It’s Breakfast Time Again:
The summer is flying by and now it’s time for another DWC Breakfast. We’ll meet at the Village Deli to learn about how our local officials spend our money. Local City and County Council Women will be sharing their experiences with the annual upcoming budgeting process. We’ll send out more detailed information about the breakfast on Wednesday.
“With hope-anything in fact, everything is possible.
Hope is more than simply the possibility of fulfillment.
Hope is dignity and respect, joy and happiness, aspiration and achievement.
Hope never quits.
Through hope, we can aspire to be our best and in turn inspire those around us to reach higher.”
- Laura Farber 2019-2020 President of the Tournament of Roses
The theme of this year’s Tournament of Roses Parade is “The Power of Hope”. In 1915, the new woman rode a bike, wore bloomers, and carried banners about the vote. They made the difference. To win the vote, women had to convince men to give them the vote. No small feat. In 1920 Congress passed a law that granted the right to vote to women. As many have pointed out, that historic vote didn’t grant the right to vote to all women. And to be honest, the fight still continues today with voter suppression efforts, gerrymandering, rigging the census, and intimidation; all efforts that disproportionately target women and people of color. But hope never quits and we can overcome the forces that are working to subvert democracy in this country if we pay attention to the facts, educate ourselves and the voters and work together to achieve our goals, disagree with respect and stand with each other against the common enemy.
New DWC Steering Committee Member Proposed:
There are currently several openings on the DWC Steering Committee. According to our By-Laws, vacancies on the SC between election cycles are to be filled by appointment from the Steering Committee and subject to ratification by the membership at the next monthly membership meeting. At our last Steering Committee meeting we invited Michelle Bright to join the committee and we will hold a ratifying vote at our next breakfast this coming Friday. Michelle’s statement is below. She has helped edit the MMN for some time, has served on several committees and has done a terrific job of resolving many of the problems that plagued Benton Township prior to her election as Township Trustee. More details on the vote on Wednesday.
We are also in discussion with several other members who have expressed interest in serving and there will be an annual election this coming December. If you have an interest in serving please contact the DWC Chair via [email protected].
Michelle started her political career in 2010, when she became enraged when allegations of political corruption involving her local public officials emerged. Not being satisfied unless she was part of the solution, she was caucused into the position of Benton Township Trustee in March 2012. Some of the highlights of her time in office so far has been working with community youth organizations to start a Township Food Pantry and a Little Free Library, restoring two historical cemeteries in Benton Township, and was one of the first Townships in Indiana to partner with the American Red Cross for the Home Fire Campaign. Michelle has always been very grateful to the DWC for helping train and support her over the years, and was endorsed both times she ran for re-election. She is a Business Analyst at Indiana University; and is currently settling in to being an empty-nester with her husband in Unionville.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Announcements
Events
Action Items
ANNOUNCEMENTS
DWC future
As we hope many of you know, we had three listening sessions over the past few weeks and have gotten emails from many of you with your thoughts. But we need more people to weigh in with the diversity of opinions and the great ideas we know you have.
Please share your thoughts on this organization as we move forward, in our community and our state. Opportunities for feedback will also be available in an online form. Watch for more information on that.... for those brilliant ideas that come in the middle of the night! Email [email protected]
Endorsement Review Committee:
We are currently organizing the information that we’ve received during the Listening Sessions that have already been held. The first order of business will be to continue the update of our endorsement policy so that it is in place for the 2020 elections. To that effect we are in the process of organizing an ENDORSEMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE that will begin meeting in August with the intent of having a finished document in late fall ready for review by the membership. Some of you have already expressed interest but please let us know that you are still interested along with anyone else who would like to participate at [email protected].
*****************************************
CITIZEN’s ACADEMY:
This program is now full..... stay tuned for next year’s program.
THE SECOND DEMOCRATIC PARTY PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES WILL BE HELD JULY 30 AND 31, 2019
Broadcast by CNN live from the Fox Theatre in Detroit:
On stage the first night of round two: Marianne Williamson, Tim Ryan, Amy Klobuchar, Pete Buttigieg, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Beto O'Rourke, John Hickenlooper, John Delaney and Steve Bullock.
