On this Memorial Day 2019, as our nation confronts a lawless president and a supine Republican Party seemingly hell-bent on dismantling democracy and enshrining inequality, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, delivered at a ceremony commemorating the Union dead, calls to us across the ages with renewed urgency:
"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.
Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.
But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."
DWC News:
We are very pleased to announce that the guest at our next monthly breakfast on Friday, June 7 will be Karlee Macer, Indiana State Representative District 92. Karlee was first elected in 2012 and is currently the Assistant Democratic Leader and the Ranking Democrat on the Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. She also serves on the Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development Committee, as well as the Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee and on the Indiana Veterans Affairs Commission.
Throughout her time in the legislature, Macer has been recognized as the Indiana Chamber’s Legislative Champion, Indiana Chamber Small Business Champion, Legislator of the Year by the Disabled American Veterans, AARP Capital Caregiver Award, Legislator of the Year by the Indiana Social Work Association, and received the Distinguished Public Service Award from the American Legion.
Watch for more details in the June 3 Monday Morning News.
Upcoming DWC Listening Sessions: As we look to evaluate our mission and look to move forward into the next decade, the DWC will hold a series of listening sessions to get membership input. Dates are tentatively: June 13 from 5-7pm at Switchyard Brewery, June 15 from 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm at Democratic Headquarters and at our July 5 monthly breakfast. There may be more sessions scheduled and at least one of these session, likely the early session on June 15th, will be devoted to candidates and previous Steering Committee Members. As you think about how you might contribute – think of one thing that we should change about the organization and one thing that should stay the same. Further details will be forthcoming.
Yes - there is still an election going on right here in Monroe County: While it may seem that the only election anyone is talking about won’t take place for another year, and as the number of democratic presidential candidates heads towards 25, we need to remember that there is still a Municipal Election here in Bloomington and at least one of our endorsed candidates will have an opponent in November. We won’t know if there will be additional contested races until the June 30 deadline passes but we’ll keep you abreast of the latest information and let you know how you can help out.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Announcements
Events
Action Items
ANNOUNCEMENTS
TRAININGS:
The Indiana Democratic Party Municipal Monday Webinar Series:
Brush up on your skills with these programs
How to File For Office (Matthew Kochevar), Campaign Finance (Anna Foster), Social Media 101 (Trina Thomas), Pre-Filing Questions / Campaign Goals (Katie Doyle), Creating A Field Plan (Adi Ben-Yehoshua), Fundraising 101 (Katie Doyle), Creating A Campaign Message (Phil Johnson), Communicating with Press and Media (Phil Johnson), Municipal Finance (Oscar Gutierrez and Trish Whitcomb), Building an Absentee Chase Program (Adi Ben-Yehoshua), Filing Your Pre-Primary Finance Report (Anna Foster), How To Use Early Vote/Election Day Data In VAN (Adi Ben-Yehoshua), and City Government Offices (Portia Bailey-Bernard).To view recordings of the webinars go to: https://www.indems.org/webinar-trainings-recordings/
Citizen's Academy is ready for applications!
One of the best ways to learn about government, with like minded people and the folks who actually do the work in City Hall. Just the best experience ever!
The 2019 Citizens' Academy class will provide participants with an interactive learning experience about municipal government services, programs and departmental responsibilities. This year's Citizens' Academy session begins Thursday, August 29 and runs through October 24, the classes are from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. You can apply online at https://bloomington.in.gov/citizens-academy or contact Vickie Provine, [email protected] or call 812.349.3505.
EVENTS:
Tuesday, May 28, 2019, 7:00pm to 8:30pm
Indivisible Bloomington Monthly Meeting
Democracy Lab, 116 S. Madison St., Suite A
Indivisible Bloomington + 9th District Monthly meeting! They will discuss next steps, finalizing bylaws, collaborating with organizations, and more!
Wednesday, May 29, 2019, 6:30pm
Hoosier Healthcare Campaign Kick Off
Monroe County Public Library, Room 1B & C
Indiana is about to run a very dangerous experiment: additional reporting requirements for those insured under HIP. This threatens a vital health insurance program as we know it and promises to compromise all Hoosiers’ health, while costing the state more in fees to a for-profit corporation. Hoosier Action is bringing concerned Hoosiers together to fight this change by mounting an organized, region-wide campaign to Save Hoosier Healthcare, in partnership with Medicare for All Indiana (formerly Hoosiers for a Common Sense Healthcare Plan) and Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard. Hoosier Action will reach out to fellow community members via canvassing, coordination, political actions, and other direct means to let lawmakers know this experiment is not acceptable. All are welcome to attend the kick off, learn about these dangerous changes, and find resources to navigate the system and fight back. (will move to the Library Auditorium if the crowd is large).
