Students are coming back to Bloomington, IDEA, Pridefest, the Monroe County Fall Festival, Stinesville Quarry Festival and Owen County Apple Butter Festivals are all on the horizon and that means it’s time to gear back up to take on the Fall Municipal Election and look ahead to 2020 as well. We can’t be complacent and assume that the election is in the bag for democrats…. turnout is important in every race in every election.
I really enjoyed meeting with our democratic compatriots in Owen County at their annual Democracy Dinner last Saturday evening. Dana Black was the featured speaker and, as always, she was inspiring. There were a few things that really resonated in her remarks.
The first was that she said she didn’t join the Democratic Party because she thought it was perfect but because she thought she could help instead of complain, that she wanted to serve and not just hold an office. To criticize something doesn’t mean you don’t love it, in fact it shows how much you care.
As we all know she wasn’t able to defeat Brian Bosma that year, but she gave him a run for his money. And the woman who ran after her did just a little bit better, making an entrenched candidate who for years didn’t have to worry about an opponent or listen to opposing views sweat just a bit. As she put it - good choice, bad choice, the better of two evils – when you don’t have a choice, when you don’t have the opportunity to hear opposing views – you don’t have a democracy. Not having a voice in so many races, not having representatives who feel responsible or accountable to those they represent, is what keeps Hoosiers in the bottom of so many demographics.
The second was the statement “When I started my campaign I was an angry lesbian, when I finished I was an angry Hoosier.” Talking to the people in her district made her a better citizen. Her emphasis was that we must find ways to communicate with each other that go beyond the catch phrases and buzz words and make politics personal again. That we can’t just talk about being the party of the people, we have to be the party of the people… put on your democratic t-shirts and go out and help.
And finally that it’s time to stop waiting for someone to save us when we can save ourselves. Everyone has value: not everyone is cut out to be a politician, but everyone has something they can do - we need to find what is special in ourselves and give that to our party, to our candidates and to the people of Indiana. Remember… they wouldn’t be working so hard to limit our voices and our vote if they weren’t so important.
Follow up from our last Breakfast:
City and county budget reviews are about to happen in Monroe County. Here are links to the City Budget and the Gateway site where you can find out more information:
Here is a link to the city budget courtesy of City Councilor Isabel Piedmont-Smith: http://www.piedmontsmith.us/uploads/4/5/0/4/45046937/2020_budget_-_combined.pdf
and here is the link to the Gateway site: https://gateway.ifionline.org/report_builder/
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Announcements
Events
Action Items
ANNOUNCEMENTS
DWC ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Blue Drinks - The return of Politics and Cocktails…
One of the things that came up frequently during our listening sessions was that DWC members wanted increased opportunities to meet with each other in ways that weren’t confined to our Breakfasts or a defined program… so we’re bringing back the Politics and Cocktail Hours. Join us at Truffles on Friday, September 20 at 5:30pm for our next event. More details closer to the date.
DWC Training Series….
We are planning a series of trainings as we head into 2020 to be held on the second Tuesday of each month at Democratic Headquarters. Details are still in the works but the first DWC Training will be held on Oct. 8 under the broad topic - Why not you and why NOT you? - we’ll look at why women run, why you should run, how you can help women run and provide some information on the contested offices in 2020, their requirements and how to file for them… more information to come in future editions of the MMN….
DWC Steering Committee Membership:
At the last DWC Breakfast the membership ratified Michelle Bright as a new steering committee member, her term will expire in 2020. The Steering Committee has been talking to several women who are interested in joining the committee and, as directed by the Bylaws, we will present an additional member for a term that expires in 2020, for ratification at the next breakfast. The S.C. also decided to wait until the annual elections to fill the remaining two open S.C. positions that will expire this year.
Nominations are open for the DWC Steering Committee are now open:
December is fast approaching as are elections to the DWC Steering Committee.
The following positions will be up for election:
Vice Chair:
Treasurer:
and 5 at-large positions.
The Steering Committee is a working board… we meet on the third Saturday of the month at 10am and also . If you have questions about serving on the Steering Committee, about duties of the officers and at-large members, would like to nominate yourself or someone else for the Steering Committee, or you are a member who would like to serve on the Nominating Committee to help develop a slate for the December elections, please contact Carolyn VandeWiele at [email protected].
Are you creative, skilled at writing, a social media expert?? - THE DWC NEEDS YOU!!
We are looking for a few good women to join our Monday Morning News and Social Media Team to help keep our membership informed - if you can help - contact us at [email protected].
Endorsement Review Committee:
Jillian Kinzie is heading up an ENDORSEMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE with the intent of having a finished document in late fall ready for review by the membership so that we can have a finalized process ready prior to the start of the 2020 Election session. If you are interested in contributing to this process please email us at [email protected].
