We are living in difficult times… juggling all of the plates that have been tossed in the air by the Covid-19 virus crisis has put stress on everyone’s lives and the political scene is no different. Our candidates, particularly non-incumbent candidates, are struggling to find ways to get their message out in a world where personal contact, the most effective means of doing so, is being restricted. 

Candidates will need to work with alternative methods such as social media, mailings, and other ways to message, rather than the in-person canvassing and meet & greets that have been the traditional backbone of campaigning in past years.
While we’re still brainstorming ideas… there are things you can do to help out… Donate to candidate's campaigns to help them deal with the increased costs of campaigning, contact our endorsed candidates and see how you can help them in their campaigns, got a good idea on how to conduct a virtual meet and greet or social media campaign, volunteer to help phone bank from home, retweet/repost their social media messages and get the message out to your family, friends and acquaintances. 
Our Endorsed Candidate page is now on-line. Over the next couple of days we hope to have full contact information up for all the candidates and we will update their pages with press releases, needs and other information as they send it to us, so continue to check back for any updates. We also welcome your suggestions and ideas at [email protected].
Voters will also have to make tough decisions in the next month and a half leading up to the Indiana Primary on May 5 - at a time when voting has never been more critical. The slow response from the White House and from our own Indiana Legislature has shown that we must replace certain members of our government in this next cycle. 
Start by checking your voter registration status at indianavoters.com. Even if you voted in the last election it’s a good idea to make sure. Then make sure all your friends are registered and ready to vote. The deadline to register to vote in the primary is April 6 at 11:59pm (online), 4:00pm at the voter registration office, but don’t wait until the last minute; you and they will want to make sure that any new registrations go through properly prior to the deadline.
Then decide how to vote: as it now stands all options for voting are still in place for this year’s primary. However, we strongly encourage all voters who qualify to vote by mail to do so and to request their ballot as soon as possible. Information about applying for absentee-by-mail ballots, the qualifications to do so, and the application to request a ballot-by-mail can be found here. This morning we received updated information from the Indiana Election Division that stated that the county does not have the authority to allow anyone who wants to to vote-by-mail. If you think you qualify to vote-by-mail want to do so, we encourage you to review the options and make your own decisions to check the box that you believe to be true or will be true on election day, one that might conceivably include your decision to quarantine in place at that time. The safety of our members and their families is paramount.
Be advised that the last day to submit an application for absentee-by-mail ballot is April 23 (4:00pm in the office, 11:59 for fax or email) but don’t wait until the last minute, given that mail (and email and fax delivery times) can be fickle and that we anticipate an increased number of applications being filed, getting your application in in a timely fashion will help out everyone.
There are messages out there to pressure the Indiana Election Division to add no-reason absentee-by-mail voting for this election cycle. Please remember that, like the IRS, the IED is a regulatory body, designed to enforce the Indiana Code, not make changes to it. The people who could have taken the lead in ensuring that all Indiana residents were able to vote, and vote safely, were our legislators, but they were apparently too busy saving obsolete coal plants and sabotaging local government regulations to take up that matter…. So contact your elected "representatives" in the Indiana Statehouse and Legislature and let them know you want that to happen - and let’s get those responsible for not doing their best for all Indiana voters replaced in 2020 with someone who will!
Stay safe out there, stay home when you can, take precautions when you can’t, binge Netflix if you must, but if you have the opportunity, find a minute to think about how you might help change the world (as someone pointed out the other day, Newton made some of his most important discoveries while sheltering at home from the plague).

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

DWC ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPDATES:

The Women’s History Month Lunch has been cancelled for 2020. We hope that we have contacted all the women who requested a seat at our table, but if we missed you, we apologize.

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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CANDIDATE NEWS AND EVENTS:

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 are willing to walk for Cheryl, meet potential voters and help her campaign, please send a message to [email protected]. A sign-up sheet will also be at Friday's breakfast meeting. 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, please join our team by emailing Ashley Pirani at [email protected]. There are several ways for you to get involved. Some of those opportunities include canvassing, helping to write postcards, and hosting a meet and greet. They'd love to have you join them!

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.

