1--Don't forget THURSDAY, June 6th

THURSDAY, 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Knock Down The House Documentary
Monroe County Public Library, Room 1B
The DWC is proud to co-sponsor this event, hosted by DFMC, a showing of the new documentary that follows four determined candidates, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, throughout their campaigns in the 2018 election.

Join us for a great film, good company, and a good discussion following the film.
For more information about the film, please view the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wGZc8ZjFY4
Cosponsors: Democracy for Monroe County, College Democrats at Indiana University, Indiana 9th District Latino Caucus & the Democratic Women's Caucus.

2--A Fitting Tribute --

Vicky Sorensen, former Indian Creek Trustee, DWC Steering Committee member and current treasurer, is sadly mourning the loss of her husband Clark. In Clark's obituary, the family has asked in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Sycamore Land Trust or Grace Center Food Pantry in Harrodsburg. If you are so inclined please bring any canned, non-perishable food items you wish to donate to the Breakfast meeting on Friday. We'll take them down to the pantry where we know folks will be waiting.
Vicky and Clark have served that community well, in so many ways. Vicky, our hearts are with you now.

Check here for some information on the pantry and some ideas of what they can use: http://gracecenterindiana.org/food.html

Grace Center Food Pantry is always accepting food and money donations to stock the shelves and feed the families in this rural area. Donations are accepted any time the pantry is open (Thursdays 3 pm to 7 pm) or call 812-329-0337 to make special arrangements. If you hold a food drive, Grace Center Food Pantry will be happy to pick up donated items.
Items Needed:
• Canned fruit
• Peanut butter
• Catsup
• Egg noodles
• Rice/rice mixes
• Hamburger/tuna helper type mixes
• Canned milk
• Spaghetti/spaghetti sauce
• Cereal
• Cornbread mix
• Chicken broth
• Eggs
• Toiletries and personal hygene items
Thank you for thinking of Grace Food Pantry!

3--Then, FRIDAY, June 7

Our special guest ~~ Karlee Macer, Indiana State Representative District 92.
She'll be speaking about her experiences in the state legislature, women's leadership and the importance of women's leadership as our party moves forward. Oh, and have you seen this?!

https://fox59.com/2019/06/02/in-focus-rep-macer-considering-run-for-governor/

Karlee was first elected in 2012 and is currently the Assistant Democratic Leader and the Ranking Democrat on the Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. She also serves on the Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development Committee, as well as the Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee and on the Indiana Veterans Affairs Commission.
Throughout her time in the legislature, Macer has been recognized as the Indiana Chamber’s Legislative Champion, Indiana Chamber Small Business Champion, Legislator of the Year by the Disabled American Veterans, AARP Capital Caregiver Award, Legislator of the Year by the Indiana Social Work Association, and received the Distinguished Public Service Award from the American Legion.
Karlee's official State Representative page: https://indianahousedemocrats.org/members/karlee-macer/full
Karlee's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/karleeforindiana/

An Announcement about a plan for the DWC future -- "Are we done now??"

During the election of 2003, there was one woman running for the Bloomington City Council. Today, there are four women running, and seven participated in the primary for the Democratic nomination for City Council this May.
Back in 2004 there were a scattering of women in county elected offices, many of them from the Republican Party. Today there are three women serving as county commissioners (the first all woman board in the state!), six elected women serving county government, and all but one judicial seat are held by women.

As the DWC was being formed and planned, by-laws created, much thought was given to the real purpose of the group. Simply stated from those by-laws:

The purpose of the organization is to inspire, recruit, train, support, and fund progressive, pro-choice Democratic women to increase the numbers of women in the electoral process and in elected and appointed positions.

Over these 15 years, the DWC has raised and funded women to the tune of over $100,000. In addition to those PAC contributions, many more women from outside of Monroe County have visited our breakfast and lunch meetings, and we have come to their aid financially, too. These contributions, from statewide, to general assembly candidates have amounted to over $10,000 from individual donations.
Having enough women candidates is not actually a problem these days, in fact, we have women running against other women -- something that in the beginning we addressed with the statement: "We should be so lucky!"
We've trained women to be campaign managers, financial directors, communications directors, and volunteer co-ordinators. Now these women are out helping other women learn these skills. And so we come to the place of evaluating our organization in terms of the original mission, the activities of raising money for women, encouragement of new candidates, and getting more women into places where they can help other women become involved to a greater extent in the political process.

Suggestions have been made from time to time:
-Endorse men!
-Do away with the endorsement process.
-Have meetings at a more reasonable time than 7:30am!
-Do more trainings.
-Do more social service work.
-Have men speak at breakfast and other meetings.... not just women.

As we look to evaluate our mission and look to move forward into the next decade, the DWC will hold a series of listening sessions to hear from members, candidates, and elected officials who have been supported by the DWC.

