All Hands on Deck as we Count Down to Nov. 2020 & Democratic Victories
By Annisa Karim
Collier County Democratic Party Chair
Hello Democrats!
February is Black History Month! Make sure to check our
Facebook Page
all month long and learn about this important time of year!
As of February 1, we have 247 days to register as many people as we can to vote in the November 2020 election. That’s right, the last day to register to vote in the presidential election is October 5. It is critical that our voter registration efforts are strong.
We certainly started strong in 2020 by reaching our monthly goal of 150 new registered voters for the month of January! So, we’ve got a great jump on voter registration but we could always use more help. We also need help phone banking and reminding Democrats we have a Presidential Preference Primary coming up on March 17.
No matter how much time you have to give (1 hour, 10 hours, 100 hours) we have a spot for you and there’s no time to waste.
We need all hands on deck. No one can stay on the sidelines any longer. Our goal is to contact EVERY DEMOCRAT in Collier County and engage them in this process.
We have phone calls to make, doors to knock, communities to engage and Democrats to elect. PLEASE, join us! Click here to volunteer:
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Time to RSVP for our Annual Gala
In line with celebrating the centennial of women winning the right to vote, we are hosting a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear Lilly Ledbetter speak.
The first piece of legislation President Barack Obama signed was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. The act was the outgrowth of a lawsuit filed by Ledbetter against the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. when she discovered she was paid thousands of dollars less than male colleagues of similar rank and experience.
The Fair Pay Act opened the doors for women to fight inequality in the workplace.
And even though Ledbetter did not personally benefit from the legislation, she says, "I'll be happy if the last thing they say about me after I die is that I made a difference."
Ledbetter will be one of two keynote speakers at our April 10 gala at the Naples Hilton Hotel. Seating is limited, so you will want to reserve your table right away. Prices go up on Feb. 10th.
The other speaker that evening will be another successful woman with a powerful story to tell:
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Deb Henretta
, past president of Procter and Gamble Asia and advisor to President Obama and Hillary Clinton.
How are women faring in the workplace? How does Henretta's rise in one of America's largest corporations reflect the status of women in the workplace today?
You won't want to miss this opportunity to hear from her.
For more details about the gala and silent auction, click below:
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We Need Your Help
The Collier County Democratic Party is an all-volunteer organization. We fund all of our activities with support from people like you.
We count on your generosity to help us to support and train candidates, help build strong precincts, educate voters, register new voters, print slate and palm cards for the elections, hold candidate forums, host community picnics, keep the doors open at our headquarters location, and much more.
Let’s Keep Moving #ForwardTogether
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Here's the Best Way to Get Involved
Log onto the Collier County Democratic Party website (
www.collierdems.org
).
Look for the Red and white
MobilizeAmerica
box and click on it.
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You'll see a list of training opportunities, and times and places you can volunteer to register voters, phone bank, and other activities, The lists look like this:
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Scroll through the list and check out the multiple dates and times in February where you can participate. Click on the SIGN UP button and register.
It's as easy as that.
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Are You Registered to Vote?
State law requires local supervisors of elections to occasionally purge their voter rolls of inactive voters.
Are you still registered?
Need more information on how to find out or how to register to vote in Collier County?
The Collier County Democratic Party is here to help. Visit our web page here:
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How Fascism Works as a Political Strategy
Is our democracy vulnerable to a non-violent takeover? Dr. Dale P. Anderson offers a careful analysis of the first phase of fascism that may already exist in our country due to the actions of the current administration. His interest in fascism began with the candidacy of Donald Trump.
Come hear him at the next meeting of the Democratic Women's Club of Collier County on February 27.
DWC meets the fourth Thursday monthly from 6-8 p.m.
6710 Lone Oak Blvd., Naples, FL 34109
(Collier County Education Association HQ)
The Democratic Women’s Club is an organization of registered Democratic women in Collier County. Yet, all registered Democrats are invited to join us as members. Come early for refreshments and networking. Enjoy being with like-minded individuals who want to be inspired by great speakers and leaders in our community.
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Meet the Candidates at the next Meeting of the Collier County Progressive Caucus Feb. 19
Come meet the Collier County candidates running for the state Legislature at the next meeting of the Collier Progressives on February 19.
The Progressive Caucus meets at Democratic Party headquarters from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at 600 Goodlette-Frank Road in Naples.
