‘John McCain to the rescue’, ‘it took a veteran’ - these were some of the headlines after the latest attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act failed in the Senate last week. But John McCain isn’t the only veteran in government, or even the only Senator who is facing a life threatening illness. Senator Mazie Hirono (D) Hawaii is doing her job with little fanfare from the press while battling stage 4 kidney cancer. Tammy Duckworth (D) Illinois, whose opponent in her Senate race belittled her service record, lost both her legs while flying helicopters for the Army during the Iraq war.
And despite the hyperbole, John McCain didn’t bring down the GOP single handedly. He may have struck the deciding blow, but his vote would have been irrelevant without the votes of every Democratic Senator before him, as well as the “no” votes of Republican Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski who have steadfastly opposed repeal from the start.
As an article in the L.A. Times pointed out it was “hardly their first rodeo in political courage. In 2013, it was Collins who convened a small bipartisan group of senators made up eight men and six women (including Murkowski) to figure out how to keep the government from shutting down. “Leadership, I must fully admit, was provided primarily from women in the Senate,” Sen. John McCain said after the deal was announced….”
The same article pointed out that one “reason many female legislators may compromise well is because they may be less egotistical. According to a 2001 survey that asked American members of Congress why they ran, men responded that they had “always wanted to.” The No. 1 reason for women? The ability to effect change in society. Imagine if 100% of politicians cared about that.”
Unfortunately, 100% of politicians don’t seem to care about that. Many politicians continue to push agendas that benefit the few over the many, often despite overwhelming opposition from their constituents. And they can continue to do so because of the dysfunctionality of our current political system. Politicians don’t have to listen to us anymore.
How do we change that? As citizens we must continue to become engaged, to speak out and participate in our democracy at all levels. We must work to overcome the forces that help to maintain the current system: gerrymandering, money in politics and the suppression of voting rights. And we must level the playing field by electing a government that truly represents the diversity of our nation.
In the words of Sierra Reed, who declared her candidacy for the City Council at large seat this week: “(I)t is one of the hardest, scariest things I've ever chosen to do. But I believe it's important for me to do so to inspire other people my age to also step up and participate in our democracy. I know I have a long way to go to measure up to the expertise of our other candidates, but that's okay. I'm starting now.
To my peers: Now is the time to act. Voting isn't enough anymore, and the current state of our country confirms that. Please reach out to me if you are interested in running for a position or being appointed to a board or commission. I will connect you with the appropriate people to help you do so.
Here's to actively building our future instead of sitting idly by! ”
WHAT’S UP WITH THE DWC: we have a lot of things coming up!
AUGUST BREAKFAST: Your Sister’s (and Brother’s) Keeper…. the most important elected position that most citizens may know nothing about…
Friday, August 4, 7:30am
Village Deli
As we look to the local elections that will take place in 2018 (and there are many slots on the primary ballot!), we’ll feature Township Government this Friday. We have several members who are Township Trustees who can talk about the purpose, structure and duties of that job, and that of the Township Board that assists them with those duties. There’s one trustee and three board members for each of the eleven townships in Monroe County. That’s 44 positions in that area of government alone!
Featured speakers will be:
Lillian Henegar, Bloomington Township Trustee
Vicky Sorensen, Indian Creek Township Trustee and Board member Amy Swain
Michelle Bright, Benton Township Trustee and Board member Mary McInerny
Susie Hamilton, Perry Township Board
We’ll also hear from some folks who have run for these positions in the past and perhaps give some clues as to how to campaign on this level of government.
Please join us. Even if you have no intention of running for these positions, you can be invaluable to other women who might be interested.
DWC To Host Candidate Forum for City Council At-Large Seat
Sunday, Aug. 13 4:00 - 6:00pm
Democratic Headquarters, 116 S. Madison St.
This is your chance to ask those questions from a progressive and female perspective…
Jean Capler, Sierra Reed, Gabe Coleman, Jim Simms, Darryl Neher and Sean Starowitz have declared their candidacies to fill the City Council At-Large seat left vacant by the retirement of Tim Mayer.
