Don't forget Breakfast TOMORROW!!!  
8:00 am on ZOOM

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

DWC Decades Party Wrap Up

Steering Committee Elections Coming Up in December

Announcements

Events

Action Items

Democratic Women's Caucus

IT'S BREAKFAST TIME!!

The DWC Monthly Breakfast will be held by Zoom and Facebook Live on Friday, June 5 at 9:00am. 
On the Agenda:
Welcome Remarks
Hoosier Women Forward
Introducing two new Steering Committee Candidates
A visit with Lieutenant Governor Candidate Linda Lawson

Here is the Zoom Link for the breakfast.

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9264000734?pwd=YmRPeml3TzM2aG9rejNNWStxd0llUT09
Meeting ID: 926 400 0734
Password: DWCPAC
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Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbU5tcAYCD

PRIMARY RESULTS!!
Congratulations to all of our endorsed candidates!!!
Shelli Yoder, Tiffany Grant, Alyssa Baily, Paula Staley, Kara Krothe, Valeri Haughton, Penny Githens, Julie Thomas, Cheryl Munson, Jessica McClellan and Joani Shields were all victorious in their Primary races…. now it’s on to November!

Look for video statements from some of yesterday's victorious democratic candidates on the Monroe County Democratic Party Facebook page athttps://www.facebook.com/monroedems/. We'll also link the videos of our endorsed candidates to our own FB page as they are posted.

DWC STEERING COMMITTEE ELECTIONS:

Per the Bylaws the DWC Steering Commitee has selected two candidates to fill out our roster subsequent to confirmation by a vote of the membership. In Bridget Anderson and Ilana Stonebreaker we think we have found two young women who are passionate about our mission and can make a valuable contribution to our organization. You will get a chance to meet Bridget and Ilana at our Friday Breakfast Zoom. We’ll have time for brief introductions and a short Q&A before you vote.

Because we’re still meeting virtually we’ll hold this special election vote by email. All members in good standing will also receive a ballot and instructions in addition to this email. If you don’t get a ballot by this afternoon, but feel that you should have, please email us at [email protected]. Votes will need to be submitted by midnight on Friday night to count.

Below are short statements and head shots for each candidate.

Bridget Anderson:

I’ve been engaged in local and statewide politics all my life. I have over six years of work in the Indiana Statehouse and six years working with statewide and national non-profits. I graduated from Indiana University with a degree in political science and am inspired by civic engagement as a means to improve lives. I’m a cheerleader for access, equity, and empowerment and believe that together people can solve problems. I am currently the Director at Patronicity, a crowdfunding platform designed to support creative placemaking projects around the country. It's powerful work that empowers hyper-local community development and investment. I'm a resident of rural Greene County where I live with my husband Christopher and my beautiful dog Gertie.  

Ilana Stonebraker 

Ilana Stonebraker moved to Monroe County in January 2020 to become the Head of Business/SPEA Library at Indiana University. In 2018, she successfully ran for Tippecanoe County Council, becoming one of two first democrats elected to county council there in 23 years. She serves as a mentor to candidates through Run for Something and is passionate about supporting Millennial candidates. 

THE INDIANA DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION:

This has been an unusual year and this year’s Indiana Democratic Party’s State Convention will be no exception. Because the Convention will be held virtually, everyone will get to be a fly on the wall in ways that they have not in the past. 
The Ninth District Democrats have sent out a list of activities that you can view or participate in. Highlights include a “Let’s Turn Social Media Blue!” themed campaign which starts today… a televised 1/2 hour “State Convention Preview Show” at 5:30pm tonight – which you can watch online or on WISH TV, “Convention Conversations”, a “Pre-Convention Virtual Reception”, and Convention Day Events.Full details at https://mailchi.mp/916f2fce4462/djvgy1abp0-3834077

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

Paid for by the DWC PAC
Democratic Women's Caucus
http://www.democraticwomenscaucus.org/

Created with NationBuilder, software for leaders.