Dates are tentatively:
June 13 from 5-7pm at Switchyard Brewery,
June 15* from 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm at Democratic Headquarters
July 5 - the DWC monthly breakfast.

As you think about how you might contribute – think of one thing that we should change about the organization and one thing that should stay the same. Further details will be forthcoming, especially for members who cannot attend one of these sessions.
* Focus on those who have gone through the endorsement process, who have received funding from the DWC, candidates, elected officials who are most familiar with those processes.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

Events
Action Items

Breakfast - Friday, June 7, 7:30am at the Village Deli

Our special guest ~~ Karlee Macer, Indiana State Representative District 92.
She'll be speaking about her experiences in the state legislature, women's leadership and the importance of women's leadership as our party moves forward. Oh, and have you seen this?!

https://fox59.com/2019/06/02/in-focus-rep-macer-considering-run-for-governor/

Karlee was first elected in 2012 and is currently the Assistant Democratic Leader and the Ranking Democrat on the Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. She also serves on the Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development Committee, as well as the Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee and on the Indiana Veterans Affairs Commission.
Throughout her time in the legislature, Macer has been recognized as the Indiana Chamber’s Legislative Champion, Indiana Chamber Small Business Champion, Legislator of the Year by the Disabled American Veterans, AARP Capital Caregiver Award, Legislator of the Year by the Indiana Social Work Association, and received the Distinguished Public Service Award from the American Legion.
Karlee's official State Representative page: https://indianahousedemocrats.org/members/karlee-macer/full
Karlee's Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/karleeforindiana/

DWC future -- Are we done now??

During the election of 2003, there was one woman running for the Bloomington City Council. Today, there are four women running, and seven participated in the primary for the Democratic nomination for City Council this May.
Back in 2004 there were a scattering of women in county elected offices, many of them from the Republican Party. Today there are three women serving as county commissioners (the first all woman board in the state!), six elected women serving county government, and all but one judicial seat are held by women.

As the DWC was being formed and planned, by-laws created, much thought was given to the real purpose of the group. Simply stated from those by-laws:

The purpose of the organization is to inspire, recruit, train, support, and fund progressive, pro-choice Democratic women to increase the numbers of women in the electoral process and in elected and appointed positions.

Over these 15 years, the DWC has raised and funded women to the tune of over $100,000. In addition to those PAC contributions, many more women from outside of Monroe County have visited our breakfast and lunch meetings, and we have come to their aid financially, too. These contributions, from statewide, to general assembly candidates have amounted to over $10,000 from individual donations.
Having enough women candidates is not actually a problem these days, in fact, we have women running against other women -- something that in the beginning we addressed with the statement: "We should be so lucky!"
We've trained women to be campaign managers, financial directors, communications directors, and volunteer co-ordinators. Now these women are out helping other women learn these skills. And so we come to the place of evaluating our organization in terms of the original mission, the activities of raising money for women, encouragement of new candidates, and getting more women into places where they can help other women become involved to a greater extent in the political process.

Suggestions have been made from time to time:
-Endorse men!
-Do away with the endorsement process.
-Have meetings at a more reasonable time than 7:30am!
-Do more trainings.
-Do more social service work.
-Have men speak at breakfast and other meetings.... not just women.

As we look to evaluate our mission and look to move forward into the next decade, the DWC will hold a series of listening sessions to hear from members, candidates, and elected officials who have been supported by the DWC.

Dates are tentatively:
June 13 from 5-7pm at Switchyard Brewery,
June 15* from 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm at Democratic Headquarters
July 5 - the DWC monthly breakfast.

As you think about how you might contribute – think of one thing that we should change about the organization and one thing that should stay the same. Further details will be forthcoming, especially for members who cannot attend one of these sessions.
* Focus on those who have gone through the endorsement process, who have received funding from the DWC, candidates, elected officials who are most familiar with those processes.

Thursday, June 6, 2019, 6:00pm to 8:30pm
Knock Down The House Documentary Showing
Monroe County Public Library, Room 1B
The DWC is proud to co-sponsor this event, hosted by DFMC, a showing of the new documentary that follows four determined candidates, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, throughout their campaigns in the 2018 election: "A young bartender in the Bronx, a coal miner's daughter in West Virginia, a grieving mother in Nevada, and a registered nurse in Missouri build a movement of insurgent candidates to challenge powerful incumbents in Congress. One of their races will become the most shocking political upsets in recent American history." These progressive candidates take on big money and stagnant incumbents in the 2018 election with and without success. Join us for a great film, good company, and a good discussion following the film.
For more information about the film, please view the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_wGZc8ZjFY4
Cosponsors: Democracy for Monroe County, College Democrats at Indiana University, Indiana 9th District Latino Caucus & the Democratic Women's Caucus.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

Announcements
Events
Action Items

On this Memorial Day 2019, as our nation confronts a lawless president and a supine Republican Party seemingly hell-bent on dismantling democracy and enshrining inequality, Lincoln's Gettysburg Address, delivered at a ceremony commemorating the Union dead, calls to us across the ages with renewed urgency:

"Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battle-field of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field, as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we can not dedicate -- we can not consecrate -- we can not hallow -- this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it, far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note, nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain -- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom -- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."

