In President John Kennedy's inaugural address, he famously said, "My fellow Americans, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." The sentiment lives on through community service throughout our country, and I am proud to observe this passion for community service here in Dallas County.

Recently, at the Annual Johnson-Jordan Dinner, we recognized several outstanding local heroes. About 500 of you attended the dinner, but for those who were not able to attend, I want to highlight these local heroes:

• Beatrice Lovett received one of two "Volunteer of the Year" Awards for her tireless work for the Party. As a member of our "Blue Crew," Beatrice is a regular volunteer at the DCDP headquarters. Beatrice has attended practically every DCDP event over the past year. She has helped with registration, greeting, serving as a way-finder, serving food and cleaning up. Her consistent assistance is most appreciated.

• Zulikha Hussain each received one of the two "Volunteer of the Year" Award for her outstanding work in the field. Zulikha came to us before the 2016 primary, offering to help register members of her Muslim community to vote. She organized numerous voter registration drives at mosques throughout Dallas County. Additionally, she served as a liaison between the DCDP and the Muslim community, introducing us to new voters and including the DCDP in Muslim events. Thanks to Zulikha for her hard work and for opening doors to the Muslim community.

• Communication Workers of America (CWA) Local 6215 received the "Booster of the Year Award. CWA has long been an ally of the DCDP, regularly providing financial support to the DCDP and offering free space for DCDP meetings, seminars and telephone banks. We also work together on the distribution of yard signs, block-walking and strategic planning to win races in Dallas County. We are, indeed, grateful for their support.

• Judge Ken Tapscott was awarded our "Elected Official of the Year" Award. This award is particularly meaningful since we have so many amazing elected officials in Dallas County. Judge Tapscott is in the distinguished "Class of 2006," when Dallas County turned blue. Through the Leadership Council, he has supported the Party, not only with his financial support, but also with his counsel. He is an outstanding judge. Additionally, he has demonstrated his Democratic principles through his community service. Judge Tapscott has worked as a core volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, helping to build 65 houses for low-income people. Since he first started campaigning in Dallas County in the early 2000s, Judge Tapscott has donated over $100,000 to the Coordinated Campaign and other Democratic candidates. Not only is he a team player, he is a team captain!

• Mark York, the Secretary-Treasurer of the Dallas AFL-CIO Council, received the "David Axelrod" Award. This award was first awarded last year "for a person who has worked behind the scenes to help the Party accomplish its goals." Indeed, he has. Mark has organized block walks, yard sign distributions and phone banks throughout Dallas Council. He has recruited and interviewed candidates and advocated for these candidates for the AFL-CIO and for the County. He has provided advice and counsel to party leadership and has organized lobby efforts on issues critical to the DCDP. He is most deserving of the award, and he is a great role model to us all. 

• Herlinda Resendiz received the "Chair's Award" for going above and beyond in her help to the Party. Herlinda is on the "fast track." We first met her as a volunteer. She ran for, and was elected to, the position of precinct chair, and later the Advisory Council. During the 2016 election season, Herlinda was appointed as "DCDP Youth Coordinator." She created a Youth Council, recruited young voters to the DCDP, and organized meetings and events to recruit and register, even more young voters. Her energy appears limitless, and we are grateful for her commitment to Party.

We are always proud when members of the DCDP Family are recognized for their outstanding work. On May 9, 2017, two of our elected officials were recognized by the Dallas Women's Foundation with "Women Helping Women" Leadership Awards:

• Judge Tonya Parker, 116th Civil District Court; and
• Hon. Lupe Valdez, Dallas County Sheriff

If you know of any other DCDP members who have received an award or other community recognition, please let us know so we can brag on them as well. We are proud of our collective service to the community.

We are Democrats. We are the party of hope, justice and human rights. As Senator Ted Kennedy reminded us: "For all those whose cares have been our concern, the work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."

Help the DCDP continue its work in Dallas County. You can help in any of the following ways: