They say that every journey begins with a single step… when that first step is followed by more steps a mission is born and when that single walker is joined by others with the same mindset, we have a movement. Whether it’s a large idea like Climate Change or a small idea like activating a neighborhood to improve the lives of its residents, find the ideas that resonate with you and join the parade…. Many have said that the next election will help to define the soul of this country for years to come - we have the chance to work to change the course of events as we head towards 2020 - let's all work to make a better world out there for all.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Announcements
Events
Action Items
ANNOUNCEMENTS
DWC ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPDATES:
DWC Training Series Begins!
On October 8th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm, at Democratic Headquarters, the DWC will hold the first of a Series of Training Sessions for women who are interested in campaigns, either as a candidate or as staff to a candidate.
State Senator Vi Simpson and former City Clerk Regina Moore will lead participants in a series of questions about what to think about before you commit to running for office. Get started off on the right foot, and clearly understand what the commitment means, how campaigning and serving will affect your life. NB: There are surprises here!
There will also be a Q&A Panel with women who will share their experiences, good and bad, about running and serving. Reserve your space by emailing [email protected] at your earliest convenience. Bring that friend who would make a good candidate!
The DWC is a sponsor of the Democracy Lab Fundraiser to be held on Sunday, September 29, 2019 from 3:00pm - 5:00pm at Democratic Headquarters. Democracy Lab was started by MCDP in 2016 as a way to provide resources to progressive, grassroots organizations in the community. The space and resources support many vital groups, including the DWC. See the events listing for full details.
Mark Your Calendars for the next DWC Breakfast, October 4, 2019 at the Village Deli. Topic TBA.
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 season. If you are interested in contributing to this process please email us at [email protected].
DWC Steering Committee Membership:
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 Carolyn VandeWiele at [email protected].
Blue Drinks - The return of Politics and Cocktails…
About 20 women joined us at Truffles on Friday evening... a chance to meet some new friends and talk about a wide range of subjects. Look for more such events in the future...
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]
ENDORSED CANDIDATE EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
SUE SGAMBELLURI FOR CITY COUNCIL Upcoming Events
Sunday, October 6, 2019, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Matlock Heights House Gathering & Listening Tour - Hosted by Markus & Stephanie Dickinson
2301 N Dunn Street
Sunday, October 13, 2019 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Blue Ridge House Gathering & Listening Tour - Hosted by Tony & Julia Armstrong
3328 N Ramble Road Court
Join your neighbors and meet Sue Sgambelluri, Candidate for Bloomington City Council District 2. Enjoy a lively discussion, and hear more about her priorities for our city.
Please visit www.SueForCityCouncil.com or Sue Sgambelluri for City Council on Facebook to share your ideas, find out how to get involved, or to make a contribution
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A new West Side Democratic Collective is forming to bring West Side (Richland, Bean Blossom, Indian Creek & VanBuren) Democrats together to promote political activity in the area and to recruit and support democratic candidates in these Townships. The group will hold a meet & greet at the wonderfully renovated and kid-friendly Ellettsville Branch of the Monroe County Public Library on October 5, 2019. Coffee and treats provided (see Events for full details).
https://www.facebook.com/groups/502327500558550/
MONROE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY ANNOUNCES NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR:
The Monroe County Democratic Party announced that Taegan Bolden-Davis will be their next Executive Director. She will work collaboratively with MCDP officers to enact the mission of the Party: electing Democrats to office in Monroe County, providing civic education, and supporting progressive, grassroots organizations. Taegan comes to the MCDP with a wealth of experience. She has served on numerous campaigns, including work with the Liz Watson campaign and as Operations Director for John Hamilton for Mayor. She also has past experience volunteering with community organizations including the Monroe County Community Kitchen and Volunteers in Medicine.
The inaugural Executive Director, Kaisa Goodman, has faithfully served the party since March of 2018, working with two MCDP Chairs and countless campaigns and elected officials. Kaisa will continue to serve as Executive Director through the November 5, 2019 election, at which point Taegan will step in as the new Executive Director. MCDP is excited for the experience and vision that Taegan brings to the Party, especially as we move into the critical 2020 election season.
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.
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]).
FEATURED BOARD & COMMISSION OPENING:
The Monroe County Parks and Recreation Board is seeking a new member. This position is appointed by the Mayor of the City of Bloomington. Interested candidates must reside within the city limits and cannot be a Republican.
The Monroe County Parks and Recreation Board oversees the M.C. Parks and Recreation Department (https://mcparksandrec.org), which exists to provide quality parks, recreation and educational programs; promote appreciation of environmental and cultural resources; and preserve green space with in the county.
