5 Roles & Responsibilities of a Democratic Committeeperson
Lead the Local
Democratic Party
Most people don’t realize that one of the most important political roles in local democracy is also one of the least understood: the Democratic Committeeperson.
This position exists at the ward level in Chicago and at the township level in suburban communities, including Berwyn Township.
​
One of the key roles and responsibilities of a Democratic Committeeperson is leading the local Democratic Party.
​
Lead the Local Democratic Party
They are the official Democratic Party representative for their township, helping guide party strategy, priorities, and endorsements at the local level. They are not just working behind the scenes, they are at the forefront of the local party, organizing, listening, and leading.
Robert J. Pabon is running for Democratic Committeeperson for Berwyn Township not just to hold a title, but to build something bigger with the community.
He believes Berwyn can build a multiracial, multigenerational, working-class coalition of neighbors, a movement rooted right here in the township that helps shape the priorities and vision of the Democratic Party from the ground up.
​
He is committed to putting everyday people before special interests and to working toward a local Democratic Party that is strong enough, bold enough, and united enough to fight for the change the community truly needs.
​
This is a moment to lead, not just with ideas, but with each other.
​
Organize Grassroots & GOTV Efforts
Committeepersons recruit election judges, poll watchers, and volunteers. They help coordinate canvassing, phone banking, voter registration, and turnout operations especially during critical elections.
​
As Democratic Committeeeperson, Robert J. Pabon will continue to tend the civic culture of Berwyn. He will commit to empowering neighbors to get more involved not only in electoral politics but in other forms of civic engagement like organizing, advocacy, volunteerism, and movement building.
Help Decide Party Endorsements
A Democratic Committeeperson plays a key role in deciding which candidates the Democratic Party endorses for positions such as judge, state legislator, and county offices.
​
As a candidate for Democratic Committeeperson for Berwyn Township, Robert J. Pabon would bring his experience as a social impact leader, organizer, and advocate into these critical decision-making processes. He is committed to endorsing and supporting grassroots candidates who will fight for working families and champion policies that improve the lives of everyday people, not special interest groups.
​
If the Democratic Party is going to rebuild trust and renew its commitment to fighting for the most vulnerable in society, it must stop endorsing corporate Democrats who are beholden to big business, big pharma, big tech, and large-scale development interests. Instead, the party must uplift grassroots leaders from diverse backgrounds who are willing to think outside the box and pursue real, people-centered solutions to the challenges communities face.
​
Robert J. Pabon is ready to fight for a Democratic Party that truly represents the people, not just the powerful. He believes in building a more accountable, inclusive, and justice-driven party and invites community members to stand with him in that effort.
Together, they can build a grassroots movement that puts people first.
Promote Civic Education
Committeepersons play a vital role in helping residents understand what’s on the ballot, how local government works, and why these issues matter. They help bridge the gap between politics and the people it impacts.
​
Over the past five years Alderman Robert J. Pabon has organized and facilitated a program called the Civic Series where he brings together folks with lived experience and expertise to share knowledge with their neighbors on issues that are critical to Berwyn.
The Civic Series has covered topics like Tax Increment Financing Districts, Forensic Data Extraction, Environmental Justice in Berwyn, What it Takes to Become an Election Judge, Multilingualism in Berwyn and more.
​
As Democratic Committeeperson, he will continue to hold space for civic education and cover topics that impact the community.
Vote on Filling Vacancies
In 2020, Cook County Democrats met in Berwyn to decide who would replace Commissioner Tobolski after he resigned amid a federal investigation. The committee, chaired by Berwyn Township Democratic Committeeperson Robert Lovero, considered several candidates.
When the committee selected former Republican State Representative Frank Aguilar, no explanation was provided. There was no transparency.
​
For too long, political decisions in the community have been made without meaningful public input or accountability. This approach has left many residents feeling unheard and disconnected from a process that is meant to represent them.
​
When faced with the responsibility of voting on a vacancy as Berwyn Township Democratic Committeeperson, Robert J. Pabon is committed to doing things differently. He will support grassroots candidates who reflect the values of working people, rather than special interests or shifting political allegiances.
​
Community members will know why he casts his votes, because he believes in collaboration and open communication as tools for creating meaningful change. Together, the community can build a local Democratic Party that leads with integrity, transparency, and the voices of the people it serves.