INDIANA PRIMARY POSTPONED TO JUNE 2: As many of you have probably already heard, the Indiana Primary has been delayed until June 2, subject to confirmation by the Indiana Election Commission (which we assume will be forthcoming or the Governor wouldn’t have announced it) at their meeting on the 25th. Once confirmed, all the previous deadlines will reset… including the last day to register to vote, deadlines to apply for absentee-by-mail balloting, absentee-in-person voting, etc.. 

The Secretary of State has also recommended that, for the upcoming primary election only, the State go to no-excuse absentee-by-mail voting, opening this option for all voters in Indiana. Again this is subject to confirmation by the IEC, but, given that there is no guarantee that things will be back to “normal” by June 2 or that it will be any safer to gather in groups by that time…  voting by mail is probably a good option for many of us. 
You can download an application from the Secretary of State’s website here: However, because the Monroe County Election Office is currently closed as our workers shelter and home and stay safe, applications won’t be processed until it reopens. So it’s probably not a bad idea to hold onto your application until the office reopens and, once it does, remember that there will likely be a backlog of applications to process so be patient if your ballot doesn’t arrive for a few days. More information after the IEC meeting and when we know the office is back in service.

On the Covid-19 Front: Like me, you have probably been inundated with information about the current situation, some true and a lot of it false. My email has been flooded with fake cures and offers to purchase masks and other supplies, most of them dubious and overpriced. You’ve seen the rants on social media about returning to the streets, gathering in restaurants and on the beaches, and ignoring the “hoax” that is coronavirus. A recent email I received addressed to “Dear Freedom Loving Patriot” touted the Ultimate Guide to Surviving Coronavirus: packed with ways that I could turn my home into a decontaminated fortress. Bob Gorrell’s latest political cartoon was a picture of the Chinese flag, substituting coronavirus logos for the stars, and with the subtitle “Thanks China” and we won’t even discuss what’s coming out of the White House. And the misinformation isn’t limited to the right… there is misinformation, if less so, coming out of the left as well. So fact check before you believe or share anything.
But amidst all the bad there is a lot of good. If the measure of our society is how we treat the most vulnerable among us, many of us have met the task. The Hoosier Hills Food Bank has set up a pickup service for the food insecure and the Monroe County School Corporation is continuing to provide meals for children who rely on public schools for nutrition, one such school bus will be parked at Democratic Headquarters for pickup. Black Lives Matter Bloomington has set up a Covid 19 Necessity Drive. One World Catering has set up a “Family Meal” project to help food workers laid off by restaurant closures. The Shalom Center, Wheeler Mission, MiddleWay House and New Hope Family Shelter are working to establish an isolation shelter for homeless persons in our community affected by the virus. Area grocery stores are working tirelessly to restock shelves and some have set up special hours for the most at risk members of the community and for first responders to shop. The Community Foundation is partnering with the United Way of Monroe County and Bloomington Health Foundation to deploy the COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund to address basic needs for shelter, food, and medical care and made an initial $25,000 grant to support this effort. Many of our non-profits have answered the call but need our help with donations and volunteers, so there may be ways you can help while remaining safe.
And finally, please take care of yourself. Just because we’re stuck at home in isolation doesn’t mean that we should be isolated. There are many ways to connect to the world without being in it. The best thing I did this weekend was attend a Facebook live concert by Seattle singer songwriter Lisa Koch… for an hour and a half I forgot about problems, mine and the world’s. I laughed, cried, and connected with friends from all over the country. 
Sleep, eat well, get outside even if it’s only in your own back yard, phone a family member or a friend, help out a local restaurant or arts organization that you love, learn something new every day. 
And yes… there’s still an election going on and our government is going to need good leaders more than ever, so let’s get them in office to help rebuild a better world.

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

DWC ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPDATES:

Are you creative, skilled at writing, a social media expert?? - THE DWC NEEDS YOU!! We trust you like our communications and rely on them to help keep you informed of political happenings and DWC operations. Those communications are not magically self-generating-they are an essential function of the DWC and we have a small crew of creative women who make it happen. We are looking for women to join that team and help create the Monday Morning News and our Social Media messages. It is not time consuming, and it is not difficult. Plus, for those of us who like to write and craft messages, it is actually fun! If anyone reading this newsletter has a few scant hours a month to help us out, please let us know by sending an email to [email protected]

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CANDIDATE NEWS AND EVENTS:

Volunteer for Cheryl Munson: Who knew that County Council would be such a hot race this year? Cheryl is running for re-election to an At-Large seat in a crowded primary. If you are willing to walk for Cheryl, meet potential voters and help her campaign, please send a message to [email protected]. A sign-up sheet will also be at Friday's breakfast meeting. More info about Cheryl's Council accomplishments and future goals WWW.CHERYLMUNSON.US

Volunteering for Shelli Yoder: If you are interested in volunteering to help get Shelli to the State House, please join our team by emailing Ashley Pirani at [email protected]. There are several ways for you to get involved. Some of those opportunities include canvassing, helping to write postcards, and hosting a meet and greet. They'd love to have you join them!

