The first Friday of the month is coming up and while we cannot meet in person, we are working out a way to meet virtually… we’re planning a group Zoom Chat for DWC members on Friday, May 1 at 9am. There are still some issues to work out in getting it set up. More details on that, and everything you need to know about the upcoming primary, coming soon. Watch for a special email midweek.

As we enter week 5 (6? 100?) of staying at home, and tempers fray and we long to return to "normal" (Saturday morning farmer's markets, DWC breakfasts at the Village Deli, the joy of seeing friends and neighbors), it's vital that we're mindful of the deep individual and social inequities the pandemic has exposed. The following piece, by an apparently anonymous author, puts it so eloquently that it should be quoted in full (thanks to Cheryl Munson for sharing this).

WE ARE NOT ALL IN THE SAME BOAT ...

I heard that we are all in the same boat, but it's not like that. We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat. Your ship could be shipwrecked and mine might not be. Or vice versa.

For some, quarantine is optimal. A moment of reflection, of re-connection, easy in flip flops, with a cocktail or coffee. For others, this is a desperate financial & family crisis.

For some that live alone they're facing endless loneliness. While for others it is peace, rest & time with their husband, wife, mother, father, sons & daughters.

With the $600 weekly increase in unemployment, some are bringing in more money to their households than when they were working. Others are working more hours for less money due to pay cuts or loss in sales.

Some families of 4 just received $3400 from the stimulus while other families of 4 saw $0.

Some were concerned about getting a certain candy for Easter while others were concerned if there would be enough bread, milk and eggs for the weekend.

Some want to go back to work because they don't qualify for unemployment and are running out of money. Others want to kill those who break the quarantine.

Some are home spending 2-3 hours/day helping their child with online schooling while others are spending 2-3 hours/day to educate their children on top of a 10-12 hour workday.

Some have experienced the near death of the virus, some have already lost someone from it and some are not sure if their loved ones are going to make it. Others don't believe this is a big deal.

Some have faith in God and expect miracles during this 2020. Others say the worst is yet to come.

So, friends, we are not in the same boat. We are going through a time when our perceptions and needs are completely different.

Each of us will emerge, in our own way, from this storm. It is very important to see beyond what is seen at first glance. Not just looking, actually seeing.

We are all on different ships during this storm experiencing a very different journey.

Realize that and be kind.

As Democrats--and Democratic women--we must also look beyond the storm to life on the "far shore," a life that cannot and should not be "just like before." We will continue our fight for social justice, the environment, and equal rights for all Americans.

And speaking of the need for change... it's high time to send Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill packing. Here is a letter from Senator Karen Tallian:

Greetings to The Democratic Women’s Caucus. – You my sisters, truly know that we REALLY need a change in the office of the Attorney General. In these virtual times we are living, I’m sending you a special message.

I also want to share that I was recently named a Gun Sense Candidate by Moms Demand Action. Keeping Hoosiers safe is a top priority of mine, and there are plenty of opportunities for the Attorney General to lead on these issues.

While you’ll have to fix your own soup and sandwich, I hope you can join me next Wednesday for a Facebook lunch. Each Wednesday at noon eastern time, we hold a Facebook live to provide updates and insight into the Campaign, talk about the issues and provide updates on the ongoing impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. Please click here for the event link.

Be well and safe.

For this Primary only, the Indiana Election Commission has waived requirements for Absentee-By-Mail voting. Therefore all registered Indiana voters can vote by mail in the 2020 primary. All voters are encouraged to use this option as we don’t know what the situation will be over the next few weeks and months. This will protect not only the voters in the county, but our county workers as well.