Thursday, May 30, 2019, 6:30pm to 8:30pm
35 Years of CASA
Monroe County CASA, 201 N. Morton St.
Attend this special 35th anniversary CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) event where Executive Director Kristin Bishay will be joined by past CASA directors Kathleen Boggess and Jill Jolliff as well the two women who helped start the CASA program here in Monroe County, Frances Hill and Iris Kiesling! Learn about the history of the organization and stay for a reception following the discussion.
Saturday, June 1, 2019, 9:00am to 5:00pm
Middle Way House Community-wide Volunteer Training
Bloomington Transit Downtown Terminal
Help Middle Way believe and support survivors with meaningful alternatives to living with violence by volunteering with Middle Way House! You can attend the training, even if your schedule won't allow you make an immediate commitment so that you are ready to begin when your schedule allows. Numerous opportunities exist at the Bloomington locations and outreach offices in Greene, Martin and Owen counties. All volunteers must participate in one of their eight-hour volunteer training sessions held throughout the year. There is NO per-registration required for the training; you may complete the volunteer application and bring it with you to the training, or complete it during the lunch break. For more information about volunteer positions, visit: https://middlewayhouse.org/takeanaction/volunteer/volunteer-positions/. More information here: https://www.facebook.com/events/389361534965363/.
Saturday, June 1, 2019, 12:00pm to 7:00pm
Spencer Pride Festival
Owen County Courthouse, Spencer
The Spencer Pride Festival is an admission-free rural LGBTQ+ pride festival that takes place on the square of the Owen County Courthouse and is the largest rural LGBTQ+ pride event in Indiana. The festival is known for its family-focused and inclusive atmosphere. Check out more info at: http://spencerpride.org/
Sunday, June 2, 2019, 3:30pm
Film: Eva - A-7063
Buskirk-Chumley Theater
As a 10-year-old “Mengele Twin,” Eva Kor suffered some of the worst of the Holocaust. At 50, she launched the biggest manhunt in history. Now in her 80s, she promotes the lesson her journey has taught: healing through forgiveness.
Eva is a triumph of hope, and this film is her legacy piece. “Eva is more than just a story,” says actor Elliot Gould. “She’s a revelation of what’s possible in the human condition.”
Narrated by Hollywood icon Ed Asner, Eva: A-7063 tells the full, astonishing story of this historic figure for the first time, tracking her from Auschwitz to Israel to the United States – even into the U.S. Capitol for her jaw-dropping arrest – and ultimately to her courageous return to the Nazi death camp.
Thursday, June 6, 2019, 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Knock Down The House Documentary Showing
Monroe County Public Library, Room 1B
The DWC is proud to co-sponsor this event, hosted by DFMC, a showing of the new documentary that follows four determined candidates, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, throughout their campaigns in the 2018 election: "A young bartender in the Bronx, a coal miner's daughter in West Virginia, a grieving mother in Nevada, and a registered nurse in Missouri build a movement of insurgent candidates to challenge powerful incumbents in Congress. One of their races will become the most shocking political upsets in recent American history." These progressive candidates take on big money and stagnant incumbents in the 2018 election with and without success. Join us for a great film, good company, and a good discussion following the film.
For more information about the film, please view the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wGZc8ZjFY4
Cosponsors: College Democrats at Indiana University, Indiana 9th District Latino Caucus & the Democratic Women's Caucus.
Friday, June 7, 2019, 7:30am to 9:00am
Democratic Women’s Caucus Monthly Breakfast
Village Deli, 409 E. Kirkwood Ave.
Our guest will be Karlee Macer, Indiana State Representative District 92. Karlee was first elected in 2012 and is currently the Assistant Democratic Leader and the Ranking Democrat on the Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. Watch for more details in the June 3 DWC Monday Morning News email.
Friday, June 7, 2019, 9:30am to 11:00am
All-Options Drop-in Volunteer Action Hours
All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center, 1014 S. Walnut St.
Have you ever wanted to get involved with All-Options, but aren't sure about making a long-term commitment? Would you like to do some hands-on work in a judgment-free, supportive environment? Join All-Options for drop-in volunteer time —usually the first Friday of every month. They will have projects available for you to jump right in. All ages welcome!
Friday, June 7, 2019, 6:30pm to 9:00pm
Hoosier Hospitality Dinner
Indiana Convention Center, 100 S. Capitol Ave., Indianapolis
Please join the Indiana Democratic Party at the 2019 Hoosier Hospitality Dinner on Friday, June 7 at the Indiana Convention Center. Featured guest speaker is US Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon. The evening is a great opportunity to come together as Hoosier Democrats and be reminded of why we are fighting for working families. You can find more information on the HH Dinner at our website here: https://www.indems.org/hoosier-hospitality-dinner/. If you have any questions, reach out to Alex Fuller via email at [email protected].