Note: The DWC’s mission is to recruit, fund and support pro-choice, progressive women candidates in Monroe County. For more information about candidates, candidate events and other political information that does not fall within this mission, check out, among others, the Monroe County Democratic Party Website, The Indiana Democratic Party Website and the Indiana Secretary of State's Election Division. If you don't currently get the Monroe County Democratic Party Dispatch, you can send a note to [email protected] to sign up.

CANDIDATE & OTHER POLITICAL TRAININGS:

Indiana Democratic Party

A Candidate Tool Box, Precinct Committee Person Handbook, VAN training and links to the Party’s Webinar Training Series can be found at https://www.indems.org/trainings-and-voter-file-access/

Emily's List Training:

Tuesday, March 24, 2020 3:00pm - 4:00pm - Introduction to Fundraising through Call Time - Why call time is important for candidates and how to make a strong ask
To win your election, you need to raise money to support all your campaign's needs — but raising money can feel overwhelming and challenging. This online training will show you how to use one of the most important strategies in electoral fundraising — call time. You'll learn the nuts and bolts of the crucial fundraising skills you need and how to have conversations with donors that get results. Register here:

National Democratic Training Committee Webinars

The NDTC has and extensive list of webinars and courses in political management, messaging and communication, fundraising, and running for office. Check out their list of courses at https://traindemocrats.org/course-catalog/

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OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The final day to register to be able to vote in the May 5 Indiana Primary has been extended due to the Primary date change. Now is still a great time to double check that your voter registration is up to date - check your status at indianavoters.com

The dates for Early Voting for the Indiana Primary in Monroe County have been changed, we will post dates when they are confirmed - all absentee in person voting will take place at Election Central, 401 W. 7th St., Bloomington.

The Indiana Primary will be held on June 2, 2020 and you will vote at your precinct location on that date.

The Monroe County Election Division is looking for democratic poll workers to work as Inspectors, Judges and Clerks. 
To work the polls in Monroe County, you must:
• Be a registered voter of Monroe County.
• Attend training,  provided by the Election Board.
• Have access to transportation.
You will be paid for training, working at the polls and a $25 food allowance. 
Interested: call  812-349-2690 or Email: [email protected]
More information can be found at: http://monroecountyvoters.us/pollworkerportal.html

Upcoming National Caucuses & Primaries:

March 17: Ohio primary postponed until June 2
March 24: Georgia Democratic primary - has been postponed
March 29: Puerto Rico Democratic primary
April 4: Alaska and Hawaii Democratic primaries and Wyoming Democratic caucuses. The Louisiana Primary has been postponed to June 20
April 7: Wisconsin primary
April 26: Puerto Rico Democratic primary
April 28: Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island primaries, Connecticut primary postponed to June 2
May 2: Guam Democratic caucuses and Kansas Democratic primary
May 5: Indiana primary postponed until June 2
May 12: Nebraska and West Virginia primaries
May 19: Georgia and Oregon primaries, Kentucky postponed to June 23
June 2: Connecticut, District of Columbia, Indiana, Maryland, Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio & South Dakota
June 6: Virgin Island Democratic caucus
June 20: Louisiana primaries
June 23: Kentucky primaries

The Indiana Democratic Convention is slated for Saturday, June 13 in Indianapolis
The National Democratic Convention is slated for July 13-16 in Milwaukee. 

The Indiana Democratic Party wants to hear from you! The IDP is seeking your input on their 2020 State Democratic Platform and has already held three hearings around the state to learn what issues are important to Democratic voters. There is one remaining Platform Hearing, on March 14 in Fort Wayne, and it is free and open to the public.
If you are unable to attend but would still like to participate, you can submit an online input form here. If you'd like to review the 2018 State Party Platform, click here. The open comment period will close on April 3, 2020 and a final draft of the Platform will be presented to delegates for approval at the 2020 State Convention on June 13th.

MONROE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY EVENTS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: 
contact Taegan Bolden-Davis, Executive Director, Monroe County Democratic Party at [email protected]

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 in a tab at the right side of the boards page. If you have any questions, please contact Julie Thomas ([email protected]). 

CALENDAR OF EVENTS THAT MIGHT BE OF INTEREST TO OUR MEMBERSHIP:

In this time of uncertainty, check prior to leaving for any meeting...

