Has it really been only 145 days? It feels like an eternity. But as we fight to protect healthcare, the environment, our public schools, justice for religious, racial, and LGBTQ minorities, and so much more, we need to keep the president’s accomplices in the House and Senate squarely in our sights—and begin thinking about taking back the House in 2018. And that brings us to the gerrymander, the spawn of legislators intent on protecting the party in power by drawing district maps to favor its own candidates, in effect allowing candidates to choose their voters rather than being accountable to them. According to “Extreme Maps,” a recent report by the Brennan Center for Justice at New York University School of Law, “extreme partisan bias in congressional maps accounts for at least 16–17 Republican seats in the current Congress—a significant portion of the 24 seats Democrats would need to gain control of the House in 2020.” Among the report’s findings are that congressional maps drawn up after the 2010 census consistently favor Republicans; that these maps have persisted through changes in the legislature and population shifts; that just six swing states and Texas account for almost all the bias, and most importantly, “maps drawn by independent commissions, courts, or split-party state governments had less bias.”
So what can we do to take back our democracy? First, we need to educate ourselves. Read the Brennan Center’s report (http://www.brennancenter.org/publication/extreme-maps) and its work on redistricting as well as voting rights and elections (http://www.brennancenter.org/issues/redistricting). Watch the movie Gerrymandering (available free online at http://www.snagfilms.com/films/title/gerrymandering). Consider walking in the League of Women Voters’ July “Gerrymander Meander” and invite a few friends and neighbors to come along. Lend your support to organizations that are fighting to end gerrymandering. Let your legislators know that you want competitive districts drawn up by a bipartisan commission. Time is of the essence—the 2018 House races are right around the corner and the next redistricting is less than four years away, following the 2020 census.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Announcements
Events
Action Items
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
From members Rachel Guglielmo and Regina Moore:
On May 22, Shannon Watts, founder of Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, announced a new initiative to “train and encourage” high school and college-aged young women to find a place in the political arena. “Rise To Run” brings together female leaders from myriad perspectives, on and offline, to prepare a generation of young women to take on powerful political roles in this country.
We're excited that a pilot will be in Bloomington, focusing on young progressive women in our community who will be the future leaders of tomorrow!
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Rachel Guglielmo [email protected], 812-361-1610;
Regina Moore [email protected] 812-340-2496
DEADLINE FOR EMERGING LEADERS PROJECT APPLICATIONS IS JUNE 15!
Applications are being accepted for the Indiana Democratic Emerging Leaders Project. The project is a free, year-long leadership development program designed to help build the Indiana Democratic Party’s bench of future public servants. The program will include four conferences throughout the year starting in September geared toward honing the skills of leaders ages 21 to 40 in the areas of campaign management, public policy, public service, and party building. Click here for more information on how to apply.
Several women from the DWC are graduates of this program, including Darcie Fawcett, Allison Chopra, Kaisa Goodman, and Jessica McClellan. We're sure they would be willing to share their impressions of the program, and encourage you to apply.
SUBMIT YOUR NOMINATION FOR THE 2017 TORCHBEARER AWARDS!
The Indiana Commission for Women is accepting nominations for the 2017 Torchbearer Awards. Recipients have overcome adversity, made extraordinary contributions, or been pioneers throughout their lives. These women can be pioneers in their professional career. They can be advocates who have removed barriers to women's full participation in all aspects of society. They can be unsung "sheroes" who have made considerable impact on the advancement of women in Indiana.
Visit www.in.gov/icw/2334.htm for more information and to download the nomination form and guidelines. Submitted nomination forms are due by Friday, June 30, 2017, at 5:00pm EST. Recipients of the 2017 Torchbearer Awards will be announced at an Awards Ceremony on September 27, 2017, at the Indiana Historical Society.
If you have additional questions, please contact ICW at [email protected] or (317) 232-6720!
Make sure you get your nomination in by the deadline!
EVENTS:
TONIGHT, Monday, June 12, 2017, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Children before Profits! Indiana Coalition for Public Education Fundraiser
Unitarian Universalist Society of Bloomington, 2120 N. Fee Lane, Bloomington
Come learn about the latest on vouchers and charters, the state takeover of Muncie Community Schools, the Seven Oaks lawsuit, and the vital importance of the ICPE's work! Speakers include Tim Skinner (chairperson of the state-level ICPE), Paul Farmer (Bloomington High School North teacher and MCEA president), Dr. Laura Hammack (superintendent of Brown County Schools), and Cathy Fuentes-Rohwer (chair of ICPE-MC). Join us in our fight for public schools! The ICPE will be providing hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and discussion on what we can do. To learn more about the ICPE-Monroe County, go to http://www.icpe-monroecounty.org/.
