Monday Morning News - September 11, 2017

We know it's on everyone's minds. So many of us have friends and relatives in Texas, Florida, the burning west, and affected nearby states. Creatures in part of global warming, voracious fires and monster storms are a problem our country must take steps to address IMMEDIATELY because they are only going to get worse and more frequent. And they are affecting so many of our citizens--especially the most vulnerable, our economy, and our future survival. Please take a few moments to think about how we can change the path we are on as a country and a society. How about advocating for changing our development and zoning practices where nature continues to defy us. How about spreading the message and electing officials who believe global warming is partly human caused and are willing to DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT! 
Remember--change starts locally!

Images below of the Oroville fire, Irma (yesterday), and the aftermath of Harvey:

Fire

 Irma 1

Irma2

Harvey

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

Announcements
Events
Action Item

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Constitution 101. 6 Thursday evenings starting October 5th
Sounds elemental, right? Well, actually not. The League of Women Voters and the Monroe County Public Library are combining to present a 6 week program studying the Constitution as a founding document. This program has limited seating to allow for the dialogue between participants and instructor, Robert Lemming, National Director of the We the People Program for the Center for Civic Education, Civic Education Consultant for the Indiana Bar Foundation, and Professor of Graduate Studies at Kansas State University. Information and registration are at the link below. 
If you know you can't be present for all 6 weeks, it would be better to allow someone else to take that place. 
http://mcpl.evanced.info/signup/EventDetails?EventId=56813

Applicants needed!
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners is seeking an applicant to serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals. This is a quasi-judicial board which hears requests on variances and conditional uses in the application of planning ordinances on particular properties or developments. This is a fabulous way to learn about County Planning and Zoning and to have a lasting impact on our community. Applicants cannot hold an elected or appointed position in City/Town, County or State government. They must reside in the jurisdiction of Monroe County Planning (residence in Monroe County, but outside town and city boundaries). If you have any questions, please contact Julie Thomas ([email protected]).

The Board of Commissioners is also seeking applicants to the Environmental Commission and the Cemetery Commission. To apply for the Board of Zoning Appeals or the Environmental or Cemetery Commissions please complete the appropriate application - they are available through "Link to Board Application" at http://www.co.monroe.in.us/tsd/Government/Commissioners/MonroeCountyBoardsandCommissions.aspx


EVENTS:

“The Recent Unpleasantness: How to Understand the Cycles of Constitutional Time,” Yale Law Prof. Jack Balkin
Wednesday, September 13th at Noon
IU Maurer School of Law Moot Court Room, 211 S. Indiana Ave.
The 2016 election and the first year of the Trump Administration have been chaotic, uncertain times. To understand recent events in American constitutional politics, we have to think about constitutional development in terms of a series of overlapping cycles. Professor Balkin explains why recent events have unfolded in the way they have, and what the future holds in store.

Your Voice Matters Wednesday Night Canvass
Wednesday, September 13th at 6:00 p.m.
Meet at Monroe County Democratic Party Headquarters
116 S. Madison St., Bloomington
To ensure that everyone gets a chance to participate and that we can connect with our neighbors, the Monroe County Democratic Party has added weeknight canvassing. To sign up, contact Matthew Metz or Jack McGrew or visit the MCDP Facebook page.

Monroe County Civic Theater Presents Neil Simon's "The Odd Couple: Female Version."
September 15 and 16 at 7 pm; September 17 at 3 p,m.
Waldron Arts Center, Rose Firebay
We know it's not politics, then again, all politics is personal, right? What could be more personal than stories about dueling roommates! Heck--this just sounds like a ball, so take a few hours to support a local arts organization focusing on women!
Tickets are available at http://www.mcct.org/

Monroe County Chapter of NOW
Sunday, September 17,
 1-3 p.m.
Monroe County Public Library
General membership meeting. Reports from committees and upcoming events. 