On the second night we will see: Jay Inslee, Kirsten Gillibrand, Tulsi Gabbard, Michael Bennet, Bill De Blasio, Cory Booker, Andrew Yang, Julian Castro, Kamala Harris and Joe Biden
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
Farmers Market Volunteers needed for the Democratic Party Booth
The Monroe County Democratic Party STILL needs volunteers at the Saturday Farmers Market this summer! Shifts are available from 8am to 12pm. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Ed at [email protected].
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]).
THE BE GOLDEN 2019 CONFERENCE ANNOUNCES IT’S KEYNOTE SPEAKER: SONYA RENEE TAYLOR
Sonya is the Founder and Radical Executive Officer of The Body is Not An Apology, a digital and education media company promoting radical self-love and body empowerment as the foundational tool for social justice and global transformation.
With a B.A. in Sociology and an M.S.A. in Organizational Management Sonya continues to use her work to disrupt systems of inequity from an intersectional, radical self-love, and global justice framework. Her work has been seen, heard, and read on HBO, BET, MTV, TV One, NPR, PBS, CNN, Oxygen Network, The New York Times, Huffington Post, USA Today, and many more.
Watch her speak and meet her in person on Saturday, October 5th at the 3rd annual women's empowerment conference in Bloomington, Indiana!
The conference runs Oct. 3-5, 2019 in downtown Bloomington. Early Nerd Discounted Ticket pricing ends July 31. The Gold Badge $99 is an all-access pass to the three-day conference including a VIP swag bag, an invitation to the launch party, and access to the Gold Lounge (includes hair, makeup, and professional headshots). One Day discounted passes are $59. http://www.begoldenstaygolden.com/.
TO LOOK OUT FOR: “This Changes Everything” a theatrical documentary which spotlights the under-representation of women in the entertainment industry. The film, which features Geena Davis (63) who was also the executive producer, Meryl Streep (70), Natalie Portman (38), Reese Witherspoon (43) and Cate Blanchett (50). Davis says that the goal of the film is “to show kids from the very beginning that boys and girls share the sandbox equally…. If the things we’re making for kids have a profound lack of female characters and female characters of substance, then unconsciously they’re taking in the message that girl and women are not as valuable to our society as men and boys.” The film opens for one-night only shows in July 22 and widely throughout August.
EVENTS
Tuesday, July 30, 2019 8:00-10:00pm
Bloomington Hoosiers Debate Watch Party
The Crazy Horse, 214 W. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington
Hosted by Elizabeth Warren for President. They will discuss Elizabeth’s vision for big structural change in this county but all are welcome to come and watch the debate.
https://events.elizabethwarren.com/event/106745/
Tuesday, July 30, 2019 7:30-10:00pm
Pete Buttigieg Watch Party
The Bloomington watch party will start at 8pm.
Sign up and find more info about the event here
Tuesday, July 30, 2019 7:00-10:00pm
Bernie Sanders Debate Watch Party
Nick’s English Hut, upstairs in the Attic and downstairs in the back room
https://www.facebook.com/events/954426981562873/?ti=ia
Thursday, August 1, 2019 6-8PM
DFMC August Link Up: Breaking Ballot Box Barriers
Monroe County Public Library Room 1C
For their August Link-up, DFMC has invited Amanda Schutte as guest speaker. Amanda has traveled the state working to expand access to voting rights, providing education on the barriers to participation in the civic process, and partnered with organizations such as the ACLU, YWCA, and the Indianapolis Parole Division. She has also made huge changes in her community through nonprofit development and community engagement. Join them for a discussion about Breaking Ballot Box Barriers
Thursday, August 1, 2019 6PM
North Central Indiana Village - 25 Women for 2020
305 Juniper Lane Plymouth IN
Wow! Formidable women around Indiana are declaring their candidacy. 25 Women for 2020 is asking for your help in recruiting more great women who understand that some of the most important legislative action takes place at the state level and that we need Democratic women to make better legislation for Hoosiers. 25 Women For 2020 will provide support and expertise for Democratic women who want to drive better policy in Indiana. We've identified some key districts in North Central Indiana that are great opportunities for Democratic women to challenge Republicans in 2020. We'll help women create the Villages that they need to get the job done. Please come and bring some mighty women from North Central Indiana who we can support in getting elected to the Indiana Legislature.
