[email protected]http://www.democraticwomenscaucus.org/Sorry to have cancelled January Breakfast. The Listening Session with Senator Joe Donnelly was something we all were really looking forward to. We were reluctant to publicize that the Senator was actually coming to breakfast because of many logistical concerns, but he was ready and willing to listen to what Democratic women wanted him to hear. And we were ready to tell him! Alas, Mother Nature intervened. We will try to reschedule. (And now this writer has 60 copies of the NYT Crossword from 1/11/18 created by Senator Donnelly and Micky Maurer.)
It’s a new year… and that means it’s time to renew your DWC membership if you haven’t done so already….
Much of the work that is done on behalf of this group is done by volunteers, but like all other organizations, the DWC has some expenses to pay: an annual filing fee to the state, payments to maintain our website, printing costs for Point of Sale flyers, to name a few. Still, by far and away, the money raised by the group is used for the benefit of the strong, progressive, pro-choice women candidates we endorse. So please renew your membership today… Membership is $20 per year and runs from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. You can join online at https://democraticwomenscaucus.nationbuilder.com/membership, give your dues to any Steering Committee Member or pay at the breakfast. And note that if you want to vote on DWC Primary endorsements at the March Meeting, your membership needs to be paid no later than Feb. 2.
Candidate filings for the 2018 elections began on January 10 and will close on February 9. In addition to all the state and local government offices that are up for election in 2018, we also elect Precinct Committee Persons and Delegates to the State Convention in the May Primary. These are important positions open to all county residents.
Monroe County is apportioned 67 Convention Delegates, 63 of which are elected by county residents, equally distributed among the four County Council Districts. State Delegates are the only voting members at the State Convention and in 2018 they will be voting on representatives for State Convention Committees, Credentials Resolutions and Rules and the State Party Platform and nominations for the state wide candidates of Secretary of State, Auditor and Treasurer. The 2018 Democratic Convention will be held on June 16 in Indianapolis.
Precinct Committee Persons are the intermediaries between the County Democratic Party and the voters… they vote on official county business, ballot vacancies, and caucuses to fill positions open due to the resignation of an office holder. They are also supposed to work their districts, register voters, go to community events and represent the district, go door to door, help get poll workers for election day. A good resource on the role of a Precinct Committee Person can be found at: http://action.indems.org/page/-/Indems%20Precinct%20Committeeperson%20Handbook.pdf. You must reside in the precinct in which you are running and must have voted Democrat in the last primary in order to qualify (unless you are a newly registered voter in Indiana or are certified by the Party Chair).
At the Monroe County Bicentennial Kick Off Event at the Monroe County Courthouse yesterday, Charlotte Zietlow spoke about the system of government that we have in Indiana…. She said that while it may seem somewhat layered and messy, it is designed to maximize checks and balances on government entities and to force our elected officials to talk to each other and to work with each other for the benefit of their constituents. She argued persuasively that we should support that structure, including township government offices, as a way of giving voice to all citizens. As she put it: Democracy isn't necessarily easy, nor should it be.
In his benediction at the end of the event, Forest Gillmore prayed for politicians who would take risks for the greater good… here’s to getting them elected in 2018.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Announcements
Events
Action Items
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The Monroe County Democratic Party is hiring!!!!
MCDP is seeking a part-time Executive Director to manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. The Director will be responsible for carrying out the organization’s fundraising goals, assisting Party officers and Deputy chairs in executing the Party’s strategic objectives, coordinating activities for MCDP’s Democracy Lab (a multi-organization coordinating body housed with MCDP headquarters), and managing a team of interns and volunteers.
Required Qualifications: The Executive Director must have a passion for political engagement and a commitment to the ideals of the Democratic Party. The ED must have more than two years of experience in managing political campaigns or working for political organizations aligned with the Democratic Party.
The director must have strong written and oral communications skills as well as the ability to tactfully and respectfully interact with a broad array of individuals and organizations. Further, the director must be able to work independently, organize and prioritize tasks and projects, and meet routine deadlines.
Preferred Qualifications: Strong knowledge of local, state, and national politics, an experience developing and managing budgets, and a familiarity with Nation Builder and VAN (Voter Activation Network).
