YEAR OF THE WOMAN!!
Going over the Democratic Primary returns, we couldn't help noticing that women won almost every single race*, from the US IN09 House race through Commissioner, Council, down to precinct level races and state convention delegate.
It was an amazing result.
*In the Democratic Primary one woman lost a 2 person race for precinct committee chair. That's it. One woman, out of dozens that ran.

So, is the work of the DWC just about finished?
Have we achieved our dreams from those days in 2004 when we only had three (3) women running in the county races?
Do we need to rethink the DWC, it's mission, it's support and funding for progressive pro-choice women candidates?
This was the focus of two four-hour steering committee meetings in the past couple of weeks. This writer would love to report on progress, updates and changes, but there are more voices to be heard, and candidates to consult, and members to speak up on these issues. So, you'll be asked in the next couple of weeks to give some feedback in this process. Whether it be increased opportunities for political trainings, revision of by-laws and policies (current ones are on the website) or something else you want to talk about, you'll have that opportunity. Be thinking about this renewal project, watch here for the call to a survey, and in the meantime, if you just want to jot down some ideas on any of the above, send those jottings to [email protected]

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER, RIGHT?
Last week, Illinois FINALLY ratified the ERA Amendment!
Which states have NOT ratified the ERA Amendment?
***The answer is in the action section at the end of this newsletter. Hint? (There are 14)

And what now? Does it still count? And who is Alice Paul anyway?
https://chicago.suntimes.com/working/dawn-of-an-era-state-house-passes-equal-rights-amendment-half-a-century-later/

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Candidate Info ** New Section!
Announcements
Events
Action Items

*** NEW SECTION***CANDIDATE INFO! ***
Look to this section each week to find current information about DWC candidates.

Shelli Yoder, Candidate for County Council District 1 sends the message:
Thank you for your support and endorsement. As an update of my campaign, I will be attending the weeklong Summer Institute “Reclaiming Our Time: Public Theology, Racial Justice, and the Fight for Democracy” next week. If you are interested, you can learn more here: https://www.publictheologyracialjustice.org.
I’m excited about the week ahead at the Institute and getting together with you at some point over the coming weeks/months to discuss our community and the issues of racial and social injustice and our common fight for democracy.
Thank you again for your support of our campaign and your efforts to make our community a better, more equitable place to call home.
Sincerely, Shelli

Shelli Yoder also will have a G4G (Gearing Up for the General!) Meeting on Monday, June 25 from 5:15 to 6:15 pm at Inkwell. Please RSVP to [email protected]

Amy Swain, Candidate for State Representative District 62:
Amy will be having a call-out meeting for volunteers on Thursday, June 7 from 5:30-7:30 in Nick's back room. Be sure to let Amy know if you can come: [email protected]

Kate Wiltz, Candidate for County Council District 2 is gearing up for the fall with a Campaign Reboot meeting at her house on Sunday, June 10th at 3 pm. Please email her if you are willing to help with her campaign: [email protected]

Grillin’ & Chillin’ With Clerk Nicole Browne
Sunday, June, 10, 2018, 1:00–3:00pm
At the home of Linda & Terry Robbins, 4755 S. Dunlap Road, Bloomington
Please RSVP to Linda Robbins at [email protected]

Liz Watson, Candidate for IN09, will have a strategy meeting about #Flipthe9th on Tuesday, June 5 from 5:30 to 6:30 at the HQ at 116 S. Madison. Email Kate and let her know you're coming. [email protected]

Penny Githens, Candidate for State Representative District 60 needs people to accompany her to events. Remember she has Morgan and Monroe counties as part of her crazy gerrymandered district. Please email her volunteer coordinator to participate in a genius of a way to sign up! [email protected]
Penny also reported at the DWC Breakfast on Friday that she was just endorsed by the Indiana State Chapter of NOW. We couldn't be happier!

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Hoosier Women Forward Leadership Development Program

Democratic women across the state who are interested in public policy, political advocacy, and moving Indiana forward with progressive policies and ideas are invited to apply for the HWF program. They need women who are deeply interested in, and can commit to, a nine-month program focusing on study, field experience, and political leadership training. They’re not just looking for Hoosier women who want to run for public office but women who are interested in gaining the skills needed to hold leadership roles in their communities that will effect positive change—from campaign manager, to school board, to head of a nonprofit, to state and federal office. Between 20 and 25 Hoosier women will be selected for the inaugural class. Information and application are here: http://hoosierwomenforward.org/apply/

Emerging Leaders Project

If you are interested in running for office, this statewide training program might be your ticket. Information and application form can be found here: http://emergingleadersproject.org/
Quick, though... applications are due June 15.

