The events we usually count on to help raise money to support pro-choice, progressive, democratic women candidates both financially and through mailings and point of sale promotions as well as to provide training and keep our website and newsletters up and running have, like so many other events, disappeared. If you are not yet a member for 2020 and/or you have the ability to drop a few dollars into our virtual “Charlotte’s Hat” please go to our membership/donation page and help keep our important work going.

The political columnist Sheila Kennedy has spent a lot of time pondering the human condition in recent blogs. 
In two recent columns she talks about the contrast between her faith that “the overwhelming majority of my fellow-Americans were really good people” and the increasingly divisive world we live in characterized by “some people’s evident need to divide humanity into “us versus them”–and to dominate “them”.”
She finds some hope in a Guardian article that contrasts the story of William Golding’s Lord of the Flies with a real life story of 6 young Tongan boys who were shipwrecked an presumed dead for 15 months. 
Golding’s story centered on a shipwreck in which young boys were marooned on an island without adult supervision. Left to themselves they regress to a primitive state and by the time they are rescued, three boys are dead and they’ve turned a lush island into a disaster zone. 
In the real life story “the boys had set up a small commune with food garden, hollowed-out tree trunks to store rainwater, a gymnasium with curious weights, a badminton court, chicken pens and a permanent fire, all from handiwork, an old knife blade and much determination. While the boys in Lord of the Flies come to blows over the fire, those in this real-life version tended their flame so it never went out, for more than a year.”
The kids agreed to work in teams of two, drawing up a strict roster for garden, kitchen and guard duty. Sometimes they quarreled, but whenever that happened they solved it by imposing a time-out. Their days began and ended with song and prayer.”
In the comments section one reader wondered about the cultural differences – pointing out that the “cooperative boys were Tongan, steeped in a cooperative culture with deep respect for being in tune with nature and with spirit.” Another commenter stated “group dynamics is strange thing” telling about trips he had made camping out with Boy Scouts in the mountains. He said that each trip was an amazing experience and that “over the course of the two weeks you could see how the group dynamic worked to build friendship or camaraderie.” But he goes on to mention that there was one trip “where we had an older boy that was pretty much an egotistical bully and I remember the effects that he had on the group and they were not good. The adults kept him in check, but I could see him in charge of a “Lord of Flies” scenario.”
Kennedy concludes her column with the comment that this “real-life experiment confirms a favorite parable, attributed to the Cherokee: an elder tells his grandson that there are two wolves in each of us, one good, one evil. The grandson asks which wolf will win. The elder responds “The one you feed.”
In the coming elections we are faced with a challenge that will likely influence the path that our communities and the U.S. will take in the future. Can we construct a social contract that builds governments based on “essential goodness in the human heart–to create systems that nurture rather than divide, and value collaboration and kindness over conflict and tribalism.” Can we elect candidates who are public servants and who can represent the diverse needs of all their constituents without the need to favor one over the other? And can we build a society that recognizes that the bad wolf exists in all of us, but lets the good wolf come out on top?
You can read Sheila Kennedy’s columns at:
https://www.sheilakennedy.net/2020/05/need-cheering-up/
https://www.sheilakennedy.net/2020/05/the-politics-of-white-male-grievance/

 

For this Primary only, the Indiana Election Commission has waived requirements for Absentee-By-Mail voting. Therefore all registered Indiana voters can vote by mail in the 2020 primary. All voters are encouraged to use this option as we don’t know what the situation will be over the next few weeks and months. This will protect not only the voters in the county, but our county workers as well.

See our UPDATED CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND PRIMARY INFORMATION section below for details on primary voting in Monroe County and look for an email from us later this week devoted to voting in the primary.

A reminder that Absentee-by-Mail Ballot applications are due by May 21 and all ballots must be returned to the Monroe County Election Division office by noon on June 2.
Check monroecountyvoters.us for information and questions may also be directed to the voter registration office by calling 812-349-2690.

As always stay safe, learn something new every day, stay politically active and let’s get ready to come out of the lockdown with sleeves rolled up and ready to work for Dems up and down the ballot!

 

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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ENDORSED CANDIDATE NEWS AND EVENTS:

Candidates, especially new candidates, often have a hard road to victory - but this year may be especially difficult - raising money, contacting voters and getting the message out is all going to be different in the age of coronavirus.
The list of DWC endorsed candidates with their websites and contact information can be found at: https://www.democraticwomenscaucus.org/candidates. We are continuing to work to make this page a comprehensive site for our candidates so please check back frequently.

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 would be interested in phonebanking for Cheryl or hosting a yard sign, please contact Olivia Reed at [email protected]. You can contact Cheryl at [email protected]. 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, join their team by emailing Ashley Pirani at [email protected]. There are several ways for you to get involved. They'd love to have you join them!
Join the Friends of Shelli Virtual Challenge! They’ve created a special giving portal for you, your friends, families and networks at actblue.com/donate/shellichallenge. The amount is less important than the contribution itself, because it will take everyone chipping in to get Shelli to victory.

