Renew your DWC membership: Membership is $20 per year and runs from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. You can join online at https://democraticwomenscaucus.nationbuilder.com/membership, give your dues to any Steering Committee Member or pay at the breakfast. And note that if you want to vote on DWC Primary endorsements at the March Meeting, your membership needs to be paid no later than midnight on Feb. 15.
The 2018 Women's March!
What a day it was! In hundreds of cities and towns around the world, large and small, from Indianapolis to New York, Washington, and Los Angeles and even to Ottawa and Rome thousands of progressive women and men marched to defend the dignity, freedom, and equality of all those threatened by the malignant policies of the Trump administration and its enablers in the Republican-controlled Congress. Here in Bloomington the DWC's Rachel Guglielmo and others organized a march that drew several hundred protesters to the courthouse square. The message of this year's "March to the Polls" was one of defiance and resolve: we are not going away, we will not be silent, and we will run for office and fight with our ballots for justice and equality for ALL Americans.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Announcements
Events
Action Items
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The Monroe County Democratic Party is hiring!!!!
MCDP is seeking a part-time Executive Director to manage the day-to-day operations of the organization. The Director will be responsible for carrying out the organization’s fundraising goals, assisting Party officers and Deputy chairs in executing the Party’s strategic objectives, coordinating activities for MCDP’s Democracy Lab (a multi-organization coordinating body housed with MCDP headquarters), and managing a team of interns and volunteers.
Required Qualifications: The Executive Director must have a passion for political engagement and a commitment to the ideals of the Democratic Party. The ED must have more than two years of experience in managing political campaigns or working for political organizations aligned with the Democratic Party.
The director must have strong written and oral communications skills as well as the ability to tactfully and respectfully interact with a broad array of individuals and organizations. Further, the director must be able to work independently, organize and prioritize tasks and projects, and meet routine deadlines.
Preferred Qualifications: Strong knowledge of local, state, and national politics, an experience developing and managing budgets, and a familiarity with Nation Builder and VAN (Voter Activation Network).
Salary: Depending on Experience
Commitment: ~25 hours/week
To apply: Please submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected]
Nominate a pro-choice Democratic woman serving in state or local office for the 2018 Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award: https://secure.emilyslist.org/Nominate-the-2018-Rising-Star
The Rising Star Award recognizes pro-choice Democratic women serving in state legislatures, mayors' offices, city councils, school boards, and beyond. It's a way to say thank you for her work and show that we will support her wherever her career takes her next.Past winners include Philadelphia City Councilwoman Helen Gym, Colorado Speaker of the House Crisanta Duran, Boston City Councilwoman Ayanna Pressley, and former Georgia House Minority Leader and current gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams.They all have something in common: They tirelessly fight for women, families, and their communities. And we know the 2018 Rising Star is out there doing the same thing right now.
Monroe County Citizens' Academy Seeking Participants
Registration is now open for the 2018 Monroe County Citizens’ Academy, which will begin on February 7 and conclude on April 4. The Academy is open to Monroe County residents who are at least 18 years old. The brochure and application can be found here: https://extension.purdue.edu/monroe/Pages/article.aspx?intItemID=8015. This is one of the best ways to get familiar with county government! Application Deadline is February 2, 2018.
Monroe County Government Seeking Board and Commission Members
Joining a board is a great way to learn about and provide expertise on a specific topic, get involved in public service and make your community stronger. Some boards/commissions need a specific interest or political affiliation.
All meetings are public and open to the public to attend (although there may be some protocol about members of the public speaking). If you're interested, please visit: http://www.co.monroe.in.us/tsd/Government/Commissioners/MonroeCountyBoardsandCommissions.aspx
You can also email and ask for an application: [email protected]
OPENINGS:
-Alcoholic Beverage Board
-Aviation Board
-Board of Health
-Convention and Visitor's Commission
-Drainage Board
-Environmental Commission
-Historic Preservation Board
-Human Rights Commission
-Licensing Board
-Traffic Commission
-Women's Commission
TRAINING, TRAINING, and MORE TRAINING!