Even if you can’t vote in the caucus, you can learn more about the people who might be representing you on the city council (or in another future position) and talk to your precinct chair (who will be voting)
Note: if you can’t be there, this event will be live streamed and archived by the Monroe County Democratic Party on their website and Facebook pages (as are the previous events).
The DWC at IDEA
Kick Up Our Heels! Annual Women’s Event
French Lick Winery & Vintage Cafe, 8145 W Sinclair St, West Baden Springs, IN 47469
Thursday Aug. 24 5:00pm Featuring: Jill Donnelly, State Representative Karlee Macer, & the Democratic Women’s Caucus of Bloomington
DWC COMEDY FUNDRAISER - Sunday, Sept. 3
TWO SHOWS: 5:30pm and 8:00pm
The Comedy Attic, corner of 4th and Walnut
Join us as we welcome Nicole Byer to The Comedy Attic for a fun night to help raise funds for the Democratic Women’s Caucus. Other local female comedians will also perform.
A fan favorite on MTV’s Girl Code, Nicole is quickly becoming one of the most sought after young comedians and actors in the comedy world. As producer and star of the scripted MTV comedy series "Loosely Exactly Nicole," she will make history when the show becomes the first ever content exclusive to Facebook.
To purchase tickets, go HERE. 100% of the ticket price benefits the DWC!
Sponsorships are available. Just email [email protected].
For more information check out our Facebook Events Page.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Announcements
Events
Action Item
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Liz Watson Launches Her Campaign for the IN 9th Congressional District
Liz Watson’s campaign went live on July 25th
Campaign Meet and Greet: Sunday Aug. 6th from 2:00-4:00pm
Fountain Square Ballroom, 101 W. Kirkwood Ave
featuring:
Charlotte Zietlow
Julia DeBruicker Valliant, Researcher, Ostrom Workshop, Indiana University
Chuck Jones, former President, United Steel Workers 1999
Donald Griffin, Jr., Griffin Realty
Other speakers to be announced.
Sign up to volunteer for her campaign, make a donation, and air your concerns about politics in Indiana and beyond:
Meet Liz Watson, candidate for Indiana's 9th Congressional District!
https://lizforindiana.com/
Follow her on Facebook and Twitter @LizforIndiana.
Democratic Party Caucus for City Council At-Large Seat
On Monday, August 21 at 5:30pm the Monroe County Democratic Party (MCDP) will hold a caucus in the Bloomington City Council Chambers to fill the at-large seat left vacant by the resignation of long time council member Tim Mayer. The Party encourages anyone who wants to compete in the caucus to do so and will give them the tools and guidance they need to make this a productive experience. The final date to file to run in the Caucus is Aug. 18.
Additionally, the MCDP will be hosting events over the course of the next month to give the candidates an opportunity to meet the voting precinct chairs and to give all of us a voice as part of the process. The remaining events will be:
• Sunday, August 13, 4:00 - 6:00 pm - hosted by the DWC
There will be forthcoming details about each event and what you can expect.
If you’re interested in running, or for more information about this special caucus, contact MCDP Chair Mark Fraley for more information and next steps.
Judy O'Bannon to receive Lee H. Hamilton Public Service Award
The Indiana Democratic Party today named the recipient of this year’s Lee H. Hamilton Public Service Award - former Indiana First Lady Judy O'Bannon!
Named in honor of our former Congressman, this annual award was established to recognize individuals who make a significant and lasting contribution to public service and our party.
As our 2017 recipient, many of us are familiar with Judy's political service as our State's First Lady, as the Indiana Co-Chair for Hillary Clinton in her 2008 Presidential campaign, as a campaign surrogate, and as a party fundraiser. But Judy's service goes much further.