DWC News:

We are very pleased to announce that the guest at our next monthly breakfast on Friday, June 7 will be Karlee Macer, Indiana State Representative District 92. Karlee was first elected in 2012 and is currently the Assistant Democratic Leader and the Ranking Democrat on the Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. She also serves on the Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development Committee, as well as the Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee and on the Indiana Veterans Affairs Commission.
Throughout her time in the legislature, Macer has been recognized as the Indiana Chamber’s Legislative Champion, Indiana Chamber Small Business Champion, Legislator of the Year by the Disabled American Veterans, AARP Capital Caregiver Award, Legislator of the Year by the Indiana Social Work Association, and received the Distinguished Public Service Award from the American Legion.
Watch for more details in the June 3 Monday Morning News.

Upcoming DWC Listening Sessions: As we look to evaluate our mission and look to move forward into the next decade, the DWC will hold a series of listening sessions to get membership input. Dates are tentatively: June 13 from 5-7pm at Switchyard Brewery, June 15 from 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm at Democratic Headquarters and at our July 5 monthly breakfast. There may be more sessions scheduled and at least one of these session, likely the early session on June 15th, will be devoted to candidates and previous Steering Committee Members. As you think about how you might contribute – think of one thing that we should change about the organization and one thing that should stay the same. Further details will be forthcoming.

Yes - there is still an election going on right here in Monroe County: While it may seem that the only election anyone is talking about won’t take place for another year, and as the number of democratic presidential candidates heads towards 25, we need to remember that there is still a Municipal Election here in Bloomington and at least one of our endorsed candidates will have an opponent in November. We won’t know if there will be additional contested races until the June 30 deadline passes but we’ll keep you abreast of the latest information and let you know how you can help out.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

Announcements
Events
Action Items

DWC News:

We are very pleased to announce that the guest at our next monthly breakfast on Friday, June 7 will be Karlee Macer, Indiana State Representative District 92. Karlee was first elected in 2012 and is currently the Assistant Democratic Leader and the Ranking Democrat on the Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee. She also serves on the Commerce, Small Business and Economic Development Committee, as well as the Utilities, Energy and Telecommunications Committee and on the Indiana Veterans Affairs Commission.
Throughout her time in the legislature, Macer has been recognized as the Indiana Chamber’s Legislative Champion, Indiana Chamber Small Business Champion, Legislator of the Year by the Disabled American Veterans, AARP Capital Caregiver Award, Legislator of the Year by the Indiana Social Work Association, and received the Distinguished Public Service Award from the American Legion.
Watch for more details in the June 3 Monday Morning News.

Upcoming DWC Listening Sessions: As we look to evaluate our mission and look to move forward into the next decade, the DWC will hold a series of listening sessions to get membership input. Dates are tentatively: June 13 from 5-7pm at Switchyard Brewery, June 15 from 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm at Democratic Headquarters and at our July 5 monthly breakfast. There may be more sessions scheduled and at least one of these session, likely the early session on June 15th, will be devoted to candidates and previous Steering Committee Members. As you think about how you might contribute – think of one thing that we should change about the organization and one thing that should stay the same. Further details will be forthcoming.

Yes - there is still an election going on right here in Monroe County: While it may seem that the only election anyone is talking about won’t take place for another year, and as the number of democratic presidential candidates heads towards 25, we need to remember that there is still a Municipal Election here in Bloomington and at least one of our endorsed candidates will have an opponent in November. We won’t know if there will be additional contested races until the June 30 deadline passes but we’ll keep you abreast of the latest information and let you know how you can help out.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

Announcements
Events
Action Items

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OUR ENDORSED CANDIDATES!

The following DWC-endorsed candidates emerged victorious from Election Day:

Nicole Bolden: City Clerk

Kate Rosenbarger : City Council, District 1

Sue Sgambulleri - City Council, District 2

Isabel Piedmont-Smith - City Council, District 5

While they did not win their races, we offer heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Dorothy Granger (City Council District 2), Miah Michaelsen (City Council District 4) and Jean Capler (City Council At-Large) for putting in enormous time and effort, running professional races on the issues, and offering the citizens of Bloomington excellent candidates from which to choose. We hope you will run again or find other avenues of service worthy of your energy, smarts and guts.

Thank you to all our members and friends who offered helping hands to these talented women. And now, lest we untimely rest on our laurels, keep in mind that our work is not done. Right now, only Sue Sgambelluri has an announced Republican challenger for the fall election. But the Monroe County Republican Party has until July 31 to field challengers in the other races, and there could be Independent candidates who file as well. More on this in future issues as things develop.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

MMN for the Day Before Election Day

Election Day is tomorrow! Polls are open from 6 am to 6 pm.

