EDUCATION -- It’s everywhere in the news these days - funding issues, vouchers, school choice, testing…. But there is one type of education that perhaps doesn’t get enough press… education in civics and voting. An uneducated voter is a dangerous voter. So is a voter who is unable to be flexible in their voting habits or doesn’t understand how government works.
Penny Githens tells the story of talking to a woman in the northern section of District 60 who told her that she agreed with all of Penny’s views on the issues but couldn’t vote for her because she always voted republican.
Working at the polls you get to see all types… there was the gentleman who showed up to vote in 2015 saying “I saw in the paper it was election day so I came down to vote…” not realizing that because he lived in the county he had nothing to vote for that year. Another voter wanted to vote for a write-in republican candidate but didn’t know their name…. He started yelling at us because I told him we were legally restricted from telling him who the write-in candidates were and he would need to find that out himself.
On the other hand there was the thoughtful young man in the last primary election who obviously had come down specifically to vote for Bernie Sanders but after looking at the ballot said to me that he didn’t know enough about the other candidates to vote… as he was a democrat I lent him my computer and hooked him up with the MCDP website that listed information about all the democratic candidates running in the primary… he spent about an hour studying and then came back and voted, taking long enough that I suspect that he voted the entire ballot.
DWC members have a chance to vote a bit earlier than other voters this year… our Candidate Endorsement vote will take place at the March 2 meeting. Fourteen women have applied for possible endorsement by the group this year. We hope you will take a good look at their credentials and what might separate them from their opponents and earn them your vote.
Next week we will have a special MMN for you that has information on all our candidates for endorsement, links to their websites and contact details as well as a ballot. For those who can’t make the Friday breakfast, online voting will start with the receipt of the electronic ballots and end at 7:00am on Friday morning. At the breakfast you’ll have a chance to hear from the candidates and perhaps ask a question (but do your homework first). And while the ballots are being counted Vickie Provine will speak to us about the upcoming 2018 Citizens' Academy class.
Don't Forget to become DWC Member. Although you won’t be able to vote in the primary endorsement process if you didn’t renew/register before midnight on February 15th, it’s a long way until November and we need everyone’s help to get qualified women candidates into office in 2018. Use this link now: https://democraticwomenscaucus.nationbuilder.com/membership
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Announcements
Events
Action Items
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
INTERESTED IN WORKING EARLY VOTING OR AT THE POLLS ON ELECTION DAY?
These are paid positions….
Early voting starts on Tuesday April 10 and runs through Monday May 7
Shifts will be 8-1, 1-6 and 10-3 on weekdays and Saturdays and 8 to noon on the final Monday.
There will be a mandatory training on Friday April 6 either from 9am - 11am or 1pm - 3pm
Enquiries about working early voting can be sent to the Democratic Lead Bob Austin
Working on Primary Election Day, May 8… training will happen in late April and you would work from 5am until done… usually around 7-8pm. It’s a long day but very rewarding.
Enquiries about working at the polls can be sent to the democratic recruiter Rod Yandt
DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM
Although the in person platform hearings are over you can still submit your ideas to the party at: http://www.indems.org/2018-state-democratic-party-platform/.
The Platform Committee will start drafting the platform in early March so get your ideas in by the end of February.
SHE SHOULD RUN LAUNCHES PINPOINT: an interactive tool that allows women to find and share valuable educational resources that focus on running and serving in elected office.
Pinpoint is crowd-sourced by a community of people that reflect what we want our government to look like. One that includes women like you, women from all sides of the political spectrum, from all walks of life, and all backgrounds.
With Pinpoint, women can find the support and tools they need right in their backyard, making a step towards running that much easier. Try Pinpoint here: http://www.sheshouldrun.org/pinpoint
TRAINING, TRAINING, and MORE TRAINING!
State Democratic Party Webinars and Trainings: http://www.indems.org/webinar-trainings-recordings/
AND if you want to be a Precinct Committee Person, try this! http://action.indems.org/page/-/Indems%20Precinct%20Committeeperson%20Handbook.pdf
These folks are elected every four years in the primary (this coming May!). What they do depends on how the various county parties structure their field work, and traditions. But this will get you started!
