After a day of supporting the next generation of female democratic political hopefuls in Indiana and climate crisis activists from all around the world, we hope you'll join us in the back room at Truffles at 5:30pm for Blue Drinks: Politics and Cocktails on September 20... a chance to socialize, dream, and discuss current events and politics with fellow DWC members and supporters... details at https://www.facebook.com/events/348009162769991/
It has been exciting over the past years to watch the development of new voices asking important questions around the world… the youth movement in Hong Kong fighting to preserve a modicum of autonomy, the Parkland students working for gun reform, the #MeToo and Black Lives Matter movements working on discrimination and exploitation, Greta Thunberg and all the students calling for worldwide strikes in the face of climate activism, the indigenous populations of the Amazon finding their voices and working to protect the rain forest and their way of life.
And it has been equally discouraging to watch the forces ranged against them for the sake of greed, opportunism and self interest, whose money has often decided policy and silenced the voices around them.
During the CNN Climate Change Town Hall, moderators asked Elizabeth Warren if part of addressing climate change “means the government should be able to tell Americans what kind of light bulbs they can buy” -- her response was “Oh come on, give me a break. This is exactly what the fossil fuel industry wants us to be talking about.”
The exchange highlights a major problem with the debate process and campaigning in general these days - namely a format that pits candidates against each other, trying to stir up controversy between individuals rather than getting to the core of each candidate’s beliefs and plans for their office. There is a tendency to focus on minutia instead of looking at the big picture. Those who have a vested interest in the status quo, who profit off other’s lives want to keep people confused and divided.
But while it is true that with the climate crisis we must hold the big polluters accountable for their actions we also need to look at how our individual actions affect the big picture…. Senator Warren stated that 70 percent of the carbon we’re throwing into the air comes from three industries…rolling back regulations on greenhouse gases, discouraging renewable energy generation and allowing pollution matter…. but plastic bags, light bulbs and straws matter too. Individual decisions, whether as consumers or voters, will ultimately define how we will move on. Good government matters too.
And maybe in the future we’ll see a debate where the moderators developing and asking the questions are a scientist, a high school student and a working class mom looking to make a better life for herself and her children… now that’s a debate I really might want to watch.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
Announcements
Events
Action Items
ANNOUNCEMENTS
DWC ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Blue Drinks - The return of Politics and Cocktails…
One of the things that came up frequently during our listening sessions was that DWC members wanted increased opportunities to meet with each other in ways that weren’t confined to our Breakfasts or a defined program… so we’re bringing back the Politics and Cocktail Hours. Join us at Truffles on Friday, September 20 at 5:30pm for our next event. More details closer to the date.
DWC Training Series….
We are planning a series of trainings as we head into 2020 to be held on the second Tuesday of each month at Democratic Headquarters. Details are still in the works but the first DWC Training will be held on Oct. 8 under the broad topic - Why not you and why NOT you? - we’ll look at why women run, why you should run, how you can help women run and provide some information on the contested offices in 2020, their requirements and how to file for them… more information to come in future editions of the MMN….
DWC Steering Committee Membership:
At the last DWC Breakfast the membership ratified Michelle Bright as a new steering committee member, her term will expire in 2020. The Steering Committee has been talking to several women who are interested in joining the committee and, as directed by the Bylaws, we will present an additional member for a term that expires in 2020, for ratification at the next breakfast. The S.C. also decided to wait until the annual elections to fill the remaining two open S.C. positions that will expire this year.
Nominations are open for the DWC Steering Committee are now open:
December is fast approaching as are elections to the DWC Steering Committee.
The following positions will be up for election:
Vice Chair:
Treasurer:
and 5 at-large positions.
The Steering Committee is a working board… we meet on the third Saturday of the month at 10am and also . If you have questions about serving on the Steering Committee, about duties of the officers and at-large members, would like to nominate yourself or someone else for the Steering Committee, or you are a member who would like to serve on the Nominating Committee to help develop a slate for the December elections, please contact Carolyn VandeWiele at [email protected].
Are you creative, skilled at writing, a social media expert?? - THE DWC NEEDS YOU!!
We are looking for a few good women to join our Monday Morning News and Social Media Team to help keep our membership informed - if you can help - contact us at [email protected].
Endorsement Review Committee:
Jillian Kinzie is heading up an ENDORSEMENT REVIEW COMMITTEE with the intent of having a finished document in late fall ready for review by the membership so that we can have a finalized process ready prior to the start of the 2020 Election session. If you are interested in contributing to this process please email us at [email protected].
Your thoughts are always welcome: We welcome your thoughts on DWC events and issues….Please share your thoughts on this organization as we move forward, in our community and our state. For those brilliant ideas that come in the middle of the night! Email [email protected]
ENDORSED CANDIDATE EVENTS & ANNOUNCEMENTS:
SUE SGAMBELLURI FOR CITY COUNCIL
Time to launch the Fall Campaign Season for the 2019 City Election!
Share your ideas, enjoy lively discussion, and hear more about her priorities for our city.
Contributions of all sizes are welcome and appreciated.
Can't make it to the event?
