It was another banner week in the good ole US of A. After three shoot 'em ups at public events in one week, our mindless and gun-lobby-loving President has the gall to show up in the latest cities traumatized by this unprecedented spate of violence and and offer a scripted cardboard dose of sympathy to the grieving families and friends of those who were slaughtered. Here's what we say to that:

[see email blast for cartoon]

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

ANNOUNCEMENTS

DWC Steering Committee Openings
There are currently several openings on the DWC Steering Committee. According to our By-Laws, vacancies on the SC between election cycles are to be filled by appointment from the Steering Committee and subject to ratification by the membership at the next monthly membership meeting.

We invite you to consider this opportunity to serve your fellow DWC members! If you have an interest in serving please contact the DWC Chair via [email protected].

DWC Future
As we hope most of you know, we had three listening sessions over the past few weeks and have gotten emails from many of you with your thoughts. But we need more people to weigh in with the diversity of opinions and the great ideas you have.
Please share your thoughts on this organization as we move forward, in our community and our state. Opportunities for feedback will also be available in an online form. Watch for more information on that.... for those brilliant ideas that come in the middle of the night! Email [email protected]

Endorsement Review Committee:
We are currently organizing the information that we’ve received during the Listening Sessions that have already been held. The first order of business will be to continue the update of our endorsement policy so that it is in place for the 2020 elections. To that effect we have established an ENDORSEMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE that held its first meeting on August 10th. Its goals is to have a finished document in late fall ready for review by the membership. There is always room for more great minds on this committee so please let us know if you would like to participate at [email protected].

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MONROE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR POSITION:
Kaisa Goodman has returned as Interim Executive Director for the Monroe County Democratic Party, through the fall Municipal election this November. The Party is also accepting resumes for a new Executive Director to start at that time. To learn more about what this role entails and to submit a resume, email [email protected].  Applications are due by August 24th.

MONROE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY EVENTS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES:
The MCDP will be at several upcoming community events, and needs your help to staff the booths and march in the parades! Please contact Kaisa at [email protected] to sign up for a shift (or two) or if you have any questions. 
Monroe County Fall Festival: Staffing needed Thursday, September 19th through Saturday, September 21st, and we will be in the parade on Saturday at noon. 
Stinesville Quarry Festival: Staffing needed Thursday, September 26th through Saturday, September 28th, and we will be in the parade on Saturday at 2pm.
MidWay Music Festival: Staffing needed on Saturday, October 5th

BOARD AND COMMISSION OPENINGS: A great way to get involved and learn about how government works in Monroe County and Bloomington and to make a difference in your community:
CITY OF BLOOMINGTON B&Cs
The office of the City Clerk announces a vacant position on the Bloomington Commission on Sustainability. This position is available for city residents 18 years of age or older. The BCOS promotes economic development, environmental health, and social equity in the community for present and future generations. The commission gathers and disseminates information; promotes practical initiatives, and measures, monitors, and reports on the community’s progress towards sustainability.
For information on this position, or other commissions that have vacancies at this time, contact the office of the City Clerk or check https://bloomington.in.gov/boards to see the nature of the board or commission, recent minutes and actions and how that particular vacancy is filled.
MONROE COUNTY GOVERNMENTAL B&Cs
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]). 

EVENTS

Tuesday, August 13, 5:00-6:30pm
Is Everyone Welcome: Exploring Equity and Inclusion
Monroe County Public Library Auditorium
Join Building a Thriving Compassionate Community (BTCC) for a panel to explore the theme of Equity and Inclusion framing November's Monroe County Childhood Conditions Summit (MC3). Moderated by IU Office of Admissions Senior Assistant Director of Admissions and Chair of the Monroe County Women's Commission, Nichelle Whitney, BTCC's August Quarterly Gathering features a panel that bridges town and gown, bringing forth how we as a collective can build an equitable, inclusive city and county.  Participants will be invited to share ideas and feedback on bringing this topic to the 2019 Summit.

Thursday, August 15, 6:00-7:00pm
Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus Monthly Chapter Meeting
MCDP HQ, 116 S. Madison St. 
Join MCBDC for their monthly chapter meeting to learn more about the Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus and how you can get involved.  All are welcome!

Saturday, August 17, 5:30pm Social, 6:30pm Dinner
Owen County Democratic Party Democracy Day Dinner
Spencer United Methodist Church, IGA, 95 W. Franklin St., Spencer
with featured Speaker Dana Black, State Deputy Chair for Engagement
For tickets: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/dddinner
Tickets: $25/person

August 22-24, 2019
Annual Indiana Democratic Editorial Association (IDEA) Convention in French Lick
French Lick Resort, 8670 West Road 56
For a full list of all the events happening at this year’s IDEA visit: http://www.indems.org/annual-idea-convention-in-french-lick/. 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.

Saturday, August 31, 2019, 3:00-11:30 pm
Bloomington Pridefest
Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington
Save the date for the sixth annual Bloomington Pridefest!

Saturday September 8, 2019, 4:00-7:00 pm
5th Annual Hamilton Family Picnic
Bryan Park
Join Mayor Hamilton and his family for music, food, and family-friendly fun!

CARTOON
Yes, another cartoon, and on the same topic. Unfortunately, it's kinda hard to think of much else these days.

[see email blast for cartoon]

ACTION ITEM(s):

1. Please let our Senators Braun and Young know that they must pass the senate version of the HR8 Bipartisan Background Checks Act. Insist that they call Mitch McConnell to call the Senate back to DC to deal with this national emergency.

Todd Young:
https://www.young.senate.gov/contact/email-todd
(202) 224-5623

Mike Braun
https://www.braun.senate.gov/contact-mike
(202) 224-4814

2. Then make a contribution to Moms Demand Action:

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/