EVENTS:
TONIGHT!! February 19, 2018, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Moms Demand Action: Not One More - It’s time for gun sense in America
First United Church - Bloomington, 2420 E 3rd St, Bloomington, Indiana
Now more than ever is the time for our communities to come together and put an end to gun violence. Many people want to do just that, and don't know where to start. Please join us at this event, and we can discuss the many ways you can help in the fight for gun violence prevention.
RSVP at http://act.everytown.org/event/moms-demand-action-event/8422/signup/?akid&zip&source=etno_ETActPage
Tuesday, February 20, 2018, 11:30am
Monroe County Democrat’s Club
DeAngelo’s Restaurant (Eastland Plaza)
The Monroe County Democrats' Club will meet on Tuesday, February 20th at 11:30 at DeAngelo's restaurant in Eastland Plaza. Candidates for office will speak about their campaigns in the upcoming primary election, including at least two candidates for Congress. Susie Hamilton will be there to accept your dues if you have not yet paid for 2018
RSVP to Marcia Harlow if you plan to attend so they can let DeAngelo's how to prepare.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018, 5:30pm
Showing Up Town Hall Tour with Liz Watson - Medical Marijuana
Monroe County Public Library
The Liz for Indiana #ShowingUp Town Hall Tour continues at the Monroe County Public Library Auditorium in Bloomington, Indiana on February 21 to talk about medical marijuana. Child care will be provided.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018, 6:30pm
Fundraiser for Darcie Fawcett
Grazie Italiano, 106 W. 6th Street
Join the Fawcett for Judge Campaign for an evening of cocktails, wine and an Italian dinner as we host a fundraiser for Darcie Fawcett, Candidate for Monroe County Circuit Court. 100% of your generous contribution will support Darcie's campaign. Suggested Donation of $100. Please RSVP via Facebook or [email protected]
Thursday, February 22, 2018, 6:00pm - 7:00 pm
Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus Meeting
City Council Chambers, City Hall, Bloomington
Join the MCBDC for their monthly meeting.
Please note that for February and March their meetings will be on the 4th Thursday of the month. Check Facebook for more information.
Thursday February 22, 2018, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Indivisible Bloomington and 9th Meeting:
Location: Democracy Lab (116 S Madison St).
Monthly Recurring Business Meeting of the Indivisible Bloomington & 9th District Leadership Council. This is a public working session of their leadership meeting. All Indivisible members are welcome.
Friday, February 23, 5:30pm -7:30pm
Trey Hollingsworth at the Johnson County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner in Greenwood
The Nest Event Center, 400 Byrd Way, Greenwood, Indiana
From Indivisible: Our #backdoorrep Trey Hollingsworth will make a rare (sorta) public appearance at the Johnson County GOP Lincoln Day Dinner, in Greenwood. Trey cancelled his last publicized event over never-explained "threats." Trey is one of 142 Republicans who have refused to hold a public town hall meeting or open event with his constituents. The only way you will ever see Trey is on TV, at a paid event like this, or if his office wants to use you or your business as a shameless photo op. Specific request: If you or a buddy has a chicken costume you can wear/loan, WE NEED YOU!
For more information about a planned response contact Abby.
Saturday, February 24, 2018, 11:00am - Noon
Isabel Piedmont-Smith Constituent Meeting
Bloomington City Hall, McCloskey Room (#135)
In 2018, Piedmont-Smith's constituent meetings will generally be on the last Saturday of each month, 11 am to 12 noon in the McCloskey Room of City Hall. For a full list of meetings, please visit https://bloomington.in.gov/council/smith.
Saturday, February 24, 2018, 7:00 pm
12th Annual Black History Month GALA
Hilton Garden Inn, 245 N. College Ave.
Grab a babysitter and come out for a dance party! The Black History Month Gala will include dinner, a silent auction, photos, and lots of fun. The theme is Masquerade!
Reception and Silent Auction begin at 6:00 p.m., and the program will start at 7:00 p.m.
This fine dining and recognition event will feature entertainment by the Ground Zero Band - Indy.