Rise to Run Bloomington Pilot Kick-off
Sunday, September 17th, 4-6 p.m.
City Hall Council Chambers
Attica Woodson Scott, Kentucky State Representative will help kick off this program for young women.
Panel will focus on women in politics - the past, the present, the future, the realities and the hopes.
Reception following presentations.

Constitution Day: “Perspectives on Charlottesville”
Monday, September 18th at Noon 

IU Maurer School of Law Moot Court Room, 211 S. Indiana Ave.
This Constitution Day, join a community discussion of the issues surrounding the recent tragic, troubling events in Charlottesville. Opening remarks from IU Provost Lauren Robel and IU Maurer Law Professors Jeannine Bell, Kevin Brown and Dawn Johnsen. Sponsored by IU Provost Lauren Robel, IU Maurer's American Constitution Society and the Black Law Students Association. Lunch provided

The Monroe County Democrats' Club Luncheon
Tuesday, September 19
 at 11:30 a.m.

DeAngelo's Restaurant at Eastland Plaza
In keeping with the theme of "Hometown Heroes," the Monroe County Democrats Club will honor and hear from John Tilford, who will speak about his work with veterans. The public is invited to attend. 

“Fair Elections, Strong Democracy.  A Public Forum on Redistricting Reform for Indiana.” 
Tuesday, September 19th
, 7-8:30 p.m.
Franklin College (Napolitan Student Center, Branigin Room) 101 Branigin Blvd., Franklin, IN
Panelists:  
  • Paul Helmke, Professor, IU School of Public & Environmental Affairs, former Republican mayor of Ft. Wayne
  • Luis Fuentes-Rohwer, Professor, IU Maurer School of Law
  • Julia Vaughn, Policy Director, Common Cause
On behalf of the Indiana Coalition for Independent Redistricting, the Johnson County Democrats are facilitating an important, non-partisan redistricting event.  Learn how citizens can help pass redistricting reform legislation in 2018.  This event is attracting press coverage and we need a strong showing!  Please mark your calendar, bring friends, and forward this information to your contacts of all political persuasions.  
For more Information, contact Norma Blake [email protected]
For the Facebook Page for this event: check here.  And here is the Common Cause Indiana’s Event Announcement


First Annual Monroe County Government Opioid and Prescription Drug Summit
Thursday, September 28, 9:00 a.m.
Monroe County Convention Center

Commissioner Amanda Barge, Councilwoman Shelli Yoder, and Monroe County Government officials are teaming up to provide leadership on this issue for this region. This event is for anyone who has an interest in this issue and being part of the solution. CEU's will be offered.
Tickets are going fast, so reserve yours now: click here for tickets

If your organization wants to sponsor this event, please email Shelli at: [email protected]
If you are interested in presenting at the event, or having a booth, please email Amanda at: [email protected]

Be Golden 
October 5-7
Be Golden is a multi-day experience to inspire and empower individuals to lead unapologetically authentic lives.  This conference is headquartered in Bloomington, but will attract women from across the US. The conference will provide space and time for individuals to explore a variety of experiences within large scale presentations and breakout sessions for personal exploration.
http://begoldenstaygolden.com/

Jackson Screening
Sunday, November 5th at 3:00 p.m.

Waldron Art Center's Whikehart Auditorium, Bloomington
Common Cause Indiana and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington's Reproductive Justice Task Force are sponsoring a screening of the film Jackson followed by panel discussion in Waldron's Whikehart Auditorium. $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Ceramics for sale. All proceeds benefit Common Cause Indiana in their fight to end gerrymandering. Seats are limited, so reserve yours in advance!


ACTION ITEMS:

Consider helping the victims of Harvey, Irma and the wildfires out west. The Red Cross is receiving contributions for victims of Harvey, Irma and western wildfires at http://www.redcross.org/  Click on the Donate button.
 
Join the DWC.  Renew your membership today. 
The DWC is dedicated #1 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/