As we celebrate the unofficial start to the summer season, please take time this Memorial Day, Monday May 29th to honor the U.S. military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.
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The members present at the May meeting held at the West Mesa Community Center were seated at five tables; each discussing a topic: Crime & Safety, Social Welfare, Education, Community Issues, and Outreach. Those joining the meeting by zoom, participated in the group discussing Social Welfare. The conversations in the five groups were quite spirited, and that excitement continued as the groups reported back to the membership. The WSD have things to look forward to as we work as an organization and as individuals!
In listening to the feedback the members gave, we will be working to provide our members tools in reaching out to those on the West Side and look forward to having a visible presence in the community thanks to you. Speaking of thanks, it is time to say Thank You!
Thank you, Pete, for leading the recent meeting of the WSD in the Pledge of Allegiance and in the New Mexico Pledge. For those not familiar with the State Pledge, it is: I salute the flag of the state of New Mexico, the Zia symbol of perfect friendship among united cultures.
Thank you, Mary, for your faithful service at our registration table. We must also thank Mary for designing our graphic reminding us to bring our own water bottles to meetings, helping us to do our part in saving the environment.
Thank you, Wanda, for taking the role of Recording Secretary in the absence of Secretary Sue Wolinsky who was celebrating with her husband Sam, their 50th wedding anniversary.
Thank you, Ivan, our technical guru who enables WSD members to join our meetings by zoom. Ivan also assists the WSD with the newsletter and website administration. If you are interested in helping Ivan, please contact us to learn more.
Thank you, Larry, for filling in for Maureen in leading the trivia question.
Thank you, Cheryl, for your dedication to the WSD and the Democratic Party in Bernalillo County and the Democratic Party of New Mexico. Please join us in celebrating Cheryl on June 4th by. Check our website for more info. If you attend, please bring a book for a child which will be donated in Cheryl’s honor.
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Happy Birthday to NM Senator and West Side resident, Harold Pope, Jr., who celebrated on Friday May 26!
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A Message from the Vice-Chair
by Dorothy Wilkinson
We're back, Baby! Westside Dems “2.0” met for the fourth time on Tuesday, May 23rd, and we got down to business. We divided into 5 groups where we discussed issues affecting the West Side and how we could effectively address those issues as West Side Democrats.
We must make our issues known to voters and to our political leaders. As we shared our group discussions, we found several ways to be heard. One way is by social media. I have to confess that I have not paid much attention to social media, but, after Tuesday, I will. I just added Instagram and TikTok to my phone, and I have Facebook. I don’t know about Twitter. I will be more diligent about posting and re-posting. Will you join me?
We also spoke about attending meetings of the City Council, School Board, and County Commission and, when we do, identifying ourselves as Westside Dems. We may have buttons or tee shirts to identify ourselves, and will let you know more about that. Tuesday evening we left the meeting inspired to act in concert as Westside Dems to make our voices heard. Thank You!
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Come celebrate our mentor and friend Cheryl Harris! After volunteering for progressive politics for over a quarter century in Bernalillo County, NM, Cheryl is leaving the state for her next adventure in life. Join us as we send her off with a fond farewell!
- Day/Date: Sunday, June 4
- Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Location: 2211 Saxton Ct. NW, Albuquerque. 87104 (Flora & Dimi’s House)
In lieu of gifts, Cheryl would like guests to bring a children’s book which will be donated to Albuquerque Housing Authority.
If you would like to donate some money to making this event happen, send via Venmo to @Patricia-French-48 or email patriciajfrench@yahoo.com for more details.
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A Critical School Board Election |
by Dorothy Wilkinson
It could happen here. Books are taken off shelves in school libraries. Jobs of teachers and administrators are threatened. One angry parent can have books removed and curriculum altered because it shows a racist past and present. It can be forbidden for schools to teach students that being gay or transgender is natural for some students.
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That is not the situation in Albuquerque. Books are not being banned, and curriculum is not being altered. Gay and transgender students and adults are free to be. But that can change very quickly. We are a school board election away from the book banning, curriculum changing, and denial of the rights of gay and transgender students and school staff.
In November we will elect three new school board members…two on the Westside. Democracy in our schools is on the ballot. That is why the Westside Dems are teaming up with Bernalillo County Democrats and the Albuquerque Teachers Federation to elect Robert Trujillo in District 1 and Ronalda Warito in District 2.
By working together we kept the Westside Blue and sent representatives to Santa Fe and Washington to fight for our rights. Won’t you join me and fight for democracy in our schools.
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West Side Dems to Meet on June 26
MEETING INFO:
Monday, June 26th
6:00-7:30 pm
Taylor Ranch Library
5700 Bogart St NW
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Please check out the WSD on our website: https://westsidedems.org/ There, you may keep up to date on our activities and renew your membership or contribute to our efforts.
In the meantime, if you wish to reach one of the Executive Committee directly, you may do so at:
The next WSD meeting will take place on Monday June 26 at 6pm at the Taylor Ranch Library 5700 Bogart St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87120. If you are unable to join us in-person, please join us by zoom. We hope to see you there!
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Dues are $10.00 per calendar year.
You may donate any amount.
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