THE COMMUNICATOR

National Federation of Democratic Women

 www.nfdw.com                                                             August 2021 Edition

*President’s Message *2021-2023 Officers List

*2021 Award Recipients *Communicator Deadlines

Greetings Democratic Sisters,

     Only three short months ago during our “Women Build Back Better” 50^th Anniversary Convention, we were looking ahead to determine what NFDW can do to improve the lives of all people, but especially women and girls. Clearly, our best path forward is to actively support President Joe Biden’s far-reaching and bold programs.

     President Biden is working closely with Democratic leaders in Congress to maximize the effectiveness of their significant and targeted programs. They are helping Americans recover from the drastic impact of COVID19 and now the Delta Variant.

     According to the Annie E. Casey Foundation, the Biden Administration’s Child Tax Credit can lift four million children out of poverty. The second checks have already arrived, and are helping the families of those children have food, shelter, and overall economic security.

     The American Rescue Plan has been a lifeline for so many Americans who would otherwise be homeless and jobless. Women were the hardest hit economically during this pandemic because they had to leave their jobs to care for children. Now, many Americans are returning to jobs that are paying higher wages. It has been reported that 60,000 jobs are being created in our country every two days. We must let all elected officials know that we want the infrastructure program to move forward. NOW.

     It is widely known that Republicans across the country are using voter suppression legislation to curb the voting surge that helped Democrats win the White House and the U.S. Senate. Republicans are doubling down to prevent more Democrats from winning positions. Thousands of voters are being purged from the registered voter rolls. 

     NFDW members should be actively engaged writing letters to the editor, phone banking to citizens, calling the offices of elected officials, and joining marches and rallies. I’ve had the good fortune of joining Biden’s Build Back Better Tour in Atlanta. I will also join the ERA Coalition’s rally at the Supreme Court on Women’s Equality Day, and then I will join the Voting Rights March in DC on August 28. I hope to see you there, too.

     Much work needs to be done. NFDW’s committees are already at work surveying and planning their work. We are asking for your input, support, and engagement. Take a look at NFDW’s website (nfdw.com). Click on News and Events. Take a look at the Call to Convention 2021. Please reread My Vision Statement. Then let me know how you can help.

     Protect yourself from this virus. Yes, work hard, but also work smart.

Best regards,

Gail Buckner, NFDW President

PRESIDENT

Gail Buckner

76 Channing Drive

Richmond Hill, GA 31234

gailbuckner@bellsouth.net

1^st VICE PRESIDENT

Susan Rutt

1852 South Wood St.

Allentown, PA 18103

susanrutt@aol.com

2^nd VICE PRESIDENT

Barbara Faison

524 Fayetteville St.

Clinton, NC 28328

Barbfa557@gmail.com

3^rd VICE PRESIDENT

Gini Ballou

1030 Silver Star Dr

Hailey, ID 83333

Ballou2350@msn.com

4^th VICE PRESIDENT

Debi Thompson

PO Boc 44

Carney, OK 74832

afthomp@sbcglobal.net

5^th VICE PRESIDENT

Christine Pelosi

31 Hinkley Walk

San Francisco, CA 94111

sfpelosi@yahoo.com

RECORDING SECRETARY

Peggy Stepp

2739 S. Claremont Ave

Springfield, MO 65804

Pstepp48@gmail.com

TREASURER

Dorinda White

1100 6^th Street SW #404

Washington, DC 20024

dorindaw@gmail.com

IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT

Cindy Jenks

168 Oak Ranch Lane

Fairdealing, MO 63939

marysjenks@yahoo.com

PAST PRESIDENT

Susanna French

2650 Brewers Highway

Benton, KY 42025

susannalfrench@gmail.com

DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Gail Buckner

76 Channing Hill Drive

Richmond Hill, GA 31234

gailbuckner@bellsouth.net

Virgie Rollins

19432 Burlington Dr

Detroit, MI 48203

virgiemrollins@gmail.com

Joanne Sullivan

237 Kings Landing

Windsor, CT 06095

sullivanjl1028@gmail.com

REGIONAL

DIRECTORS:

EASTERN

Irmgard Pagan

555 Alberto Dr

San Juan, PR 00918

Irmg2007@yahoo.com

SOUTHERN

Kathy Adams

390 Fitzgerald Place

Atlanta, GA 30349

K1adams@bellsouth.net

MIDWESTERN

Sue Althouse

3321 W 800 South

Jonesboro, IN 46938

sralthouse@hotmail.com

WESTERN

Pam Cordova

608 Western Dr

Rio Communities, NM

87002

pamndolphin@gmail.com

APPOINTED

OFFICERS:

CORRESPONDING

SECRETARY

Dorothy Adams

Missouri

PARLIAMENTARIAN

Wanda Bynum Ashley

Arkansas

FOUNDER

Rilla Moran Woods

COMMUNICATOR

EDITOR

Joanne Sullivan, Past President

Gail Buckner has served as the Chair of the National Federation of Democratic Women’s Legislative Committee for the past six years and she led the creation of position papers for our members to use during “Women in Blue”. To help members prioritize the use of various papers and integrate these papers into resolutions as necessary, she created a document called, “How to Use NFDW’s Position Papers and Resolutions”. She has worked very closely with Resolutions Chair, Judy Villa to streamline this process. The Action Alerts and Message Statements on behalf of President Cindy Jenks have been her priority as well. Gail has been responsible for creating the past two online auctions and successfully chaired this year’s online auction for the 2021 virtual convention. She has also been instrumental in helping individual states create an online auction for their state.

Gail is a past President of the Georgia Federation of Democratic Women and has been a member in good standing since 1989. During her term as President of GFDW, she added a number of Leadership awards, including the True Blue Award, the Bouquet Award, and the Burlene Morris Leadership Award. As president of GFDW, she also brought back the Maxine Goldstein Leadership Award, which is presented to a woman notably serving in the Georgia General Assembly. Gail has also held elective office as a Georgia State Senator, 2008-2010; Georgia’s House of Representatives, 1991-2006 and was the Democratic Party of Georgia’s Nominee for Secretary of State in 2006. She brings a wealth of experience, leadership, determination, and knowledge to this position.

Susan Rutt has been involved at the NFDW Executive Board level for a number of years. She served as Regional Director for 2 terms, 2013-2017; NFDW Treasurer, 2017-2019, and as Second Vice President, 2019 - present.

Susan is a past President of the Pennsylvania Federation of Democratic Women and served as President of the Pennsylvania FDW for 8 years. She was the longest-serving President in its 93-year history.

She has also served as the NFDW Convention Chairperson in Pennsylvania, Co-Chair of the NFDW PAC and its Treasurer, and founder of its Century Club. 

As the 2^nd Vice President, she has chaired the Young Women’s Leadership Committee to encourage younger members to join this organization or to run for office. She has attended many of the past NFDW conventions and has a record of participation, established leadership, and knowledge of the organization and the Democratic Party. Susan has a proven track record for her support of the Democratic Party in Pennsylvania and the NFDW for her ability to elevate Democratic Women and encourage young women to get involved and run for office.

Barbara Faison has been an active member of NFDW since 2000, a member of several committees, and served as the Southern Regional Director, 2017 - 2021. She served as the President of the North Carolina Federation of Democratic Women, 2006-2008, and has held the positions of Historian, Fund Development Chair, Nominating Chair, and Legislative Chair of the North Carolina Federation of Democratic Women and was named as NCDW “The Woman of the Year” in 2019.

On the NFDW level, she has served on a number of committees; Bylaws, Growth & Development, Nominations, and as the chair of the Awards Committee. She is an active Democratic leader in her state and community as well.

In her county of Sampson, North Carolina, she has a history of working with the local Democratic leadership, sharing her ideas, and providing guidance based upon her level of involvement and experience. She has an impressive work ethic, a passion for politics, and a “get the job done” attitude. Barbara looks forward to your support and will work tirelessly on your behalf if elected to serve.

Gini is active in the Idaho Democratic Women’s Caucus. She has served in the leadership roles of Region 5 Director, Vice-Chair, and Chair of the Idaho Democratic Women’s Caucus. Additionally, she serves on the Rules & Bylaws Committee of the Idaho Democratic Party. She also was a Sanders State and National Delegate in both 2016 and 2020. Plus, she was Chair, Blaine County for Obama 2007-2012.