  Click on the button to access a printable application to receive an absentee-by-mail ballot

Print out the form, fill it out and sign it. Then scan the form and return it by email to [email protected] or mail it to Voter Registration, 401 W 7th Street, Suite 100, Bloomington, IN 47404.
Note that the application to vote absentee-by-mail does require a valid signature but does not require the applicant to upload a voter id. 
After the office receives your application it will be verified and a ballot will be sent out by mail with a pre-printed, postage-paid envelope to return the ballot. Ballots must be received in the office by noon on June 2 (Primary Day) so don’t wait until the last minute to mail it back in case the mail is delayed. 
Questions may be directed to the voter registration office by calling 812-349-2690 but be aware that the office may not be open all the time.

If you are staying at home and are unable to print out an application form - email us at [email protected] with your name and address and we will work with the MCDP to get you an application asap.

Stay safe, learn something new every day, stay politically active and let’s get ready to come out of the lockdown with sleeves rolled up and ready to work for Dems up and down the ballot!

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

DWC ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPDATES:

Are you creative, skilled at writing, a social media expert?? - THE DWC NEEDS YOU!! We trust you like our communications and rely on them to help keep you informed of political happenings and DWC operations. Those communications are not magically self-generating-they are an essential function of the DWC and we have a small crew of creative women who make it happen. We are looking for women to join that team and help create the Monday Morning News and our Social Media messages. It is not time consuming, and it is not difficult. Plus, for those of us who like to write and craft messages, it is actually fun! If anyone reading this newsletter has a few scant hours a month to help us out, please let us know by sending an email to [email protected]

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ENDORSED CANDIDATE NEWS AND EVENTS:

Candidates, especially new candidates, often have a hard road to victory - but this year may be especially difficult - raising money, contacting voters and getting the message out is all going to be different in the age of coronavirus.
The list of DWC endorsed candidates with their websites and contact information can be found at: https://www.democraticwomenscaucus.org/candidates. We are continuing to work to make this page a comprehensive site for our candidates so please check back frequently.

Volunteer for Cheryl Munson: Who knew that County Council would be such a hot race this year? Cheryl is running for re-election to an At-Large seat in a crowded primary. If you would be interested in phonebanking for Cheryl or hosting a yard sign, please contact Olivia Reed at [email protected]. You can contact Cheryl at [email protected]. More info about Cheryl's Council accomplishments and future goals WWW.CHERYLMUNSON.US

Volunteering for Shelli Yoder: If you are interested in volunteering to help get Shelli to the State House, join their team by emailing Ashley Pirani at [email protected]. There are several ways for you to get involved. They'd love to have you join them!
Join the Friends of Shelli Virtual Challenge! They’ve created a special giving portal for you, your friends, families and networks at actblue.com/donate/shellichallenge. The amount is less important than the contribution itself, because it will take everyone chipping in to get Shelli to victory.

Volunteer for Kara Krothe
If you are interested in volunteering to help elect Kara Krothe for Judge please contact us at [email protected] or visit karakrotheforjudge.com to sign up.

Note: The DWC’s mission is to recruit, fund and support pro-choice, progressive women candidates in Monroe County. For more information about candidates, candidate events and other political information that does not fall within this mission, check out, among others, the Monroe County Democratic Party Website, The Indiana Democratic Party Website and the Indiana Secretary of State's Election Division. If you don't currently get the Monroe County Democratic Party Dispatch, you can send a note to [email protected] to sign up.

UPDATED CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND PRIMARY INFORMATION:

ALL CANDIDATES PLEASE NOTE: UPDATED CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORT CALENDAR

Friday, May 8, 2020
End of pre-primary campaign finance reporting period (Report should cover Jan 1, 2020 - May 8, 2020).
Saturday, May 9,2020 - Sunday, May 31, 2020 
Primary Supplemental “Large Contribution” Reporting period - a CFA-11 must be filed within 48 hours of receiving a “large contribution”
Friday, May 15, 2020
DEADLINE, by noon, for filing pre-primary campaign finance reports for primary candidates.