It is with heavy hearts that we reach out in this time of crisis. The events of the past week are painful, but they are not new. They have provided but a glimpse into the systemic racism that continues to plague our country. Silence is not an option and empathy is not enough. Now is the time to act.

 

"What can the DWC do?" The goal of strengthening diversity and inclusion in the DWC has no finish line, and we will continually rededicate ourselves to this mission. We will use our platform to be a voice for change. We will provide a safe space to have and encourage difficult conversations. We will compile resources to help our organization grow and improve. 

 

"What can I do?" For many of us, this is a daunting question. Listen to your black friends, family, coworkers and loved ones and provide whatever kind of support they need. Donate - time, money, & resources. Take time to learn how to be a better ally. Support black-owned businesses. Run for office. Vote. 

 

We hear you, and we are here for you. Black lives matter.

 

-The DWC-

Democratic Women's Caucus

Give thanks to those who showed the way, in their history you will find 
How fierce love and stubborn strength can help us through the hardest times
Hold their courage in your hearts, sisters, worker, children, friends,
We know the vote was just a start, keep the faith as they did then.
Since they stood tall and signed their names 100 years have come and gone
so much has changed, so much remains, we go on, we still go on
Did you see that long long line, young women laughing filled with pride
they're about to vote for the very first time, like in the year of 1920
Si Kahn "1920"  - see the video

It has been almost 100 years since the 19th Amendment was ratified, starting the process of giving women in the U.S. the right to vote. As we begin voting here in Indiana for the 2020 elections let us not forget those who fought to give us the vote and as we reflect on the events of the last few months and, in particular the last few weeks, let us not forget the fights yet to come.. Today’s intro is written by a young woman who will likely be in the forefront of some of those fights. The youngest member of the DWC Steering Committee, Marleyla Wiltz won’t be able to vote until 2021, but she’s already a veteran of the local political process... here's what she wrote for us....

We have our primary election tomorrow. Showing up for the causes we believe in means showing up at the ballot box. Not only is it our civic duty, it is the most basic way to be the change we want to see in the world. As a 16 year old, however, I am ineligible to vote, and this could be a source of frustration. Okay, it is a source of frustration. However, there are many other ways to be involved in our democratic process and have an impact. The most obvious of these is joining local and grassroots organizations that influence policy. As a teen, there are many options. Some organizations you can look into would be the Black Democratic Caucus, the Stonewall Democrats, Young Democrats Club (or Young Republicans if you prefer) at the local high schools, the BHSS Women In Politics Club, Extinction Rebellion, or Youth for Environmental Sustainability. These groups are making impactful change by supporting candidates, organizing and educating the public, and even helping to draft policy. If joining a group isn’t your thing, there are more options still. You could work on campaigns or as a poll worker, impacting elections more directly. Now more than ever, participating in our democratic system is critical. Because I can’t vote yet, I am counting on those who can. To those of you who are voting tomorrow or have already cast your ballot, thank you. Thank you for contributing to positive change and supporting our democracy.

Help keep voters and election workers safe on Primary Election Day:

While many voters have been wearing masks at early voting, some have not.Penny Githens is coordinating the effort to ensure that as many voters as possible are wearing protective gear during their trip to the polls - you can help by signing up for a three hour shift at one of the 7 polling sites to help distribute masks to voters who don’t have their own PPE. The masks have been provided to the Election Office by Monroe County government. Shifts are 6am - 9am, 9am - noon, noon - 3pm, and 3pm - 6pm. If you can help please email Penny at [email protected] as soon as possible with the time you can work and your preferred polling site.

Don't disenfranchise yourself - get your ballot in on time!!

If you have not yet returned your ballot don't mail it – drop it off in person at Election Central before NOON on June 2. For after hours delivery there is a mail slot in the double doors at 401 W. Seventh St., Suite 401. Remember, your completed Ballot must be received by the Election Office by Noon on Primary Election Day – June 2. or it will not be counted. Please note that in the state of Indiana only you, your family members or guardian, or an appointed attorney can legally deliver your ballot.

EARLY VOTING:
Absentee in person voting ends today at Noon. Remember to bring your photo ID, wear a mask and practice good social distancing.