Please visit www.SueForCityCouncil.com or Sue Sgambelluri for City Council on Facebook to share your ideas, find out how to get involved or to make a contribution
*****************************************
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
Monday, September 16, 7:00pm-9:00pm
Black Lives Matter B-town New Member Call-Out Meetings
Monroe County Public Library, Upstairs Room 214
Seeking new members, new core council members and new comrade groups!
Open to all but please remember BLM is a Black Space organized by Black leaders for the Black community. People of Color in particular are encouraged to get involved in order to reach intersectional issues. White comrades are welcome as well.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 11:30am to 1:00pm
Monroe County Democrats’ Club Luncheon Meeting
DeAngelo’s Restaurant in Eastland Plaza
Speakers this month will be Sue Sgambelluri and Ron Smith--the two Democrats who will be opposed in the upcoming municipal elections. Come hear what they have to say and bring your questions about your concerns for the City Council and Bloomington. The public is invited to attend.
Tuesday, September 17, 2019, 5:00 pm
Trevor Potter: Constitutional Challenges for Our Democracy:
The Roberts Court's Wrong Turns on Campaign Finance, Gerrymandering, and Voting Rights
Indiana University Maurer School of Law, Moot Court Room 123, 211 S. Indiana Ave.
Guest lecturer Trevor Potter entered pop culture acting as Stephen Colbert's super-PAC lawyer when he was Republican Chair of the Federal Elections Commission. Currently, he is founder and president of the watchdog Campaign Legal Center. This event is open to the public with a reception following and sponsored by the American Constitutional Society Indiana University Maurer Chapter as well as Reverse Citizens United.
Thursday, September 19, 2019, 7-9:00 pm
Dolores Huerta at IU as part of Hispanic Heritage Month
Presidents Hall in Franklin Hall
information for this incredible opportunity to hear on of the most iconic women in Labor today can be found at https://anthropology.indiana.edu/news-events/events-calendar/dolores-huerta-activist-icon.html
Friday, September 20, 2019, 11:30 am - 1 pm
Hoosier Women Forward Annual Luncheon
Indiana Roof Ballroom, 140 W. Washington St., Indianapolis
Join Hoosier Women Forward for their annual luncheon on September 20th at the Indiana Roof Ballroom! The luncheon will include an introduction to the next class of twenty-four Democratic women and remarks by guest speaker, Tiffany D. Cross from The Beat DC. Purchase your ticket today! Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/627337491007673/
Friday, September 20, 2019,
Youth Climate Actions around the country
There will be youth climate strikes on September 20 and 27
and the Youth Climate Summit September 21-22 at the United Nations.
Bloomington Climate Strike: Friday, September 20th, 2019
Events Spearheaded by the Bloomington Sunrise Movement and Golden Bicycle Climate Action- very much a collaborative effort between IU students, faculty and Bloomington community members
Tentative Plan for the day:
11:30 -- Walk Out of Class
12:30 -- Rally @ IU's Dunn Meadow (rain plan for IMU/Starbucks area)
1:15 -- March through IU Campus
2:00 -- Assembly at People's Park.
3:00-3:15 -- Presentation to the Mayor
For more information, please contact organizer Ross Martinie Eiler at [email protected] or [email protected].
The group is collecting art supplies to help IU student efforts for the event. A box will be clearly marked at Democracy Lab (4th & Madison) for any donation. They are looking for any spare paint, markers, poster board, banner material, yellow construction paper, etc you would like to donate. Many thanks!!
Friday, September 20, 2019, 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Blue Drinks: Women, Politics & Cocktails
Truffles Restaurant
Sunday, September 22, 2019, 4:00 pm
Charlie vs. Goliath
Unitarian Universalist Church, 2120 N. Fee Ln.
Join Common Cause Indiana for this award-winning documentary of an ordinary man's extraordinary struggle to shake up the political establishment. A former priest runs for US Senate in Wyoming in a campaign fueled by hope instead of money. This screening will benefit CCI's work for redistricting reform, including a web-based mapping project that invites citizens to draw their own districts and submit to the General Assembly. Suggested donation of $20 but any amount is appreciated.. Discussion led by Julia Vaughn, CCI policy director, will follow the film and refreshments will be served. Co-hosted by UU Reproductive Task Force, Monroe County NOW, and Reverse Citizens United. Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/418594485673242/
Tuesday, September 24, 2019, 9:00am-5:00pm
Third Annual South Central Opioid Summit
Monroe County Convention Center, 302 S. College Ave., Bloomington
The 3rd Annual Opioid Summit will be held September 24, 2019, at the Monroe County Convention Center. More details to come! Save the date! Facebook event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/278644883001208/
Thursday, September 26, 11am-midnight
Monroe County NOW Dine and Donate at Mother Bear’s
Campus and Westside Mother Bear’s Locations
Join Monroe County NOW for their next Dine & Donate! Mother Bear's will donate $5 for every large pizza you order. This offer is good all day for dine-in, carry-out, and delivery and will be held at both Campus and West locations. You must present the physical coupon in order for funds to be donated to MC NOW. One coupon per large pizza is required.And be sure to join members of our Legislative Action Committee for a Contact Your Reps Party from 6 to 8pm at Mother Bear's West. They will have scripts, postage, and other materials to contact representatives on issues important to NOW. Print coupon here.