Facilities and programs include: Karst Farm Park, Will Detmer Park, Flatwoods Park, Jackson Creek Park, The Karst Greenway, The Splash Pad, Karst Dog Park, the Drone Zone at Flatwoods, the Karst Athletic Complex, Youth and Adult Programming and a brand new collaboration with the Indiana Limestone Symposium.
The Parks & Recreation Board meets the third Wednesday of every month at 3:30pm in Room 100B in the Showers Building. Board members serve a four-year term. The current members are Evelyn Harrell, Joe Goss, Amy Thompson, Kevin Dogan, Carolyn VandeWiele and Phil Cornwell.
A full listing of the duties of the Board can be found at: https://www.co.monroe.in.us/department/board.php?structureid=48
If you are interested in this position please contact MCPR Director Kelli Witmer at [email protected]
EVENTS
Monday, September 23, 2019, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Beautiful Boy Screening
Buskirk Chumley Theater, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington
As a kickoff event for the 3rd Annual South Central Opioid Summit, the Monroe County Opioid Advisory Commission is sponsoring a free screening of Beautiful Boy. Based on the best-selling pair of memoirs from father and son David and Nic Sheff, Beautiful Boy chronicles the heartbreaking and inspiring experience of survival, relapse, and recovery in a family coping with addiction over many years. This event is FREE and unticketed.
Tuesday, September 24, 2019, 9:00am-5:00pm
Third Annual South Central Opioid Summit
Monroe County Convention Center, 302 S. College Ave., Bloomington
The Monroe County Opioid Advisory Commission will host its third annual South Central Indiana summit. Our summit will offer a forum where specialists, professionals, community leaders, people with lived experience, and concerned citizens can join together to discuss, learn, and share innovative and evidence-based approaches from across our community. Purchase tickets here
Note: 5 CEUs available for licenses overseen by the Indiana Behavioral Health and Human Services Licensing Board.
Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/278644883001208/
Wednesday, September 25, 2019, 1:00pm-3:00pm
Mike Braun Staff Mobile Office Hours
Bedford Public Library, 1323 K Street, Bedford, IN 47432
Senator Mike Braun's staff will be in the area to assist constituents with any issues they are having with federal agencies, listen to concerns about pending or future legislation, and help address any other topics they may want to discuss.
Thursday, September 26, 11:00am-midnight
Monroe County NOW Dine and Donate at Mother Bear’s
Campus and Westside Mother Bear’s Locations
Join Monroe County NOW for their next Dine & Donate! Mother Bear's will donate $5 for every large pizza you order. This offer is good all day for dine-in, carry-out, and delivery and will be held at both Campus and West locations. You must present the physical coupon in order for funds to be donated to MC NOW. One coupon per large pizza is required.And be sure to join members of our Legislative Action Committee for a Contact Your Reps Party from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at Mother Bear's West. They will have scripts, postage, and other materials to contact representatives on issues important to NOW. Print coupon here.
Thursday, September 26, 6:00pm-7:30pm
Community Healthcare Conversation: Greene & Monroe Counties
Greene County Community Building, 4503 W. State Road 54, Bloomfield
Healthcare can be a matter of life and death. Everyday Hoosiers are suffering as health costs skyrocket and access to care becomes more difficult without any end in sight. Join Hoosiers from Greene and Monroe counties for a community conversation about our healthcare system! We will share our healthcare stories with the people who have the power to share the system and learn about the resources that can help. Our State Representative Jeff Ellington will be in attendance as well as a representative from US Senator Todd Young's office. Healthcare system navigators will also be in attendance to help. No matter what is in your wallet or what you look like, we all get sick and we all need to see the doctor sometimes. Join us to so that we can make certain all Hoosiers can get the care we need.
Please RSVP with Tracey at [email protected] or on their Facebook page.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/2351750118375609/
Thursday, September 26, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Eric Blanc: Strike Action in Republican States
IFell, a community of artists, 415 W. 4th St., Bloomington
hosted by the Bloomington, IN branch of the Democratic Socialists of America
Author of the book Red State Revolt: The Teachers’ Strike Wave and Working-Class Politics (Verso 2019), Eric Blanc is a former high school teacher and currently a doctoral student at NYU Sociology. He has appeared on Democracy Now and writes for The Nation and The Guardian. During the Los Angeles, West Virginia, Oklahoma, Arizona, Denver, and Oakland public education strikes, Blanc has been Jacobin magazine’s on-the-ground correspondent. Join Bloomington DSA for a conversation about the lessons and prospects of this historic upsurge for educators, unionists, and radicals.
Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/691780471294409/
Friday, September 27, 2019, 8:00am
Election Equipment LAT (Logic and Accuracy Test)
Election Central, 401 W. 7th St., Suite 100
This testing proves that the system is properly adding votes to each candidate in the same quantity as the votes were manually entered. The system result is compared to a known set of data and must match. The public is welcome to attend.
Saturday, September 28, 2019, 10:30am-5:30pm
The Summit
Monroe County Public Library
The Summit will connect and empower citizens on various issues facing women, transgender, and non-binary individuals in Monroe County and beyond. Community experts will create a safe space for discussion and education on wellness, healthcare access, homelessness, politics, jobs, recovery, and more. Free. Age 13 and up. Light refreshments available courtesy of Bloomingfoods, Hopscotch Coffee, and Two Sticks Bakery. Donations for period products (tampons, pads, unused cups) will be accepted throughout the day, and will be distributed equally between Shalom Community Center and Middle Way House at the end of The Summit. Free chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis C, and HIV testing is available onsite. Syringe services, harm reduction, and naloxone distribution/training will also be available. Visit the Facebook event page for more details and to see the schedule of events: https://www.facebook.com/events/2137189706389989
Sunday, September 29, 2019, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Democracy Lab Fundraiser
MCDP Headquarters, 116 S. Madison St.
Hosted by the John Hamilton Campaign for Mayor
Democracy Lab was started by MCDP in 2016 (after Trump's election) as a way to provide resources to progressive, grassroots organizations. The Party recognizes that issue-based organizations and caucuses that serve specific populations must work hand-in-hand with the Democratic Party itself in order for us to achieve our common goals. With the 2020 elections quickly approaching, it's more important than ever that we support these causes. The space and resources support many vital organizations.
Food and drinks provided
Music by The Postmodern Jazz Quartet
For more information on the event, sponsorship opportunities, and how you can contribute: https://www.facebook.com/events/436153463923151/
Thursday October 3- Saturday, October 5, 2019, 8:00am - 11:00pm
Be Golden Empowerment Conference
Various locations around Bloomington, Indiana
2019 Schedule: http://www.begoldenstaygolden.com/schedule/
The third annual Be Golden conference includes yoga, workshops, panel discussions, and after parties with 30+ speakers from all over the world! Keynote speaker, Sonya Renee Taylor. This conference is for all people who support gender equity. Session tracks include Branding & Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Leadership, Sex & Wellness, and Social Justice. Click here for tickets and more info. Can't afford a ticket? Contact [email protected].
Thursday, October 3, 2019, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
DFMC October Link Up: A Discussion on Sustainability In Bloomington
Monroe County Public Library Room 2A
Concerned about climate change and how it affects Bloomington? What does it mean for the City of Bloomington to have a long-standing commitment to sustainability? Join local activists and elected officials for a panel on local policies and practices on sustainability!
Panelists: Daniel Bingham, Dave Rollo, City Council President and District IV Representative, Kate Rosenbarger
Gather at 6:00 PM to talk, Program begins at 6:30 PM.
Saturday October 5, 2019 10:00am - Noon
West Side Democratic Collective (WSDC) Kickoff Event
Ellettsville Library Branch (600 W. Temperance St., Ellettsville)
We are kicking off the West Side Democratic Collective with a coffee and donuts meet and greet!
Come meet some of your friends, neighbors and west side MCDP leadership as we kick off our efforts to bring West Side Dems together. We'll meet up at the wonderfully renovated and kid-friendly Ellettsville Branch of the Monroe County Public Library. Coffee and treats provided
See you there! #WSDC
Sunday October 6, 2019, 3:00pm - 6:00pm
Tenth Annual Democracy For Monroe County Picnic and Disc Golf Tournament
Karst Farm Park, 2450 S. Endwright Road
Tickets: $15.00 single adult / $25.00 Family (one or two adults and children 17 and under)
For Tickets: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/2019.picnic#basics
Disc Golf Tournament Entry Fee: $10.00 / Grand Prize $50.00 Bloomingbucks
Get out your discs and start practicing for the Tenth Annual Democracy For Monroe County Picnic and Disc Golf Tournament. Enjoy good food, good music, and good friends while helping support Democracy for Monroe County (DFMC) in its mission to recruit, train, and support socially and economically progressive candidates at the local, state, and federal levels. There will also be a silent auction of fine gifts.