CAN YOU WORK THE POLLS TOMORROW?
Inevitably some folks have to drop out at the last minute, due to illness, emergencies, etc. If you find yourself with the day open on Tuesday, let the folks at Election Central know asap. We wouldn't want a poll to not be able to open because of a lack of poll workers!! You must be registered to vote in Monroe County and not be a candidate on the ballot or related to a candidate on the ballot. Election Central: 812-349-2690.
You can also call the Democratic Party Recruiter, Luke Robbins at 317-682-7527 or email him at [email protected].

You can help folks find their candidates and polling place with this bit of info from the Monroe County Democratic Party: List of polling locations can be found here: http://www.monroedems.org/voting_information.

And if you are unsure what precinct you live in or where your polling site is, look it up at: www.indianavoters.com
or you can look it up on the new Monroe County Voters App - type in your address and then click on the search function. Then click on your address and then on the small right arrow to bring up your precinct and polling location (as well as other information about your candidate districts).

Early voting continues today, May 6th, until noon.

The Democratic Women’s Caucus is looking for a few good women to help distribute information about our endorsed candidates at the polls on Primary Election Day. Shifts are 2-3 hours in length. If you can help please let us know at [email protected] and we'll get back to you later today to set you up....

OUR ENDORSED CANDIDATE EVENTS and NEEDS:

Jean Capler: City Council, At-Large
Website: https://www.jeanforbloomington.com/
Facebook: Jean Capler For Bloomington

Kate Rosenbarger : City Council, District 1
Website: kateforbloomington.org
Facebook: kateforbloomington

Dorothy Granger - City Council, District 2
Facebook: Granger for City Council
To find out how you can help contact Penny Githens at 812.369.9538

Sue Sgambulleri - City Council, District 2
Website: SueForCityCouncil.com
Facebook: Sue Sgambelluri for City Council
Sue at (812) 345-3215 or [email protected] for more info!

Miah Michaelsen - City Council, District 4
Website: Miah For Bloomington
Facebook: Miah For Bloomington  Email her at [email protected]

Isabel Piedmont-Smith - City Council, District 5
Website: Isabel Piedmont-Smith - Candidate For Bloomington City Council
Facebook: Piedmont-Smith for City Council

Key Endorsements for our DWC Endorsed Candidates: Our endorsed candidates continue to make headway on their campaigns, including by securing key endorsements from individuals and organizations. Please follow the link to our DWC website's candidates page to see the news on our endorsed women! News on each candidate is posted after her bio. Link: https://www.democraticwomenscaucus.org/candidates

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

Announcements
Events
Action Items

It’s that time again… on Friday, May 3rd, we’ll meet at the Village Deli for our monthly breakfast. Nicole Browne will give us an update on how the Primary is going to date, we’ll get an update on the recent doings in Indianapolis and around the country from Mom’s Demand Action - working for common sense gun control laws. Vicki Provine will talk about the upcoming 2019 Citizen’s Academy Class, a great way to learn about how our local government works. And our candidates will have one last chance to update us on their campaign needs as we head into the last weekend of absentee voting and Primary Day on May 7.
Because it is also commencement weekend at I.U. there is a chance that we’ll meet early so that the Village Deli can use the room for all those graduates and their folks… we’ll send out a special MMN mid-week to let you know.

We will also have a sign up sheet for members to sign up to help with point of sales for our endorsed candidates on Saturday May 4 and at the polls on Tuesday, Primary Election Day. Thanks to Vicky Sorensen and Megan Hutchinson for working this last weekend… Mother Nature cooperated with nice weather and we talked to quite a few voters. You can sign up to work on Saturday May 4 here and we'll have a sign up for Primary Day out mid-week. Point of Sales works!!!

Early Voting is ongoing at Election Central. In 2015 there were 7027 votes cast in the Municipal Election. Although I don’t have exact numbers for early voting, about 20-25% of the votes cast in that election came in as absentee, or about 1450 to 1750 votes. This year we’ve had fewer than 1000 votes cast absentee to date which puts us at a rate that is similar to or less than in the last election. While it may seem that there is little vote for in the Primary, the City Council races are likely to be critical in the direction of Bloomington over the next four years and there are some significant differences between the candidates running in the contested races. Plus, given the low turn out, every vote may be significant. So educate yourself and get your friends out to vote.