While Chair of the Blaine County she established a statewide Lessons Learned recap held right after the General Election. While serving as Vice-Chair of the Idaho Democratic Women’s Caucus, she created an annual fundraiser, The Bloomin’ Blue Luncheon; hosted fashion shows highlighting local non-profits; and held Progressive Dinner for a Purpose.

Further, Gini has served as Chair, Blaine County Chapter, Mothers of the Military (2002-2004) and Chair, Planning & Zoning Commission, City of Hailey (1994-1998). She is an ambassador/Lobbyist for the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Gini has been actively participating at the national level since her first convention in Tempe, Arizona in 2018. Her proven leadership ability, dedication, and positive attitude are all qualities that she will bring to her service on the Board

Debi Thompson’s dedication to the Federation of Democratic Women and the Democratic Party has taken many forms and she has devoted her life to activism. Her leadership in Oklahoma and on the Regional and National levels demonstrates her ability to serve in the position of Vice President of the National Federation of Democratic Women.

Her National Federation of Democratic Women service includes Treasurer (2018 – 2021); Midwest Regional Director (2013 – 2017); Audit Committee Chair (2018 – 2019); and member of various other committees in the last 10 years. Her Oklahoma Club service includes President (2007 – 2010); and Treasurer (2017 – 2019). Her service with the Oklahoma Democratic Party has been to serve as Chair CD3 (2015 – 2019) and Vice-Chair CD3 (2011 – 2015).

In the area of public service, Ms. Thompson has served as an alternate member of the Oklahoma state election board (2017 – 2021); Member of Professional Responsibility Commission (2016 – 2012); Vice-Chair of Professional Responsibility Commission (2007); President, Chandler Chamber of Commerce (2009); Board of Directors, Chandler Chamber (2004 – 2008); Member of the Chandler Chamber of Commerce (1999 – Present); Carney Public Schools, Board of Education (1985 – 2010).

Ms. Thompson’s career has been in insurance where she served as an accountant and agent for 37 years. She opened her insurance agency in 1983 and has over 2000 policyholders. She has sponsored and hosted Motor Vehicle Accident Prevention Courses two times per year. She has served as Past President of the Oklahoma Farmers Union Insurance Agent’s Association and Secretary of American Farmers & Ranchers Agent’s Association.

Christine Pelosi is an attorney, author, and advocate serving as counsel for We Said Enough. She has worked as a Deputy City Attorney and as Assistant District Attorney in San Francisco, special counsel to HUD in the Clinton-Gore administration, and chief of staff on Capitol Hill. Christine was elected as the California Democratic Party Women’s Caucus and served for 10 years She has been a DNC Executive Committeewoman since 2017 and has been a member of the DNC Resolutions Committee since 2001. Christine co-founded the DNC Veterans and Military Families Council and serves as its vice-chair. Sher has co-authored dozens of DNC policy statements embracing civil rights, voting rights, economic justice, women’s equality, the Fight for 15, gun violence prevention, and veterans and military families. Christine has been a guest speaker and participant in NFDW conventions on numerous occasions Christine brings

a wealth of experience to the position 5^th vice president of NFDW.

Peggy Stepp has been active in Women’s Democratic Clubs for over 30 years. She has served in Leadership positions in local County Clubs for many years and has been actively involved with the Democratic Party at all levels.

She served as the 1^st and 3^rdVice President, and as Secretary of the 7^th District Democratic Women’s Clubs and has served as President several times. 

She was President of the Missouri Federated Democratic Women. She has been a Committeewoman for Missouri Democratic Party intermittently and served on the Executive Board. She has been involved in NFDW for past 15 years and has attended every National Convention during this time. 

She also served as the NFDW Regional Director for the Midwest Region and as President of the MFWDC and continues on the President’s Advisory Committee and the Executive Committee of the MFWDC.

During her time with the NFDW, she has served on the History Committee of NFDW and has chaired the Awards Committee since 2013. She was also quite instrumental in helping the Missouri Federation with the NFDW convention in Kansas City as the Registration Chair.

Dorinda White served as the President of the DC Federation of Democratic Women and has been a member since 2015. She has been an active member of the Federation since 2015 when she served as a volunteer with DCFDW Past President Hazel Thomas as she hosted a Legislative Summit. 

As a member of one of the DCFDW Clubs, she was asked to serve as Vice President of the DC Federation. In 2019, she was unanimously elected to serve as President of the DC Federation of Democratic Women and has been instrumental in many of the DC Federation’s initiatives.