Volunteer for Kara Krothe
If you are interested in volunteering to help elect Kara Krothe for Judge please contact us at [email protected] or visit karakrotheforjudge.com to sign up.

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.

UPDATED CAMPAIGN FINANCE AND PRIMARY INFORMATION:

ALL CANDIDATES PLEASE NOTE: UPDATED CAMPAIGN FINANCE REPORT CALENDAR

Candidates on the Primary Ballot - remember that your Pre-Primary CFA-4 is due this coming Friday, May 15 by noon! 

UPDATED INDIANA PRIMARY CALENDAR - deadlines have been extended with the change in the Primary Date to 6/2/2020

For this Primary only, the Indiana Election Commission has waived requirements for Absentee-By-Mail voting. Therefore all registered Indiana voters can vote by mail in the primary. The Secretary of State's office has created a completely online version of the application for an absentee-by mail ballot through the voter portal at indianavoters.com. You will not need to print out and sign the application if you use this version, it will use your signature on file. You can also download a copy of the form here, print and sign it and email it to [email protected] or mail it to Voter Registration, 401 W. 7th St., Suite 100, Bloomington, IN 40404. The deadline for the Election Office to receive your application is May 21, 2020 (see notes below).

All voters are strongly encouraged to vote absentee-by-mail in this election, leaving absentee-in-person and primary day election voting for those persons who cannot do so!!!

Monday, May 4, 2020 - VOTER REGISTRATION ENDED, registration will reopen after the Primary.

Thursday, May 21, 2020 - DEADLINE, by 11:59 pm, for the circuit court clerk to receive an absentee ballot application from an applicant requesting delivery of an absentee ballot by mail. Applications may be submitted to the circuit court clerk in person or by mail, fax or email. (Note: mailed applications must be delivered in the mail by 5/21 and for in person delivery the Election Office closes at 4PM) 

Tuesday, May 26, 2020 - First day a voter may vote an absentee-in-person ballot in the office at Election Central (Early Voting begins)

Monday, June 1, 2020 - DEADLINE by noon, for a voter to vote an absentee ballot in person at the office of the circuit court clerk or satellite office (Early Voting ends)

Tuesday, June 2, 2020 - PRIMARY ELECTION DAY
Polls are open 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., prevailing local time. Due to the need to keep workers and voters safe, as well as balancing the reduced number of workers available, a need to provide as much coverage of the county as possible and the wish to be sensitive to the needs of the regular hosts, there will be 7 polls open on Primary Election Day: at Edgewood High School, Southside Christian Church, Sherwood Oaks, Grandview Elementary, Arlington Elementary, City Hall and City Church. If you must vote on primary day you will be able to check where your precinct will be voting on June 2 online at indianavoters.com.
DEADLINE by noon, for a voter to return an absentee-by-mail ballot to Election Central

The Monroe County Election Division is looking for democratic poll workers to work as Inspectors, Judges, Clerks and Sheriffs. 
To work the polls in the 2020 Primary you must:
     • Be a registered voter in the state of Indiana.
     • 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. Training will take place between May 21 and May 29, 2020.
There will be some major differences between this primary and previous years. Polling sites have been reduced to seven locations: Arlington Heights Elementary, Bloomington City Hall, City Church, Edgewood High School, Grandview School, Sherwood Oaks Church and Southside Christian Church.
All workers will be supplied a face shield, mask, gloves and plenty of hand sanitizer as well as continuous cleaning throughout the day. There will be someone at each location designated to monitor flow of traffic and social distancing.  
There is a first come first served basis for applicants seeking to work the polls as the time to fill roles and train workers is limited. 
If you are interested in working at a polling location, please contact Orion Saft at [email protected] ASAP
More information can be found at: http://monroecountyvoters.us/pollworkerportal.html

 

UPCOMING NATIONAL CAUCUSES & PRIMARIES: (note: this is an ever changing list)

May 12: Nebraska primary; California Special Election (primarily by mail)
May 19:  Oregon primaries, Georgia primary postponed to June 9, Kentucky postponed to June 23
June 2: Connecticut, District of Columbia, Indiana, Maryland, Montana, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island & South Dakota (all voters will be mailed a ballot); New Jersey moved to July 7
June 6: Virgin Island Democratic caucus
June 9: Georgia and West Virginia Primaries, Nevada Primary but will be primarily by mail
June 20: Louisiana primaries
June 23: New York & Kentucky primaries, Virginia down ballot Primary
June 30: Utah down ballot primaries (has been mostly by mail)
July 7: New Jersey Primary, Delaware Presidential Primary
July 14: Alabama Primary runoff, Texas Primary runoff elections, Maine Down ballot Primaries
July 21: Delaware School Board Primary
Aug. 11: Georgia Primary runoffs, Vermont down ballot primaries

The Indiana Democratic Convention is slated for Saturday, June 13 - this will be a virtual meeting
The National Democratic Convention has been moved to August 17-20 in Milwaukee. 