Your thoughts are always welcome: We welcome your thoughts on DWC events and issues….Please share your thoughts on this organization as we move forward, in our community and our state. For those brilliant ideas that come in the middle of the night! Email [email protected]
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THE THIRD DEMOCRATIC PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE will be in Houston, Texas, on September 12 and will be hosted by ABC. The qualifications for participating in this debate are more stringent as explained in this article from VOX. The deadline to qualify is Wednesday, August 28. A second night, on Friday, September 13, will be added if necessary.
MONROE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION:
Kaisa Goodman has returned as Interim Executive Director for the Monroe County Democratic Party, through the fall Municipal election this November. The Party is also accepting resumes for a new Executive Director to start at that time. To learn more about what this role entails and to submit a resume, email [email protected]. Applications are due by August 24th.
MONROE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY EVENTS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
The MCDP will be at several upcoming community events, and needs your help to staff the booths and march in the parades! Please contact Kaisa at [email protected] to sign up for a shift (or two) or if you have any questions.
Monroe County Fall Festival: Staffing needed Thursday, September 19th through Saturday, September 21st, and we will be in the parade on Saturday at noon.
Stinesville Quarry Festival: Staffing needed Thursday, September 26th through Saturday, September 28th, and we will be in the parade on Saturday at 2pm.
MidWay Music Festival: Staffing needed on Saturday, October 5th
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
The office of the City Clerk announces a vacant position on the Bloomington Commission on Sustainability. This position is available for city residents 18 years of age or older. The BCOS promotes economic development, environmental health, and social equity in the community for present and future generations. The commission gathers and disseminates information; promotes practical initiatives, and measures, monitors, and reports on the community’s progress towards sustainability.
For information on this position, or other 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 here: https://www.co.monroe.in.us/egov/documents/1533065264_74301.pdf. If you have any questions, please contact Julie Thomas ([email protected]).
EVENTS
Monday, August 19, 2019, 8:00-9:00 pm
Teacher Compensation Input Session
IVY Tech Culinary and Conf. Center, 2820 North Meridian Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46208
Gov. Holcomb's Next Level Teacher Compensation Commission will be holding an input session to listen to issues and concerns and seek ideas and solutions from members of the public to address lagging teacher compensation in Indiana.
Encourage your community – colleagues, family, friends and neighbors – to attend these sessions to support educators. Remember to wear red for Red For Ed!
https://www.facebook.com/events/456921905163550/
Tuesday, August 20, 2019, 11:30am to 1:00pm
Monroe County Democrats’ Club Luncheon Meeting
DeAngelo’s Restaurant in Eastland Plaza
Speakers this month will be from Moms Demand Action Against Gun Violence.
The public is invited to attend.
August 22-24, 2019
Annual Indiana Democratic Editorial Association (IDEA) Convention in French Lick
French Lick Resort, 8670 West Road 56
More information can be found here: http://www.indems.org/annual-idea-convention-in-french-lick/
Events of Note:
Thu. 8/23 5:00-7:00pm Kick Up Your Heels - 2019 Women’s Reception at French Lick Winery & Vintage Cafe
Fri. 8/24, 2:30pm Women’s Caucus Event: Women Organize, Women Win see below for details
Fri. 8/24, 6:30pm The Lee H. Hamilton Dinner featuring Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott, Jr. and Bob Blaemire, author of Birch Bayh: Making A Difference. Tickets must be reserved in advance: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/2019lhdinner
Friday, August 23, 2019, 2:30pm
Women Organize, Women Win. - IDEA Weekend
French Lick Hotel
Session conducted by Dee Owens, Penny Githens & Regina Moore.
Campaign related training for new candidates, sort of interested candidates, seasoned candidates, and campaign workers... Let's capitalize on what we do well, and help women win!
You are guaranteed to learn at least 3 new techniques! And have fun.
No boys allowed 😃
Watch for location of this session on the weekend agenda for the IDEA conference in the lobby of the French Lick Springs Hotel.
Friday, August 23, 2019, 5:00pm
Pop-Up To End Gun Violence
Friendly Beasts Cider Company, 222 W. Second St., Bloomington
Moms Demand Action is raising funds to support their efforts to end gun violence. Chef Lake will have the grills set up out front, and will offer amazing food until it’s all gone! 25% of the proceeds from the pop-up will go directly to the Indiana chapter of Moms Demand Action.
Can’t make it? Don’t worry! You can show your support by buying cupcakes! 100% of the profits from cupcake sales (local deliveries, before August 30) go to Moms Demand Action. Email [email protected] to place a cupcake order!
https://www.facebook.com/events/1138525169673314/
Saturday, August 24, 2019, 3:00-11:30 pm
Teacher Compensation Input Session
Evansville Central High School, 5400 N 1st Ave, Evansville, Indiana 47710
see Aug.19 event for details - https://www.facebook.com/events/351395752413436/
Tuesday, August 27, 2019, 3:00-11:30 pm
Teacher Compensation Input Session
Concord Junior High School, 59397 County Road 11, Elkhart, Indiana 46517
see Aug.19 event for details - https://www.facebook.com/events/700812370332202/
Saturday, August 31, 2019, 3:00-11:30 pm
Bloomington Pridefest
Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington
Save the date for the sixth annual Bloomington Pridefest!
Monday, September 2, 2019 5:00pm-10:00pm
Refugees Welcome Here Dine & Donate
King Dough, 108 W. Sixth St., Bloomington
This September, City of Bloomington’s Latino Programs and Bloomington Cooperative Living invite you to offer a simple act of hospitality to migrants coming to the U.S. Your donation will fund three organizations supporting refugees on the southern border & here in Bloomington: The Bloomington Refugee Support Network offers incredible solidarity to the refugees, asylum seekers, and other immigrants in our town. The Trans Liberation Coalition, based in Albuquerque, provides money, food, clothing and sponsorship to transgender asylum-seekers in and recently released from long-term ICE detention. Contra Viento y Marea is a dining hall and community kitchen run by women from the migrant caravans, serving 600+ warm meals per day to migrants from all over the world, most from Central America, Africa, and the Caribbean, who have been delayed entry into the U.S. due to hostile and volatile immigration. Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/338642847079473/
Thursday, September 5, 2019 11:00am-11:00pm
Refugees Welcome Here Dine & Donate
BJ’s Restaurant, 411 S. College Mall Road
see Sept. 2 event for full details
Friday, September 6, 2019, 7:30am
DWC Monthly Breakfast
The Village Deli, 409, E. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington
Saturday, September 7, 2019, 9:00am-5:00pm
Community-wide Middle Way House Volunteer Training
Bloomington Transit Downtown Terminal, 301 S. Walnut St.
Help 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 to make an immediate commitment so that you are ready to begin when your schedule allows! All volunteers must participate in one of their eight-hour volunteer training sessions held throughout the year. There is NO pre-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/. For questions or additional information, contact Evelyn Smith, community outreach coordinator: [email protected]
Sunday September 8, 2019, 4:00-7:00 pm
5th Annual Hamilton Family Picnic
Bryan Park, Henderson Shelter
join Mayor John Hamilton and Dawn Johnsen for the 5th annual Hamilton Friends and Family Picnic. Enjoy food from BBQ Train and listen to great music by Huckleberry Funk! Meet your Democratic municipal candidates as well as 2020 candidates for state and federal office.
Tuesday, September 24, 2019, 9:00am-5:00pm
Third Annual South Central Opioid Summit
Monroe County Convention Center, 302 S. College Ave., Bloomington
The 3rd Annual Opioid Summit will be held September 24, 2019, at the Monroe County Convention Center. More details to come! Save the date! Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/278644883001208/
ACTION ITEM(s):
Every day we hear another assault by the current administration on the things that are supposed to keep us safe… on facts, science, morality and the truth. This week it was regulations that help keep our air and water clean and the Endangered Species Act. We’ve learned that the water in Newark, New Jersey, is so polluted with lead that residents should be drinking bottled water (while companies like Nestle drain aquifers without paying for their true cost and put tons of plastic into the environment), and that the administration tried to bury a climate study that showed that the nutritional value of rice, an important source of protein and calories for many people around the world, is decreased when rice is grown in high ambient concentrations of CO2 — the kind that climate models are predicting for the end of the century. Bee populations, critical for pollinating many of our foods are crashing while pesticides proven to be dangerous are reauthorized, ground water is polluted, and the government hopes to sell our public lands to the highest bidder for private gain. Many of the things that are happening disproportionately affect women an minority populations.
We must keep the pressure on our “public servants” to return to fact based government, to allow our scientists to pursue their research unfettered by political ideology, and to remind our representatives that they are public servants, serving all the people of this country, not just those who have the money to purchase lobbyists and votes….
The most important thing you can do every day is to let Senators Braun and Young and Representative Hollingsworth know that we care about the quality of life of all Americans, not just those who can afford to live in unpolluted neighborhoods, purchase pesticide free food and manipulate the environment for their own gain.
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
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.
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Democratic Women's Caucus
http://www.democraticwomenscaucus.org/