Sheila Kennedy wrote a blog on March 18 entitled “So This Is What It’s Like Living In A Soap Opera” detailing the current goings on in our nation’s capitol. What with all the stabbings in the back, vindictive firings, public humiliation, sexism, men dressed to the nines while exhibiting a total lack of class, and behind it all the rich and powerful pulling the strings to benefit themselves… come to think of it, the news from Washington D.C. does remind one of an episode of Scandal, perhaps mixed in with an old rerun of Dallas.
Here in Indiana we’ve had our own share of soap operaism as a republican super-majority General Assembly closed out a short session that was described by Democratic House Minority Leader Terry Goodin as a “waste of time” and “a dog’s breakfast that should provide plenty of ammunition for those folks who question the necessity of even having a short session.” Despite the fact that one party controlled both houses of the legislature, this was a mostly do-nothing short session (Sunday alcohol sales and the designation of the Firefly as our state insect notwithstanding) that adjourned leaving many bills on the cutting room floor. Many of them should stay there.
Now the governor has called for a special session in May. Holcomb told reporters this morning. "We need to finish the people's business before the next budget session is upon us." Perhaps it would be nice to know to which “people” the governor feels beholden. Perhaps it’s not surprising… this has all the feel of a road project where our government agrees to pay (often those who did the work in the first place) to repair a shoddy job that has already run over budget and over time… we wouldn’t know anything about that now, would we… We can do better, and we know how!
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Announcements
Events
Action Item
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
INTERESTED IN WORKING EARLY VOTING OR AT THE POLLS ON ELECTION DAY?
These are paid positions. If you want to work the polls on Primary Election Day, May 8, training will happen in late April and you would work from 5am until done… usually around 7-8pm. It’s a long day but very rewarding. Early voting starts on Tuesday April 10 and runs through Monday May 7, but early voting staffing needs are currently filled. Inquiries about working at the polls can be sent to the democratic recruiter Rod Yandt
TRAINING, TRAINING, and MORE TRAINING!
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!
Indiana Democratic Party 2018 Wednesday Webinar Series
http://www.indems.org/webinar-trainings-recordings/
contact Adi Ben-Yehoshua at [email protected] for the password
January Webinar: The Indiana Statehouse - How A Bill becomes a Law (archive available)
February Webinar: Voter Registration Training (archive available)
March Webinar: March 28th at 6 PM - State Campaign Finance, with Brittany Solis, Executive Director of the IN Democratic Party
April Webinar: April 18th at 6 PM - Building a Volunteer Base, with Kristin Jones
May Webinar: TBA - Canvassing and Phonebanking Best Practices
June Webinar: June 6th at 6 PM - What to expect at State Convention, Brittany Solis, Executive Director of the IN Democratic Party
2017 webinar archives on Grassroots Mobilization with the Knock 10 app, Democratic Messaging in a Digital Age, County Party Fundraising, How to become a State Delegate and How to file to be a Candidate or Precinct Committee-Person are also available.
Using the VAN
The latest VANual and training videos are also available at http://www.indems.org/webinar-trainings-recordings/
CANDIDATE NEEDS: Endorsed and Supported Candidates - use this space to let us know how we can help your campaign!! email updates to [email protected]
CONGRATULATIONS ONCE AGAIN TO OUR ENDORSED AND SUPPORTED CANDIDATES!
Endorsed Candidates
Penny Githens INDIANA STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 60
Amy Swain INDIANA STATE REPRESENTATIVE, DISTRICT 62
Christine Talley-Haseman MONROE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE, SEAT 2
Catherine Stafford MONROE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE, SEAT 3
Darcie Fawcett MONROE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE, SEAT 8
Nicole Browne MONROE COUNTY CLERK
Lee Jones MONROE COUNTY COMMISSIONER, DISTRICT 1
Shelli Yoder MONROE COUNTY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 1
Kate Wiltz MONROE COUNTY COUNCIL, DISTRICT 2
Pam Cook BEAN BLOSSOM TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE
Michelle Bright BENTON TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE
Beverly Himes INDIAN CREEK TOWNSHIP TRUSTEE
Rosemary Doherty INDIAN CREEK TOWNSHIP BOARD
Supported Candidates
Erika Oliphant Monroe County Prosecutor
Margie Rice Monroe County Prosecutor
Please help these women in their bids for office. They will need yard sign locations, help in contacting voters by phone or knocking on doors, and moral support! Please contact them!
Kate Wiltz, candidate for Monroe County Council, District 2
needs volunteers to:
-Host a House Party! If you live in D2 and you can host a party, we would love that!
-Host a Yard Sign! Do you live in a good location and/or in District 2?
Email us and we will be happy to bring you one of Kate's beautiful signs!
-Canvass! Kate is looking for volunteers to canvass her district or to walk with her! Email us to volunteer!
We would be oh-so grateful for your time. Even one or two hours makes a HUGE difference!
Email Kate: [email protected]
EVENTS:
Monday, March 19, 2018, 6:00pm - 8:30 pm
Candidate Forum - Candidates for Prosecutor and Judge
Monroe County Public Library
Hosted by the Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus and Democracy for Monroe County
The Monroe County Black Caucus along with Democracy for Monroe County will host a candidate forum featuring candidates who are running for prosecutor and those who are running for judge. Following the forum MCBDC members will vote at the regular meeting on March 22nd to determine who will be endorsed/supported by the caucus. Endorsements from the MCBDC are only offered to African-American candidates.
Tuesday, March 20, 2018, 11:30am
Monroe County Democrat’s Club
DeAngelo’s Restaurant (Eastland Plaza)
Candidates for office will speak about their campaigns in the upcoming primary election.
RSVP to Marcia Harlow if you plan to attend so they can let DeAngelo's how to prepare.
Tuesday, March 20, 2018, 6:00pm
Candidate Forum - County Offices and 9th District Congressional Candidates
Monroe County Public Library
Hosted by the Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus and the Latino Democratic Caucus
The Monroe County Black Caucus and the Latino Democratic Caucus will host a forum on Tuesday, March 20th featuring 9th District Congressional candidates and those who are running for county-wide offices. Following the forum MCBDC members will vote at the regular meeting on March 22nd to determine who will be endorsed/supported by the caucus. Endorsements from the MCBDC are only offered to African-American candidates.
Thursday, March 22, 2018, 6:00pm - 7:00 pm
Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus Meeting
MCDP HQ, 116 S. Madison, Bloomington
Join the MCBDC for a monthly meeting. Please note that for February and March our meetings will be on the 4th Thursday of the month. Check Facebook for more information.
Thursday, March 22, 2018, 7:00pm - 8:30 pm
Candidate Forum - Judge, Prosecutor & County Commissioner
Free Methodist Church at Grimes St. and Lincoln St.
Co-sponsored by the Bryan Park and Eastside Neighborhood Associations
Meet the candidates competing in the May primary elections for Monroe County Judge, Monroe County Prosecutor, and Monroe County Commissioner. Eastside resident Nick Cullather, Executive Associate Dean of the School of Global and International Studies, will moderate. For more information contact Judy Berkshire at [email protected]
Friday, March 23, 2018, 5:00pm - 7:00 pm
Margie Rice for Prosecutor Campaign Event
One World Enterprises, 2361 West Rappel Avenue
A campaign event to support Margie Rice for Prosecutor hosted by Jeff Mease, Lennie Busch, Pat Williams & Tom Coleman, Rick Dietz, Catherine Dyar, Susie Johnson, Mark Kruzan, Cheryl Munson, Patrick Murphy, Matt Pierce, Steve & Judy Sharp, Sue Sgambelluri, Doris Sims, Julie Thomas, Sue Wanzer, John Whikehart, Linda & Randy Williamson and Charlotte Zietlow.
Please RSVP to steve@margiericeforprosecutor. For details check here.
Saturday, March 24, 2018, 9:30am - 5:30pm
2018 County Party Summit
Ivy Tech Conference Center, Rooms 119-121, 2820 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis
The Indiana Democratic Party will be hosting its annual County Party Summit on March 24th.
Registration begins at 9:30 a.m., with the program lasting from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
This year’s training will focus on three training tracks, and participants must choose which one best suits their needs:
1. General Training for County Party Officials & Volunteers - Topics will include best practices, campaign finance, volunteer engagement, social media, and early voting processes
2. All day intensive VAN (Voter File) Training - Must have VAN access and be familiar with the voter file. This training is targeted towards campaign field staffers and the VAN trainers in each county. Participants should bring their own computers as the training will be interactive.
3. Candidate Training - Training for candidates running at all levels of government: includes communications/messaging, campaign finance, volunteer engagement, social media, and early voting processes
Participants MUST register to attend the training at this link.
Additional information can be found on INDems.org or on Facebook.
Saturday, March 24, 2018, 11:00am - 2:00pm
Official Youth-Led March For Our Lives
Soldiers and Sailors Monument, Indianapolis
A rally in support of the fight against gun violence in our state and our country.
This event is led by youth and students.
The survivors of the school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School that took place on February 14 in Parkland, Florida are calling for a nation wide march on March 24, 2018. They want to see this take place in every city, and we are trying to do our part to honor their wishes and initiate the change. Constantly talking about it and raising awareness on social media is great, but it isn’t bringing an end to the innocent lives lost due to gun violence. We must do more in order to see the change we want to see, and we are determined to do just that. Visit Facebook for details; or visit www.marchforourlives.com/ to learn more about the movement.
Sunday, March 25, 2018, 6:00pm - 8:00pm
The Naked Truth: Death By Delivery
Unitarian Universalist Church-Bloomington, 2120 N. Fee Lane
Co-hosted by the UU’s Reproductive Justice & Racial Task Forces and Monroe County NOW’s Reproductive & Racial Justice Committees.
A searing portrait of the cost of racism in America.
Maternal morality rates are higher today than there were in 1987. The United States is one of only eight countries, including Afghanistan and South Sudan, where the rate is going up. Black women are four times more likely to die during childbirth regardless of their socioeconimic status and education.
To be followed by an open discussion moderated by Bloomington gynecologist Dr. Clark Brittain.
Pizza and beverages provided.
Visit Facebook for more information.
Wednesday, March 28, 7:00pm
Electing Women In Bloomington And Monroe County 1920-2000
Monroe County History Center, 202 E. 6th St.
Glenda Murray will discuss the political careers of the women who ran for office in our community.
This is a free event.
www.monroehistory.org
Thursday, March 29, 6:00pm
MCDP FDR Gala
Fountain Square Mall Ballroom
The annual FDR Gala is a great opportunity to interact with candidates on the 2018 primary ballot and enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres with warm Democratic friends.
There is NO COST to attend the event, but donations are requested.
Sponsorship Info:
Event Host: $1,000 - Name featured prominently on invitation and program, with name featured at the event and recognition by Chair. Will be recognized as official member of the McCloskey Chairman's Club. (Let us know by March 1)
Sponsors:.
Eleanor Roosevelt Sponsors: $750 (or $50/month) - Name mentioned on invitation and program, with name featured at the event, and recognition by chair. (Let us know by March 1)
Four Freedoms Sponsors: $300 (or $25/month) - Name featured on program and featured at the event.
New Deal Sponsors: $150 (or $10/month) - Name on program
You can make a contribution here: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/fdr18?recurring=auto
Saturday, April 7, 2018, Time TBA
Brunch Fundraiser for Council Candidate Kate Wiltz.
Hosted by Julie Thomas and Charlotte Zietlow
Stay tuned for more details!
Sunday, April 8, 2018, 6:00pm
3rd Annual DWC Political Karaoke Fundraiser!
Player’s Pub, 424 S. Walnut Street
Candidates and friends, enjoy a night of silliness!! Karaoke for everyone and a competition for our 2018 candidates who will perform as "Celebrity Performers".
This is an unforgettable event: candidates compete for prizes by performing their choice of karaoke song. Save the date! You won't want to miss!
Thursday, April 12, 2018, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Hoosier Women Forward Kick-Off Fundraising Event
Indiana Landmarks, Indianapolis
Hoosier Women Forward, a political and civic leadership training program designed to empower Democratic women to become more active participants in politics and leaders in their communities, aimed at preparing and propelling Democratic women in Indiana into influential roles across the state. Each year, 20-25 Hoosier women will be selected through a competitive application process to participate in a nine-month long leadership development and public advocacy training program. Through a combination of study, field experience, networking and mentorship, Hoosier women participants will gain valuable political training that will prepare them to become more informed, empowered, and mindful public servants. Applications will become available in late May, so stay tuned!
To purchase tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hoosier-women-forward-kick-off-fundraiser-tickets-44133766283
For more information, contact Shannon Mears at (317) 412-3297 or email [email protected].
Friday, April 20, 2018, 10:00am - Noon
National School Walkout - Indiana - hosted by Justin Deem-Loureiro
Indianapolis - Monument Circle to the Statehouse
Justin writes: This is a youth led event On April 20th, from 10am to 12pm I want all Students, teachers and school staff to not attend school instead go downtown.
We will march from the monument circle to the Indiana state House and to join millions of others in the National school Walkout. When innocent children die at school is when we say enough is enough. I am part of the next generation we will stand for equality, love and peace.
ACTION ITEM:
1. Continue to support the Youth Resistance Movement... let's get them to Washington D.C. and into the voting booth in May and November
From Wall of Us: On March 24, the students and families of March For Our Lives will take to the streets of Washington D.C. and cities around the world to demand that their lives become a priority and that we end this epidemic of mass school shootings. The collective voices of the March For Our Lives movement will be heard. All-of-us must add our voices, too.
Here’s how:
1. RSVP here to join them in DC or to find a march in your own community.
2. Fill out this form to help the Women’s March Youth Empower team collect
information on the number of students who participated in the walkout on
March 14, 2018.
Share the form with your parent and teacher friends
3. Get inspired by watching (and sharing) this awesome parody of an NRA ad
by Parkland student Sarah Chadwick.
2. Call the Governor's Office - no open special session to revive failed republican bills
Join the DWC. Join or 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/