The candidates:
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MAUREEN PORRAS
CANDIDATE FOR HD 105 SOUTHEAST COLLIER, SHARED WITH MIAMI
Maureen is the Director of Immigration Legal Services and Managing Attorney for Church World Service (CWS). Maureen started her career in the immigration field in 2008. Before entering law school, Maureen earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Florida International University where she graduated cum laude in 2010. Maureen earned her J.D. from Florida Coastal School of Law in 2014 and received pro bono honors for her work with the Human and Immigrant Rights Clinic and for her work as President of the Immigration Law Society. Prior to taking her position as Director of Immigration Legal Services and Managing Attorney at CWS, Maureen worked as a staff attorney at CWS and as an associate attorney in the private sector. Maureen is an active member of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) and has served on several AILA committees.
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JAVIER ESTEVEZ
CANDIDATE FOR STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 105 SOUTHEAST COLLIER, SHARED WITH MIAMI
Javier was born and raised in Miami. Born to Cuban immigrant parents and graduating from Miami-Dade Public Schools, Javier has deep roots in his community and his district. His family struggled throughout his life, but always built themselves back up. Javier learned the virtues of hard work and dedication from his family especially his mother. He is proud of his heritage and of being a member of the LGBTQ community. Having volunteered on several campaigns including those for Pres. Obama and Hillary Clinton, Javier found a deep love and passion for politics. Especially important to him is the need for equality, defending public education and ensuring his voters voices are heard.
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SARA MCFADDEN
CANDIDATE FOR STATE HOUSE DISTRICT 106 COASTAL COLLIER SOUTH TO MARCO AND EVERGLADES CITY
I’m Sara McFadden, former Administrator and Small Business Owner, current grassroots activist and community volunteer. I was elected as the Collier County Democratic State Committeewoman in 2016; appointed in 2017 as a Vice Chair of the Florida State Democratic Party; and Co-founder and current President of Collier Progressives. I ran in 2018 for FL State House District 106, and we are doing it again for 2020. Our platform hasn’t changed – we support Public Education, Clean Water and our Environment, Healthcare, Citizen Rights and Public Safety. Let’s hold our elected officials to their campaign promises and to their duty to represent us, not special interests.
Last month, the Caucus hosted candidates for Congress. Here's a scene from the meeting:
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Come Meet the Candidates at the Next CCDC Meeting on February 17
The next meeting of the Collier County Democratic Club will be on Monday, February 17 where candidates for local, state and federal offices have been invited to speak.
Club meetings are held at the offices of the Collier County Education Association, 6710 Lone Oak Blvd in Naples. Come join us at 6 p.m. for snacks and conversation. The formal meeting with are exciting guest speakers begins at 6:30 p.m.
At January's meeting, the room was packed to hear a stimulating conversation about the Electoral College. Come early and join the fun.
Dues are due
Also, now is the time to renew your CCDC membership. You must have an up to date membership by February 1 to vote in CCDC's March election for Vice President, Treasurer, and Board positions.
CCDC
P.O. Box 86
860 6th Ave S
Naples, FL 34102
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A Call to Action: Are You a Veteran and a Democrat? Help Launch a New Veterans Caucus in Collier County
This is an invitation to all veterans who may be interested in getting involved in a more direct way to address current and pressing veterans issues.
The Republican-controlled Florida Legislature has manipulated procedural rules to negate the Medicaid Expansion Petition Referendum effort that would have been hugely beneficial in aiding military families.
Trump redirected money designated by Congress to rehabilitate schools, medical facilities and housing for military families currently living on bases throughout the country--to build a wall that won't do any good.
Trump is destroying the credibility and integrity of our soldiers in the field who were trying to win the confidence and loyalty of allies who were willing to fight and die by our sides, abandoning them without warning.
All this from a draft dodger who admits his personal Vietnam was avoiding catching STD’s.
As a Veterans Caucus we would develop talking points and activities that would be used to try to convince our fellow Veterans that their efforts to defeat Trump and Republican candidates in general, will be critical to the future of this country and its military. And military families.
If you are interested in being a part of this effort to establish a Veterans Caucus please contact
John Reynolds.
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Voter Protection Team is Operating in Full Swing and More Training is Offered
The first day of Voter Protection Team Training Sessions on January 9, 2020 was a success. We had a full house of participants for each of the 2-hour sessions. We now have a list, which is growing by the day, of more Collier County Democrats who are willing to join our Team.
