Letters to the editor, yard signs going up, ads on the TV… it’s election season! The dedicated women on the DWC Endorsement Committee have been hard at work to bring you information on the women who have applied for endorsement for the 2018 primary. In the last few weeks they reviewed candidates submissions, checked references, and developed questions. This weekend, armed with some snacks and, I hope, a lot of coffee, they interviewed all fifteen candidates and put together their recommendations for endorsement. These women have put in a lot of time and effort to make sure you all have what you need to make an informed decision and we really thank them for their hard work.
So here’s where you come in…. you get to make the final decision by voting at the March 2nd DWC Breakfast. Today you’ll get the regular MMN chock full of information to keep you abreast of what’s happening. Tomorrow morning you’ll get a special edition of the MMN that contains bio information from the candidates, links to websites, Facebook pages and contact information to help you make your decision. At the breakfast, all candidates will have the chance to make a short pitch to ask you for your vote and there will perhaps be a chance to ask a question or two. Then we will vote. All members in good standing (that is whose dues were paid by midnight on Feb. 15) will have the chance to vote on the organization's endorsements. A total yes vote of at least 2/3 of the votes cast is required for endorsement.
So what if you can’t make it to the breakfast… we understand that there are conflicts, unexpected things that happen that might prevent you from being there, so there will be a chance to vote electronically as well. As soon as it is ready we will be sending out an electronic ballot to all members who are eligible to vote along with instructions on where to return it once you've filled it out. If you do not receive a ballot but think you are entitled to one, please contact Vicky Sorensen by email or call Carolyn VandeWiele at 812-320-9920 and we will check on the situation. Online voting will start with the receipt of the electronic ballots and end at 7:00 am on Friday March 2.
We hope to see you Friday morning, ready to vote!
Don't Forget to become a DWC Member. Although you won’t be able to vote in the primary endorsement process if you didn’t renew/register before midnight on February 15th, it’s a long way until November and we need everyone’s help to get qualified women candidates into office in 2018. Use this link now: https://democraticwomenscaucus.nationbuilder.com/membership
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Announcements
Events
Cartoon
Action Item
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
INTERESTED IN WORKING EARLY VOTING OR AT THE POLLS ON ELECTION DAY?
These are paid positions….
Early voting starts on Tuesday April 10 and runs through Monday May 7
Shifts will be 8-1, 1-6 and 10-3 on weekdays and Saturdays and 8 to noon on the final Monday.
There will be a mandatory training on Friday April 6 either from 9am - 11am or 1pm - 3pm
Enquiries about working early voting can be sent to the Democratic Lead Bob Austin
Working on Primary Election Day, May 8… training will happen in late April and you would work from 5am until done… usually around 7-8pm. It’s a long day but very rewarding.
Enquiries about working at the polls can be sent to the democratic recruiter Rod Yandt
DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM
Although the in person platform hearings are over you can still submit your ideas to the party at: http://www.indems.org/2018-state-democratic-party-platform/.
The Platform Committee will start drafting the platform in early March so get your ideas in by the end of February.
SHE SHOULD RUN LAUNCHES PINPOINT: an interactive tool that allows women to find and share valuable educational resources that focus on running and serving in elected office.
Pinpoint is crowd-sourced by a community of people that reflect what we want our government to look like. One that includes women like you, women from all sides of the political spectrum, from all walks of life, and all backgrounds.
With Pinpoint, women can find the support and tools they need right in their backyard, making a step towards running that much easier. Try Pinpoint here: http://www.sheshouldrun.org/pinpoint
TRAINING, TRAINING, and MORE TRAINING!
Wednesday, March 7, 2018, 6:00 - 7:30pm
Monroe County Democratic Party Candidate Training – Campaign Finance and Compliance
MCDP Headquarters,116 S. Madison, Bloomington
The Monroe County Democratic Party will host another candidate training at MCDP Headquarters.The session, led by Democratic election board Representative Carolyn VandeWiele and MCDP treasurer Kaisa Goodman will equip you with all the tools necessary to file campaign reports appropriately and ensure all aspects of your campaign are in compliance with the law. Food will be provided.
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!
Indiana Democratic Party 2018 Wednesday Webinar Series
http://www.indems.org/webinar-trainings-recordings/
contact Adi Ben-Yehoshua at [email protected] for the password
2018 Wednesday Webinar Series
January Webinar: Jan. 3, 2018 The Indiana Statehouse – How a Bill becomes a Law with individuals from the State House and Senate Caucuses Watch here: Webinar Recording
February Webinar: Feb. 7, 2018 - Voter Registration Training with Arielle Brandy, Democratic Board Member at St. Joseph County Voter
March Webinar: March 28th at 6 PM - State Campaign Finance with Brittany Solis, Executive Director of the Indiana Democratic Party
April Webinar: April 18th at 6 PM - Building a Volunteer Base with Kristin Jones
May Webinar: TBA - Canvassing and Phonebanking Best Practices
June Webinar: June 6th at 6 PM - What to expect at State Convention with Brittany Solis, Executive Director of the Indiana Democratic Party
2017 Wednesday Webinar Series Archives
August: Grassroots Mobilization with the Knock 10 App
September: Democratic Messaging in a Digital Age
October: County Party Fundraising
November: How to become a State Delegate
December: How to file to be a Candidate or Precinct Committee-Person
Using the VAN
The latest VANual and training videos are also available at http://www.indems.org/webinar-trainings-recordings/
EVENTS:
TODAY, Monday, February 26, 2018, 6:00pm
Monroe County Democratic Party Labor Caucus Informational Meeting
D’Antonio Labor Hall, 4021 W. 3rd St., Suite C, Bloomington (the office of the Southern Indiana Regional Labor Council)
The Monroe County Democratic Party is in the process of forming a labor caucus. The caucus will be open to both union and non-union persons who are interested in improving the educational, social, political, and economic well-being of all working people.
Anyone interested in being a member of the caucus is welcome to attend.
Monday, February 26, 2018, 7:30pm
Do Not Resist: A Film Screening and Moderated Discussion
presented by: #BlackLivesMatter Bloomington
Buskirk-Chumley Theater
#BlackLivesMatter Bloomington presents a screening of the film Do Not Resist and moderated discussion to examine the increasing militarization of local police departments and the impact on marginalized communities. Following on the heels of the disruption of Mayor Hamilton’s State of the City address, this event will provide context and offer an opportunity for the community to engage in civil discourse regarding this contentious issue. For more information on the film, see http://www.donotresistfilm.com/
Doors for this free, unticketed general admission event will open at 7pm. The event is expected to last roughly 2 and a half hours.
Thursday, March 1, 2018, 6:00 - 8:00pm
Kickoff for Kate Fundraiser
Tap Brewpub (entrance on Kirkwood, located right behind the main Tap bar at 101 N. College)
Stop by and meet Kate Wiltz for County Council. Hosted by Amanda Barge and Eric Spoonmore.
Thursday, March 1, 2018, 6:45 - 9:00pm
Backpack Full of Cash Documentary Film Screening
hosted by the Indiana Coalition For Public Education Monroe County
AMC Showplace West 12
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 3, 2018, 9:30 - 11:00am
League of Women Voters Final Legislative Update
Bloomington City Council Chambers
State legislators representing Monroe County will discuss the state of the Indiana General Assembly and will answer audience questions.
The Legislative Update is free and open to the public. It 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 and on request.
Saturday, March 10, 2018, 9:00am - 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 22, 2018, 6:00 - 7:00pm
Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus Meeting
City Council Chambers, City Hall, Bloomington
Join the MCBDC for a monthly meeting. Check Facebook for more information.
Saturday, March 24, 2018, 11:00am
March for Our Lives - Indianapolis
Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Indianapolis
The survivors of the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that took place on February 14 in Parkland, Florida are calling for a nationwide march on March 24, 2018. They want to see this take place in every city, and we are trying to do our part to honor their wishes and initiate the change. Constantly talking about it and raising awareness on social media is great, but it isn’t bringing an end to the innocent lives lost due to gun violence. We must do more in order to see the change we want to see, and we are determined to do just that. Visit Facebook for details; or visit www.marchforourlives.com/ to learn more about the movement.
Thursday, March 29, 6:00pm
MCDP FDR Gala
Fountain Square Mall Ballroom
Save the date for the annual Monroe County Democratic Party FDR Gala!
This fundraiser gives the Party the opportunity to honor sustaining donors, and your donations support the MCDP as they work on behalf of candidates and office holders. It also helps them to advance Democratic ideals and good governance at all levels.
The MCDP is currently accepting official sponsors for the FDR dinner. Additionally, current monthly contributors can increase monthly donations or make a one time donation to meet desired recognition level. To be included on the invitation, please submit your desire to sponsor the dinner by March 1.
Contact MCDP Treasurer Kaisa Goodman for details.
Keep checking the MCDP webpage for more information!.
Sunday, April 8, 2018, 6:00pm
DWC Karaoke Fundraiser
Player’s Pub, 424 S. Walnut Street
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. Save the date! You won't want to miss!
ACTION ITEM:
The gerrymander developments in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin have been interesting to follow. Here in Indiana we have our very own Hoosier gerrymander, and Indiana Republicans, desperate to hang on to their gerrymandered supermajority, are resisting even baby steps toward redistricting reform. Please read the following message from Julia Vaughn of Common Cause and take action immediately:
Just last week I let you know that we were expecting a committee hearing and vote on SB326, the redistricting reform legislation we’re supporting at the General Assembly that would put a set of public interest redistricting standards into Indiana law. We thought the bill’s chances were good because it sailed through the Indiana Senate – with a unanimous vote in committee and a strong bipartisan vote of 42 – 6 on the Senate floor.
We need your help to stop a desperate, last-minute attack on redistricting reform by partisan politicians. Please call Speaker Brian Bosma's office at 317-232-9677.
Here is an example of what you can say: Lawmakers must act now -- not later -- to ensure fair redistricting reform for all Indianans. Please schedule a fair hearing for SB326 to protect our right to be heard.
Partisan political interests are digging in deep and refusing to let this bill move forward in the House of Representatives. House Elections Committee Chair Milo Smith says he won’t give SB326 a hearing because Indiana has to wait on a U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Wisconsin partisan gerrymandering case before it can act on redistricting reform for Indiana. Now, Speaker Brian Bosma is giving that same excuse.
The Wisconsin gerrymandering litigation has nothing to do with redistricting standards – the subject matter of SB326. And it’s just one of a growing number of lawsuits over unfair maps drawn by incumbent politicians. If anything, this legal activity should motivate state lawmakers to take action – not give them an excuse to wait!
Would you please contact Speaker Brian Bosma's office today at 317-232-9677?
Tell him that we’ve waited long enough for redistricting reform and that the Wisconsin lawsuit will have no impact on the standards proposed by SB326. Let him know that redistricting reform is important to you as a voter and that you are tired of denials and delays – it’s time for redistricting reform.
Thanks for all you do,
Join the DWC. Join or 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/