            Friendly relations were also established with the NSB city commission.  Matters of importance of the community were recognized and studied by those club members who attended the city commission meetings.  State and national elections were a major importance, and the club’s members responded with great interest, and ingenuity. A local well known attorney generously offered the use of an office in his privately owned building for campaigning quarters to club members and many volunteers who managed the campaign with great efficiency and intelligence.  Campaigns required immediate public participation and the club initiated forums for candidates to de ate their objectives and goals.

            Throughout the years, the democratic club of Southeast Volusia has retained its high representation throughout the southeast, and is well known in our capitol, Tallahassee. Every club president has contributed his or her talents to the club’s successful operation.  Under the direction of the Democratic Executive Committee, Volusia County was divided into four distinct political entities with each section having its own democratic club. Since then, the county has been divided into five sections, and five clubs now represent those areas.

            This unity has provided political knowledge and education, and has enhanced  the political awareness of the philosophies, principles and practices of a proud democratic party.