Through December 31, 2020
VOTES FOR WOMEN: The Women’s Suffrage Movement in Monroe County
Monroe County History Center, 202 E. 6th St., Bloomington
Commemorating the centennial of the 19th Amendment to the US Constitution granting women the right to vote with a year-long exhibition in the Deckard Education Room. Featuring Monroe County women involved in the struggle for suffrage in the context of the State and National suffrage movements based on the research of Hilary Fleck and supported by the May Wright Sewall Fellowship from Indiana Humanities. Sponsored by The Indiana Women’s Suffrage Centennial, the Monroe County Bicentennial, the City of Bloomington, and Monroe County NOW

Friday, March 20, 2020 - POSTPONED, future date TBA
Elizabeth A Woman Of Color - A theatrical production by Gladys DeVane
Unitarian Universalist Church of Bloomington

Tuesday, March 24, 2020 8:00am - CANCELLED
LAT Testing
Monroe County Election Central, 401 W. 7th St., Suite 100
LAT (Logic and Accuracy Test) testing proves that the system is properly adding votes for each candidate in the same quantity as the votes that were scanned or manually entered. The system result is compared to a known set of data and must match.  The public is welcome to attend.
This testing will be rescheduled once the new Primary dates are confirmed. The Mock Election scheduled for 4:00 has also been cancelled.

Friday, March 27, 2020, 6:00 - 8:00 pm - CANCELLED
2020 FDR Gala
Switchyard Park Pavilion, 1601 S. Rogers St.

Saturday, March 28, 2020, 9:00am - 3:00pm - POSTPONED UNTIL MAY 16
Indiana Federation Of Democratic Women 2020 Spring Meeting
First Friends of Richmond, 2010 Chester Blvd., Richmond, IN
Cost: $20,00 per attendee
Registration: 9:00am, Meeting: 10:00am to 3:00pm, Lunch is provided
More information at: https://www.facebook.com/events/182754393028546/
PLEASE RSVP /You can pre-register at ActBlue: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ifdw20spring# 
Call 765-603-8213 with any questions or concerns

Saturday, March 28, 2020, 2:00pm to 4:00pm - CANCELLED
Sip & See with the Next State Senator to Be
An open house with Shelli Yoder, candidate for State Senate! 
If you have any questions, please contact Olivia at oliviajreed@gmail.
You can make a donation to Shelli's Campaign here:

Tuesday, March 31, 2020, 5:00pm to 7:00pm - POSTPONED
Wine Reception Fundraiser for Karen Tallian for Attorney General
Grazie Italiano
She will be a wonderful standard bearer for Indiana Democrats, and she will make a great Attorney General!
Hosted by: Linda Lawson, Vi Simpson, Charlotte Zietlow, Penny Githens, Rick Bond, Trish Witcomb, Nicole Bolden, Katherine Liell, Dee Owens, and Carolyn VandeWiele.
You can make an online donation to Karen Talian’s campaign here:

ACTION ITEM(s): 

1. Stay abreast of the details for the upcoming Indiana Primary - we will try to keep you updated as information comes in. Download your application to vote by mail and get it ready to send in when the Election Office reopens. It's very important that all of us vote. Support our endorsed candidates as they negotiate an unprecedented primary session.

2. Thank a first responder, medical practitioner, vaccine creator, news person, store clerk, garbage collector, janitor, school teacher, parent homeschooling their children, worker working from home, social worker, food preparer, and everyone else.... for their service.

3. Call your Representative and Senators and tell them to keep the Covid-19 support bill clean... this is a bill that should take care of the most vulnerable of us as well as keep the economy on track. Demand transparency and accountability for all funds so that they can't be used to enrich the few at the expense of the many. The bills should not be an excuse to remove supports for the elderly, the disabled, for students or hourly workers; payroll tax cuts can't help those who have lost their jobs or are on furlough. The bill should not curtail Medicare or Social Security benefits or cripple those programs for the future. There should be no bailouts for businesses that haven't paid taxes or which used funds or tax savings previously given to support executives over workers, there should be equal support for alternative energy companies who will create new jobs, not just fossil fuel companies... find your own reason and let them know what it is!

4. Watch for ways that you can support those most hurt by the economic shutdown in our community and help as you can without taking risks that you should not.

5. Watch for your census form - fill it out - send it back or file it online!

6. Get involved with the DWC - there are ways you can contribute beyond your membership support... Our most urgent need is for help with our Social Media: we are looking for women to help us maintain and keep our social media pages up to date and to contribute to writing and/or editing the Monday Morning News. A couple of our long time writers will be unavailable after this spring. This doesn’t necessarily require a major time commitment. If you’re interested please email us at [email protected]

7. Renew your membership in the DWC for 2020 (see below)

HOW TO CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES

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
(317) 822-8240

Trey Hollingsworth
https://hollingsworth.house.gov/contact/
(202) 225-5315 (U.S. House) or (812) 288-3999 (Jeffersonville Office)

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/