PRIMARY DAY VOTING: June 2 at your poliing location
Vote at your polling place between 6am and 6pm - note: this may not be the same location as you have voted in the past. Remember to bring your photo ID, wear a mask and practice good social distancing.

If you are not sure which precinct you vote in you can check on line at indianavoters.com. You can also find a list of who is on the ballot at that location

For the 2020 primary the polling sites have been reduced to 7 locations:
Edgewood High School, 601 S Edgewood Dr, Ellettsville
City Church for All Nations, 1200 N Russell Road, Bloomington
Bloomington City Hall, 401 N Morton St., Bloomington
Arlington Heights Elementary School, 700 W Parrish Road, Bloomington
Southside Christian Church, 500 E Empire Mill Road, Bloomington
Grandview Elementary School, 2300 S Endwright Road, Bloomington
Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, 2700 E Rogers Road, Bloomington

Here's where each precinct will vote on June 2:
• Bean Blossom 1, 2 – Edgewood High Schoo
• Benton 1, 2 – City Church for All Nations
• Bloomington 1, 2, 3 – Bloomington City Hall
• Bloomington 4 – Arlington Heights Elementary School
• Bloomington 5, 6, 7 – Bloomington City Hall
• Bloomington 8, 9, 10, 11 – City Church for All Nations
• Bloomington 12, 13, 14, 15 – Arlington Heights Elementary School
• Bloomington 16 – City Church for All Nations
• Bloomington 17 – Arlington Heights Elementary School
• Bloomington 18, 19, 20 – Bloomington City Hall
• Bloomington 21 – City Church for All Nations
• Bloomington 22 – Arlington Heights Elementary School
• Bloomington 23 – Bloomington City Hall
• Bloomington 24 – Arlington Heights Elementary School
• Clear Creek 1, 2, 3 – Southside Christian Church
• Indian Creek – Southside Christian Church
• Perry 1 – Bloomington City Hall
• Perry 2, 3, 4, 5 – Grandview Elementary School
• Perry 6 – Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
• Perry 7 – City Church for All Nations
• Perry 8 – Bloomington City Hall
• Perry 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 – Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
• Perry 15 – Bloomington City Hall
• Perry 16, 17 – City Church for All Nations
• Perry 18, 19 – Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
• Perry 20 – City Church for All Nations
• Perry 21, 22, 23 – Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
• Perry 24  – Southside Christian Church
• Perry 25 – Grandview Elementary School
• Perry 26 – Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
• Perry 27 – Grandview Elementary School
• Perry 28 – Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
• Perry 29, 30, 31 – Bloomington City Hall
• Perry 32 – City Church for All Nations
• Polk – Southside Christian Church
• Richland 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 – Edgewood High School
• Salt Creek  – Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
• Van Buren 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 – Grandview Elementary School
• Washington  – Arlington Heights Elementary School

Check monroecountyvoters.us for updated information. Questions may also be directed to the voter registration office by calling 812-349-2690.

stay safe, learn something new every day....

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: 

Democratic Women's Caucus

Do you have a few hours on June 2 to help keep our voters and election workers safe?
While many voters have been wearing masks at early voting, some have not.
Penny Githens is coordinating the effort to ensure that as many voters as possible are wearing protective gear during their trip to the polls - you can help by signing up for a three hour shift to help distribute masks to voters who don’t have their own PPE. The masks have been provided to the Election Office by Monroe County government.

Shifts Available:
6am - 9am
9am - Noon
Noon - 3pm
3pm - 6pm

We have seven polling sites to cover: 
Edgewood High School, 601 S Edgewood Dr, Ellettsville
City Church for All Nations, 1200 N Russell Road, Bloomington
Bloomington City Hall, 401 N Morton St., Bloomington
Arlington Heights Elementary School, 700 W Parrish Road, Bloomington
Southside Christian Church, 500 E Empire Mill Road, Bloomington
Grandview Elementary School, 2300 S Endwright Road, Bloomington
Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, 2700 E Rogers Road, Bloomington
We hope to have at least one, if possible two, persons for each shift.

