We are hoping that everyone has had a good Thanksgiving weekend - whether you shared it with family, or friends, or just did your own thing. This is a great time to reflect on the blessings in our lives as well as the challenges that face our nation and to think about how we can all make the world a better place for everyone. One way to do that is to help elect politicians who are true public servants rather than those who are only concerned with ideology and vested interests.
In her column this morning Sheila Kennedy wrote “If we work hard and are very lucky, next Thanksgiving we will be grateful for the electoral defeat of Trumpworld – grateful for confirmation that good Americans outnumber the racists in his cult. (If we aren’t lucky, we can kiss the America I’ve believed in goodbye.) We shall see what the next year brings.”
The DWC is thankful for all of you who have believed over the years that electing pro-choice, progressive women is important to our lives - for the veterans who have helped guide us over the years and for the youngsters who are just spreading their wings. This is a busy time for the caucus.
At our Breakfast on December 6th we will host a panel that looks at the current efforts to reform the criminal justice system here in Monroe County.
We will also hold elections for 2020 members of the DWC Steering Committee (and yes we’re still looking for a few women to join us). In the next couple of days we’ll send out biographies for the women who have put their names forward to run this year and all up-to-date members will receive instructions on how to vote, whether in person, by email or by proxy.
And finally we’ll start collecting dues for 2020. The coming year will have a lot of challenges and we hope that you will all join us in the fight.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Announcements
Events
Action Items
ANNOUNCEMENTS
DWC ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPDATES:
**DWC Steering Committee Elections - Dec. 2019:
Nominations 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. 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 DWC Chair 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].
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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UPCOMING POLITICAL FUNDRAISERS:
Friday, December 6, 2019, 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Fundraiser for Pete Buttigieg for President
From Dee Owens: A fundraising reception featuring Chasten Buttigieg will be held at a private residence in Bloomington! Donation levels are $1000 (includes 5:30pm pre-reception and photo), $500, and $250. Pete needs every bit of our help to remain viable in early primaries, so your donation is vital. Please RSVP to www.P4A.US/BTOWN1206 soon as space is limited; for questions or details, please email [email protected].
Friday, December 6, 2019, 5:30pm
Indiana Democratic Party Holiday Party
Skyline Club, One America Square, Indianapolis
From John Zody: The Party will be celebrating the successes of 2019 and kicking off the 2020 campaign at our annual Holiday Party. We set out to build the bench and expand the battleground in 2019, and that’s exactly what we accomplished.
From unprecedented victories in the suburbs, to landslide wins in big cities and rural cities, we made record progress.
So grab your ticket before they sell out and join fellow Hoosier Democrats as we look toward 2020.
Sponsors’ Reception begins at 5:30pm
General Reception begins at 6:30pm
*For sponsorship opportunities please contact Alex Fuller at [email protected] or 317-231-7122*
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hp2019
Tuesday, December 10, 2019 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Hope In 8: Bloomington Fundraiser for Thomasina Marsili
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, 411 S. College Mall Road, Bloomington
A Bloomington fundraiser for Thomasina Marsili, who is running as a Democrat for Congress in Indiana's 8th District. Her platform focuses on a livable minimum wage, affordable healthcare, and support for public education.
Thomasina isn't just running for Congress, she's making history: when she wins the Democratic Primary in May, she will be the first openly LGBTQ+ major party congressional nominee in Indiana history.
Donations made be made online here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/hope-in-8-20
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OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The Indiana Women’s Suffrage Centennial: On Aug. 26, 1920, Hoosier women won the right to vote. At first glance, the meaning behind that statement is simple. But the real story goes much deeper.
In Indiana, almost seventy years passed between the first calls for women’s voting rights and the passage of the 19th Amendment. And, though momentous, 1920 is just one milestone in a long and ongoing journey, and access to the voting booth is just one part of what it means to be an equal part of the democratic process.
The Indiana Women’s Suffrage Centennial, catalyzed by Indiana Humanities, the Indianapolis Propylaeum, the Indiana Historical Society and the Indiana Historical Bureau, working with many grassroots and local partners, marks the anniversary of the 19th Amendment. We invite Hoosiers to honor the ideas and ideals that fueled the suffrage movement in Indiana, and the people who led the way; to engage in a conversation about inclusion, equity, perseverance and power; to consider what remains to be done to ensure that our democracy truly includes everyone; and to identify and act on the lessons of the women’s suffrage movement.
The Indiana Women’s Suffrage Centennial Commission has issued a Call for Proposals to Indiana-based artists to create an original work of art to be displayed in the Indiana Statehouse to commemorate the 19th Amendment.
Read more: indianasuffrage100.org
A Tournament of Roses Parade Float Is Celebrating the 2020 Suffrage Centennial
The Nineteenth Amendment was officially approved by Congress on June 4, 1920 and the 100th anniversary year of women’s rights to vote will kick off in true suffrage style during the New Year’s Day parade in Pasadena, Calif. next year.