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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/

The Emily's List Training Center:
Training pro-choice Democratic women to run for office - and win
https://trainingcenter.emilyslist.org

Date: Monday, May 11, 2020 - "Mobilizing and Managing Volunteers Remotely"
Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
How to bring in, connect with, and energize volunteers remotely.

Date: Thursday, May 21, 2020 - "Budgeting Best Practices"
Time: 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
How to build your budget, readjust it when the unexpected happens, and revisit it after a primary win.

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/

Monday, May 11, 2020 1:00-2:00pm EDT - Deep Dive into Basics of Social Media.
Social media is your chance to build a community of supporters when you can't meet them in-person. If you want your campaign to be successful, you'll need to make the most out of social media. During this digital session, you'll learn social media best practices while also giving a deep dive on major platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. You can RSVP for this virtual live training here:

Wednesday, May 13, 2020 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT - Local Leaders: How to Communicate With Your Community Through COVID-19.
During a time of confusion and change, communication is more important than ever. With the right communication, you can continue to do the work that needs to be done to change your community.During this training, you will learn about the importance of emotional intelligence when communicating with your team to meet your goals while also learning how to maintain organizational member relationships while working remotely. RSVP here:

Thursday, May 14, 2020 8:00pm - 9:00pm EDT - Weekly Q&A
Join the National Democratic Training Committee for their weekly virtual question and answer series! This week Kelly Dietrich, CEO and Founder, will answer questions you may currently have during this time of navigating COVID-19 (Coronavirus) with regard to running for office, working on a campaign, or building your local Democratic party’s infrastructure. Tune in to learn more about NDTC’s free resources available to you and to ask him questions! RSVP here

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OTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The West Side Democratic Collaborative announces three online Candidate Forums with candidates for County Council, Judge and State Senate District 40 on May 11, 13 and 18th respectively. See our Events section for the full details

There will be a Virtual Happy Hour Meet & Greet and Fundraiser for Karen Tallian For Attorney General on Zoom on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at 5:30pm. See the events section for full details.

Dr. Woody Myers has selected former State Representative Linda Lawson to be his running mate and the next Lieutenant Governor of Indiana! Linda is an example to all Hoosiers of what can be accomplished with hard work and determination. Indiana needs her intelligence and grit now more than ever, and Woody is honored she has agreed to be his partner on the ticket.Linda has always been a trailblazer, and she’s never turned away from the call to serve. She broke barriers as the first female police officer in the Hammond Police Department and shattered the glass ceiling by earning a promotion to captain. She served on the Hammond School Board for 12 years. And she represented her community for 20 years in the Indiana House, becoming the first woman to lead a caucus in the chamber.Linda’s experience as a leader in law enforcement, in public education, and in the General Assembly make her the perfect partner for Woody in leading Indiana out of the current pandemic and economic downturn.The Myers-Lawson ticket is just what Indiana needs to take on whatever crisis comes next: A physician and successful business owner alongside a legislative leader, former school board member, and law enforcement veteran. Hoosiers couldn’t ask for a better combined resume from two highly accomplished professionals.
Welcome Linda by supporting the Myers/Lawson campaign today.

MONROE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY EVENTS AND VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: 
contact the Monroe County Democratic Party at [email protected]

Some Useful Websites in the fight against Covid-19

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Covid-19 Resources for Bloomington, Ellettsville & Monroe County

No Space For Hate Covid-19 Mutual Aid
Are you homebound and in need of help getting access to groceries and other supplies? For your friends and neighbors who are homebound and quarantined, are you willing to help make grocery deliveries and supply runs?

NextDoor.com for your neighborhood

Open for Bloomington - support for local restaurants (note site may take some time to load)

Unemployment Information:
Indiana Department of Workforce Development

IBJ Podcast: What you need to know about unemployment now

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
For information City 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

Monday, May 11, 2020, 8:00pm - Online County Council Candidate Forum
Hosted by the West Side Democratic Collaborative (WSDC) 
Facebook Live Watch Party: https://www.facebook.com/groups/westsidedemsMoCo/
and Zoom (*first 100 people): https://us02web.zoom.us/s/88021234139

