Hard to believe, but the first month of 2018 is almost at an end and that means it must be time for the DWC monthly breakfast - coming up this Friday, Feb. 2, at 7:30 am at the Village Deli. All are welcome. The forecast is for sunny skies and 30 degrees so hopefully Mother Nature won’t be interfering with our plans this month.
CNN recently reported that hundreds of young, smart, progressive women are getting active in politics in light of events happening in this country and our speaker this month is one of them. Ali Brown is the Managing Director of Brown Progressive Strategies. Ali has been working on campaigns since she was old enough to hold a clipboard. She is an EMILY's List Trained, New Organizing Institute polished, and Indiana battle hardened campaign operative who has worked on Presidential, Congressional, Governor, State, and local campaigns. She also holds the title of youngest elected Democratic County Party Chair, when she took the reins of DeKalb County Democrats at 23. Ali understands the Indiana political landscape better than almost anyone in the state. She is a well known for her advocacy for more women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ candidates to get into Indiana politics. Vi Simpson says “you will all love her” so come on out to hear what she has to say.
Circuit Training… about 65 women (twelve of them identified candidates for 2018 and a number more thinking of running in the future) gathered in the Bloomington City Council Chambers on Saturday, Jan. 28 to hear presentations on Campaign Organization, Finances, Fundraising, Public Speaking, Communications, Messaging and Graphic Design. There was also a presentation on the DWC Endorsement process. It was a most informative event and we welcome any feed back from participants and the membership, both on this event and possible upcoming trainings, at [email protected].
it’s time to renew your DWC membership if you haven’t done so already….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. 15 at midnight.
Speaking of Endorsements - Steering Committee Member Kitty Leill has been working hard as chair of the DWC endorsement committee to organize this year’s endorsements and to make the process more transparent for our membership and candidates. Familiarize yourself with the process by going to http://www.democraticwomenscaucus.org/endorsements.
Important Dates:
Friday, Feb. 9 at noon: deadline for filing a candidacy for the 2018 Primary
Saturday, Feb. 10: the endorsement committee will email candidates with details on applying for endorsement.
Friday, Feb. 16 at noon: deadline for submitting an application for DWC Endorsement
Saturday, Feb. 24: interviews with candidates for endorsement begin
The organization will vote on DWC Primary Endorsements at the March 2, 2018 Breakfast.
And SAVE THE DATE April 8, 2018 at 6pm for the 3rd Annual DWC Political Karaoke Fundraiser!
Candidates and friends, enjoy a night of silliness!! Karaoke for everyone and a competition for our 2018 candidates who will perform as "Celebrity Performers". This is an unforgettable event: candidates compete for prizes by performing their choice of karaoke song. You won't want to miss!
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Announcements
Events
Action Items
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Linda Lawson Introduces Equal Pay Legislation in the Indiana House (for the 20th time!)
It’s 2018 and women still earn just 80 percent of what their male counterparts earn.
This past year, we have seen women organize and fight for what is right. It’s past time that Indiana takes the next step and mandates equal pay for equal work.
Rep. Linda Lawson of Hammond introduced equal pay legislation to kick off this legislative session. We’ve set a goal to get 10,000 signatures to stand with these representatives and Hoosier women everywhere.
Indiana has the sixth worst wage gap in the entire country.
Women are equal members of our communities, economy and government. It’s time they get properly compensated for the work they do.
It’s time we stand together to send a clear message: equal work deserves equal pay. Add your name if you agree.
Thank you,
Indiana House Democrats
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.
The Monroe County Citizens' Academy is 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!
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). Although the hearings are over you can still submit your ideas to the party at: http://www.indems.org/2018-state-democratic-party-platform/.
They will start drafting the platform in early March so get your ideas in by the end of February.
EVENTS:
Wednesday January 31, 2010 6:00pm - 8:00pm
The Startup Ladies Inaugural Meetup
Cup and Kettle Tea Co., 208 N. Walnut St., #100, Bloomington
The Startup Ladies is a membership organization that identifies, educates, connects, and increases investment in women entrepreneurs starting up and scaling businesses.
Learn more at TheStartupLadies.org.