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/

Emily's List Training:

Tuesday, March 24, 2020 3:00pm - 4:00pm - Introduction to Fundraising through Call Time - Why call time is important for candidates and how to make a strong ask
To win your election, you need to raise money to support all your campaign's needs — but raising money can feel overwhelming and challenging. This online training will show you how to use one of the most important strategies in electoral fundraising — call time. You'll learn the nuts and bolts of the crucial fundraising skills you need and how to have conversations with donors that get results. Register here:

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/

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OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The final day to register to be able to vote in the May 5 Indiana Primary is April 6.Now is a great time to double check that your voter registration is up to date - check your status at indianavoters.com

Early Voting for the Indiana Primary in Monroe County starts on April 7 - all absentee in person voting will take place at Election Central, 401 W. 7th St., Bloomington on the following dates:
April 7 - April 9 8an - 6pm
April 13 - April 17 8am - 6pm
April 20 - April 24 8am - 6pm
April 25 9am - 4pm
April 27 - May 1 8am - 6pm
May 2 9am - 4pm
May 4 8am - Noon

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:

March 17: Arizona Democratic primary and Florida, Illinois, and Ohio primaries 
March 24: Georgia Democratic primary - has been postponed
March 29: Puerto Rico Democratic primary
April 4: Alaska and Hawaii Democratic primaries and Wyoming Democratic caucuses - The Louisiana Primary has been postponed.
April 7: Wisconsin primary
April 28: Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island primaries
May 2: Guam Democratic caucuses and Kansas Democratic primary
May 5: Indiana primary
May 12: Nebraska and West Virginia primaries
May 19: Kentucky and Oregon primaries
June 2: Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, South Dakota and Washington, D.C., primaries

The Indiana Democratic Convention is slated for Saturday, June 13 in Indianapolis
The National Democratic Convention is slated for July 13-16 in Milwaukee. 

The Indiana Democratic Party wants to hear from you! The IDP is seeking your input on their 2020 State Democratic Platform and has already held three hearings around the state to learn what issues are important to Democratic voters. There is one remaining Platform Hearing, on March 14 in Fort Wayne, and it is free and open to the public.
If you are unable to attend but would still like to participate, you can submit an online input form here. If you'd like to review the 2018 State Party Platform, click here. The open comment period will close on April 3, 2020 and a final draft of the Platform will be presented to delegates for approval at the 2020 State Convention on June 13th.

MONROE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY EVENTS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: 
contact Taegan Bolden-Davis, Executive Director, Monroe County Democratic Party 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 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

Tuesday, March 17, 2020, 11:30am to 1:00pm - CANCELLED
Monroe County Democrats’ Club Luncheon Meeting
DeAngelo’s Restaurant in Eastland Plaza

Friday, March 20, 2020 - POSTPONED, future date TBA
Elizabeth A Woman Of Color - A theatrical production by Gladys DeVane
Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington

Friday, March 27, 2020, 6:00 - 8:00 pm - CANCELLED
2020 FDR Gala
Switchyard Park Pavilion, 1601 S. Rogers St.

Saturday, March 28, 2020, 9:00am - 3:00pm - POSTPONED UNTIL MAY 16
Indiana Federation Of Democratic Women 2020 Spring Meeting
First Friends of Richmond, 2010 Chester Blvd., Richmond, IN
Cost: $20,00 per attendee
Registration: 9:00am, Meeting: 10:00am to 3:00pm, Lunch is provided
More information at: https://www.facebook.com/events/182754393028546/
PLEASE RSVP /You can pre-register at ActBluehttps://secure.actblue.com/donate/ifdw20spring# 
Call 765-603-8213 with any questions or concerns

Saturday, March 28, 2020, 2:00pm to 4:00pm - CANCELLED
Sip & See with the Next State Senator to Be
Patrick residence: 516 North Hamilton Court, Bloomington
An open house with Shelli Yoder, candidate for State Senate! If you have any questions, please contact Olivia at oliviajreed@gmail.

ACTION ITEM(s): 

1. Stay abreast of the details for the upcoming Indiana Primary - we will try to keep you updated as information comes in. It's very important that all of us vote. Support our endorsed candidates as they negotiate an unprecedented primary session.

2. Mitch McConnell has done everything in his power to sabotage legislation that benefits the people of the United States, including legislation and funding to protect us from Covid-19... consider making a donation to his opponent for Senate - Amy McGrath. She's an incredible young woman with an incredibly hard fight ahead of her - https://amymcgrath.com/

3. 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]

4. Watch for your census form - fill it out - send it back or file online!

5. Renew your membership in the DWC for 2020 (see below)

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/