News & Events


October 9, 2019
New Trier Democrats' Events
You're Invited!
New Trier Democrats’ Annual Dinner
With Featured Speakers U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood & U.S. Rep. Sean Casten

Sunday, October 20, 2019
Reception 5:00pm - Dinner 6:00pm

Lauren Underwood
New Trier Democrats are excited and honored to welcome U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (IL-6) as Featured Speakers at our Annual Dinner and fundraiser. Reps. Underwood and Casten are the newest Democratic representatives from Illinois and they flipped their congressional districts from Red to Blue in 2018.
If you have any questions, please contact our office at [email protected] or 847-446-8030.
Living in interesting times
Most or you are probably familiar with the ironically worded curse credited to the ancient Chinese, “May you live in interesting times.” And boy, do we live in interesting times.

Having a president in the White House as dangerously weird as Donald Trump is reason enough to feel that our times are far from stable — Even during the Cold War when nuclear annihilation was a major geopolitical consideration, the ultimate decision makers were, thankfully, rational men.

And what has been almost as disturbing as our president’s conduct, is the behavior of so many of his Republican Party enablers. His defenders in every level of government, his media cheerleaders, his staunchly loyal voter block, all continue to appear oblivious to the long-term harm he is doing to our nation, and the world. They remain unmindful of the repercussions of his behavior, and uncaring about who or how many are hurt by his ego-driven and self-serving whims.

How does he keep getting away with conduct that that would destroy the careers of more conventional political figures?

First of all, it’s wrong to assume you can lump Trump’s supporters into a few general categories to explain their loyalty. (I’ll let you fill in what you think those categories might be.) I’ve concluded that if you scratch the surface of a Trump supporter to see what keeps them loyal you won’t find some blanket mental state, but instead a single issue that they believe Donald Trump is defending for them. Trumpsters are willing to look the other way or remain willfully ignorant of facts, no matter what Trump does, as long as he continues to give lip service to their specific “cause” while thumbing his nose at anything said or done that is “against their cause.”

It’s an effective strategy that has been used to control groups for centuries. So is the United States inevitably destined to be cripplingly divided? — As George Carlin said when asking if we should care about the length of his hair, “au contraire, mon frere.” Things may change for the better sooner than we might expect.

The signs that a growing majority of Americans want to walk away from our “interesting times” grow stronger each day. In 2018, when Democratic voters got their act together to take back control of the U.S. House, Donald Trump’s behavior was their motivation. — Here in Illinois, progressive voters had the added incentive of candidate Bruce Rauner to drive them to action.

Since that important Democratic victory, President Trump’s increasingly erratic behavior is stimulating even more movement toward progressive policies and candidates. Even as Executive Branch operatives stonewall against a co-equal government branch and millions of dollars of propaganda have begun to fill the airwaves, a national poll released yesterday found that 58% of Americans approve of a House impeachment inquiry.

This is not the direction, Trump and his shadowy backers had hoped for. The more Donald Trump reveals of his hollow self, the less attractive he is finally becoming to more people across the country.

And what of the single issues that have held the loyalty of the voters Republicans need in 2020? Well, Democrats are championing issues with the power to win some of those voters. Notably climate change, which can no longer be ignored, despite Trump’s denial of its existence.

So, we really shouldn’t be pessimistic about the direction of things to come. And here’s one more reason for optimism. At last weekend’s DPOE Dinner, State Senator Laura Fine and our State Reps Robyn Gabel and Jennifer Gong Gershowitz reported on an impressive list of new legislation they introduced or supported that will make life better for Illinois residents. — I hope you visit each of their websites to learn what has been accomplished in the first year since Rauner’s removal. You’ll be proud of their work.

Yes, these are indeed “interesting times.” But scroll down this newsletter and you’ll find a number of opportunities that will make 2020 and beyond ‘interesting” in a much more positive way.

Nels Howard
NTD Member Since 1973
Other Events of Interest
Inclusion in our "Other Events of Interest" List – whether it’s a fundraising event for a specific candidate or an event concerning a particular issue – does not mean that the New Trier Democrats have endorsed that candidate or adopted that position on an issue. 
Tomorrow Night, October 10, 2019: Democratic Party of Evanston’s Forum “Responding to Political Hate Speech in the United States”

When : Thursday, October 10, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm (doors open at 6:30pm)
Where : ETHS, main auditorium, 1600 Dodge Avenue, Evanston
What : Join the Democratic Party of Evanston at Evanston Township High School for a student-led program with national and local experts from: The Southern Poverty Law Center, The Illinois Holocaust Museum, Logan Consulting Services, LLC, and U. S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (9th).  Pre-registration is required to attend .
This Sunday, October 13, 2019: Democrats of Northfield Township Luncheon With Sen. Dick Durbin