And finally - Congratulations!!! to Penny Githens… it seems that third time is the charm.
In her letter to the editor in the Herald Times, Iris Kiesling (who after all knows something about being a Commissioner) wrote: “As you may know, there is a vacancy on the Monroe County Board of Commissioners. There will be a Democratic Caucus April 28 to elect a new county commissioner. It is my intention to nominate Penny Githens to fill this vacancy. Penny Githens has experience and talent in many areas that make her particularly qualified to be county commissioner. I have known Penny and her family for a number of years. Each time I speak with Penny, I am impressed with her dedication, organization and thoughtfulness. Penny grew up in Richmond. She was the eldest of four children. She has several advanced degrees and served two years in Peace Corps. In 1978, Penny married Ed Buffie. Because of professional obligations, they moved to many cities where Penny held various responsible positions, each time learning new skills. In 1992, they returned home to Bloomington. After several years of being an at-home mom, Penny became project director at IU School of Education overseeing a research project. She retired when the project ended. In 2016 while at IU, Penny ran for Indiana General Assembly. I hope you agree with me that Penny Githens is well qualified to be Monroe County commissioner.”
And in her closing statement at the Caucus Penny reminded us that it takes a village (or a county) to run a county… she welcomes your thoughts about what’s important to you to maintain quality of life in Monroe County for all it’s citizens….
Check out Penny’s swearing in in our image of the day at the bottom of this newsletter.

OUR ENDORSED CANDIDATE EVENTS and NEEDS:

Jean Capler: City Council, At-Large
Website: https://www.jeanforbloomington.com/
Facebook: Jean Capler For Bloomington
Needs volunteers for canvassing on May 4, starting at 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Meet at Democratic headquarters, 116 S. Madison St., Bloomington
Training and everything you'll need including a great Jean Capler for City Council t-shirt, will be provided.
If canvassing is not quite your thing there are other roles for you too! Hang out around Election Central/The Farmers Market to capture those folks who still need to know about Jean or might be on their way to early voting. They’d love to have you!

Kate Rosenbarger : City Council, District 1
Website: kateforbloomington.org
Facebook: kateforbloomington
Needs help with: Neighborhood coordination, canvassing, yard signs and writing letters and finding New Kate Voters. .
Canvassing weekday evenings (5-8p) and weekends (11-5).
Farmers Market. Volunteers needed to hangout near the Dems booth and talk to voters.
Facebook. Like, comment on, and share my posts. It helps more people see them. Invite your friends to like Kate for Bloomington.
To join Kate’s Email List email [email protected].

Dorothy Granger - City Council, District 2
Facebook: Granger for City Council
To find out how you can help contact Penny Githens at 812.369.9538 or Amy Harrison at 812.318.1524

Sue Sgambulleri - City Council, District 2
Website: SueForCityCouncil.com
Facebook: Sue Sgambelluri for City Council
Help with Canvassing, Yard Signs, Mailings and Research
Join Sue for canvassing on the following dates:
Please reach out to Sue at (812) 345-3215 or [email protected] for more info!

Miah Michaelsen - City Council, District 4
Website: Miah For Bloomington
Facebook: Miah For Bloomington
Needs help with your Good Word, Letters, Yard Signs
and Canvassing:
May 4: Anytime between noon and 6 p.m.
May 5: Anytime between 1 and 5 p.m.
May 7: Staff polling locations during voting hours
Email her at [email protected] with any other ideas, good vibes, or moral support you can offer.

Isabel Piedmont-Smith - City Council, District 5
Website: Isabel Piedmont-Smith - Candidate For Bloomington City Council
Facebook: Piedmont-Smith for City Council
Isabel needs volunteers to:
• help with door-to-door canvassing
• write Letters to the Editor in support of her campaign

Key Endorsements for our DWC Endorsed Candidates: Our endorsed candidates continue to make headway on their campaigns, including by securing key endorsements from individuals and organizations. Please follow the link to our DWC website's candidates page to see the news on our endorsed women! News on each candidate is posted after her bio. Link: https://www.democraticwomenscaucus.org/candidates

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

Announcements
Events
Image of the Day
Action Items

Apologies for the lack of a MMN last week, tax complications and illness got in the way….

Speaking of taxes…. April 15 is always a good day to contemplate who is going to control the way your taxes are going to be spent for the next year (or four)… and who to vote for in the upcoming election….

And speaking of elections… early voting has started but is going very slowly…. 75 voters on the first day but less than 40 voters per day since then. In 2015, 7,027 voters turned out for the primary, about 550 more than in the 2011 municipal election, and about 20% of voters eligible to vote. This year’s turnout could be even lower.

Certainly some of the low turnout can be attributed to the lack of much of a republican presence in the primary. With only one representative on the ballot, there isn’t much of a reason for them to participate. People will also argue that the lack of a viable mayor’s race and two districts without competitive council races will also contribute to low turn out. But there are four competitive district races and six at-large council races that are competitive, with unique voices and differing ideas that deserve the attention of the voters.

And in a race where the turn out is so low, each vote takes on a greater significance, a few votes more or less could make the difference between a win and a loss. So this is a time when it’s not only critical to help out the candidates of your choice, but to get out the vote. We’ve got 14 days of voting left to go…. let’s make the most of them.