Sunday October 6, 2019, 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Sue Sgambelluri For City Council: Matlock Heights House Gathering and Listening Tour
2301 N Dunn Street
Join your neighbors and meet Sue Sgambelluri, Candidate for Bloomington City Council District 2.
Share your ideas, enjoy a lively discussion, and hear more about her priorities for our city.
Hosted by Markus & Stephanie Dickinson.
Tuesday, October 8, 2019 5:00pm-7:00pm
DWC Training Session: What To Think About Before Committing To Run For Office
Democracy Lab, Democratic HQ, 116 S. Madison Street
State Senator Vi Simpson and former City Clerk Regina Moore will lead participants in a series of questions about what to think about before you commit to running for office. Get started off on the right foot, and clearly understand what the commitment means, how campaigning and serving will affect your life. NB: There are surprises here!
There will also be a Q&A Panel with women who will share their experiences, good and bad, about running and serving. Reserve your space by emailing [email protected] at your earliest convenience.Bring that friend who would make a good candidate!
Thursday October 10, 2019 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Monroe County Democratic Party Fall Dinner
Monroe Convention Center, Duke Energy Rooms
Cocktail Hour 6-7pm, Dinner at 7:00pm
Featuring special guests Senator Eddie Melton and Dr. Woody Myers!
Book signing by Bob Blaemire, author of “Birch Bayh: Making A Difference”
Tickets: General Admission: $70/each. Students: $40/each.
MCDP will not let price be a barrier to attendance for anyone interested in attending. Please let us know if you would like a sponsored ticket or if you would like to sponsor another community member's ticket.
RSVP and make sponsorship pledges to [email protected] or 812-272-3439.
Sunday, October 13, 2019 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Sue Sgambelluri For City Council: Blue Ridge House Gathering and Listening Tour
3328 N Ramble Road Court
Join your neighbors and meet Sue Sgambelluri, Candidate for Bloomington City Council District 2.
Share your ideas, enjoy a lively discussion, and hear more about her priorities for our city.
Hosted by Tony & Julia Armstrong.
Saturday, October 19, 2:00pm-4:00pm
The Power of the Black Vote
Bloomington City Hall Council Chambers, 401 N. Morton St.
Hosted by the Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus.
Facebook event here.
Panelists Include: Eddie Melton, Indiana State Senator; Jada Bee, Core Council of Bloomington Black Lives Matter; Rafi Hasan, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator of Monroe County Community School Corporation; Dr. Stephanie Power-Carter, Adjunct Faculty of African-American & African Diaspora Studies
Saturday, October 19, 2019, 6:00 pm
The Brainwashing of My Dad
Buskirk-Chumley Theater, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave.
This groundbreaking documentary by filmmaker Jen Senko examines the rise of right-wing media through the lens of her father, whose immersion in its daily propaganda radicalized him and whose new fanaticism rocked the very foundation of their family. Following the program, there will be a guided discussion with media experts offering tips on how to break free of the social media bubble.
Sunday, October 27, 2019 2:00pm-3:00pm
SD-SDI Membership Meeting and Panel Discussion
Unity Center in Spencer, IN
A panel discussion with three Hoosier LGBTQI+ candidates who recently ran or are running in places not typically seen as "queer" friendly districts. The panelists are: Nick Dunlap, Richmond City Council At-large 2019, Joe Lannan, IN House District 63 2018, and Janet Rummel, Owen County Council District 1 2018
ACTION ITEM(s):
1. Check in with Sue Sgambelluri’s campaign to share your thoughts about the City Council, make a donation to her campaign and find out how you can help her win on Nov. 5.
2. From Liz Feitl - how you can support the UAW Local 440 union members on strike:
The workers received their last check from GM on Friday, September 20. Each striker will receive $250 strike pay and will be working 8 hours each week picket duty in four hour shifts.
They don't have huge refrigeration capabilities so non perishables are best. The union did receive a 7 1/2 cubic freezer to hold ice.
Here's a list of items they can use:
A) canned goods (beans-all types; peas; corn; potatoes, tomatoes or other canned goods, including fruits, or anything else canned)
B) rice; stuffing mixes; other non perishable sides
C) cereals
D) gift cards (grocery store...Kroger, since it's union is preferred; gas station; credit card company gift cards)
E) diapers and baby wipes
F) toiletries...soap, shampoo, hair conditioner, toothpaste...any personal hygiene products
The union address is:
UAW Local 440, 1411 H Street, Bedford IN 47421
There are 8 strike stations with tents set up at each location. There's a map at the union hall.
The GM plant address to support the picketers on strike is 105 GM Drive, Bedford, IN 47421-1558
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/