If you can help please email Penny at [email protected] as soon as possible
with the time you can work and your preferred polling site.

We will make an effort to assign you to the polling site you request but that will be dependent upon who signs up for each venue.

We thank you in advance for your help.

Paid for by the DWC PAC
Democratic Women's Caucus
http://www.democraticwomenscaucus.org/

In recent years the original meaning of Memorial Day as a day of remembrance for those who died fighting for our country has been overshadowed by its secondary meaning as the first day of the summer season, a day for picnics and outings to the beach and swimming pools. But in this strangest of Mays, after two months of sheltering in place and social distancing, we are called to honor not only the heroes of the past but the heroes of the present moment—the unsung and often underpaid health workers, grocery store employees, meatpackers, bus drivers--who risked their lives to provide medical care, food, and transportation for their fellow Americans. We honor them first by continuing to observe the public health measures instituted to curb transmission of the virus, mindful of warnings that rushing to "reopen" will almost certainly lead to a second wave of infection from which our public-health heroes don't have the luxury of retreating. Second, we honor them with our votes for candidates who take seriously their mandate to serve their constituents and work to create a better and more just society.

And speaking of voting, here's everything you need to know about voting in the 2020 Primary if you have not voted already.

For this Primary only, the Indiana Election Commission waived requirements for Absentee-By-Mail voting. Therefore all registered Indiana voters were able vote by mail in the 2020 primary and were encouraged to use this option to help protect not only the voters in the county, but our county workers as well.

HOW TO VOTE IN THE 2020 PRIMARY:

The opportunity to VOTE BY MAIL is over for the 2020 primary - Absentee-by-Mail Ballot applications were due at the Election Office by May 21.
If you, like about 13,000 or so of your fellow voters, waited until the last week to send in your applications, please be patient. The Election Office has been working overtime to process and get those ballots sent out and the final ballots should be mailed on Tuesday after the holiday.

Complete Your Ballot: Once your application has been received and processed they will mail you a ballot – fill out the ballot, complete the information on the postage paid envelope and sign the envelope as directed.

Your completed Ballot must be received by the Election Office by Noon on Primary Election Day – June 2.

If you are concerned that your ballot might not be delivered on time through the USPS, ballots can be dropped off at Election Central, 401 E. 7th St. in person. There is a mail slot in the double doors (not the accessible entrance) look for the sign. Please note that in the state of Indiana only you, your family members or an appointed attorney can legally deliver your ballot.

EARLY VOTING:
Absentee in person voting will take place from May 26 through June 1st at Election Central, 401 W. 7th St., Suite 100, Bloomington, Indiana. Remember to bring your photo ID, wear a mask and practice good social distancing.
Hours: 
Tuesday, May 26 through Friday May 29: 8am to 6pm
Saturday, May 30: 9am to 4pm
Monday, June 1: 8am to Noon

PRIMARY DAY VOTING: June 2 at your poliing location
Vote at your polling place between 6am and 6pm - note: this may not be the same location as you have voted in the past. Remember to bring your photo ID, wear a mask and practice good social distancing.

If you are not sure which precinct you vote in you can check on line at indianavoters.com. You can also find a list of who is on the ballot at that location

For the 2020 primary the polling sites have been reduced to 7 locations:
Edgewood High School, 601 S Edgewood Dr, Ellettsville
City Church for All Nations, 1200 N Russell Road, Bloomington
Bloomington City Hall, 401 N Morton St., Bloomington
Arlington Heights Elementary School, 700 W Parrish Road, Bloomington
Southside Christian Church, 500 E Empire Mill Road, Bloomington
Grandview Elementary School, 2300 S Endwright Road, Bloomington
Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, 2700 E Rogers Road, Bloomington