They are excited to be expanding to Bloomington in 2018! Join them for their inaugural Meetup to learn more about programming for entrepreneurs and investors. And, meet some of their most successful women-founders from Indianapolis.
Inaugural Meetup Agenda:
6:00 pm - Guests arrive and enjoy tea and appetizers
6:30 pm - Kristen Cooper, CEO & Founder, The Startup Ladies shares accomplishments and sets goals for the Bloomington Chapter
6:50 pm - Startup Ladies' success stories
7:30 pm - Invitation to become a member / continue networking
8:00 pm - Wrap up8:15 pm - “No host” dinner nearby with local entrepreneurs and investors
Thursday, February 1, 2018, 5:30 pm Reception; 6:20pm Program
Black History Month Kick-off Celebration
City Council Chambers, Bloomington City Hall
The Black History Month Kick-off Celebration will start with a reception at 5:30 pm; program will start at 6:15 pm. The keynote speaker will be Eric Love, Director of Staff Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Notre Dame. There will be a live jazz performance and a good time!
Thursday, February 1, 2018, 6:00 pm
Democracy For Monroe County Monthly Linkup: Wage Theft: The Crime No One Talks About
Monroe County Public Library, Room 2A
A power point presentation by Chaim Julian about wage theft, a crime that is constantly under the radar. Followed by a discussion with Liz Feitl, the AFL-CIO Community Service Liaison,with United Way of Monroe County. This crime is one that people do not talk about, but we need to talk about it and Liz has been on the front line dealing with this in our community. This topic is especially timely, because if the US Chamber of Commerce and its allies get their way in front of the US Supreme Court wage theft could become rampant throughout the country.
Prior to the program DFMC Members will elect DFMC Officers and Board of Directors
Friday February 2, 2018 7:30am - 9:00pm
Annual IU Bloomington Legislative Forum and Breakfast
Kelley Dining Room at the Virgil T. DeVault Alumni Center
This annual forum allows alumni the chance to meet and hear from area legislators about the issues affecting Bloomington and the State of Indiana. Legislators in attendance include Sen. Mark Stoops, Sen. Eric Koch, Rep. Peggy Mayfield, Rep. Matt Pierce, Rep. Jeff Ellington, Rep. Bob Heaton and Rep. Chris May. The forum will be moderated by Editor of the Herald Times, Bob Zaltsberg, The Breakfast is free and will last until 9 a.m.
Saturday February 3, 2018 1:00pm - 2:00pm
A Celebration of Rosa Parks’ 105th Birthday, Black History Month & Bloomington Transit
Bloomington Downtown Transit Center
Bloomington Transit invites the public to join in a celebration of Rosa Parks’ 105th birthday as part of Bloomington’s Black History Month and Bicentennial Celebrations. The program, from 1:00-2:00 p.m. at the Downtown Transit Center (301 S. Walnut), will highlight civil rights activist Rosa Parks’ contributions to ending bus segregation and insuring African-American civil rights with her acts of resilience and courage.
Local actress and historian Gladys DeVane will portray Rosa Parks at the event. Following DeVane’s (in character as Parks) arrival at the Downtown Transit Center at 1:00 p.m. on the #3 Highland Village bus, a special presentation by Resilience Productions of She Changed the Course of History: The Rosa Parks Story, written and performed by Gladys DeVane, narrated by Liz Mitchell, and directed by Danielle Bruce, will be offered. The event will continue with brief remarks by Mayor John Hamilton and Bloomington Common Council Member Jim Sims, who also serves as President of the Monroe County Chapter of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People). Following the program, refreshments, photo opportunities with DeVane as Parks, and an exhibit of Jim Crow artifacts from the collection of Elizabeth Mitchell are planned.
To encourage the use of Bloomington Transit and to celebrate Rosa Parks’ birthday, bus rides will be free all day on fixed route and BT Access service on Saturday, February 3.
For questions or for more information regarding this event, please contact Lew May at 812-332-5688.
Saturday February 3, 2018 1:00 - 5:00pm
MCDP Candidate Training: Using VAN/Votebuilder for Your Campaign
Democratic Party Headquarters, 116 S. Madison St.