Wednesday, June 12, 2019, 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Letter Writing Night to Incarcerated Survivors
Monroe County Public Library Auditorium
Join Middle Way House, in collaboration with New Leaf New Life, the Midwest Pages to Prisoners Project, All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center, the IU Middle Way House Chapter, and Bloomington PRIDE for a monthly letter-writing night to incarcerated survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Write a loved one or hear someone's story and send them words of support. All ages welcome. For more info, contact [email protected]
Thursday, June 13, 2019, 7:45am to 9:00am
Wake Up! with United Way: Disability Inclusivity in the Workplace
The Mill, 642 N. Madison St.
Join United Way for breakfast and hear from a panel of advocates how we can all consider not only our work environment, but other spaces, through a more inclusive lens. The panel with include Angie Vandersteen from Indianapolis-based disability partner Tangram Business Resourcing; Brandi Hamilton, Director of Community Services for LifeDesigns; and Randy Paul, a longtime local community organizer and activist. For tickets and additional information, click here: https://www.monroeunitedway.org/WakeUp
Saturday, June 15, 2019, 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Stonewall Democrats of South Central Indiana Kickoff Event
Bloomington City Hall Atrium & Council Chambers
Join the newly organized local caucus SD-SCI for a meet & greet, music, refreshments and speeches as we kickoff of our Political Action Committee/PAC to support and encourage LGBTQIA candidates for office in Monroe, Lawrence, Owen, Greene, Brown, and/or Morgan counties, Indiana. Speakers at the event will include Senator JD Ford, Dana Black, and others. Together we can build a more inclusive community for trans and queer people in South Central Indiana. The event is free, but donations are encouraged.
Want to join SD-SCI? Annual membership is $10 and is good through May 31, 2020.
For more information contact either Jessica McCellan ([email protected]), Treasurer, or Will Smith ([email protected]), President.
Tuesday, June 18, 2019, 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Dine and Give Courage to Change Sober Living Community Fundraiser Dinner
Farmbloomington, 108 E. Kirkwood Ave.
You are invited to join Courage to Change Sober Living for their Community Fundraiser Dinner at Farm Bloomington. Learn about the work they do in Monroe County, meet board members, hear a testimonial from a former resident and learn how Sober Joe Coffee is supporting the work Courage to Change Sober Living is doing—all while enjoying a fantastic three-course meal.
Thursday, June 20, 2019 , 6:00pm to 7:00pm
Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus Monthly Meeting
MCDP Headquarters, 116 S. Madison St.
Friday, June 21, 2019
Juneteenth Celebration
Griffin Realty, 735 S. College Ave.
Save the date! The Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus is hosting a Juneteenth celebration to commemorate the June 19, 1865 announcement of the abolition of slavery in the U.S. state of Texas, and more generally the emancipation of enslaved African Americans throughout the former Confederate States of America. More details to come.
Saturday, June 22, 2019, 11:00am
Rally for Our Rights
Indiana State House, 200 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
Stand united to put an end to the bills being passed across the nation that were created to take away people’s right to choose. Bring your daughters and your sons, and stop this war on reproductive rights now! The Facebook event page can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/648857578895862/
Sunday, June 23, 2019, 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Monroe County NOW June Chapter Meeting
Monroe County Public Library, Room 2A
See what NOW is up to this summer and beyond. Special guest Btown PFLAG (Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) will be there to lead a discussion about the intersection of LGBTQ+ identity and racial identity. For information about Btown PFLAG and their work, please visit https://www.facebook.com/BtownPFLAG/.
July 17-20, 2019
2019 Young Democrats of America National Convention
Crowne Plaza, 123 W. Louisiana St, Indianapolis
Visit yda.org/convention for all details and convention matters.
August 22-24, 2019
Annual Indiana Democratic Editorial Association (IDEA) Convention in French Lick
French Lick Resort, 8670 West Road 56
The convention is still months away but hotel rooms are going QUICKLY, so if you plan to attend you are encouraged to make your hotel reservations NOW. More information on that can be found here: http://www.indems.org/annual-idea-convention-in-french-lick/
ACTION ITEM(s):
1. Bookmark the web site of the Brennan Center for Justice (https://www.brennancenter.org/), a great source of information on some of the fundamental issues, including money in politics, redistricting, and voting rights and elections.
2. Help take the DWC into the next decade - once they're set up come to a listening session, send us your thoughts, commit to working on a committee.... find out how you can help.
BECOME A DWC MEMBER or RENEW your membership!
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/