UPDATED INDIANA PRIMARY CALENDAR - deadlines have been extended with the change in the Primary Date to 6/2/2020

Be aware that these dates are still subject to change. Because of the Coronavirus Pandemic we do not know what the final status of Absentee-in-person, Absentee-by-Travel Board and On-site Primary Voting will be. The Indiana Election Commission will meet again on April 22 and there may be more information at that time. The Monroe County Election Office is likely to remain closed until the governor’s stay in place order is lifted. 
For this Primary only, the Indiana Election Commission has waived requirements for Absentee-By-Mail voting. Therefore all registered Indiana voters can vote by mail in the primary. The deadline for the Election Office to receive your application is May 21, 2020 (see notes below).

Monday, May 4, 2020 - VOTER REGISTRATION ENDS

Tuesday, May 5, 2020 - First day a voter may vote an absentee ballot in the office of the circuit court clerk or satellite office.

Thursday, May 21, 2020 - DEADLINE, by 11:59 pm, for the circuit court clerk to receive an absentee ballot application from an applicant requesting delivery of an absentee ballot by mail. Applications may be submitted to the circuit court clerk in person or by mail, fax or email. (Note: mailed applications must be delivered in the mail by 5/21 and for in person delivery the Election Office closes at 4PM)

Tuesday, May 26, 2020 - Monday, June 1 at noon - Absentee in person voting at Election Central.

Monday, June 1, 2020 - DEADLINE by noon, for a voter to vote an absentee ballot in person at the office of the circuit court clerk or satellite office

Tuesday, June 2, 2020 - PRIMARY ELECTION DAY
Polls are open 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., prevailing local time. More information about what precincts will be open coming soon.
DEADLINE by noon, for a voter to return an absentee-by-mail ballot to Election Central

The Monroe County Election Division is looking for democratic poll workers to work as Inspectors, Judges and Clerks. 
To work the polls in Monroe County, you must:
• Be a registered voter of Monroe County.
• Attend training,  provided by the Election Board.
• Have access to transportation.
You will be paid for training, working at the polls and a $25 food allowance. 
Interested: call  812-349-2690 or Email: [email protected]
More information can be found at: http://monroecountyvoters.us/pollworkerportal.html

UPCOMING NATIONAL CAUCUSES & PRIMARIES: (note: this is an ever changing list)

The Louisiana Primary has been postponed to June 20
April 28: Ohio Primaries; 
Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania & Rhode Island Primaries 
postponed to June 2, 
May 2: Guam Democratic caucuses and Kansas Democratic primary
May 5: Indiana primary postponed until June 2
May 12: Nebraska primary; California Special Election (primarily by mail)
May 19: Georgia and Oregon primaries, Kentucky postponed to June 23
June 2: Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Indiana, Maryland, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island & South Dakota
June 6: Virgin Island Democratic caucus
June 9: West Virginia Primary, Nevada Primary but will be primarily by mail
June 20: Louisiana primaries
June 23: New York & Kentucky primaries
July 14: Alabama Primary runoff, Texas Primary runoff elections

The Indiana Democratic Convention is slated for Saturday, June 13 in Indianapolis
The National Democratic Convention has been moved to August 17-20 in Milwaukee. 

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CANDIDATE & OTHER POLITICAL TRAININGS:

Indiana Democratic Party

A Candidate Tool Box, Precinct Committee Person Handbook, VAN training and links to the Party’s Webinar Training Series can be found at https://www.indems.org/trainings-and-voter-file-access/

The Emily's List Training Center:
Training pro-choice Democratic women to run for office - and win
https://trainingcenter.emilyslist.org

National Democratic Training Committee Webinars
The NDTC has and extensive list of webinars and courses in political management, messaging and communication, fundraising, and running for office. Check out their list of courses at https://traindemocrats.org/course-catalog/

Indivisible Trainings

Monday, April 27, 2020, 8:00pm or Wednesday, April 29, 2020, 3:00pm - “Deep Canvassing While Social Distancing“
We know that issue-based organizing is how we build local power, but how do we do that while social distancing? This training will take a deep dive into how to have meaningful conversations with folks without knocking doors. Explore how to apply organizing basics to this ever-changing landscape. 