More information on their FB event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1392043827637858/
Friday, August 2, 2019 7:30-9:00am
DWC Monthly Breakfast
Village Deli, 409 E Kirkwood Ave, Bloomington
Thursday, August 8, 2019, 7:35-9:00 am
Wake Up! With United Way "Autism Spectrum Disorder: What to Know"
BloomingTea, 612 W. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington
This presentation will focus on the basics of Autism Spectrum Disorder, including a brief history of the diagnosis, why there seems to be an increase in the number of people who have ASD, and some useful tips on handling routine daily activities as well as crisis situations. The discussion will include opportunities for questions and answers from participants, as well as resources for those who need supports and services. The $10 ticket cost includes breakfast and coffee, with any remaining proceeds supporting United Way of Monroe County's efforts to address the community's critical needs today, while reducing those needs tomorrow. More info about the speaker, the subject matter, and more, can be found at https://www.monroeunitedway.org/WakeUp.
Saturday, August 10, 8:00-10:00pm
“Nasty Women: Bloomington” Comedy Benefit Show
The Back Door, 207 S. College Ave.
Bloomington! Your favorite Nasty Women return to The Back Door for one night only. Enjoy comedy from local femmes and thems as they raise money for the All-Options Hoosier Abortion Fund. Bring cash for raffle tickets. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm. $10 suggested donation. Queer Cabaret to follow!
Tuesday, August 13, 5:00-6:30pm
Is Everyone Welcome: Exploring Equity and Inclusion
Monroe County Public Library Auditorium
Join Building a Thriving Compassionate Community (BTCC) for a panel to explore the theme of Equity and Inclusion framing November's Monroe County Childhood Conditions Summit (MC3). Moderated by IU Office of Admissions Senior Assistant Director of Admissions and Chair of the Monroe County Women's Commission, Nichelle Whitney, BTCC's August Quarterly Gathering features a panel that bridges town and gown, bringing forth how we as a collective can build an equitable, inclusive city and county. Participants will be invited to share ideas and feedback on bringing this topic to the 2019 Summit.
Thursday, August 15, 6:00-7:00pm
Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus Monthly Chapter Meeting
MCDP HQ, 116 S. Madison St.
Join MCBDC for their monthly chapter meeting to learn more about the Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus and how you can get involved. All are welcome!
Saturday, August 17, 5:30pm Social, 6:30pm Dinner
Owen County Democratic Party Democracy Day Dinner
Spencer United Methodist Church, IGA, 95 W. Franklin St., Spencer
with featured Speaker Dana Black, State Deputy Chair for Engagement
For tickets: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dddinner
Tickets: $25/person
August 22-24, 2019
Annual Indiana Democratic Editorial Association (IDEA) Convention in French Lick
French Lick Resort, 8670 West Road 56
For a full list of all the events happening at this year’s IDEA visit: http://www.indems.org/annual-idea-convention-in-french-lick/. 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.
Saturday, August 31, 2019, 3:00-11:30 pm
Bloomington Pridefest
Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington
Save the date for the sixth annual Bloomington Pridefest!
Saturday September 8, 2019, 4:00-7:00 pm
5th Annual Hamilton Family Picnic
Bryan Park
Join Mayor Hamilton and his family for music, food, and family-friendly fun!
ACTION ITEM(s):
As always we welcome your suggestions about the DWC. Let us know where we've done well and what we should do better. Send your ideas to [email protected] at any time.
For a little lighthearted fun (we all can use some these days): The Go Back To Your Country Girls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_DzUr175_0&fbclid=IwAR0Wkh2DcDddLh9wdqy97Ni2ymbBd3-G-BF0VJ-TAL4ZaUUlEzvqXm4Uk7I
Next year will be our final chance to pass meaningful Redistricting Reform in Indiana prior to the 2020 Census and the redistricting of Indiana districts and precincts. While this is undoubtedly a hard sell in Indiana, keep abreast of what is going on at the Statehouse and efforts to develop a non-partisan redistricting commission.
Our DWC Endorsed candidates will be ramping up their campaigns for the general election in the next month. Stay tuned for ways that you can help them to achieve victory in the November election.
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/