DWC Circuit Training, Saturday, January 27, 2:00 - 4:00 pm, Council Chambers at City Hall
For more information about this training, see below.
State Democratic Party Webinars and Trainings: http://www.indems.org/webinar-trainings-recordings/
AND if you want to be a Precinct Committee Person, try this! http://action.indems.org/page/-/Indems%20Precinct%20Committeeperson%20Handbook.pdf
These folks are elected every four years in the primary (this coming May!). What they do depends on how the various county parties structure their field work, and traditions. But this will get you started!
DEMOCRATIC PARTY PLATFORM HEARINGS
The Indiana Democratic Party is hosting three Platform Hearings in January 2018 to get input from Hoosier Democrats on issues that they want to see included in our 2018 State Party Platform to be presented at the 2018 State Convention on June 16). Hearings will take place in the North (Gary), Central (Indianapolis), and Southern (Scottsburg) parts of the state. The Party will accept online input as well as handwritten forms from those who are not able to attend and/or speak at one of the above sessions.
Facebook
Event Pages for Platform Hearings
Scottsburg – January 27
Can’t attend one of the meetings? For a form to submit your ideas and for more information on this process: http://www.indems.org/2018-state-democratic-party-platform/
EVENTS:
Tuesday, January 23, 2018, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Indiana Latino Democratic Caucus-9th District (INLDC9) Inaugural Member Meeting
Monroe County Public Library, Room 1B
Join the INLDC9 in launching the first member meeting! Guest speakers will include:
Pedro Navarrete, Treasurer, INLDC9; State Central Committee Member, IN Latino Democratic Caucus
Dana Black, Deputy Chairperson of Outreach and Engagement, IN Democratic Party
Christie Popp, Attorney
... and others to be announced!
Wednesday, January 24, 2018, 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Wine Tasting & Fundraiser for Erika Oliphant For Prosecutor
Grazie Italiano, 106 W. 6th St., Bloomington
Please join the Committee to Elect Erika Oliphant for a wine tasting and fundraiser!
Enjoy light appetizers, wine, and good conversation. Erika will speak about her progressive platform for the Monroe County Prosecuting Attorney's Office at 7:00 P.M. She will be available for questions and comments.
Suggested donation: $100.00. Any donation welcome!
Thursday, January 25 - Saturday, January 27, 2018
2018 Bloomington PRIDE Film Festival
Buskirk-Chumley Theater, Bloomington
The 16th annual Bloomington PRIDE Film Festival explores the lives and experiences of the LGBTQ+ community through feature-length and short films, talkbacks, and programming that promote community-wide attitudes of awareness, acceptance, and appreciation of diversity. Click here for more information and to purchase passes/tickets.
Friday, January 26, 2018, 6:00 pm
Medicare for All Town Hall hosted by YSDA Bloomington, a student branch of the Democratic Socialists of America
Hodge Hall, 1309 E. 10th St., Bloomington
We need a healthcare system that prioritizes the health of working-class Americans over the profits of insurance companies and their billionaire executives. We need a single, universal system with comprehensive coverage that is free at the point of service. The event features panelists with a variety of expertise, including Jacob Bosley, Amanda Lamm, Carrie Lawrence, and Robert Stone.
Saturday, January 27, 2018, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Isabel Piedmont-Smith Constituent Meeting
McCloskey Room (135), Bloomington City Hall, 401 N. Morton St.
District 5 City Council member Isabel Piedmont-Smith will continue to hold monthly constituent meetings in 2018, generally on the last Saturday of every month. For a full schedule of her 2018 meetings, please see https://bloomington.in.gov/council/smith. All residents, regardless of Council district, are welcome to attend to discuss legislation before the Council or general issues and ideas about city government.
Saturday, January 27, 2018, 11:00 am
2018 Party Platform Hearing
Mid-America Science Park, 821 S. Lake St., Scottsburg
The Democratic Party wants your input for the 2018 Indiana Democratic Party platform. Share your thoughts and ideas.
