Sitting down this afternoon to work on the Monday Morning News, I found myself wondering what I could write to follow the beautiful opener of last week’s edition, which emphasized the necessity of a public discourse that reflects the voices of the many and concluded with a call for us to “listen to all the voices out there that work towards diversity and making the world a better place for everyone to live while fighting against those who would extinguish the lights of anyone who doesn't believe as they do.” Perplexed, I was only too happy to be distracted by the "ping!” of an incoming e-mail. Providentially, it turned out to be an announcement for a film that represents one of the very voices we need to hear. On Her Shoulders is an award-winning documentary about an extraordinary young woman, Nadia Murad, who has dedicated her life to saving her people, the Yazidis, and bringing ISIS before the International Criminal Court on charges of genocide and crimes against humanity. In the film, documentary filmmaker Alexandria Bombach follows Nadia as she testifies before the United Nations, visits refugee camps, meets with high-ranking government officials, and again and again relives in interviews the terrifying details of her captivity and sexual enslavement by ISIS. David Ehrlich, senior film critic of Indiewire, has praised On Her Shoulders as “an essential portrait of the strength required to speak up.”
On Her Shoulders airs tonight (Monday, July 22) at 9:00 pm on WTIU.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Announcements
Events
Action Items
ANNOUNCEMENTS
DWC future
As we hope many 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 we know 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 are in the process of organizing an ENDORSEMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE that will begin meeting in August with the intent of having a finished document in late fall ready for review by the membership. Some of you have already expressed interest but please let us know that you are still interested along with anyone else who would like to participate at [email protected].
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Citizen's Academy:
Whoa!!
Only FOUR spots left in the best free civic session in the city! You'll want one! 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: 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
Clerk Nicole Bolden has noted for us that the following bodies have vacancies at this time. 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.
Animal Control Commission
Bloomington Industrial Development Advisory Commission
Bloomington Arts Commission
Board of Public Safety
Commission on Aging
Commission on Sustainability
Commission on the Status of Children and Youth
Environmental Commission
Human Rights Commission
Parking Commission
Plan Commission
Traffic Commission
Tree Commission
Bloomington Urban Enterprise Association
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
Thursday, July 25, 2019, 4-9 pm
MC NOW Dine & Donate/Contact Your Reps Party
The Hive, 2608 E. 10th St.
Monroe County NOW’s next Dine and Donate will be at the Hive. Dine anytime between 4 and 9pm and mention the Dine and Donate (or print or show the cashier this information from your mobile device) and Monroe County NOW will receive 20% of your receipts on orders.
The Contact Your Reps Party will be from 5-7pm; postcards, scripts, and postage provided.
Sunday, July 28, 2019, 3-5 pm
Monroe County NOW July Chapter Meeting and Potluck Picnic
Southeast YMCA, 2125 S. Highland Ave.
Join Monroe County NOW for their next chapter meeting at the Southeast Monroe County YMCA! They will have a potluck and have board, members, and friends present to socialize. If you're not currently a member, you will have the opportunity to become one. NOW will meet at the shelter by the lower playground. This event is accessible and open to all. Bring a food or beverage item to share! Let them know what you're bringing by filling out this Google sheet.
Sunday, July 28, 2019, 2-4 pm
2019 Stonewall Democrats of South Central Indiana (SD-SCI) General Meeting
MCDP Headquarters, 116 S. Madison St.
Be part of this community conversation to help the Stonewall Democrats of South Central Indiana establish their initial priorities and goals for the near future! We need everyone's voice at the table to make informed choices about where to focus our attention at the local and state levels for the coming months. We hope to see you there! Questions can be sent to [email protected].
Thursday, August 8, 2019, 7:35-9:00 am
Wake Up! With United Way "Autism Spectrum Disorder: What to Know"
BloomingTea, 612 W. Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington
This presentation will focus on the basics of Autism Spectrum Disorder, including a brief history of the diagnosis, why there seems to be an increase in the number of people who have ASD, and some useful tips on handling routine daily activities as well as crisis situations. The discussion will include opportunities for questions and answers from participants, as well as resources for those who need supports and services. The $10 ticket cost includes breakfast and coffee, with any remaining proceeds supporting United Way of Monroe County's efforts to address the community's critical needs today, while reducing those needs tomorrow. More info about the speaker, the subject matter, and more, can be found at https://www.monroeunitedway.org/WakeUp.
August 21, 2019, 3:00-11:30 pm
Bloomington Pridefest
Kirkwood Avenue, Bloomington
Save the date for the sixth annual Bloomington Pridefest!
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 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!
ACTION ITEM(s):
Please chime in on the future plans of the DWC. Let us know where we've done well and what we should do better. Send your ideas to [email protected] at any time.
Please watch On Her Shoulders (July 22, at 9:00 pm on WTIU) and be inspired by Nadia Murad's courage and determination.
And finally, since the need to protect some of our most vulnerable citizens will be with us for some time to come, we repeat one of last week's action items, a list of organizations that work to help better the lives of women, people of color and lgbtq citizens:
The Planned Parenthood Action Fund - https://www.plannedparenthoodaction.org/
defends sexual and reproductive health care and rights.
She the People - https://www.shethepeople.org/
She the People elevates the political voice and leadership of women of color as part of a new progressive political and cultural era.
Transgender Law Center - https://transgenderlawcenter.org/
TLC does what it takes to keep transgender people alive, thriving, and fighting for liberation
NCADV - http://ncadv.org/
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence focuses on affecting public policy, increasing understanding of the impact of domestic violence, and providing programs and education that drive that change;
RAINN - https://www.rainn.org/
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network is the nation's largest anti-sexual violence organization. RAINN created and operates the National Sexual Assault Hotline (800.656.HOPE, online.rainn.org y rainn.org/es) in partnership with more than 1,000 local sexual assault service providers across the country
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/