Here's where each precinct will vote on June 2:
• Bean Blossom 1, 2 – Edgewood High Schoo
• Benton 1, 2 – City Church for All Nations
• Bloomington 1, 2, 3 – Bloomington City Hall
• Bloomington 4 – Arlington Heights Elementary School
• Bloomington 5, 6, 7 – Bloomington City Hall
• Bloomington 8, 9, 10, 11 – City Church for All Nations
• Bloomington 12, 13, 14, 15 – Arlington Heights Elementary School
• Bloomington 16 – City Church for All Nations
• Bloomington 17 – Arlington Heights Elementary School
• Bloomington 18, 19, 20 – Bloomington City Hall
• Bloomington 21 – City Church for All Nations
• Bloomington 22 – Arlington Heights Elementary School
• Bloomington 23 – Bloomington City Hall
• Bloomington 24 – Arlington Heights Elementary School
• Clear Creek 1, 2, 3 – Southside Christian Church
• Indian Creek – Southside Christian Church
• Perry 1 – Bloomington City Hall
• Perry 2, 3, 4, 5 – Grandview Elementary School
• Perry 6 – Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
• Perry 7 – City Church for All Nations
• Perry 8 – Bloomington City Hall
• Perry 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 – Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
• Perry 15 – Bloomington City Hall
• Perry 16, 17 – City Church for All Nations
• Perry 18, 19 – Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
• Perry 20 – City Church for All Nations
• Perry 21, 22, 23 – Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
• Perry 24  – Southside Christian Church
• Perry 25 – Grandview Elementary School
• Perry 26 – Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
• Perry 27 – Grandview Elementary School
• Perry 28 – Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
• Perry 29, 30, 31 – Bloomington City Hall
• Perry 32 – City Church for All Nations
• Polk – Southside Christian Church
• Richland 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 – Edgewood High School
• Salt Creek  – Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
• Van Buren 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 – Grandview Elementary School
• Washington  – Arlington Heights Elementary School

Check monroecountyvoters.us for updated information. 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: 

Here's everything you need to know about voting in the 2020 Primary if you have not voted already.

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.

HOW TO VOTE IN THE 2020 PRIMARY:

VOTE BY MAIL: recommended for all Monroe County Voters this year.
1. File an application to vote by mail with the Monroe County Election Division
Best way: sign into indianavoters.com and select Vote by Mail or Travel Board, then Visit My Voter Portal. Fill in and confirm your information to access your personal account then on the left side select absentee voting and vote by mail. Fill out the application form and hit submit.
Alternatively: Download a copy of the form here: Fill out the form electronically then print and sign the form. Email the completed form to [email protected] or drop it off in person at Election Central, 401 W. Seventh St., Suite 100. There is a mail slot in the double doors.

Absentee-by-Mail Ballot applications must be received at the Election Office by May 21

2. Complete Your Ballot: Once your application has been received and processed they will mail you a ballot – fill out the ballot and complete the information on the postage paid envelope, sign the envelope and return the ballot to election central either by mail or in person

Your completed Ballot must be received by the Election Office by Noon on Primary Election Day – June 2

EARLY VOTING:
Absentee in person voting will take place from May 26 through June 1st at Election Central, 401 W. 7th St., Suite 100, Bloomington, Indiana. Remember to bring your photo ID and wear a mask.
Hours: 
Tuesday, May 26 through Friday May 29: 8am to 6pm
Saturday, May 30: 9am to 4pm
Monday, June 1: 8am to Noon

PRIMARY DAY VOTING: June 2 at your poliing location
Vote at your polling place between 6am and 6pm - note: this may not be the same location as you have voted in the past. Remember to bring your photo ID and wear a mask.

If you are not sure which precinct you vote in you can check on line at indianavoters.com. You can also find a list of who is on the ballot at that location

For the 2020 primary the polling sites have been reduced to 7 locations:
Edgewood High School, 601 S Edgewood Dr, Ellettsville
City Church for All Nations, 1200 N Russell Road, Bloomington
Bloomington City Hall, 401 N Morton St., Bloomington
Arlington Heights Elementary School, 700 W Parrish Road, Bloomington
Southside Christian Church, 500 E Empire Mill Road, Bloomington
Grandview Elementary School, 2300 S Endwright Road, Bloomington
Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, 2700 E Rogers Road, Bloomington