Thursday, June 15, 2017, 6:00pm
Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus Monthly Meeting
735 S. College Ave., Bloomington
On the agenda: the Juneteenth fundraiser, creation of a By-Laws Committee, trainings coordinated with the MCDP and NAACP, and meeting locations.
Thursday, June 15, 2017, 7:30 - 9:00pm
Rise to Run Informational Meeting
Monroe County Public Library, Room 1C
Friday, June 16, 2017, 5:30 - 8:30pm
Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus: 1st Annual Juneteenth Fundraiser
Sponsored by the Monroe County Democratic Party, Don and Nicole Griffin, and Mayor John Hamilton and Dawn Johnsen.
Refreshments. Music by Charlie Jesseph.
Suggested Contribution: $110, $250, $500. Please make checks payable to the Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus. (Contributions can also be mailed to PO Box 3471, Bloomington, IN 47402.)
Sunday, June 18, 2017, 4:00 - 6:00pm
Rise to Run Informational Meeting
Monroe County Public Library, Room 1B
Tuesday, June 20, 2017, 11:30am
Monroe County Democrats' Club
Runnin Crab Restaurant, 2038 N. Walnut St., Bloomington (across from the old venue of Bobby's Colorado Steakhouse)
The speaker will be Betty Cockrum, the former president of Planned Parenthood of Indiana and Kentucky. The cost for the salad bar, a beverage, and a gratuity will be $11.00, payable at the door. Bring a sweater, as the restaurant is a little chilly. The public is invited to attend.
Saturday, June 24, 2017, 4:00 - 5:30pm
Swing Left Meeting
Monroe County Public Library, Room 214
Sunday, June 25, 2017, 1:00 - 3:00pm
Monroe County NOW General Chapter Meeting
Monroe County Public Library, Room 1B
Hear updates from the Leadership Council and committee chairs.
See how you can get involved with our committees and the chapter as a whole.
Saturday, July 8, 2017, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Freedom Rally - We The People
Indiana State House
Hosted by Hoosiers For Action
Celebrating the constitution and the freedoms that it gives us! Join Hoosier Action to listen to various speakers and to check out like minded organizations from around our great state. More details to come!
Sunday, July 9, 2017, 2:00 - 3:30pm
League of Women Voters Monthly Meeting
Monroe County Public Library, Room 2A
July 10 - July 14, 2017
Girls with Nerve
Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington
Girls with Nerve is a FREE, week-long day camp aimed at empowering high school girls to explore neuroscience.
Campers will:
- See and hear how the brain controls movement
- Trick your brain and discover how it learns
- Visit IU neuroscience labs and WonderLab
- Join a network of female grad students and faculty
Learn more: http://www.blocklab.net/girls-with-nerve-iu.html
Apply online by June 15!: https://iu.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4URDFqtqyRnVXBr
Friday, July 14, 6:00pm
Women in Politics Cocktail Hour
Truffles Fine Cuisine, 1131 S. College Mall Rd., Bloomington
Join us for a casual cocktail hour and bring a friend.
Sunday, July 16, 2017, 2:00pm
The Gerrymander Meander
Childs School
Sponsored by the League of Women Voters Bloomington-Monroe County, Indiana
REDISTRICTING REFORM: DID THE GERRYMANDER EAT YOUR VOTE?
On the eve of Elbridge Gerry’s birthday, July 16, the LWVBMC will sponsor a leisurely walk around the borders between Indiana House districts 60, 61, and 62. In 1812, Gerry lent his name to just such an oddly shaped bit of creative district - drawing around Boston that resembled a salamander, thus the name “Gerrymander.”
They need helpers as well as walkers. If you’d like to help with this event, contact George Hegeman (812-336-2709)
Saturday, August 26, 2017, 3:00 - 11:00pm
2017 Pridefest
Kirkwood Avenue
Sponsored by Bloomington Pride
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
Thu. Sept. 28, 2017 9:00am
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.
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]