Community Healthcare Conversation: Greene & Monroe Counties
Thursday, September 26, 7-7:30pm
Greene County Community Building, 4503 W. State Road 54, Bloomfield
Healthcare can be a matter of life and death. Everyday Hoosiers are suffering as health costs skyrocket and access to care becomes more difficult without any end in sight. Join Hoosiers from Greene and Monroe counties for a community conversation about our healthcare system! We will share our healthcare stories with the people who have the power to share the system and learn about the resources that can help.Our State Representative Jeff Ellington will be in attendance as well as a representative from US Senator Todd Young's office. Healthcare system navigators will also be in attendance to help.No matter what's in your wallet or what you look like, we all get sick and we all need to see the doctor sometimes. Join us to so that we can make certain all Hoosiers can get the care we need.
Please RSVP with Tracey [email protected] or here.
Saturday, September 28, 2019, 10:30 am-5:30 pm
The Summit
Monroe County Public Library
The Summit will connect and empower citizens on various issues facing women, transgender, and non-binary individuals in Monroe County and beyond. Community experts will create a safe space for discussion and education on wellness, healthcare access, homelessness, politics, jobs, recovery, and more. Free. Age 13 and up. Light refreshments available courtesy of Bloomingfoods, Hopscotch Coffee, and Two Sticks Bakery. Donations for period products (tampons, pads, unused cups) will be accepted throughout the day, and will be distributed equally between Shalom Community Center and Middle Way House at the end of The Summit. Free chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, hepatitis C, and HIV testing is available onsite. Syringe services, harm reduction, and naloxone distribution/training will also be available. Visit the Facebook event page for more details and to see the schedule of events: https://www.facebook.com/events/2137189706389989
Sunday, September 29, 2019, 3:00pm - 5:00pm
Democracy Lab Fundraiser
MCDP Headquarters, 116 S. Madison St.
Hosted by the John Hamilton Campaign for Mayor
Democracy Lab was started by MCDP in 2016 (after Trump's election) as a way to provide resources to progressive, grassroots organizations. The Party recognizes that issue-based organizations and caucuses that serve specific populations must work hand-in-hand with the Democratic Party itself in order for us to achieve our common goals. With the 2020 elections quickly approaching, it's more important than ever that we support these causes. The space and resources support many vital organizations.
Food and drinks provided
Music by The Postmodern Jazz Quartet
For more information on the event, sponsorship opportunities, and how you can contribute: https://www.facebook.com/events/436153463923151/
Thursday October 3- Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019
Be Golden Empowerment Conference
Various locations around Bloomington, Indiana
2019 Schedule: http://www.begoldenstaygolden.com/schedule/
Thursday October 10, 2019 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Monroe County Democratic Party Fall Dinner
Monroe Convention Center, Duke Energy Rooms
Cocktail Hour 6-7pm, Dinner at 7:00pm
Featuring special guests Senator Eddie Melton and Dr. Woody Myers!
Tickets: General Admission: $70/each. Students: $40/each.
MCDP will not let price be a barrier to attendance for anyone interested in attending. Please let them know if you would like a sponsored ticket or if you would like to sponsor another community member's ticket.
RSVP and make sponsorship pledges to [email protected] or 812-272-3439.
Power of the Black Vote
Saturday, October 19, 2-4pm
Bloomington City Hall Council Chambers, 401 N. Morton St.
Hosted by the Monroe County Black Democratic Caucus. More details coming soon.
Facebook event here.
Saturday, October 19, 2019, 6:00 pm
The Brainwashing of My Dad
Buskirk-Chumley Theater, 114 E. Kirkwood Ave.
This groundbreaking documentary by filmmaker Jen Senko examines the rise of right-wing media through the lens of her father, whose immersion in its daily propaganda radicalized him and whose new fanaticism rocked the very foundation of their family. Following the program, there will be a guided discussion with media experts offering tips on how to break free of the social media bubble.
Sunday, October 27, 2019 2-3 pm
SD-SDI Membership Meeting and Panel Discussion
Unity Center in Spencer, IN
A panel discussion with three Hoosier LGBTQI+ candidates who recently ran or are running in places not typically seen as "queer" friendly districts. The panelists are: Nick Dunlap, Richmond City Council At-large 2019, Joe Lannan, IN House District 63 2018, and Janet Rummel, Owen County Council District 1 2018
ACTION ITEM(s):
1. Check in with Sue Sgambelluri’s campaign to share your thoughts about the City Council, make a donation to her campaign and find out how you can help her win on Nov. 5.
2. On September 20, three days before the UN Climate Summit in NYC, young people and adults will strike all across the US and world to demand transformative action be taken to address the climate crisis. Millions will take the streets to demand a right to a future, and they’re inviting you to #strikewithus
Find a strike near you to attend on September 20. Whether you’re 7 or 777, you’re invited to join the movement. For more information, visit strikewithus.org.
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
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/