Salary: Depending on Experience
Commitment: ~25 hours/week
To apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected]
Nominate a pro-choice Democratic woman serving in state or local office for the 2018 Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award: https://secure.emilyslist.org/Nominate-the-2018-Rising-Star
The Rising Star Award recognizes pro-choice Democratic women serving in state legislatures, mayors' offices, city councils, school boards, and beyond. It's a way to say thank you for her work and show that we will support her wherever her career takes her next.Past winners include Philadelphia City Councilwoman Helen Gym, Colorado Speaker of the House Crisanta Duran, Boston City Councilwoman Ayanna Pressley, and former Georgia House Minority Leader and current gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams.They all have something in common: They tirelessly fight for women, families, and their communities. And we know the 2018 Rising Star is out there doing the same thing right now.
City Commission on the Status of Women Seeking Nominees for Annual Awards
The City of Bloomington Commission on the Status of Women will accept nominations for its annual awards until January 19, 2018.
The awards include the 2018 Woman of the Year Award, the Toby Strout Lifetime Contribution Award and the Emerging Leader Award. Recipients will be recognized in March 2018 during Women’s History Month.
The 2018 Woman of the Year Award recognizes a woman who has improved the quality of life for other women through inspiration, community service or professional accomplishments above and/or outside normal job responsibilities with making a difference in the lives of women and girls while making outstanding contributions to the community. The Toby Strout Lifetime Contribution Award was named for the former director of Middle Way House and former commissioner of the Bloomington Commission on the Status of Women. It recognizes a woman whose work has significantly advanced the status of women through leadership and service. The Emerging Leader Award acknowledges a woman with fewer than five years of significant achievements and recognizes the potential for future contributions to the community.
The Emerging Leader Award recipient will be honored at the Women’s Leadership Development event on Thursday, March 8, at City Hall. The Woman of the Year Award and Toby Strout Lifetime Contribution Award recipients will be honored at the Women’s History Month Lunch on Wednesday, March 21, at the Monroe Convention Center.
Nomination forms are available online or at City Hall in the Community and Family Resources Department at 401 N. Morton, Suite 260. For more information, please contact Sue Owens, Program Specialist, Community and Family Resources Department, City of Bloomington, [email protected]
Monroe County Citizens' Academy Seeking Participants
Registration is now open for the 2018 Monroe County Citizens’ Academy, which will begin on February 7 and conclude on April 4. The Academy is open to Monroe County residents who are at least 18 years old. The brochure and application can be found here: https://extension.purdue.edu/monroe/Pages/article.aspx?intItemID=8015. This is one of the best ways to get familiar with county government! Application Deadline is Feb. 2, 2018
Monroe County Government Seeking Board and Commission Members
Joining a board is a great way to learn about and provide expertise on a specific topic, get involved in public service and make your community stronger. Some boards/commissions need a specific interest or political affiliation.
All meetings are public and open to the public to attend (although there may be some protocol about members of the public speaking). If you're interested, please visit: http://www.co.monroe.in.us/tsd/Government/Commissioners/MonroeCountyBoardsandCommissions.aspx
You can also email and ask for an application: [email protected]
OPENINGS:
-Alcoholic Beverage Board
-Aviation Board
-Board of Health
-Convention and Visitor's Commission
-Drainage Board
-Environmental Commission
-Historic Preservation Board
-Human Rights Commission
-Licensing Board
-Traffic Commission
-Women's Commission
TRAINING, TRAINING, and MORE TRAINING!
DWC Circuit Training, Saturday, January 27, 2-4 p.m., Council Chambers at City Hall
We want women to run the best and smartest campaigns they can possibly run. And we have experienced women to help other women do that. Our circuit training has gotten very good evaluations from participants. It is tailored specifically to women, and it's a fabulous way to kick-start your campaign, or that of the friend that you've asked to run for office. Save the date. We will have full information about the training in next week’s MMN.
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!
DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM HEARINGS
The Indiana Democratic Party is hosting three Platform Hearings in January 2018 to get input from Hoosier Democrats on issues that they want to see included in our 2018 State Party Platform to be presented at the 2018 State Convention on June 16). Hearings will take place in the North (Gary), Central (Indianapolis), and Southern (Scottsburg) parts of the state. The Party will accept online input as well as handwritten forms from those who are not able to attend and/or speak at one of the above sessions.
Facebook
Event Pages for Platform Hearings
Gary – January 19
Scottsburg – January 27
Can’t attend one of the meetings? For a form to submit your ideas and for more information on this process: http://www.indems.org/2018-state-democratic-party-platform/
EVENTS:
Tuesday January 16, 2018 11:30am - 1:00pm
Monroe County Democrats’ Club Luncheon Meeting
DeAngelo’s Restaurant, Eastland Plaza
Professor Marjorie Hershey will speak about the upcoming elections.
Members are encouraged to come a little early, as Professor Hershey will begin speaking at 11:45.