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OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

MONROE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY EVENTS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: 
contact the Monroe County Democratic Party at [email protected]

Some Useful Websites in the fight against Covid-19

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Covid-19 Resources for Bloomington, Ellettsville & Monroe County

No Space For Hate Covid-19 Mutual Aid
Are you homebound and in need of help getting access to groceries and other supplies? For your friends and neighbors who are homebound and quarantined, are you willing to help make grocery deliveries and supply runs?

NextDoor.com for your neighborhood

Open for Bloomington - support for local restaurants (note site may take some time to load)

Unemployment Information:
Indiana Department of Workforce Development

IBJ Podcast: What you need to know about unemployment now

BOARD AND COMMISSION OPENINGS: A great way to get involved and learn about how government works in Monroe County and Bloomington and to make a difference in your community:

CITY OF BLOOMINGTON B&Cs
For information City Commissions that have vacancies at this time, contact the office of the City Clerk or check https://bloomington.in.gov/boards to see the nature of the board or commission, recent minutes and actions, and how that particular vacancy is filled.

MONROE COUNTY GOVERNMENTAL B&Cs
The Monroe County Board of Commissioners invites you to apply to serve on a Board or Commission! There are immediate openings on a number of these bodies, including: Animal Management, Environmental Commission, and the Human Rights Commission. For information on each of them, see https://www.co.monroe.in.us/boards/. The application is available in a tab at the right side of the boards page. If you have any questions, please contact Julie Thomas ([email protected]). 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS THAT MIGHT BE OF INTEREST TO OUR MEMBERSHIP:

In this time of uncertainty, check prior to leaving for any meeting...

Through December 31, 2020
VOTES FOR WOMEN: The Women’s Suffrage Movement in Monroe County
Monroe County History Center, 202 E. 6th St., Bloomington
Commemorating the centennial of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution granting women the right to vote with a year-long exhibition in the Deckard Education Room. Featuring Monroe County women involved in the struggle for suffrage in the context of the State and National suffrage movements based on the research of Hilary Fleck and supported by the May Wright Sewall Fellowship from Indiana Humanities. Sponsored by The Indiana Women’s Suffrage Centennial, the Monroe County Bicentennial, the City of  Bloomington, and Monroe County NOW

ACTION ITEM(s): 

1. Download your 2020 application to vote by mail and send it in. It's very important that all of us vote. Support our endorsed candidates as they negotiate an unprecedented primary session.

2. Watch for ways that you can support community members in need of assistance during the pandemic, even while keeping your self safe....

3. Thank a first responder, medical practitioner, vaccine creator, news person, store clerk, garbage collector, janitor, school teacher, parent homeschooling their children, worker working from home, social worker, food preparer, and everyone else.... for their service.

4. If you haven't already, fill out your census form online! Encourage and help your friends and neighbors to do so as well. An accurate count is essential for the future of our community and getting it done now will keep census volunteers from having to go door to door and will help keep them safe.

5. Renew your membership in the DWC for 2020 (see below) and get involved with the DWC - there are ways you can contribute beyond your membership support...Our most urgent need is for help with our Social Media: we are looking for women to help us maintain and keep our social media pages up to date and to contribute to writing and/or editing the Monday Morning News. A couple of our long time writers will be unavailable after this spring. This doesn’t necessarily require a major time commitment. If you’re interested please email us at [email protected]

6. Last, but not least, keep your spirits up! Stay in touch with friends and family, and remember that laughter (not bleach or Lysol!) is the best medicine. If you haven't yet seen it, comedian Randy Rainbow's latest video is a good place to start.

HOW TO CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES

Todd Young:
https://www.young.senate.gov/contact/email-todd
(202) 224-5623

Mike Braun
https://www.braun.senate.gov/contact-mike
(202) 224-4814
(317) 822-8240

Trey Hollingsworth
https://hollingsworth.house.gov/contact/
(202) 225-5315 (U.S. House) or (812) 288-3999 (Jeffersonville Office)

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/