City of Bloomington Citizen's Academy
Superior program held on Thursdays from the end of August through October. Guaranteed that every single person will learn something they never knew about the City of Bloomington government. Guaranteed. An essential if you are thinking of running for a city office in 2019. Info here: https://bloomington.in.gov/citizens-academy

The Ryder & the New York Times Present Heroes Icons Dissenters: A Celebration of Women in Film
Saturday, June 9, 2018 at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave.
The Guardians - 2pm
A story of resilience unfolds against the backdrop of World War I. The women of the Paridier farm must grapple with the workload while the men are off at the front. New tools allow the women to triumph over the land, and newfound independence is acquired.
Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story - 5pm
"More than just a pretty face." In the 1930's and 40's, Lamarr was considered the world's most beautiful woman. Never taken seriously in her lifetime - and manipulated by powerful men (sound familiar?) - Lamarr never got the recognition she deserved. But during WWII, she worked on top secret projects for the U.S. military.
RBG: Ruth Bader Ginsburg - 7:30pm
U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg has created a breathtaking legal legacy for women's rights while becoming an unexpected pop culture icon. The personal journey of this diminutive, quiet warrior's rise to the nation's highest court during a hostile time for women, is revealed in this inspiring and multidimensional portrait. Now 85, Ginsburg refuses to relinquish her passionate duty, and continues to have equally vigorous dissenting opinions and exercise workouts.
Tickets are $8 for individual films or $12 for an all day pass (prices increase day of show) and can be purchased through the BCT Box Office.

Opportunity to serve as a Precinct Committee Person.
PCs represent the Democratic Party in their neighborhoods, and work to get out the vote for all Democratic candidates, support the efforts of the local party and also have a say in caucus meetings to fill vacancies in elected offices. If you are interested, contact the man with the power to appoint you, Chairman Mark Fraley at [email protected].

EVENTS:

Indiana 9th District Torchbearers Fundraiser
Wednesday, June 13, 6-8 pm
Grazie Italiano, 106 W 6th Street
$10 at the door, or free for Torchbearers (who may sign up at the door)
This is a great opportunity to meet candidates for statewide offices and enjoy hors d'oeuvers and conversation.
Sponsorships available.
Contact [email protected]

2018 Big Dem Weekend
Friday, June 15 and Saturday, June 16, 2018
Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis

There are opportunities to attend the convention as an alternate delegate. Contact Mark Fraley at [email protected].
The Big Dem Weekend occurs every two years and includes the Hoosier Hospitality Dinner on June 15th and the State Convention on June 16th. Click here to visit the Indiana Democratic Party site and learn about the 2018 Big Dem Weekend.
***Please note: if you would like a ride to either of the Big Dem Weekend Events, please email Executive Director Kaisa Goodman at [email protected].

Monroe County Democrats Club Luncheon
Tuesday, June 19, 11:30am
DeAngelo's Restaurant, Eastland Plaza
The Monroe County Democrats Club will meet on Tuesday, June 19, at 11:30 am at DeAngelo's Restaurant in Eastland Plaza. Speaker TBA. The public is invited to attend.

MCBDC Juneteenth Fundraiser
Friday, June 22, 2018 5:00pm
Griffin Realty, 735 S. College Ave., Bloomington

Suggested Contributions: $50, $100, $250, $500
Checks: Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus, PO Box 3471, Bloomington, IN 47402

Piedmont-Smith Constituent Meeting
Saturday, June 30, 11:00am–noon
McCloskey Room #135, City Hall
Bloomington City Council Member Isabel Piedmont-Smith (District 5) will host her monthly constituent meeting on Saturday, June 30, 11:00 am to noon in the McCloskey Room (135) of City Hall. She welcomes all Bloomington residents, not just those in District 5, to come discuss city issues. For a full schedule of Isabel's 2018 meetings, please see https://bloomington.in.gov/council/smith.

ACTION ITEM(s):

Small things can add up!
Please consider supporting your favorite women candidates by "liking" their Facebook pages, sharing their posts, commenting on them for support, following candidates on Twitter and retweeting their tweets! Our support for State Representative Candidates Penny Githens (District 60) and Amy Swain (District 62) will show the House Democratic Caucus how much support they have!
So start by following on Twitter:
@PGithens1
@amyswain1956
Let's surprise Penny and Amy by making their number of followers soar!


***ANSWER to the ERA Question:
States that have not ratified the ERA include: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, and Virginia.

Join the DWC 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/