Dedicated to building communities and their leadership, she has led initiatives in community development, historic preservation, education, and the arts. In November of 2016 she was honored by the Indiana Association for Community Economic Development for "a lifetime of moving communities forward." Her commitment to public service and encouragement of civic participation has built the foundation for community growth across Indiana. The award will be presented at the Lee. H. Hamilton Dinner in French Lick on August 26th (see below for details)
City & County Boards & Commissions:
Boards and Commissions are a great way to get involved with City and County Government and to make a change in your community. Boards and Commissions are citizen staffed and operated, and serve to advise government entities on issues affecting Bloomington and Monroe County. Meetings are free and open to the public, potential applicants are urged to attend a meeting of their desired board or commission prior to applying.
To learn more about each board and commission, including mission statements, membership requirements, current membership listings and term lengths, or for online applications:
Bloomington: the online City system for board and commission information can be accessed here, or by clicking on the “Boards and Commissions” button on the City’s home web page at https://bloomington.in.gov/.
For more information, please contact: Stephen Lucas, Deputy City Clerk, [email protected], 812-349-3408.
Monroe County: Information on County Boards and Commissions can be found on the County website:
http://www.co.monroe.in.us/tsd/Government/Commissioners/MonroeCountyBoardsandCommissions.aspx
EVENTS:
Thursday August 3, 2017
Strong Towns: It Starts Here
Buskirk Chumley Theater 6pm Book Signing, 7pm Presentation
Description: Charles Marohn, president of Strong Towns, a national nonprofit working to strengthen financial resilience in America’s towns and cities, will give a lecture to the public titled 'It Starts here'.
Aug. 3-5, 2017
Citizen Jane: Battle for the City - Documentary Film
I.U. Cinema (enter on the north side of the Auditorium)
Citizen Jane is a timely tale of what can happen when engaged citizens fight the power for the sake of a better world. Arguably no one did more to shape our understanding of the modern American city than Jane Jacobs, the visionary activist and writer who fought to preserve urban communities in the face of destructive development projects.
Director Matt Tyranuer (Valentino: The Last Emperor) vividly brings to life Jacobs’ 1960s showdown with ruthless construction kingpin Robert Moses over his plan to raze lower Manhattan to make way for a highway, a dramatic struggle over the very soul of the neighborhood. (2K DCP Presentation)
Citizen Jane: Battle for the City (2016)
DIRECTED BY: Matt Tyrnauer
Thursday, August 3, 2017 7:00 p.m.
Friday, August 4, 2017 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, August 5, 2017 3:00 p.m.
$4 IUB students, $7 non-students.
International Arthouse Series
Friday August 4, 2017
Contact Your Reps Party sponsored by NOW Monroe County
Cup And Kettle, 208 N. Walnut St.
Grab a cup of tea and contact your reps! They’ll have everything you need, supplies for sending postcards and scripts for making calls.
More information here .
Saturday, August 6 2:00 - 4:00pm
Campaign Launch Meet and Greet for Liz Watson, 9th District Congressional Candidate
Fountain Square Mall Ballroom
see above for details
Saturday, August 12
MCDP ‘Your Voice Matters’ Canvass and Listening Tour - Ellettsville
August's canvass will be in Ellettsville with details coming soon about exact times and location. Help reach out to members of our community to ask “What do you want from your government?” We’ll go door to door to lend an ear to voters who want to express concerns about local, state, and national issues. Volunteers will first be trained on how to engage with voters, get a walk packet, and then return to debrief. You do not have to have canvassing experience to attend. If you are new to canvassing, you will be paired up with an experienced canvasser. If you have questions or would like to sign up to help, contact Teri Bleuel or sign up here.
Sunday August 13, 2017 2:00pm - 3:30pm
League Of Women Voters Monthly Meeting
Monroe County Public Library, Room 2A
Tuesday, August 15, 11:30am
Monroe County Democrats’ Club Meeting
DeAngelo’s Restaurant (Eastland Plaza) 2620 E. Third St. (Note new location!)