Tickets are $50 each, and are on sale now through the Buskirk-Chumley Box Office website or by phone at 812.323.3020.
If you have any questions please email Maqube Reese. Share the event through Facebook.
Sunday, February 25, 2018, 5:00 pm - 7:30pm
Lee Jones For Commissioner Campaign Launch & Fundraiser
BloomingTea - 615 W. Kirkwood Ave.
Join Lee Jones in support of her bid for Monroe County Commissioner!
There will be some treats, some music and some conversation about good government.
No donation amount is too small. Lee will not accept money from businesses or corporations that do business with Monroe County.
To RSVP and for more information click here
Thursday, March 1, 2018, 6:45 - 9:00pm
Backpack Full of Cash Documentary Film Screening
hosted by the Indiana Coalition For Public Education Monroe County
AMC Showplace West 12
Save the Date --> March 1
School Choice Week is a scam!
See why at our screening of the movie "Backpack Full of Cash."
More details to come in the next few weeks.
Indiana Coalition For Public Education Monroe County
https://www.facebook.com/Indiana-Coalition-for-Public-Education-Monroe-County-374573205902510/
Saturday, March 10, 2018, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Camp Congress For Girls Bloomington 2018 - hosted by Girls in Politics Initiative
310 S. College Ave.
Camp Congress for Girls Bloomington 2018 is a leadership program that introduces girls ages 8 to 15 to politics. Camp begins with a lesson on the structure of our political system. Each girl will choose to run for a seat in the US House of Representatives, the US Senate or for the presidency. She will create her own campaign with a platform, campaign slogan, campaign finance plan, campaign marketing materials and a political ad for YouTube. During the camp session, the campers will meet an elected official or political consultant. Girl Scouts participating in Camp Congress for Girls Houston 2017 will earn a Citizen Legacy Badge for participation. All participants will receive Certificate of Completion.
The camp general registration fee is $160, the Girl Scout registration fee is $120, the military family rate is $120 and the group rate is $120 per ticket for any purchase of 5 or more tickets.
For additional information contact us at +1 (202) 660-1457 ext 2,via email at [email protected] or visit our website at www.girlsinpolitics.org.
Watch the Girls in Politics Initiative™ on MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry Show.
“Camp empowers young girls to run for office” http://www.nbcnews.com/video/mhp/52698319
Thursday, March 29, 6:00pm
MCDP FDR Gala
Fountain Square Mall Ballroom
Save the date for the annual Monroe County Democratic Party FDR Gala!
This fundraiser gives the Party the opportunity to honor sustaining donors, and your donations support the MCDP as they work on behalf of candidates and office holders. It also helps them to advance Democratic ideals and good governance at all levels.
The MCDP is currently accepting official sponsors for the FDR dinner. Additionally, current monthly contributors can increase monthly donations or make a one time donation to meet desired recognition level. To be included on the invitation, please submit your desire to sponsor the dinner by March 1.
Contact MCDP Treasurer Kaisa Goodman for details.
Keep checking the MCDP events page for more information!.
Sunday, April 8, 2018, 6:00pm
DWC Karaoke Fundraiser
Player’s Pub, 424 S. Walnut Street
3rd Annual DWC Political Karaoke Fundraiser!
Candidates and friends, enjoy a night of silliness!! Karaoke for everyone and a competition for our 2018 candidates who will perform as "Celebrity Performers".
This is an unforgettable event: candidates compete for prizes by performing their choice of karaoke song. Save the date! You won't want to miss!
ACTION ITEMS:
Don't vote for Vader: Become an educated voter!!!
Join the DWC. Join or Renew your membership today.
The DWC is dedicated to inspiring, recruiting, training, supporting and funding women to increase the number of progressive, pro-choice women in the political arena. We ALL help with this mission, together, collectively. Make sure you have full rights and privileges of membership.
Only $20 for one year’s membership.
Join online here: https://democraticwomenscaucus.nationbuilder.com/membership
Do you have news items? Send your items of interest to us at [email protected]
Deadline for MMN is noon on Sunday.
Paid for by DWPAC - Democratic Women's Political Action Committee
Democratic Women's Caucus
http://www.democraticwomenscaucus.org/