As a public servant in the State Medicaid Agency of the Government of the District of Columbia, she was responsible for the budget of up to $1 million dollars and had oversight over three government vendors. She was responsible for budget allocations for each vendor and when necessary, defunding their allocations due to non-performance. She had to track all spending amounts and give approval for any budget allocations. She has a good understanding of the responsibilities of being a treasurer.

Calling all State Presidents:

The Communicator is NFDW’s newsletter and is published quarterly. All State Presidents are encouraged to submit short articles for publication in The Communicator and share NFDW news with their members. Executive Board members and Committee Chairs are encouraged to submit articles (and pictures) of interest to the membership as well. Information about NFDW events and the COMMUNICATOR is posted on the Federation website, www.nfdw.com.

The deadlines for submitting articles of interest and pictures of activities in your states for the coming year are as follows:

October 15, 2021

January 28, 2022

March 25, 2022

Please submit any articles of interest, pictures (with captions), or other important information for The Communicator to Joanne Sullivan @ sullivanjl1028@gmail.com.

DWCF 2021 Outstanding Elected Democratic Women Holding Public Office Award: Idaho State Representative Sally Toone

Representative Toone is the Minority Leader in the Idaho House who is fighting the good fight in a Republican-controlled state. She is an inspiration to us all. She has been an educator, rancher and valiantly represents the interests of the rural areas of her state. She is a mentor and advocates for education and common sense regardless of party affiliations for all the people of Idaho. Her amazing leadership has shown the power of the minority when it sticks together in a close vote to vital bills passed. Congratulations to Idaho’s State Representative, Sally Toone. 

Well deserved!

The Humanitarian of the Year Award: Nellie Duke of Georgia

Nellie Duke was awarded the NFDW Humanitarian of the Year Award for her lifelong service to mankind and working for more and better opportunities for women, providing quality and affordable health care, promoting a better quality of life for all people, especially protecting the civil rights of all citizens. She has served on the Lt. Governor’s Commission on Women. She helped form a partnership with the Atlanta Bar Association’s Women in the Profession Committee and the Women’s Commission. She has led the educational opportunities for women and created numerous scholarships to women, many returning to college to earn or finish a degree. Preventing osteoporosis has been a priority for Nellie Duke, teaching about the disease and conducting free bone scans promoting interest in preventing osteoporosis. Preventing domestic violence and renewed interest in getting the ERA passed as a Constitutional Amendment is another quest. Within the Georgia Women’s Institute and Georgia Woman of the Year organization, she helped to honor numerous older women with the OWL Award—Older Women in Leadership. She is a co-founder of the Board of the Georgia Women’s Museum, and she dreams to see women’s history preservation a priority in Georgia. She received an Honorary Doctorate from the University of West Georgia for her humanitarian work. Congratulations to Nellie Duke on this prestigious award!

The NFDW Member of the Year 2021: Judy Villa of Connecticut

Judy has served as the NFDW Resolutions Chair for the past 6 years and did an outstanding job as the chair. She was always helpful, insightful, and pleasant even when things got fractious putting together and getting Resolutions passed in the convention itself. She put in hundreds and hundreds of hours researching, compiling, and writing resolutions before they ever got to the Convention. She is the epitome of what an NFDW Woman should be, and we all aspire to be, and we are all very proud of her. Congratulations, Judy! So well deserved!

The National Federation of Democratic Women sponsors two internship awards for young Democratic women. Both internships are usually served in the year after they are awarded to allow the recipients to make their plans.

The Rilla Moran Woods Internship is a month-long internship with the DNC Headquarters in Washington, DC with a stipend of $3000.00 for expenses. Applicants must be 18- 25 years of age and endorsed by her local Democratic Women's club and the State Federation Democratic Women's club. The Rilla Moran Woods Internship Award was awarded to Samantha Waterman from Indiana. Congratulations, Samantha!

The Agnes Bird Internship Award is a two-week internship for a young woman to work at her State Democratic Party Headquarters. Monet Lindstrand of Indiana was awarded the Agnes Bird Internship and will be working at the Indiana Democratic Party Office, or a Congressional District office as arranged by the State Democratic Federation with a stipend of $1500.00 for expenses. Congratulations, Samantha!