VAN is a database maintained by the Democratic Party. It is an extremely important tool for contacting voters, analyzing data, and managing your campaign. Adi Ben Yehoshua, Indiana Democratic Party Data and Training Manager will be on hand to discuss recent updates to VAN and how it can be used most effectively in your campaigns. Highly recommended for candidates or their surrogates. More information here.
Sunday February 4, 2018 1:00 - 6:00pm
Oliphant for Prosecutor - FOSSIL RAIN® Jewelry Sale & Friend-raiser Open House
Home of Lorraine Merriman Farrell, 3533 E Longview Avenue, Bloomington
FOSSIL RAIN® Owner & Jewelry Artist, Lorraine Merriman Farrell, and Co-Hosts Erika Oliphant & Beth Hamlin, invite you to stop by for the opportunity to purchase FOSSIL RAIN® jewelry at wholesale prices. Select pieces from the artist’s personal collection will also be available for purchase at their full, retail value. Enjoy good company and light refreshments; no speechifying will occur, but Erika will be on hand to speak with you and answer your questions!
All proceeds will be donated by Lorraine Merriman Farrell to "The Committee to Elect Erika Oliphant” for Monroe County Prosecutor. For more information, email [email protected].
Thursday February 8, 2018 6:00 - 7:30pm
Habitat For Humanity of Monroe County Women Build 2018 Kick-Off
Oliver Winery, 200 E. Winery Road, Bloomington
Always wondered what Women Build is all about? COME FIND OUT!
Have some friends you think would be great builders? BRING THEM ALONG!
Celebrate the official kick-off of Women Build 2018 and learn the new route to Oliver Winery!
This event is a no-commitment, fun time to learn about Women Build and meet local Habitat families.
Enjoy great food and drinks, meet awesome people, and maybe even win some prizes!
Open to all past and future Women Builders and their supporters -- husbands, partners, spouses,
and friends are welcome.
Women Build 2018 will be April 27 - May 12th.
Thursday February 8, 2018 7:00 - 9:00pm
Indivisible Bloomington & 9th District Strategy Session
Democracy Lab, 116 S. Madison St., Bloomington
Revisiting 2017 and planning goals for 2018. Open to all members, bring your friends.
Deadline to RSVP: Tue Feb. 6 at noon.
February, 10, 2018, 9:30am
League of Women Voters Legislative Update #2
Bloomington City Council Chambers, City Hall, Showers Complex
The public is invited to the second League of Women Voters Legislative Update of 2018.
State legislators representing Monroe County will discuss the ongoing Indiana General Assembly "short" session. Audience questions and concerns will follow the legislators' remarks.
The event will be taped by Cable Access Television Services through the Monroe County Public Library and will be replayed by CATS throughout the current legislative session.
The third Legislative Updates is scheduled for March 3.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1569897806380625/
Sunday, February, 11, 2018, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
League of Women Voters Monthly Meeting
Monroe County Public Library
Sunday, February, 11, 2018, 11:00am and 1:00pm Seatings
Community Kitchen Winter Brunch to support hunger relief efforts
The Community Kitchen, 1515 S. Rogers St., Bloomington
This all inclusive three course brunch includes the menu below and paired cocktails from Cardinal Spirits. The cost is $50/person and reservations with food choices are required. Make reservations at 812-332-0999 or to [email protected]. All proceeds support Community Kitchen‘s hunger relief efforts.
Tuesday, February 13, 2018, 5:30 pm
State Of The Black Community Discussion
City Hall Council Chambers, 401 N. Morton Street
The evening will feature a coalition of organizations discussing the education system, economics, and the criminal justice system, as they relate to the Black community. Refreshments will be served.
Wednesday, February 15, 2018, 9:00-10:00pm
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, 6:30pm
State Of The City Address
Buskirk Chumley Theater
The City of Bloomington and Mayor John Hamilton present the annual State of the City Address.
This is a free event, open to the public, and does not require a ticket. The address will last roughly 1 hour, with a 30-minute reception afterwards, featuring light refreshments. Doors to the theater will open at 6:30pm.
Sunday, February 18, 2018, 5:00pm - 7:30pm
24th Annual Soup Bowl Benefit to benefit the Hoosier Hills Food Bank
Bloomington Monroe County Convention Center
Nearly 700 attendees will experience what every sell-out event has featured to date: a smorgasbord of beautiful handmade bowls, tasty soups and bread from over 40 local restaurants and great local entertainment. Music this year will include the IU Soul Revue, Carrie Newcomer and other special guests.