When : Sunday, October 13, 2019 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Where : The Glen Club, 2901 West Lake Avenue, Glenview
What : Democrats of Northfield Township hold their third annual fall fundraising luncheon, featuring Keynote Speaker U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and Congresspersons Jan Schakowsky and Brad Schneider. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online .
This Sunday, October 13, 2019: Indo-American Democratic Organization Annual Benefit

When : Sunday, October 13, 2019, 5:30 Networking, 6:30 Program.
Where : Holiday Inn Northshore, 5300 Touhy Avenue, Skokie
What : Indo-American Democratic Organization (IADO) 40th annual banquet. IADO represents Illinois’ 270,000+ South Asian Americans. Since 1980, IADO has engaged South Asian Americans in the political process, and recruited and endorsed candidates who champion progressive policy solutions.  Register online .
Monday, October 14, 2019: Cheers For Choice Fundraiser to Support Men4Choice Advocacy

When : Monday, October 14, 2019 at 6:30pm
Where : Untitled Supper Club, 111 W. Kinzie St., Chicago
What : Support Men4Choice Advocacy and celebrate the huge wins for the reproductive rights movement in 2019.  RSVP link to purchase tickets/ or donate online
Daniel Biss
Monday, October 14, 2019: Daniel Biss Speaks About the Illinois Fair Tax Amendment

When : Monday, October 14, 2019 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm
Where : Antioch Public Library, 767 North Main St., Antioch
What : A presentation by Daniel Biss on the Illinois Fair Tax Amendment. This is a non-partisan event, open to the public.
Tuesday, October 15, 2019: Chicago Foundation for Women’s Annual Luncheon

When : Tuesday, October 15, 2019, Registration 11:00am to 12:00noon, Luncheon and Keynote 12:00pm to 1:30pm
Where : Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
What : Don’t miss your chance to attend Chicago Foundation for Women’s 34th Annual Luncheon featuring keynote speaker Elaine Welteroth, former Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue. Space is limited, so secure your spot today!  Register online .
Tuesday, October 15, 2019: Postcard Party With Sister District New Trier

When : Tuesday, October 15, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Glencoe (address provided later)
What : Sister District New Trier is postcarding to FLIP the Virginia House of Delegates. Join them for an evening of postcarding for Virginia Democrat Ghazala Hashmi. They’re going to flip Virginia with your help. It starts with states! Have a fun evening with fellow progressives and join the fun. Please bring $5-$10 for postcards and stamps and we’ll get you all set up! Please RSVP to Lisa Keipert at [email protected] or  register online .
Tuesday, October 15, 2019: Indivisible Evanston’s Debate Watch Party

When : Tuesday, October 15, 2019 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Where : Prairie Moon, 1635 Chicago Ave, Evanston
What : The fourth (and next) round of debates will be on October 15. Join Indivisible Evanston at Prairie Moon in Evanston from 7 – 10pm at their watch party (attendees buy own food/drink).
Thursday, October 17, 2019: We Will Legislative Luncheon

When : Thursday, October 17, 2019 from 11:00am to 1:30pm
Where : Maggiano’s Little Italy, 4999 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie
What : Join WE WILL’s 5th Annual Fundraiser celebrating their accomplishments, legislative collaborations and women having a voice and being heard. This year’s panel is about Women of Color with confirmed panelists Donna Miller, Cook County Board Commissioner; Xza Higgina, MommyCon Founder, coalition builder; Sol Flores, Illinois Deputy Governor and Josina Morita, Commissioner, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online .
Pete Buttigieg
Friday, October 18, 2019: A Conversation With Mayor Pete Buttigieg

When : Friday, October 18, 2019 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Where : The Lincoln Park home of Dan and Anke Tierney, address provided upon RSVP
What :  An early evening reception with Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Democratic candidate for President of the United States. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online . For questions, email [email protected].
Monday, October 21, 2019: EMILY’s List Annual Ignite Change Midwest Regional Reception

When : Monday, October 21, 2019. Registration: 5:00pm; reception: 5:30pm; panel discussion: 6:30pm
Where : Fig & Olive, 104 East Oak St., Chicago
What : Join EMILY’s List President Stephanie Schriock and featured guests, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, discussing the crucial role of EMILY’s List and women candidates in the 2020 election. Panelists include: Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin and Congresswomen Elissa Slotkin (MI-08). For additional information or to RSVP,  register online . For questions, email McCaul Nelson at [email protected].
Robyn Gabel
Tuesday, October 22, 2019: Reception Supporting State Rep. Robyn Gabel

When : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Where : The Home of Merrilee & Richard Redmond, 34 Canterbury Ct, Wilmette, IL 60091
What : Join fellow supporters for a reception in honor of Robyn Gabel, State Representative, 18th District. For questions, or to RSVP, please contact Katy Langenfeld at [email protected] or (312) 600-9496.  Register online here .
Tuesday, October 22, 2019: EMILY’s List Hosts Cocktails for Change

When : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 5:30pm
Where : Hubbard Inn, 110 W. Hubbard St., Chicago
What : EMILY’s List hosts Cocktails for Change featuring Marie Newman, candidate for U.S. House (IL-03).
Tuesday, October 22, 2019: Indivisible Evanston’s Monthly Meeting

When : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, Parasol Room, 4th Floor, 2100 Ridge Ave, Evanston
What : Join Indivisible Evanston for its monthly meeting and hear two powerful speakers: Jill Wine-Banks, MSNBC Contributor/Legal Analyst & Former Watergate Prosecutor – “An Insider’s View on the Political Environment”; and Willie Shaw, Political Action/Civic Engagement Chair, NAACP Evanston/North Shore Branch (President Dr. Michael C. R. Nabors) – “Voting is Emotional.”
Wednesday, October 23, 2019: Postcard Party With Sister District New Trier

When : Wednesday, October 23, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Where : Tudor Wine Bar, 338 Tudor Court, Glencoe
What : Sister District New Trier is postcarding to FLIP the Virginia House of Delegates. Join them for an evening of postcarding for Virginia Democrat Ghazala Hashmi. They’re going to flip Virginia with your help. It starts with states! Have a fun evening with fellow progressives and join the fun. Please bring $5-$10 for postcards and stamps and we’ll get you all set up! Please RSVP to Lisa Keipert at [email protected] or  register online .
Saturday, November 2, 2019: Wisconsin Voter ID Canvass With Indivisible Evanston

When : Saturday, November 2, 2019 – see signup for time options
Where : Kenosha, Racine & Elkhorn, WI – see signup for meeting location options
What : Join Indivisible Evanston on November 2 as they canvass in THREE different counties as part of the WI Dems weekend of action. The WI Dems have requested that they send canvassers to all three locations, so please take that into account as you choose where to go. All predictive lists concur that Wisconsin, with just 10 electoral votes, could easily be the state that determines the 2020 presidential winner; our boots on the ground are needed to flip it! Sign up to CARAVAN with them from the DPOE to Racine or DRIVE DIRECTLY to either Kenosha, Racine or Elkhorn, WI on 11/2:  Sign up here.
Bob Morgan
Monday, November 4, 2019: State Rep. Bob Morgan Fall Event

When : Monday, November 4, 2019 from 6:00pm to 7:30pm
Where : Glencoe home of Stacey Sher Michelon and Jon Michelon (Address upon RSVP)
What : Representative Bob Morgan of the 58th District’s final 2019 event in the district.  Link to RSVP online . For more information or to RSVP, please contact Joey Slater at [email protected] or (312) 448-8014.
Saturday, November 11, 2019: Northwestern Football Tailgate Extravaganza With State Sen. Laura Fine

When : Saturday, November 9, 2019 (Game time to be announced; tailgate opens 90 minutes before kickoff)
Where : Mustards Last Stand, 1613 Central St., Evanston
What :  Tailgate before the Northwestern Wildcats face the Purdue Boilermakers. Tickets for just the tailgate, and for both the tailgate and the game, are available. RSVP required: [email protected].  Link to purchase tickets/sponsorships online . For more information, please contact Carly Halstead: [email protected] or 312-630-7700
Looking For Something To Do Now?

Help Text Bank For Democratic Candidates In Virginia State House Races With Sister District

Text Banking is here!

You can sign up at  this form . They expect high demand for texting lists.
Please sign up to text ONLY for the two candidates, Alex Askew and Ghazala Hashmi, that our local Sister District is supporting!

Some things to know:

You need to do some reading and training on your own. This is done online. Texting will be done at specified times. You will sign up for a texting “event” and at the scheduled time, a batch of numbers will be released. Sign-up is available now. Texting began August 17 and will continue through Election Day. You must sign up and complete all training steps at least one week before your first texting event.

More details can be found in this Sister District/Red2Blue  Texting Guide .
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Visit our website for a complete list of everyone who represents the residents of New Trier Township - from Federal to Village level - and links to contact them.
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When you're a member of the New Trier Democratic Organization, you have an active role in affecting the political process by: participating in grassroots campaigns, staying in touch with elected officials, and playing a role in deciding which candidates are endorsed. You'll also gain  free admission  to select forums and events throughout the year.    

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New Trier Democrats memberships are on a calendar year basis. We encourage our members to renew their dues annually every January.
Paid for by the NTDO-FED and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is available on the Board’s official website (www.elections.il.gov) or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois.