Tune in this coming Wednesday and Thursday to the first Democratic debates of the 2020 primary season as a record number of women make the case that they are the candidate best suited to defeat Donald Trump, restore the rule of law, and rebuild governmental infrastructure and our country’s reputation in the international arena. Will Elizabeth Warren, Amy Klobuchar, Kirsten Gillibrand, Kamala Harris, Marianne Williamson, or Tulsi Gabbard break that till now most resistant of glass ceilings to become the first woman president of the Unites States? How fitting a celebration of the centennial of women’s suffrage! And happily, as the field of candidates better reflects our country’s diversity, so too will the debate moderators: a policy newly adopted by the DNC requires that each debate have at least one female moderator and one moderator who is a person of color. In the words of Barbara Lee, founder and president of a foundation dedicated to increasing women’s equality of representation in American politics, here’s to “a debate in which every candidate gets a fair chance to make their pitch to America, without fear of mansplaining, he-peating or constant interruption. A debate in which voters and the media hold all candidates to the same standards and judge them on style and substance, not stereotypes.”
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Announcements
Events
Action Items
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Upcoming Trainings:
On June 28-30 the Noble County Democrats will host the 2019 Tri-State Cornfield Conference at the Noble County Fairgrounds in Kendallville. Based on the 1938 Great Cornfield Conference that turned around the fortunes of the Indiana Republican Party after devastating losses in the 1936 Elections, the 2019 event hopes to create the same success for Indiana Democrats. The conference will focus on Democratic Issues of importance to citizens in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan. A full list of events is on line at https://www.facebook.com/1512257622242521/posts/1581372535331029/?sfnsn=mo
The First 2020 Democratic Presidential Debates have been announced:
The first presidential primary debate will feature back-to-back primetime broadcasts aired on NBC and MSNBC on consecutive nights to ensure each candidate gets access to a primetime audience. Booker, Warren, O'Rourke, Klobuchar, Delaney, Gabbard, Castro, Ryan, de Blasio, and Inslee will debate on June 26th and Harris, Biden, Buttigieg, Sanders, Gillibrand, Bennet, Williamson, Swalwell, Yang, and Hickenlooper will debate on June 27th. Bullock, Messam, and Moulton did not qualify for the debate.
The Democratic National Committee has sanctioned up to 12 debates starting in June of 2019, with the early debates possibly featuring back-to-back nights of primetime broadcasts.
Citizen's Academy is ready for applications!
One of the best ways to learn about government, with like minded people and the folks who actually do the work in City Hall. Just the best experience ever!
The 2019 Citizens' Academy class will provide participants with an interactive learning experience about municipal government services, programs and departmental responsibilities. This year's Citizens' Academy session begins Thursday, August 29 and runs through October 24, the classes are from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. You can apply online at https://bloomington.in.gov/citizens-academy or contact Vickie Provine, [email protected] or call 812.349.3505.
Board and Commission Openings:
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]).
Farmers Market Volunteers still needed for the Democratic Party Booth:
The Monroe County Democratic Party still needs volunteers at the Saturday Farmers Market this summer! Shifts are available from 8am to 12pm. If you are interested in volunteering, contact Ed Robertson at [email protected].
EVENTS
June 28-30, 2019
2019 Tri-State Cornfield Conference
Noble County Fairgrounds, Kendallville, Indiana
Hosted by the Noble County Democrats and co-hosted by the Dekalb, Kosciousko, Lagrange and Whitley County Democrats
A Democratic Revival focused on issues for Democrats in Indiana, Michigan and Ohio
Friday: 4pm-9pm and Sunday: 8am-4pm: Intro to Political Organizing Digital Training
Saturday: 9am-7pm: a full day of workshops and activities including a Women in Politics Panel Discussion, plus “insights from a small town mayor” and special appearances by Karlee Macer and Eddie Melton.
Full details at: https://www.facebook.com/1512257622242521/posts/1581372535331029/?sfnsn=mo
Saturday, June 29, 2019, 10:00pm-12:00am
Stonewall 50th Anniversary Celebration and Pridefest Benefit
The Back Door, 207 S. College Avenue
A showcase benefit featuring a range of art forms—from poetry to live music to drag and everything in-between—that celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. Suggested donation: $5-15 at the door. Door proceeds and tips go to Bloomington Pridefest.
Thursday, July 4, 2019, 10:00am
Downtown
March with the Monroe County Dems! Once again, the MCDP will have a significant presence at the Bloomington 4th of July Parade. All Democrats are encouraged to participate; if you can't march, there will be a trailer with seats of some sort. The Parade will start at 10am and participants are expected to be at the assembly site before 9am. The City will finalize our postition in the parade and assembly point by June 24; further information will be available in next week's newsletter. People willing to assist as Parade Marshals should contact [email protected].
Friday, July 5, 2019, 1:00pm-4:00pm
Pride in STEM Day
Wonderlab Museum, 308 W. 4th Street
Join Wonderlab and Bloomington Pride for the second annual International Day of LGBTQ+ People in STEM. WonderLab is joining museums and science centers around the world in recognizing past and present accomplishments of LGBTQ+ people in STEM. Learn about foundational LGBTQ+ scientists, as well as meet scientists from our local LGBTQ+ community. Try your skills at coding like Alan Turing. Launch a rocket like Sally Ride. Examine coral specimens like Ruth Gates. Explore the scientific method like Francis Bacon. Delve into neurology like Ben Barres. Watch the facebook page for event updates and information about these and other LGBTQ Scientists. All activities free with museum admission. https://www.facebook.com/events/2307394842707082/?ti=icl.
Thursday, July 11, 2019, 7:45-9:00am
Wake Up! With United Way: "Unteachable and Difficult"—Understanding Childhood Trauma
The Mill, 642 N. Madison Street
When a child is labeled "difficult" or deemed unable to learn or socialize properly, what might lie beneath the expressed behaviors? What referral and treatment options exist in our community, and where are the gaps? Join United Way and IU PACE for breakfast, along with Jeff Baldwin, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bloomington; Kaitlyn King, Senior Clinical Therapist from Catholic Charities of Bloomington; and Dr. Jerry M. Jesseph, Clinical Professor with the IU School of Medicine, who will help us unpack these questions and share a hopeful message of the possibilities for intervention and treatment. The session encourages audience participation through a moderated Q&A format. Your $10 ticket will cover the cost of breakfast, with the remaining proceeds supporting United Way of Monroe County's efforts to address our community's critical needs today, while reducing those needs tomorrow. See the facebook event page for more info: https://www.facebook.com/events/2491470077559513/?ti=icl
Friday, July 12, 2019, 9:30-11:00am
All-Options Drop-in Volunteer Action Hours
All-Options Pregnancy Resource Center, 1014 S. Walnut Street
Have you ever wanted to get involved with All-Options, but aren't sure about making a long-term commitment? Would you like to do some hands-on work in a judgment-free, supportive environment? Join All-Options for drop-in volunteer time—usually the first Friday of every month. They will have projects available for you to jump right in. All ages welcome!
July 17-20, 2019
2019 Young Democrats of America National Convention
Crowne Plaza, 123 W. Louisiana St, Indianapolis
Visit yda.org/convention for all details and convention matters.
August 22-24, 2019
Annual Indiana Democratic Editorial Association (IDEA) Convention in French Lick
French Lick Resort, 8670 West Road 56
The convention is still months away but hotel rooms are going QUICKLY, so if you plan to attend you are encouraged to make your hotel reservations NOW. More information on that can be found here: http://www.indems.org/annual-idea-convention-in-french-lick/
Saturday September 8, 2019
5th Annual Hamilton Family Picnic
Bryan Park
ACTION ITEM(s):
Get ready to watch the Democratic Presidential Debates this week but don't forget that there is still a municipal election going on in 2019 that needs your attention.... let's take care of business now so that we can take care of business next year.
There's still time to chime in on the future plans of the DWC. We'll have another listening session at our July breakfast on the 5th so come prepared to help us know where we've done well and what we should do better. And you can always send your ideas along to [email protected] at any time.
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/