Tickets are available now for $30 in advance at Bloomingfoods, By Hand Gallery and Hoosier Hills Food Bank. Attendees with a full-priced ticket will receive a handmade bowl, soup, bread and beverages. Tickets have traditionally sold out several weeks in advance of the event. Children’s tickets for food and paper bowls will be available at the door on the day of the event for $6
Wednesday, February 21, 2018, 5:30pm
Showing Up Town Hall Tour with Liz Watson - Medical Marijuana
Monroe County Public Library
The Liz for Indiana #ShowingUp Town Hall Tour continues at the Monroe County Public Library Auditorium in Bloomington, Indiana on February 21 to talk about medical marijuana. Child care will be provided.
Saturday, February 24, 2018, 11:00am - Noon
Isabel Piedmont-Smith Constintuent Meeting
Bloomington City Hall, McCloskey Room (#135)
In 2018, Piedmont-Smith's constituent meetings will generally be on the last Saturday of each month, 11 am to 12 noon in the McCloskey Room of City Hall. For a full list of meetings, please visit https://bloomington.in.gov/council/smith.
Saturday, February 24, 2018, 7:00 pm
12th Annual Black History Month GALA
Grab a babysitter and come out for a dance party! The Black History Month Gala will include dinner, a silent auction, photos, and lots of fun. The theme is Masquerade!
Tickets are $50.00 and go live February 1st at the Buskirk-Chumley Box Office. If you have any questions, please email Maqube Reese. Share the event through Facebook.
Thursday, March 1, 2018, 7:00 - 9:00pm
Backpack Full of Cash Documentary Film Screening
hosted by the Indiana Coalition For Public Education Monroe County
Location TBA
Save the Date --> March 1
School Choice Week is a scam!
See why at our screening of the movie "Backpack Full of Cash."
More details to come in the next few weeks.
Indiana Coalition For Public Education Monroe County
https://www.facebook.com/Indiana-Coalition-for-Public-Education-Monroe-County-374573205902510/
Saturday, March 10, 2018, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Camp Congress For Girls Bloomington 2018 - hosted by Girls in Politics Initiative
310 S. College Ave.
Camp Congress for Girls Bloomington 2018 is a leadership program that introduces girls ages 8 to 15 to politics. Camp begins with a lesson on the structure of our political system. Each girl will choose to run for a seat in the US House of Representatives, the US Senate or for the presidency. She will create her own campaign with a platform, campaign slogan, campaign finance plan, campaign marketing materials and a political ad for YouTube. During the camp session, the campers will meet an elected official or political consultant. Girl Scouts participating in Camp Congress for Girls Houston 2017 will earn a Citizen Legacy Badge for participation. All participants will receive Certificate of Completion.
The camp general registration fee is $160, the Girl Scout registration fee is $120, the military family rate is $120 and the group rate is $120 per ticket for any purchase of 5 or more tickets.
For additional information contact us at +1 (202) 660-1457 ext 2,via email at [email protected] or
visit our website at www.girlsinpolitics.org.
Watch the Girls in Politics Initiative™ on MSNBC’s Melissa Harris-Perry Show.
“Camp empowers young girls to run for office” http://www.nbcnews.com/video/mhp/52698319
Thursday, March 29, 6:00pm
MCDP FDR Gala
Fountain Square Mall Ballroom
Save the date for the annual Monroe County Democratic Party FDR Gala!
More information will be coming soon.
ACTION ITEMS:
The Legislature is in Session and there are many bills that will affect our lives under consideration. Monitor the Legislature in session, attend local legislative forums and and contact your legislators on the issues that affect and are important to you and those for whom you are allies.
Local women are filing to run for office... find out who is running, what they stand for and if you support their candidacy, get out and help. Volunteer to work with a candidate's campaign - it's the best way to learn how to run for office, how to help someone run for office and to keep abreast of what is happening in our government.
Familiarize yourself with the DWC endorsement process so you can make an informed vote at the March 2 Meeting.
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/