The Monroe County Democratic Party held a caucus yesterday afternoon with two tasks before it. The first was electing a replacement for Lee Jones, who was sworn in this January as a County Commissioner, leaving her seat on the Monroe County Council vacant. Task two was to elect a replacement for Mark Fraley, who has stepped down as Party Chair after several years of incredible effort that has made the MCDP stronger than ever. The candidates for County Council were Trent Deckard, Richard Martin and Sam Ujdak. And two of the DWC's own Steering Committee members, Jennifer Crossley and Penny Githens, were the candidates for Party Chair (so proud of both of them for rising to this crucial occasion!!). Trent Deckard was elected to fill the vacancy on the County Council, and Jennifer Crossley was elected Party Chair. Huge congratulations to our two new office holders, and we thank all of the candidates for putting their hats in the ring. We are grateful for their willingness to serve the public. And to Mark Fraley, you have provided a steady hand and a clear head through elections, caucuses, training sessions, social events, and more and we can't thank you enough for your superb service.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Declaration of Candidacy for the 2019 Municipal or Town Elections:
Filing a declaration of candidacy for nomination in the 2019 municipal primary began on January 9. The deadline for declaring as a candidate is Friday, February 8 at noon. Forms are available in the Voter Registration Office on 7th and Madison, where one would file for this election.

EVENTS:

Wednesday, January 16, 2019, 10:00am - 3:00pm
League Day at the Indiana Statehouse
Indiana State Library, 315 W. Ohio St., Indianapolis
Before you go, set up appointments with your Indiana representatives at the Statehouse and advocate for issues that affect your League and your community. Redistricting reform is the top priority but they encourage you to bring to them all your concerns including women's health, education, natural recourses and gun safety. LWVIN State Advocates will be on hand at the Indiana State Library to give you support and answer any questions you may have. More details to follow.

Wednesday, January 16, 2019, 6:30pm - 8:00pm
NOW Justice Committee Meeting: Racial, Reproductive & LGBTQ Committees 
Hooker Conference Room, City Hall

Saturday, January 19, 2019, 10:00 am
Advocacy IN Action
Hosted by Indianapolis All-Options and Planned Parenthood, Advocacy IN Action is the OFFICIAL, FREE pre-Women’s March Institute. After Advocacy IN Action, we'll join the 3rd Annual Indiana Women's March!
Facebook Event and Sign Up Form: https://www.facebook.com/events/557705551342402/

Saturday, January 19, 2019, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Women's March Anniversary Event
American Legion Mall, Indianapolis
From the Women's March: Women brought our PowerToThePolls this November and elected a record number of women and the most diverse Congress in our nation's history. But we know there is more to be done—especially here in Indiana. Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/events/247581145914315/.

ACTION ITEM(s):

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

THEN ~~~

Consider your involvement in the DWC.
If you were thinking about running for the Steering Committee and didn't, consider taking another role in the DWC.
Are you good at planning events? Do you have ideas for a good program for a lunch or breakfast or cocktail hour meeting? Can you manage social media? A website? 
Committees on membership, fundraising, programs, communications, endorsement, recruitment and training, and nominating are open for members as well as the steering committee members. It's all of us working together in support of candidates and women AFTER they are elected that make this organization strong.
Please consider joining one of the committees!
Send a note to [email protected]  

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/