OUR ENDORSED CANDIDATE EVENTS and NEEDS:

Jean Capler: City Council, At-Large
Website: https://www.jeanforbloomington.com/
Facebook: Jean Capler For Bloomington
Needs volunteers for canvassing on April 27 and May 4, starting at 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Meet at Democratic headquarters, 116 S. Madison St., Bloomington
Training and everything you'll need including a great Jean Capler for City Council t-shirt, will be provided.
If canvassing is not quite your thing there are other roles for you too! Hang out around Election Central/The Farmers Market to capture those folks who still need to know about Jean or might be on their way to early voting. They’d love to have you!

Kate Rosenbarger : City Council, District 1
Website: kateforbloomington.org
Facebook: kateforbloomington
Needs help with:
Neighborhood coordinators to coordinate and facilitate Kate meeting your neighbors/friends/family and getting out yard signs.
Letters to the Editor. If you're up for writing a letter to talk about why you support me, why I'd be good for Bloomington/good on council, and what I'll bring to council. I can get you talking points. Canvassing weekday evenings (5-8p) and weekends (11-5).
Farmers Market. Volunteers needed to hangout near the Dems booth and talk to voters.
Sending Postcards to District 1 Friends.
Finding New Kate Voters. .
Facebook. Like, comment on, and share my posts. It helps more people see them. Invite your friends to like Kate for Bloomington.
To join Kate’s Email List email [email protected].

Dorothy Granger - City Council, District 2
Facebook: Granger for City Council
To find out how you can help contact Penny Githens at 812.369.9538 or Amy Harrison at 812.318.1524

Sue Sgambulleri - City Council, District 2
Website: SueForCityCouncil.com
Facebook: Sue Sgambelluri for City Council
Help with Canvassing, Yard Signs, Mailings and Research
Join Sue for canvassing on the following dates:
• Monday, April 22 - 6:30 to 8:00 pm (Blue Ridge)
• Wednesday, April 24 - 6:30 to 8:00 pm (Blue Ridge)
• Friday, April 26 - 6:30 to 8:00 pm (Blue Ridge)
• Saturday, April 27 - 1:00 pm onward (Blue Ridge/Matlock
Heights)
• Sunday, April 28 - 12:30 to 1:30 pm and 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm (Matlock Heights)
Please reach out to Sue at (812) 345-3215 or [email protected] for more info!

Miah Michaelsen - City Council, District 4
Website: Miah For Bloomington
Facebook: Miah For Bloomington
Needs help with your Good Word, Letters, Yard Signs
and Canvassing:
April 27: Anytime between noon and 6 p.m.
April 28: Anytime between 1 and 4 p.m.
May 4: Anytime between noon and 6 p.m.
May 5: Anytime between 1 and 5 p.m.
May 7: Staff polling locations during voting hours
Email her at [email protected] with any other ideas, good vibes, or moral support you can offer.

Isabel Piedmont-Smith - City Council, District 5
Website: Isabel Piedmont-Smith - Candidate For Bloomington City Council
Facebook: Piedmont-Smith for City Council
Isabel needs volunteers to:
• help with door-to-door canvassing
• write Letters to the Editor in support of her campaign

Key Endorsements for our DWC Endorsed Candidates: Our endorsed candidates continue to make headway on their campaigns, including by securing key endorsements from individuals and organizations. Please follow the link to our DWC website's candidates page to see the news on our endorsed women! News on each candidate is posted after her bio.

Link: https://www.democraticwomenscaucus.org/candidates

CANDIDATE FORUMS:

None Scheduled

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

Announcements
Events
Action Items

Our 2019 Endorsed Candidates Need Your Help

Jean Capler - City Council At-Large

Website: https://www.jeanforbloomington.com/
Facebook: Jean Capler For Bloomington
Additional Link:  Big Talk With Michael Glab 03/14/19

How You Can Help:
We will be doing 3 Saturdays of major canvassing and need lots of volunteers.  
Dates are April 20, April 27, and May 4, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.   
Meet at Democratic headquarters.  Training will be provided.
 

Kate Rosenbarger - City Council, District 1

Website: kateforbloomington.org
Facebook: kateforbloomington
Additional Link:  Big Talk With Michael Glab 02/21/19

How You Can Help:
Members!  Get your paddles ready and raise them high when a volunteer opportunity catches your eye!  I appreciate any and all help you are willing to give!  These are in order of largest to smallest commitment.  One thing to keep in mind:  For many of these, you'll be able to hangout with and pet POTUS! 

My cell is 812-219-4074, and my email is [email protected]. Get in touch and I'll help you get started!  