Can't make it? Submit your ideas. http://action.indems.org/platform.
Saturday, January 27, 2018, 2:00 - 4:00 pm
DWC Circuit Training 2018
Bloomington City Council Chambers, 401 N. Morton St.
We want women to run the best and smartest campaigns they can possibly run. And we have experienced women to help other women do that. Our circuit training has gotten very good evaluations from participants. It is tailored specifically to women, and it's a fabulous way to kick-start your campaign, or that of the friend that you've asked to run for office. Save the date
We provide free, invaluable training by progressive women for progressive women! Our Circuit Training packs in every area of campaigns into two hours! Learn from past and current elected officials.
This training is ideal for pro-choice, progressive Democratic women who are planning to run for office now or in the future, or those who want to help elect women!
Who should attend?
Any female of any age (you don't have to live in this county!) who is:
-running in 2018 (or near future)
-working on a campaign in 2018 (or near future)
-OR is interested in politics!
This is a great opportunity for women to get well-rounded training, network, and find a woman candidate to work for and support.
Space is limited—sign up now at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/democratic-womens-caucus-circuit-training-tickets-42374473190
Sunday, January 28, 2018, 11:00 am
Pies For Penny: A Campaign Launch Party and Fundraiser for Penny Githens
NOTE: because of a water pipe break at the the original location this event has been moved to Democratic Headquarters: 116 S. Madison St., Bloomington (use parking lot entrance)
Join Penny Githens for Pies for Penny as she launches her 2018 IN State Representative campaign.
If you'd like to donate a pie or two, please let her know. https://www.facebook.com/PennyGithensforIndiana/.
Thursday, February 1, 2018, 5:30 pm Reception; 6:20pm Program
Black History Month Kick-off Celebration
City Council Chambers, Bloomington City Hall
The Black History Month Kick-off Celebration will start with a reception at 5:30 pm; program will start at 6:15 pm. The keynote speaker will be Eric Love, Director of Staff Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Notre Dame. There will be a live jazz performance and a good time!
Tuesday, February 13, 2018, 5:30 pm
State Of The Black Community Discussion
City Hall Council Chambers, 401 N. Morton Street
The evening will feature a coalition of organizations discussing the education system, economics, and the criminal justice system, as they relate to the Black community. Refreshments will be served.
Wednesday, February 15, 2018, 9:00-10:00pm
How To Build A Free Campaign Website Online Training
Online Training
Hosted by 92 County Strategy, advocating for Progress through Civic Education.
Having a website is necessary before anyone announces that they want to run for office. Join us to learn how to build a professional-looking website for FREE in an hour!
https://www.facebook.com/events/520022515063815/
Wednesday, February 15, 2018, 7:00 pm
State Of The City Address
Buskirk-Chumley Theater
The City of Bloomington and Mayor John Hamilton present the annual State of the City Address. This is a free event, open to the public, and does not require a ticket. The address will last roughly 1 hour, with a 30-minute reception afterwards, featuring light refreshments. Doors to the theater will open at 6:30pm.
Saturday, February 24, 2018, 7:00 pm
12th Annual Black History Month GALA
Grab a babysitter and come out for a dance party! The Black History Month Gala will include dinner, a silent auction, photos, and lots of fun. The theme is Masquerade!
Tickets are $50.00 and go live February 1st at the Buskirk-Chumley Box Office. If you have any questions, please email Maqube Reese. Share the event through Facebook.
ACTION ITEMS:
Roll up your sleeves and volunteer to work on a campaign. Sign up for DWC circuit training to hone your campaigning skills. Consider a run for precinct committee person or delegate to the Democratic Convention. Give whatever you can to support progressive candidates. Make sure your state legislators know that you want redistricting reform and you want it now. Volunteer to register voters. In short—get ready to "Grab'em by the midterms!"
Join the DWC. Renew your membership today.
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/