Frankfort, KY - On January 6, 2025, the Kentucky Democratic Party (KDP) launched Growing the Blue Dot, a new year-round regional training program for county parties. By implementing a grassroots organizing model in which party members - from the precinct level to the State Central Executive Committee - are engaged in year-round organizing, the KDP aims to develop a local party infrastructure that is ready to support electoral success in 2026 and beyond.

“Whether it was knocking on more than a million doors to re-elect Governor Andy Beshear in 2023 or mobilizing in all 120 counties to defeat the school voucher scheme in 2024, our local county parties and the volunteers behind them have shown up. But there is more work to be done in extending our state’s blue dots and recruiting the next generation of Democratic candidates and leaders,” said Colmon Elridge, Kentucky Democratic Party Chair. “Since I became Chair, I have always said that the journey to 2025 would see us re-elect our governor and hold our ground in 2024. Now - with our new training program led by KDP staff in partnership with the DNC Best Practices Institute - we will develop the long-term county party infrastructure necessary to elect Democrats up and down the ballot into the future.”  

Growing the Blue Dot programming will cover a range of topics that allow Kentucky Democrats to drive change at the local level, including how to identify volunteers, recruit candidates, fundraise, and more - ensuring that organizing remains a year-round initiative outside of election cycles. The training sessions will be held both in-person and virtually on a quarterly basis in six rotating regional hubs for county party leaders and volunteers.

“Since first joining the KDP a year ago, I’ve spoken with local party leaders and volunteers in every corner of this Commonwealth about what it will take for us to expand our blue dots,” said Morgan Eaves, Kentucky Democratic Party Executive Director. “No matter where they’re from, all have agreed that the KDP must develop its county party infrastructure, giving local parties the tools they need to organize in the communities they know best. With state-wide reorganization on the horizon, we’re going to do just that.”

Virtual trainings will also be held on a regular basis, with lessons on VoteBuilder 101, Rural Organizing, Campus Organizing, and more. Additional details and logistics information on training will be provided to county parties and volunteers.