During the “Power of Hope”-themed event, a float will announce the city’s celebration of the Votes for Women Centennial, offering “an exceptional and unprecedented opportunity to commemorate this political victory and to remember that this victory was won by a 72-year long struggle and campaign for the vote.”
The float will feature a 30-foot Statue of Liberty, a symbol of enlightenment, holding the tablet of the 19th amendment and dressed in the suffrage sash. Riders on the float will include the “Bouquet of Suffrage Descendants”—descendants of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, Ida B. Wells, Frederick Douglass and other key advocates.
The float will be covered in yellow roses, a symbol during the suffrage movement of support for Women’s Right to Vote, and 100 people will have the rare chance to march five miles down Colorado Boulevard as part of the event—”out-marchers” dressed in all-white wearing historic suffrage sashes.
With the 2020 election looming larger than ever, the float will act as “a symbol of inspiration and a reminder for all Americans to recognize the responsibility and the power to vote.”
To get involved by donating floral vials, click here. If you’re interested in becoming an out-walker, click here.
MONROE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY EVENTS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
Please contact Monroe County Executive Director Taegan Bolden-Davis at [email protected] to volunteer, to sign up for a shift (or two) or if you have any questions.
Ongoing Tabling at the Farmers Market Saturday mornings
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
Tuesday, December 3, 2019, 6:00pm - 9:00pm
DFMC Holiday Party
Upland Brewing Company Reception Hall, 350 W. 11th St., Bloomington
Open to members and non-members alike, it's a great opportunity to learn more about their grassroots organization. If you're looking to get more involved in local politics, but don't know how, this event is a fun way to meet local political activists and politicians in a casual, friendly environment. If you're already a member, join us to catch up with friends and look back at the events we hosted this year. Live music, good food. and drinks. Admission is free. https://www.facebook.com/events/465185567458344/
Friday December 6, 2019 7:30am - 9:00am
DWC Monthly Breakfast
The Village Deli, 409 E. Kirkwood
At the breakfast this month we’ll hold elections for the DWC Steering Committee for 2020 and we’ll host a panel on current efforts to reform the Monroe County Criminal Justice System.
Friday, December 6, 2019, 2:00am - 5:00am
Climate Strike and City Hall Take Over
Bloomington City Hall
Sponsored by Golden Bicycle, YDSA Bloomington, Bloomington DSA & Extinction Rebellion Bloomington Indiana.
As a follow up to the climate strike that took place on September 21st, the Golden Bicycle climate protest group is campaigning to get the city of Bloomington to declare a climate emergency by joining with other local groups to take over city hall on December 6th. This event will involve music, art, speakers, and an assembly and it coincides with another nationwide strike/day of action. The idea is to create a festive atmosphere while also being clear about the fact that the time for action is now.
Event information at: https://www.facebook.com/events/962591840770105/
Saturday, December 7, 2019, 11:00am - 12:00pm
Isabel Piedmont Smith Constituent Meeting
Bloomington City Hall, Room #135
The meeting will feature a discussion of issues coming before the City Council. All city residents are welcome to attend Council Member Piedmont-Smith's meetings
Saturday, December 7, 2019, 1:30am - 2:30pm
Sue Sgambelluri Constituent Meeting
Bloomington City Hall, Room #245
Sharing updates on current City Council legislation and taking questions, comments and ideas.
Topic this Month: The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), Convention Center Expansion and 2020 Forecast.
Sunday, December 8, 2019, 4:00pm-6:00pm
Film & Panel Discussion: The Revolutionist: Eugene V. Debs
Monroe County Public Library Auditorium
A Bloomington showing of The Revolutionist: Eugene V. Debs, the new WFYI documentary narrated by Danny Glover. Eugene V. Debs is one of the most impactful Hoosiers in history: a labor leader, co-founder of the Socialist Party in the United States, and five-time candidate for president. When he spoke out against America’s involvement in WWI, the Supreme Court upheld a guilty verdict that sentenced him to ten years in prison for violating the Espionage Act. From his cell, he ran for president for the final time, garnering nearly a million votes and sparking a national conversation about the right to free speech.
Following the film there will be a panel discussion about Debs' relevance in today's world, featuring Kim Jacobs, Jeff Isaac, and Joe Varga.
Pizza and drinks will be provided
Hosted by: The Debs Foundation, Democracy for Monroe County, Bloomington Democratic Socialists of America, Jobs with Justice, The Monroe County Democratic Party, John Hamilton for Mayor, IU College Democrats, and IU Young Democratic Socialists of America
This event is free and open to the public but donations to the Debs Foundation are encouraged and can be made online here.
