RAISE YOUR VOICES! ORGANIZE!
This was one of the inspiring messages we received at last Friday's monthly breakfast at the Village Deli. Our speaker, Indiana State Senator, Jean Breaux (daughter and legacy of retired female State Senator Billy Breaux!), is the Democratic Assistant Minority Floor Leader in the Senate, as well as a member of the Rules Committee and the ranking member of the Health and Provider Services Committee. She is obviously in the thick of crucial issues facing our state and our country and had lots to report on the Indiana legislative session that just ended. Unfortunately, most of what went on there represented horribly backward thinking and anti-democratic politicking. From the environment, to women's rights, to education, to racial equality, to election of judges, to voting rights to local home rule, the State Assembly took action to undermine progress in these areas and more. We are not going to rehash every negative thing that emerged from those hollowed halls in Indianapolis (and yes, we mean hollowed with an O) because it's an unproductive exercise in self-flagellation. There is a silver lining, and it is that the people of our state need us and we have a true opportunity to serve. We MUST serve!!! One of the breakfast attendees asked Senator Breaux what we can do besides trying to vote representatives out, and that led to her response, "You can raise your voices. Organize. Show your opposition." She cited the example of a proposed bill that would have allowed law enforcement officers to use any means necessary in responding to people "obstructing traffic." This kind of bill is being proposed in numerous states across the country in the wake of marches and demonstrations since last November's national election. Senator Breaux said that the introduction of this bill was shared repeatedly on social media and the committee hearings were so packed with outraged young people that it died a quick death. So we have our marching orders. Speak up. Organize. Call our representatives. Use the power of social media. It works. And we need it now more than ever.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Announcements
Events
Action Item
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
ICW Seeking Nominations for 2017 Torchbearer Awards
The Indiana Commission for Women (ICW) is seeking nominations for the 2017 Torchbearer Awards. Torchbearers are Indiana’s most prestigious recognition of women. They have stepped forward as leaders by breaking down barriers to women’s full participation in all aspects of society. “These women have overcome or continue to confront immense challenges with courage, perseverance, and compassion,” said Kristin Svyantek Garvey, Executive Director of the Indiana Commission for Women. “They serve as inspiration for others by facing tough choices, demonstrating character, and making significant contributions to their communities and to Indiana.”
Recipients are selected from a pool of nominated candidates who have overcome adversity, made extraordinary contributions, or been pioneers throughout their lives. Selection is based on the recipients’ demonstrated achievement in the areas of their professional careers, community leadership, and/or public service. Nominations will be evaluated with considerable attention given to those women who have been pioneers, have removed barriers and/or have made a considerable impact to the advancement of women in Indiana.
Visit www.in.gov/icw/2334.htm to download the nomination form and guidelines. Recipients must be living at the time of their nomination. Submitted nomination forms are due on or before Friday, June 30, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. EST. Recipients of the 2017 Torchbearer Awards will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on September 27, 2017, at the Indiana Historical Society. For more information, assistance or a printed copy of nomination form, contact Kristin Garvey, Executive Director at 317-232-6720 or [email protected].
EVENTS:
Learn How to Fight Indiana Gerrymandering
Monday, May 8, 2017 7:00pm - 9:00pm, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 6050 N Meridian St, Indianapolis
Women4Change Indiana Restructuring + Activism Task Force will discuss how gerrymandering negatively affects the political system in Indiana. This is a bi-partisan group and will focus on bi-partisan ways to fight this issue.Presentation will feature guest speaker Julia Vaughn, Policy Director of Common Cause Indiana. https://www.facebook.com/events/1276910715732765/
50/50 Day: What will it take to have gender balance?
Wednesday, May 10, 2017
Thousands of organizations, companies, schools, museums, libraries and homes will gather in a global conversation about what it will take to get to a more gender-balanced world in all sectors of society: business, politics, culture, home. http://www.letitripple.org/films/50-50/5050-day/
9th District Citizen’s Town Hall
Thursday, May 11th, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m., City Council Chambers, 401 N. Morton St.
Indivisible Bloomington/9th District is proud to announce their 9th District Citizens Town Hall, where constituents of Indiana Rep. Hollingsworth will voice their concerns. The hosts include Indivisible Bloomington/9th District, Monroe County National Organization for Women, Standing Up for Racial Justice, Hoosiers for a Commonsense Healthcare Plan, MoveOn, and SoIndivisible. Click here to RSVP and for more information.
"Die-In" on the B-Line
Saturday, May 13, 10:30 a.m., on the B-Line Trail near the Farmer's Market
There will be a "die-in" with participants lying down as if dead in response to the House of Representatives' recent vote to pass the Trump "Death Care Bill." Participants are encouraged to bring signs and/or create tombstones with catchy slogans that express their feelings about the destructive effects of this congressional action.
Monroe County Democratic Party Meeting
Saturday, May 13, 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 p.m., City Council Chambers, 401 N. Morton
This is the first of what is hoped to be quarterly meeting of people interested in the Democratic Party in Monroe County.
The focus is building grassroots, turning out voters for Democrats, and how precinct committee persons and core volunteers can help.
MCBDC Call Out Meeting
Thursday, May 25th at 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., City Council Chambers, 401 N. Morton St.
The Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus invites you to a call out meeting. The meeting will feature guest Mayor John Hamilton, The Honorable Valeri Haughton-Motley, City Clerk Nicole Bolden, and County Clerk Nicole Browne. For more information contact William Hosea at [email protected] or (812) 219-2420.
ACTION ITEM:
CONGRESS: DON'T TAKE AWAY OUR HEALTH CARE!
From MoveOn.org
Leaving millions of families without health insurance and stripping away protections for pre-existing conditions from every American would be a devastating betrayal. Please commit to protecting our care—and reject Trumpcare. Call our Indiana Senators and let them know how you feel! And sign the petition here:
https://petitions.moveon.org/sign/congress-dont-take-away
Finally:
Join the DWC in 2017. It's important to stay organized and energized! 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/