Here's where each precinct will vote on June 2:
• Bean Blossom 1, 2 – Edgewood High Schoo
• Benton 1, 2 – City Church for All Nations
• Bloomington 1, 2, 3 – Bloomington City Hall
• Bloomington 4 – Arlington Heights Elementary School
• Bloomington 5, 6, 7 – Bloomington City Hall
• Bloomington 8, 9, 10, 11 – City Church for All Nations
• Bloomington 12, 13, 14, 15 – Arlington Heights Elementary School
• Bloomington 16 – City Church for All Nations
• Bloomington 17 – Arlington Heights Elementary School
• Bloomington 18, 19, 20 – Bloomington City Hall
• Bloomington 21 – City Church for All Nations
• Bloomington 22 – Arlington Heights Elementary School
• Bloomington 23 – Bloomington City Hall
• Bloomington 24 – Arlington Heights Elementary School
• Clear Creek 1, 2, 3 – Southside Christian Church
• Indian Creek – Southside Christian Church
• Perry 1 – Bloomington City Hall
• Perry 2, 3, 4, 5 – Grandview Elementary School
• Perry 6 – Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
• Perry 7 – City Church for All Nations
• Perry 8 – Bloomington City Hall
• Perry 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 – Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
• Perry 15 – Bloomington City Hall
• Perry 16, 17 – City Church for All Nations
• Perry 18, 19 – Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
• Perry 20 – City Church for All Nations
• Perry 21, 22, 23 – Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
• Perry 24  – Southside Christian Church
• Perry 25 – Grandview Elementary School
• Perry 26 – Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
• Perry 27 – Grandview Elementary School
• Perry 28 – Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
• Perry 29, 30, 31 – Bloomington City Hall
• Perry 32 – City Church for All Nations
• Polk – Southside Christian Church
• Richland 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 – Edgewood High School
• Salt Creek  – Sherwood Oaks Christian Church
• Van Buren 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 – Grandview Elementary School
• Washington  – Arlington Heights Elementary School

Once again, even if you really enjoy going to the polls in person, for the safety of our voters who must vote in person, and of our election workers, we strongly encourage everyone to vote by mail in a timely fashion.

Check monroecountyvoters.us for updated information. 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: 

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: 

For the first time ever the DWC held it’s monthly meeting on Zoom and Facebook Live on May 1. Many thanks especially to Michelle Bright, Kaisa Goodman and Olivia Reed for working out the details and getting the meeting set up and running. We had visitors from both inside and outside of Monroe County and our Facebook Live video has had over 450 views to date. It was great to have the chance to see friends and hear from candidates, even if it was from a distance. You can see the video on our Facebook page.
The most obvious takeaway was that our elected officials, from State Senator Karen Tallian who checked in to update us on the status of her efforts to be the next Indiana Attorney General, to Monroe County Coroner Joani Shields, whose job might not be as much in the public eye but is critical to the health of our residents, are working hard to deal with the fall out from this pandemic and its consequences. Many of our endorsed candidates, even those with contested primary races, are devoting their days to ensuring that they do what they can to keep us safe and are putting less focus on campaigning. If we learn nothing else from this pandemic, it should be that caring, competent, and citizen-focused government matters.
This is a completely novel and unusual year in campaigning for candidates, even without the added stresses of their jobs and taking care of families at home…. The techniques that work best to reach out to voters… forums, meetings, house parties and individual canvassing no longer work in an age of social distancing. The ability to get their message out voters has become more difficult, more time consuming and much more expensive.
The DWC is helping by providing information about our endorsed candidates on our website, by researching trainings and other opportunities on how candidates can get their message out to voters in a virtual manner and we have a mailing ready to go out to help promote our endorsed candidates (see above). We also encourage our membership and those who support our work to be even more active than usual in engaging with our candidates online and sharing candidate’s messages with their friends.
And this applies to the DWC as well - 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 also 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.

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!

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The first Friday of the month is coming up and while we cannot meet in person, we are working out a way to meet virtually… we’re planning a group Zoom Chat for DWC members on Friday, May 1 at 9am. There are still some issues to work out in getting it set up. More details on that, and everything you need to know about the upcoming primary, coming soon. Watch for a special email midweek.