Teams of Poll Watchers and Poll Greeters will be ready for their first assignments during the Presidential Primary Early Voting which begins March 7, 2020.
More Training sessions will be scheduled in the coming weeks. We will add sessions as needed.
We welcome anyone who is interested in joining the Team to accomplish a variety of tasks, including research and verification of precinct locations, coordinating and scheduling Poll Watchers and Poll Greeters; data maintenance and other significant administrative position; attending Canvassing Board meetings; assisting with Poll Watching training-scheduling and organization; and assisting in the “Command Centers” on voting days.
For more information and the training session schedule, simply call or email:
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TUNE IN
Check out the latest videos from trusted news sources, a new feature on our website,
www.CollierDems.org
. Click the button below to go to our
GALLERY
page and look for the videos from MSNBC, CBS, CNN, and other news services.
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Did you enjoy all those signs at the Women's March in January? Many were made at Democratic Party headquarters! A big thank you to our volunteers.
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Former Senate Majority Leader Endorses Maureen Porras for State Legislature
Former Senate Majority Leader Peter Weinsteinhas endorsed Maureen Porras in House District 105, which includes eastern Collier County.
Porras is an immigration attorney.
“At a time when there is more politics than policy in Tallahassee, Maureen will provide a needed breath of fresh air. She will put the needs of the residents above all else, fighting and advocating the same way she does for her clients. She will be a strong voice for this diverse district that spans across three counties. I look forward to seeing the great work and positive results Maureen will bring to District 105,” Weinstein said.
Porras said, “I am so grateful to have the support and guidance of such a formidable figure in Florida politics. Peter has the knowledge, experience, and political acumen that can only come from decades of public service. I am proud to call him a friend and mentor and to receive his endorsement.”
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Thousands Show up for Women's March
Women in Southwest Florida stood together strong for women’s rights in January. They led marches that happened across the country.
Cyber Attacks Threaten elections
Electronic voting equipment failures and cyber attacks from Russia and other countries pose serious threats to the 2020 elections, election security analysts and key
Democrats
warn.
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Collier Democrats Announce Annual Gala
Lilly Ledbetter to headline the Collier Democratic Party's annual gala to be held on April 10.
Trump Dismisses Troops' Brain Injuries
President Trump said he didn’t consider the
traumatic brain injuries
reported by U.S. troops following an Iranian rocket attack to be serious.
2020 Will Be the Democrats' Year
Florida Democratic Party Executive Director Juan Penalosa is optimistic about the new year.
Republicans Could Wipe Out Transgender Rights
The day before the Florida Legislature began its 2020 session, lawmakers filed legislation making it a felony for a doctor to provide medical help to transgender youth.
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Voter Suppression is Alive and Well
The daughter of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luthr King Jr. says she believes her father would be distraught by efforts of some states to supress the rights of voters.
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Help Us Win In 2020
With Your $20.20 Donation
The Florida Democratic Party has announced that it is expanding its staff with the goal of having the largest state election organization in the country.
Here in Collier County, we expect to be more busy than ever before in 2020. Which is why we are blessed to have a party headquarters from which we can direct our efforts to turn Florida blue.
We need your help to sustain this--literally to keep the lights on and to help Democrats win. We are all volunteers, but there is overhead--printing, stamps, phones, rent, etc.
A sustaining donation of $20.20 a month will make a world of difference. Won't you help?
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Hey, Democrats,
Let’s Get Social!
T
he Social Committee of the Collier County Democratic Club organizes monthly breakfasts and cocktail hours where like-minded people can gather, eat, drink, and be merry. Dawn Rubin, who spearheads this effort, has an extensive email list of people she reaches out to before each of these events, secures RSVPs, then finds the perfect venues for the size crowds we anticipate. If you would like to participate, contact Dawn to get your name added to the mailing list at
CCDC.Socials@gmail.com
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Like this Newsletter?
Then share it with friends. Forward it to every Democrat you know so we can keep building our readership and ensure that more Democrats are aware of all the party is doing. Thanks.
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All Collier County Democratic Party clubs, caucuses, and candidates are invited to submit items for publication consideration in this newsletter, which is distributed monthly. Other groups whose goals and activities mirror the values and objectives of the Democratic Party are also invited to submit items for consideration.
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