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With all the excitement regarding convention activity and planning, we have prepared
a section to answer common questions about the Democratic National Convention in Boston.
What is the purpose of the Convention?
Who will be attending the Convention?
How can I attend the Convention?
How can I become a delegate?
How can young people participate in the Convention?
How can I get my business involved with the Convention?
How can I perform at the Convention?
Why did Democrats choose Boston?
What cities have hosted previous Conventions?
What is the difference between the DNC, the DNCC, and Boston 2004?
Can I rent out my home to people attending the Convention?
How can I contact Convention staff?
What impact will the Convention have on Boston?
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What is the purpose of the Convention?
The Convention is the event, held every four years, where the Democratic Party nominates its candidates for President and Vice President. The official Party platform is also approved at the Convention.
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Who will be attending the Convention?
The Convention will welcome visitors, including almost 5,000 delegates from 56 state and territorial delegations (including Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and Democrats abroad), 15,000 members of the domestic and foreign press, as well as foreign dignitaries and honored guests.
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How can I attend the Convention?
You can attend the Convention as either a delegate or potentially as a volunteer. For more information on becoming a delegate, visit www.democrats.org and and click "Get Local" on the homepage. To become a volunteer, visit www.boston04.com and click "Contact Us".
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How can I become a delegate?
Delegates are chosen by each state's Democratic Party. For more information on how delegates are chosen in your state, visitwww.democrats.org and click "Get Local" on the homepage.
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How can young people participate in the Convention?
The DNCC has announced two essay contests for young Americans interested in participating in the Convention proceedings. Each contest is a rare opportunity for the nation's young people to directly participate in nominating the next President of the United States. For young people between the ages of 13-18, "Gavel in the Future" will select two winners to gavel open the Convention. To compete, students must write a short essay on how young people can use the political process to improve their communities. "Gavel in the Future" will feature two students, one from the Boston area and one national winner, to officially kick off the Convention. For students ages 18-24, "Speak Out for the Future" invites you to compete for the chance to address a national television audience in primetime. The contest is a singular chance to illustrate the initiative and potential that the nation's young adults have to offer. To compete, students must address why politics should be important to youth and how youth can get more involved in the political process. Essays should be no more than 300 words and must be submitted by Monday, May 17, 2004. For more details on how to enter either contest, please visit www.dems2004.org and click on Get Involved and Youth Contests.
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How can I get my business involved with the Convention?
The DNCC and Host Committee are committed to including many Boston-based businesses in Convention planning and activities. Vendor services needed before and during the Convention include: hotels, technical services, caterers, florists, etc. To become a vendor for Convention events, you should register for the vendor directory by contacting Boston 2004 at (617)247-2004.
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How can I perform at the Convention?
The 2004 Convention will have numerous performances by local and national artists. If your group is interested in performing at the Convention or organizing an exhibit, please e-mail performance@dems2004.org with information about your group, the nature of your performance or exhibit, and contact information ( e-mail address or phone number).
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Why did Democrats choose Boston?
Boston is an ideal spot for our convention given its rich history and strong Democratic roots. Revolutions start here, from the events of 1776 to the abolition movement to the New Frontier. Even as Boston is renowned as the cradle of democracy, the city is also on the cutting edge of education and technology, making Boston the gateway to the future. Boston impresses everyone with its vision and "can-do" attitude as it enthusiastically embraces this Convention.
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What cities have hosted previous Conventions?
The 2000 Convention, which nominated Al Gore as the Democratic presidential candidate, was held in Los Angeles, California. Before that, the Democrats nominated President Bill Clinton for a second term at the 1996 Convention in Chicago, Illinois. New York, Atlanta and San Francisco have also hosted the Democratic National Convention. For a full history of the Democratic National Convention, please click here.
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What is the difference between the DNC, the DNCC, and Boston 2004?
TThe Democratic National Committee (DNC), the 2004 Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) and Boston 2004 work in partnership to plan the Convention and to prepare the city of Boston for the event. The DNC is the Washington D.C.-based headquarters for the Democratic Party. The DNCC is based in Boston and manages the day-to-day operations of the Convention. Boston 2004 is the Host Committee for the City of Boston and works closely with the DNCC on Convention planning.
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Can I rent out my home to people attending the Convention?
The DNCC will be making all necessary housing accommodations for members of the media and Convention delegates in Boston-area hotels. The DNCC does not coordinate on behalf of private individuals who wish to rent their homes.
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How can I contact Convention staff?
To contact any member of the Convention staff, please feel free to call our offices at (617) 342-2004.
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What impact will the Convention have on Boston?
Boston 2004, Inc. has projected a $150 million positive economic impact on Boston and the surrounding area during the Convention.
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