Wednesday, May 13, 2020 10:30am
Webinar on Housing and Energy Assistance
Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and State Representative Cherrish Pryor are proud to offer this webinar for Hoosiers to address questions related to the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA). While questions will be taken after the presentations by IHDCA, we ask that you submit any questions in advance as well.
The webinar link will be emailed to you prior to the event. Late registrations will receive the link on Wednesday, May 13, before the webinar begins at 10:30 a.m.
RSVP and submit your questions here.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020, 5:30pm
Medicare For All Indiana Meeting
Zoom
Medicare For All IN remains fully behind PNHP’s 8 Needed Steps in the Fight Against COVID-19. Although it appears in Indiana that we may have weathered the initial surge, there were still over 650 new cases per day last week in Indiana and over 30 deaths for the week. We are just beginning to understand the longer term effects, including the upcoming tsunami of medical bankruptcies. The Spanish flu of 1917-1918 came in 3 separate waves.  We must remain vigilant. We must stand together.  We must work to make our state, country, and world a better place when this is over.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/H4CHP/

Wednesday, May 13, 2020, 8:00pm - Online Contested Judge Candidate Forum
Hosted by the West Side Democratic Collaborative (WSDC) 
Facebook Live Watch Party: https://www.facebook.com/groups/westsidedemsMoCo/
and Zoom (*first 100 people): https://us02web.zoom.us/s/88021234139

Thursday, May 14, 2020, 5:30pm
Virtual Happy Hour Meet & Greet and Fundraiser for Karen Tallian For Attorney General on Zoom
Karen Tallian has dedicated her life to justice and public service. Helping others has always been who she is. As Attorney General, she will defend your freedoms, guard your civil rights, and protect our state’s land, air and water. Attorneys General are selected by a vote of the delegates at the State Convention. Join Karen for a virtual happy hour to learn more about her campaign and to help her raise funds to support her campaign. Learn more about her views at: https://tallianforattorneygeneral.com/ or on Facebook & Twitter.
Karen believes the Attorney General should be the Citizens’ Advocate.
RSVP for the Virtual Happy Hour: https://tallianforattorneygeneral.com/rsvp/,  [email protected] or call 219-209-4947
Those who RSVP will be sent a link for the meeting an hour before the event begins.
Can’t be at the Happy Hour… here’s how to contribute:
Donate:  https://secure.actblue.com/donate/tallian-for-attorney-general-1
Checks Payable to: Tallian for Attorney General, P.O. Box 2685  Portage, IN 46368

Sunday, May 17, 2020 3:00pm - 4:30pm
Stonewall Democrats of SCI General Membership Meeting
Zoom
This meeting is open to the public, but only dues-paying members are eligible to vote. (If they reach capacity, dues-paying members will be given priority.)
Agenda:
Election: Vice President, Secretary, and two at large Steering Committee members. 
Any voting member is eligible to run for these offices, send a request to be on the ballot by Saturday May 16, 3pm
After the vote, there will be a series of short statements from Candidates who SDSCI have endorsed for races across the counties they represent, following that he floor will open for public discussion as time allows.
https://www.facebook.com/events/243181020078009/

Monday, May 18, 2020, 8:00pm - Online Indiana State Senate 40 Candidate Forum
Co-hosted by the West Side Democratic Collaborative (WSDC) and Stonewall Democrats of South Central Indiana (SD-SCI) 
Facebook Live Watch Party: https://www.facebook.com/groups/westsidedemsMoCo/
and Zoom (*first 100 people): https://us02web.zoom.us/s/88021234139

IMAGE OF THE DAY: 

From Katie Couric's "Wake Up Call" Isobel Rosenthal’s NYC hospital residency has taken a detour: She’s now a primary provider for Covid-19 patients, witnessing daily loss, and isolated from her loved ones for their safety. In a new essay, Isobel shares how she’s getting by: with gratitude. “I made a pact with myself… to look for the humor, or for the good news — for something, anything, to be grateful for — every day of my shift,” she writes. Read her moving “gratitude list.”

ACTION ITEM(s): 

1. The Trump administration is using the Covid-19 pandemic as an excuse to eliminate many regulations and programs - from clean air and water regulations to the USPS to social service programs. Two major efforts are currently underway - one to allow the USPS to go bankrupt and replace the current public mail service with private organizations that would not answer to the public good and the other to eliminate the payroll tax which, while it would provide no significant benefits to small businesses and workers who have lost their jobs or are on furlough, would allow the administration to argue that social security and medicare funding was unsustainable and that such programs should be cut. Contact your elected officials and let them know that public services are essential to the public good.

2. If you haven't already, fill out your 2020 census form! Encourage and help your friends and neighbors to do so as well. An accurate count is essential for the future of our community and getting it done now will keep census volunteers from having to go door to door and will help keep them safe.

3. Go online and fill out your application to vote-by-mail at indianavoters.com or download the 2020 application to vote by mail form and send it in. It's very important that all of us who can vote by mail. Support our endorsed candidates as they negotiate an unprecedented primary session.

4. 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. Watch for ways that you can support community members in need of assistance during the pandemic, even while keeping your self safe....

5. Renew your membership in the DWC for 2020 (see below) and 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]

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/