Susan McCann
Candidate for
Oklahoma Democratic Party Vice Chair
Leafleting at 14 for John Jarman (a Democrat at that time!); arguing the merits of supporting Hubert Humphrey with conservative family members that same year, 1968, was the true beginning of Democratic action for me. I have worked in a volunteer capacity in both Cleveland and Oklahoma County on behalf of many local, state and national campaigns since. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Oklahoma; I taught History and Science to Middle and High School in Norman, Oklahoma and have been a small business owner.
• Currently the President of the North Metro OKC/Edmond Democratic Women’s Club of the Oklahoma State Federation of Democratic Women and for the past 4 years.
• Jointly with Edmond Democrats in 2006 and again in 2008 we organized and co-hosted THE GALA, a fundraiser on behalf of candidates for office on the Oklahoma County Ballot.
• Volunteered on behalf of Wes Clark in 2004, working and campaigning in and out of his headquarters in Downtown OKC over the course of his successful primary run in our State. Following John Kerry’s nomination, volunteered many hours as a KerryOkie out of their office in Oklahoma County.
• Following Barack Obama’s announcement for the Presidency in February of 2007 I became actively involved with his campaign in Oklahoma. For the past two years I have been an instrumental organizer for numerous Grassroots activities and events in Oklahoma County and throughout our State.
• Beginning July 7th, 2008 on my own initiative and without party funds, I opened and operated Obama OK, the Oklahoma County Volunteer Headquarters along with Terry and Jenny Thompson. Terry and I served as his State Volunteer Coordinators following the Democratic National Convention. Due to the organizational efforts of Obama OK and the enthusiastic and devoted grassroots volunteers who frequented our campaign headquarters over 1500 new Democrats were registered. This grassroots group, now named ‘Change Oklahoma’ has aided in increasing Oklahoma County’s Delegate count for the State Convention from 88 in 2006 to 100 in 2008. ‘Change Oklahoma’ has an extensive list of Grassroots Volunteers throughout the State of Oklahoma.
• ‘Change Oklahoma’ morphed from Obama OK to continue the efforts our Grassroots organization had begun in the Presidential campaign to help strengthen and grow our Democratic Party in the 5th District and beyond. As a result of continuing Grassroots development ‘Change Oklahoma’ helped to bring many new “grassroots” faces to their precinct meetings and many of those on to their county conventions. I am proud to continue to serve in a leadership role in this effort.
• ‘Change Oklahoma’ has participated in “Monday’s at the Capitol” during the current Oklahoma Legislative Session. As a result of our grassroots efforts, attention was drawn to HB 1326. Our group lobbied and discussed with Senators, Representatives and various groups the implications of this bill. Our group was able to rally hundreds of calls, letters and emails to State Senators and Representatives resulting in the Governor’s veto and the eventual sustaining of this bill on April 23, 2009.
I have the organizational ability, the energy, heart and the ideas to continue efforts to grow our Democratic Party in the State of Oklahoma through and with grassroots.
I humbly request your support at the State Convention on May 16th.