1.  Neighborhood coordinators.  I am looking for folks who live in a neighborhood (or area) in D1 and can help coordinate and facilitate me meeting your neighbors/friends/family and getting out yard signs.  This can be you knocking on doors of your neighbors with me, simply you telling neighbors you support me and that I'll be knocking on their door soon.  In a nutshell, neighbors talking to neighbors is a great way to introduce me as a candidate and foster good conversations and connections. 

2.  Letters to the Editor.  If you're up for writing a letter to talk about why you support me, why I'd be good for Bloomington/good on council, and what I'll bring to council.  I can get you talking points. 
 
3. Canvass.  We have big goals for door knocking the district.  My team can train you and get a packet to you whenever you can go out.  We go out weekday evenings (5-8p) and weekends (11-5).  

4. Farmers Market.  Volunteers needed to hangout near the Dems booth and talk to voters.  This is tough, since we never know if a market goer lives in the district!  But finding voters here is a good place for me.  

5. Postcards to D1 Friends. If you have friends in D1, let them know you support me and ask for their vote!  We can get you the postcards and stamps!

6. Find 2 New Kate Voters.  No matter where you live, can you find 2 voters in D1 who will support me?  Let me know their names (because I track voters), and I'll add them to my supporters list.  

7. Facebook. Like, comment on, and share my posts.  It helps more people see them. Invite your friends to like Kate for Bloomington. 

8. Join My Email List.  Get on my email list (we don't send many emails), and forward our emails to your friends to help build momentum and spread the word.  Email James Bassett to get on the list [email protected].

9. Dogs of District 1.  Know any big sweeties who live in District 1? I'd love to feature them on my Facebook! Send any photos with a bit about the dog my way. I'm using dogs to talk about issues important to voters.  

10. Meet and Greet! Invite anyone to meet me on Friday, April 12 from 5:30-7:00 at Gracia Valliant's home, 926 W. 4th
 

Dorothy Granger - City Council, District 2

Facebook: Granger for City Council

How You Can Help:
I could use some help walking the next couple of weekends...
Saturday the 13th, after noon
Saturday the 20th, after noon
Sunday the 21st, after noon

If interested, please call Penny Githens at 812.369.9538 or Amy Harrison at 812.318.1524

Sue Sgambelluri - City Council, District 2

Website: SueForCityCouncil.com
Facebook: Sue Sgambelluri for City Council
Additional Link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suesgambelluri
Additional Link: Big Talk with Michael 03/28/19

How You Can Help:
• Canvassing! - We've tackled Ridgefield, Sugarberry, Northwood Estates and other areas so far.  Come help us with Blue Ridge, Matlock Heights, and Fritz Terrace in the next few weeks!
• Mailings - Campaign Mailer #2 will be going out during the second half of April.  If you prefer a behind-the-scenes role, please come help with labeling our mail pieces.
• Research - Help find answers for constituent questions that we encounter while canvassing and draft responses.
Please reach out to Sue at (812) 345-3215 or [email protected] for more info!

Miah Michaelsen - City Council, District 4

Website: Miah For Bloomington
Facebook: Miah For Bloomington
Additional Link:  Big Talk With Michael Glab 02/28/19

How You Can Help:

1) Canvassing Assistance

Miah’s looking for folks who’d like to help canvass on the following dates:

April 13:  Anytime between noon and 6 p.m.
April 14:  Anytime between 1 and 4 p.m.
April 20:  Anytime between noon and 6 p.m.
April 27:  Anytime between noon and 6 p.m.
April 28:  Anytime between 1 and 4 p.m.
May 4:  Anytime between noon and 6 p.m.
May 5:  Anytime between 1 and 5 p.m.
May 7:  Staff polling locations during voting hours

Got an hour or two to give?  Email me at [email protected].  We’ll meet at campaign central (my house, 2605 E. Seminary Drive) for a brief orientation, some snacks and off we go.

2)    Your good word - Word of mouth is a powerful communication tool.  If you’re able to - please recommend me to your friends in District 4 - or send me an email of where they are, and I’ll go knock on their door!

3)     Yard sign locations - It’s the Great Battle of the Yard Signs here in District 4.  Got a friend who might lend a yard for a sign?  If so, please let me know, and I’ll follow up.

Email me at [email protected] with any other ideas, good vibes, or moral support you can offer.  

Isabel Piedmont-Smith - City Council, District 5

Website: Isabel Piedmont-Smith - Candidate For Bloomington City Council 
Facebook: Piedmont-Smith for City Council

How You Can Help:
Isabel needs volunteers to:
• help with door-to-door canvassing
• write Letters to the Editor in support of her campaign

Canvassing seems intimidating at first, but you would go out WITH Isabel, and she would do most of the talking. Your job would just be to carry the walk lists and take notes.
As to Letters to the Editor, this great method of free advertising is a way to focus public attention on the many reasons to re-elect Isabel to the city council.
If you can help with either effort, please contact volunteer coordinator Linda Grove-Paul at [email protected]. Thank you!
 