Sunday December 8, 2019 6:00pm-8:00pm
West Side Democratic Collaborative Holiday Social
O'Charley's, 360 N. Jacob Drive
The West Side Democratic Collaborative cordially invites you to a Holiday Social Gathering. This newly formed group is working to build the base in our four western townships, Richland, Van Buren, Indian Creek, and Bean Blossom. Come celebrate the season at this no-host event. Join us for a fun evening and a chance to live our Democratic values – we will be collecting non-perishable food items and/or cash for Grace Center and Pantry 279, food pantries serving the west side at a time of great need. No matter which side of the highway you live on please come for good conversation with both new and old friends.
Tuesday, December 10, 2019 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Hope In 8: Bloomington Fundraiser for Thomasina Marsili
BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, 411 S. College Mall Road, Bloomington
A Bloomington fundraiser for Thomasina Marsili, who is running as a Democrat for Congress in Indiana's 8th District.
Wednesday, December 11, 2019 5:30pm
Medicare For all Indiana Meeting
St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, Room 8, 100 N. State Road 46 Bypass, Bloomington
December meeting agenda: How to Talk with Conservatives (which includes “moderate” Democrats these days). Based on many of the ideas that Dr Ed Weisbart has developed [watch video here], explore and practice ideas like those developed in the following books. Everyone is encouraged to pick and read at least one of these books before the December meeting:
STRANGERS IN THEIR OWN LAND: Anger and Mourning on the American Right by Arlie Russell Hochschild.
The Political Mind: A Cognitive Scientist’s Guide to Your Brain and Its Politics by George Lakoff.
The Righteous Mind: Why Good People Are Divided by Politics and Religion by Jonathon Haidt.
To get the newsletter or for more information email: [email protected]
Thursday December 12, 2019 11:00am-1:15pm
Election Security Under Attack: How Vulnerable is Indiana?
Indiana State House, House Chambers (3rd Floor) • 200 W Washington St., Indianapolis, IL 46204
Hosted by Common Cause Indiana - contact Info: Julia Vaughn, [email protected]
What should local, state, and the federal government be doing to ensure the upcoming presidential election in 2020 will be free of outside interference? How can we safeguard a system that varies not just state by state, but county by county? Will partisan officials be able to agree on the problem, let alone the solution?
Join Common Cause Indiana to hear from state and national election security experts as they tackle these questions and more.
General Registration, $25.00, Student Registration $10.00 per ticket
Attorney Claiming CLE Credit Registration $75.00 — Note: we have been certified for 2.2 CLE credits
Panelists include:
Susannah Goodman, Director of Election Security at Common Cause
Bill Groth, Indianapolis attorney and election law expert
Greg Shufeldt, Assistant Professor of Political Science at Butler University
Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. The event begins at 11:00 a.m. and will conclude at 1:15 p.m.
Sunday, January 19, 2020 4:00pm - 6:30pm
Medicare For All Indiana Film: The Color Of Medicine
The Buskirk Chumley Theatre, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington
A showing of the new movie The Color of Medicine, a documentary capturing the history of medical training of African-Americans at Homer G. Phillips Hospital in St. Louis. Dr. Earl Robinson Jr, a retired OB GYN from Indianapolis is featured in the movie and will be present. He will participate in discussion and Q&A following the screening. Free admission. Please help us publicize this event. We could use volunteers to help that evening!
Saturday, January 25, 2020
IN Democratic Party Blue Bench Training
IVY Tech Conference Center, 2820 N Meridian St Indianapolis, IN 46208
Join the Indiana Democratic Party and the National Democratic Training Committee at their Blue Bench Training for candidates and potential candidates, campaign staff and volunteer staff, and local party infrastructure on January 25 for all the tools and tips you need to launch a successful campaign or create and build infrastructure for your local party. More women, first-time candidates and young people have stepped up to move Indiana forward. If you're ready to do the work, let them help you get started.
Registration begins 30 minutes before the training begins.
The training costs $25 to cover breakfast and lunch.
Sigh up at: https://secure.ngpvan.com/nbvXo8IZy0egLoZNQh6-3A2?emci=f0979afe-640d-ea11-828b-2818784d6d68&emdi=4e0b1182-6c0d-ea11-828b-2818784d6d68&ceid=3402235
ACTION ITEM(s):
1. Renew your membership in the DWC for 2020 (see below)
2. In the spirit of the season bring a canned or boxed good to the December 6 Breakfast to share with our local food pantries.
3. As we wend our way towards the end of this year, consider your options for helping to elect good leaders in 2020: Become active in the DWC, serve on a committee, send us your ideas. Work with the local and state Democratic Parties to effect change in our communities. Sign a petition to put candidates on a state or federal ballot. Join a campaign, support a candidate, educate yourself on the issues, keep your elected officials accountable for their legislative decisions, register a voter and, of course, vote in 2020!.
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/