Rob Stone, Hoosiers for Common Sense Health Care, will be the guest speaker
Thursday August 17, 2017 6:00pm
Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus Monthly Meeting
City Hall, Hooker Room
Friday August 18 11:30am - 12:30am
The State Of Girls In Indiana Forum
City Council Chambers, 401 N. Morton Street
Join the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana’s CEO Deborah Hearn Smith and Mayor John Hamilton for an important discussion regarding the State Of Girls in Indiana
RSVP: [email protected] by Monday August 14
INFO: https://www.girlscoutsindiana.org/en/events/state-of-girls.html
Monday August 21, 5:30pm
Democratic Party Caucus for City Council At-Large Seat
City Council Chambers, City Hall
The Monroe County Democratic Party will hold a caucus to fill the at-large seat that Tim Mayer is leaving behind after 34 years of tremendous service. We encourage anyone who wants to compete in the caucus to do so and will give them the tools and guidance they need to make this a productive experience. If you’re interested in running, email MCDP Chair Mark Fraley for more information and next steps.
Aug. 24-17, 2017
137th Annual IDEA Convention
French Lick Hotel & Resort, French Lick, Indiana
Saturday, August 26, 6:00 pm
Lee Hamilton Dinner
8670 West Highway, French Lick, Indiana
Join your fellow Ninth District Democrats for the annual dinner fundraiser and candidate showcase named in honor of our former Ninth District congressman Lee Hamilton, to be held as part of the annual Indiana Democratic Editorial Association (IDEA) conference in historic French Lick. For more information, contact District Party Headquarters at 812.725.2020 or [email protected].
$50 per person, $40 for Ninth District Torchbearers To purchase tickets, click here!
Saturday, August 26, 3:00 - 11:00 pm
2017 Pridefest
Kirkwood Avenue
Bloomington Pride-sponsored Summerfest, Bloomington's annual celebration of LGBTQ+ life and culture, now has a new name: Pridefest. This year's festival takes place August 26 on Kirkwood Ave (between Walnut & Lincoln Streets). We'll have live performers, music, family-friendly activities, educational booths, and local food trucks. Performers: Interested in joining us? Visit our website to submit an application. Local and regional acts preferred. Information at http://bloomingtonpride.org/pridefest
Thursday September 7th 5 pm-7 pm
Tour the Bloomington Health Center! (tours starting at 5:15, 5:45, and 6:15)
21 S College Ave, Bloomington, IN 47403
Deborah Meader and Nan McKinley (Co-chairs of the Reproductive Justice Task Force of the UU) along with Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky (PPINK), invite you to tour the Bloomington Health Center and learn about the organization and services provided.
Please RSVP by September 1, 2017 to Alayna Lerner at [email protected] or 317-637-4170.
We appreciate your support and hope to see you there!
Thursday, September 28, 9:00 am
First Annual Monroe County Government Opioid and Prescription Drug Summit
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]
ACTION ITEMS:
Join us at the DWC Breakfast on August 4 to learn about Township Government, design and ask a question at our City Council Candidate Forum on August 13, invite and bring your friends to the DWC Comedy Night on September 3. Continue to engage in democracy, CALL, VOLUNTEER, DONATE, RESIST!!!
Keep these numbers on speed dial!
Representative Trey Hollingsworth
https://hollingsworth.house.gov/
Washington, D.C. Office: 202-225-5315
Greenwood Office: 317-851-8710
Jeffersonville, IN office: 812-288-3999
720 Executive Park Dr., Suite 3000B
Senator Joe Donnelly
https://www.donnelly.senate.gov/
Washington D.C. Office: (202) 224-4814
Indianapolis Office: (317) 226-5555
115 N. Pennsylvania St., Suite 100
Senator Todd Young
https://www.young.senate.gov/
Washington D.C. Office: 202-224-5623
Indianapolis Office: 317-226-6700
46 East Ohio Street, Suite 462
Join the DWC. 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/