As we enter week 5 (6? 100?) of staying at home, and tempers fray and we long to return to "normal" (Saturday morning farmer's markets, DWC breakfasts at the Village Deli, the joy of seeing friends and neighbors), it's vital that we're mindful of the deep individual and social inequities the pandemic has exposed. The following piece, by an apparently anonymous author, puts it so eloquently that it should be quoted in full (thanks to Cheryl Munson for sharing this).

WE ARE NOT ALL IN THE SAME BOAT ...

I heard that we are all in the same boat, but it's not like that. We are in the same storm, but not in the same boat. Your ship could be shipwrecked and mine might not be. Or vice versa.

For some, quarantine is optimal. A moment of reflection, of re-connection, easy in flip flops, with a cocktail or coffee. For others, this is a desperate financial & family crisis.

For some that live alone they're facing endless loneliness. While for others it is peace, rest & time with their husband, wife, mother, father, sons & daughters.

With the $600 weekly increase in unemployment, some are bringing in more money to their households than when they were working. Others are working more hours for less money due to pay cuts or loss in sales.

Some families of 4 just received $3400 from the stimulus while other families of 4 saw $0.

Some were concerned about getting a certain candy for Easter while others were concerned if there would be enough bread, milk and eggs for the weekend.

Some want to go back to work because they don't qualify for unemployment and are running out of money. Others want to kill those who break the quarantine.

Some are home spending 2-3 hours/day helping their child with online schooling while others are spending 2-3 hours/day to educate their children on top of a 10-12 hour workday.

Some have experienced the near death of the virus, some have already lost someone from it and some are not sure if their loved ones are going to make it. Others don't believe this is a big deal.

Some have faith in God and expect miracles during this 2020. Others say the worst is yet to come.

So, friends, we are not in the same boat. We are going through a time when our perceptions and needs are completely different.

Each of us will emerge, in our own way, from this storm. It is very important to see beyond what is seen at first glance. Not just looking, actually seeing.

We are all on different ships during this storm experiencing a very different journey.

Realize that and be kind.

As Democrats--and Democratic women--we must also look beyond the storm to life on the "far shore," a life that cannot and should not be "just like before." We will continue our fight for social justice, the environment, and equal rights for all Americans.

And speaking of the need for change... it's high time to send Indiana Attorney General Curtis Hill packing. Here is a letter from Senator Karen Tallian:

Greetings to The Democratic Women’s Caucus. – You my sisters, truly know that we REALLY need a change in the office of the Attorney General. In these virtual times we are living, I’m sending you a special message.

I also want to share that I was recently named a Gun Sense Candidate by Moms Demand Action. Keeping Hoosiers safe is a top priority of mine, and there are plenty of opportunities for the Attorney General to lead on these issues.

While you’ll have to fix your own soup and sandwich, I hope you can join me next Wednesday for a Facebook lunch. Each Wednesday at noon eastern time, we hold a Facebook live to provide updates and insight into the Campaign, talk about the issues and provide updates on the ongoing impact of the Coronavirus pandemic. Please click here for the event link.

Be well and safe.

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.

  Click on the button to access a printable application to receive an absentee-by-mail ballot

Print out the form, fill it out and sign it. Then scan the form and return it by email to [email protected] or mail it to Voter Registration, 401 W 7th Street, Suite 100, Bloomington, IN 47404.
Note that the application to vote absentee-by-mail does require a valid signature but does not require the applicant to upload a voter id. 
After the office receives your application it will be verified and a ballot will be sent out by mail with a pre-printed, postage-paid envelope to return the ballot. Ballots must be received in the office by noon on June 2 (Primary Day) so don’t wait until the last minute to mail it back in case the mail is delayed. 
Questions may be directed to the voter registration office by calling 812-349-2690 but be aware that the office may not be open all the time.

If you are staying at home and are unable to print out an application form - email us at [email protected] with your name and address and we will work with the MCDP to get you an application asap.

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!

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