The public is invited to attend.
The cost of the lunch is $11 and includes choice of soup, salad, non-alcoholic drink and gratuity.
Elected officials and candidates for office will be introduced..
RSVP to [email protected] if you plan to attend, as the restaurant need to know numbers.
Wednesday January 17, 2018 11:30am - 1:30pm
Bedford Coffee & Conversation with Liz Watson
Bazaar Café, 919 15th St., Bedford
Join Liz Watson for coffee and conversation about her campaign for candidate for U.S. Congress, District 9
Friday January 19, 2018 6:00pm
2018 Party Platform Hearing
McBride Union Hall, 1301 Texas St., Gary, IN
The Democratic Party wants your input for the 2018 Indiana Democratic Party platform. Share your thoughts and ideas.
Can't make it? Submit your ideas. http://action.indems.org/platform
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Women’s March In Indianapolis: Reclaiming Our State: Power To The Polls Noon - 4:00pm
American Legion Mall, Indianapolis
Women’s March organizers announced that they have chartered buses to Indianapolis from 10 cities throughout the state, including Bloomington. For those interested in riding a bus to the march, click here for the link to getting your seat and more information on the March.
See you in Indy!
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Liz Watson For Indiana at the Women’s March in Indianapolis
Meet at the flagpole at noon in front of the Indianapolis Public Library, 40 E. Clair St. to take a group photo. You are encouraged to wear Liz gear. There will be an information booth and merchandise at 115 W. Washington St. immediately after the march. Feel free to stop by and say hi.!
If you can’t find them… text Alexis at 317-410-2019 or Sarah at 317-755-9593.
Click here for more information.
Sunday, January 21, 2018, 1:00 -3:00pm
Monroe County NOW General Meeting
Monroe County Library Auditorium.
Special guest and Indiana State Democratic Party Deputy Chair Dana Black will speak.
To learn more about Dana Black, please visit http://www.indianasown.com
RSVP on the NOW Facebook Event Page.
Wednesday January 24, 2018 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Wine Tasting & Fundraiser for Erika Oliphant For Prosecutor
Grazie Italiano, 106 W. 6th St., Bloomington
Please join the Committee to Elect Erika Oliphant for a wine tasting and fundraiser!
Enjoy light appetizers, wine, and good conversation. Erika will speak about her progressive platform for the Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney's Office at 7:00 P.M. She will be available for questions and comments.
Suggested donation: $100.00. Any donation welcome!
Saturday January 27, 2018 11:00am
2018 Party Platform Hearing
Mid-America Science Park, 821 S. Lake St., Scottsburg
The Democratic Party wants your input for the 2018 Indiana Democratic Party platform. Share your thoughts and ideas.
Can't make it? Submit your ideas. http://action.indems.org/platform
Sunday January 28, 2018 11:00am
Pies For Penny: A Campaign Launch Party and Fundraiser for Penny Githens
Sherwood Green Homeowner's Association Clubhouse, 985 E. Buckingham Drive
Join Penny Githens for Pies for Penny as she launches my 2018 IN State Representative campaign.
If you'd like to donate a pie or two, please let her know. https://www.facebook.com/PennyGithensforIndiana/
Wednesday, February 15, 2018 9-10:00pm
How To Build A Free Campaign Website Online Training
Online Training
hosted by 92 County Strategy, advocating for Progress through Civic Education
Having a website is necessary before anyone announces that they want to run for office. Join us to learn how to build a professional-looking website for FREE in an hour!
https://www.facebook.com/events/520022515063815/
Wednesday, February 15, 2018
State Of The City Address
Buskirk Chumley Theater
Thursday February 16, 2018 5:30pm Reception - 6:20 - 8:00pm Program
From Protest to Progress - Unmasking the Movement
City Hall Council Chambers, 401 N. Morton Street
The City of Bloomington’s Kick Off to Black History Month 2018! This year's theme is From Protest to Progress: Unmasking the Movement. The featured speaker is Eric Love, Director of Staff Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Notre Dame.
ACTION ITEMS:
Village Deli Food Drive:
If you were planning to bring a non-perishable food item to the breakfast for the Village Deli food drive for the Hoosier Hills Food Bank, you can still do so. There is a collection box inside the Deli.
Get to Indianapolis for the Women’s March on Saturday, Jan. 20. Let’s show the powers-that-be that we haven’t lost our momentum in 2018!
Volunteer to work on a campaign - help a woman run to victory
Consider a run for Precinct Committee Person or Delegate to the Democratic Convention
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/