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/

A GREAT OPPORTUNITY TO HEAR FROM OUR ENDORSED CANDIDATES! 

At Friday's breakfast, our endorsed candidates were asked to give those in attendance their 3-minute stump speeches, and then to answer two questions about their experience with campaigning. The stump speeches were fun and informative! We have not recreated the speeches here in the interest of space and time, but you know you can find information on them and what they are emphasizing in their races by going to their individual campaign websites. The two questions asked were: 1) What are the top three issues facing women in your districts? and 2) What is the best thing you learned from the endorsement process and the most challenging thing you've encountered in your race?  The candidates and their answers are below, in slightly truncated form...

Sue Sgambelluri (District 2). Question 1: Acknowledging that women are not a single-minded block with universal shared concerns, the need for/concerns about parking; expanded public transportation options; increased affordable and workforce housing for families. Question 2: Best thing learned was help with sifting through and figuring best uses for the tons of helpful advice she's getting; Biggest challenge (other than not being able to slightly relax the personal grooming on the weekends) has been how to address conflicting priorities in District 2, since it has neighborhoods at both extremes of the economic spectrum.

Dorothy Granger (District 2). Question 1: Transportation options, including expanded bus service; good paying jobs; education and information on how our local government works because it doesn't seem to make sense to them. Question 2: Best thing learned was how to frame her campaign; Biggest challenge has been her illness with bronchitis for several weeks and convincing herself (as a person more on the introverted end of the spectrum) to get out and campaign, which she really enjoys once she has gotten started.

Miah Michaelson (District 4). Question 1: Acknowledging that the County, not the City, is in charge of schools but that the City can partner with MCCSC on efforts/programs, supporting our public school system and providing access to a good education for all children; downtown safety; continuing strong support for social services. Question 2: Best thing learned was through the interviews--great questions, feedback, coaching on her stump speech; Biggest challenge has been dealing with the highs of "happy campaign days" and the lows of "sad campaign days" (borrowing those terms from Kate Rosenbarger).  She is learning to push on, following Vi Simpson's advice to "make a plan and a calendar and stick with it".

Jean Capler (At Large) (Penny Githens stood in for Jean who couldn't make the breakfast). Question 1: Helping the homeless; providing living wage jobs; good access to child care for working women; expanded transit options. Question 2: Best thing learned was how to develop a campaign plan and organize a campaign committee; Biggest challenge has been trying to reasonably cover the whole city as an at large candidate, and to balance campaigning with her work, which includes significant travel, as well as service on several volunteer boards.

Kate Rosenbarger (District 1). Question 1: Expanded options for getting around in Bloomington and Monroe County; building a safe community, including emergency phones and additional lighting on the B-Line and lights in dark areas of downtown and neighborhoods; providing living wage jobs. Question 2: Best thing learned has been how fun it is to meet so many people and make new connections, and also a tip she was given to create flashcards with issues that come up and her response on the back so she can be prepared to talk about them; Biggest challenge has been ending conversations, which Penny Githens helped her with ("Well, I've taken up enough of your time, thank you, and please vote for me!")

Isabel Piedmont-Smith (District 5). Question 1: Expanded transit and mobility options; addressing climate change; fixing potholes. Question 2: Best thing learned was how to focus her thoughts on issues and her priorities; Biggest challenge has been getting volunteers when there are so many campaigns and other demands on people's time, and learning not to take things personally.

Thank you to these fabulous and energetic women for putting themselves out there and running such well-organized campaigns. We are proud to be able to offer you help along the way!

OUR ENDORSED CANDIDATE EVENTS:

Thursday, April 11, 2019, 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Sue Sgambelluri For City Council: Idea Forum and Fundraiser
3328 N. Ramble Road Ct. in Blue Ridge
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. 

Friday, April 12, 2019 - 5:30pm-7:00pm
Meet Kate Rosenbarger!
926 W. 4th Street, Bloomington
Come by to meet Kate, learn more about her, share your ideas and concerns, and support her campaign. They’ll have some refreshments to fuel the discussions. Feel free to bring anyone interested in meeting Kate.

CANDIDATE FORUMS:

Saturday, April 13, 2019 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Mayoral, City Clerk, and City Council At-Large Candidate Forum
Lighthouse Community Church located at 850 E. Winslow Rd.
Hosted by the Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus & the Bloomington Black Strategic Alliance
Questions at the forum will focus on issues facing the Black community and the community at-large. Questions: email [email protected]

Sunday, April 14, 2019 3:00am to 5:00pm
City Council District Candidate Forum
Lighthouse Community Church located at 850 E. Winslow Rd.
Hosted by the Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus & the Bloomington Black Strategic Alliance
Questions at the forum will focus on issues facing the Black community and the community at-large. Questions: email [email protected]

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: