|
|
Chair: Ginger Blair
Deputy Chair: Kimberly Valdez
Secretary: Carmen McZeal
Treasurer: Natalie Ward
Sergeant At Arms: Marc Meyer
|
|
|
|
Click on the Contribute button to help turn Montgomery County Blue!
Please consider becoming a sustaining member at $10 per month (or more!).
|
|
Montgomery County Democratic Headquarters
704 N. Thompson St. #195
Conroe, Texas 77301
936-703-5841
|
|
|
|
Montgomery County Democratic Headquarters Hours
Hours of operation: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Monday through Friday
Due to the continuing spread of COVID, our policy now is for staff and visitors to comply with social distancing guidelines and masks are optional. To reach us, call MCDP headquarters at 936-703-5841 or email office@mcdptx.org. For urgent matters outside of office hours, please text 713-256-1420 or email chair@mcdptx.org.
|
|
February 1, 2023 Newsletter
|
|
Please note: our newsletters contain a lot of links to make viewing the source easier - just click on images or linked text to explore
IN THIS ISSUE:
Odd Couple Valentine's Dinner Social!
Black History Month and Celebration Information
Go Texan Parade
Black History Month
Final Friday - Black History in Montgomery County - Gloria White
County Executive Committee (CEC) Report
Consider Becoming a Precinct Chair
From TDC - State Talking Points and Petition to end Confederate Hero's Day
Democratic Party Events Around the County
Hispanic Outreach Subcommittee - Planning Meeting
County Non-Profit Spotlight - Matthew's Light
The Dignity Index
Training Resources for Democrats
Joe and Kamala's Corner (click on an image to open)
Tweets (click on an image to open)
Blue Store - Show Your Commitment to Democracy!
Upcoming Party & Community Events
Other Groups and Community Events
This newsletter is published on or about the 1st and the 15th of every month.
no later than 3 days before publication.
|
|
MCDP's first fundraiser for 2023 has been set for
Sunday, February 12, 2023 at 6:30 p.m.
Join us for a fabulous five-course Italian dinner and social event the weekend before Valentine's Day for all our members so we may mix and match however we choose!
Come as a singleton, an odd couple, a threesome, a gang of six friends or an entourage of twelve. The more the merrier! The seating is dinner party style tables of twelve. Great for foodies, trivia buffs and there will be an optional wine pull for those who are so inclined. What's not to love?!
Super Bowl Widows Welcome!
If you are interested and want more information on the venue, please text Lore Breitmeyer-Jones, our new fundraising chair, at 832-470-5755.
Location and other details will be provided when you sign up!
|
|
Dems will be Rockin’ the Jukebox at the Go Texan Parade on February 18th
The Go Texan Theme for 2023 is “Somewhere Down in Texas” and we will be representing MCDPTX with a high energy team and a Float that ROCKS THE JUKEBOX!
We want our music to represent the diversity in our party. Please suggest music you want to hear, and let me know if you want to participate on our float, in a vehicle that represents your outreach group, or in our Bold for Blue team who will be walking the route with our vehicles and float.
We’ll have a meetup / celebration with great food and beverages on February 9th. From noon to 3 pm we will work on signage and from 5pm to 8 pm we'll talk about float design and practice line dancing. Activities will be focused on signage for vehicles and walkers, how and where we will decorate our float on parade morning, and an easy line dance for walkers who are interested in adding some spice!
Contact Michele Lightfield – mlightfield@gmail.com / Mobile: 281-923-8320 with your suggestions or for more information.
See below for more info and a map of the parade route.
|
|
Black History Month
Black History Month is an annual observance in the United States during the month of February, dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of African Americans throughout the country's history. The event was first proposed by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1915 and officially recognized by the federal government in 1976.
During Black History Month, events and educational programs are held across the country to educate people about the history and contributions of African Americans in various fields, including politics, science, sports, and the arts. Additionally, various historical sites and landmarks associated with African American history are highlighted during the month. The observance serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for racial equality and social justice for Black Americans.
Help us celebrate Black History Month by joining us for Final Friday at the Montgomery County Democratic Headquarters for a presentation from the Gloria White, Treasurer of Montgomery County NAACP, on Friday, February 24, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. (more details below) and join us for the Black History Parade shown on the flyer immediately below.
|
|
Learn about Black History in
Montgomery County
Presented by Gloria White
Final Friday
February 24, 2023
6:30 p.m.
|
|
Gloria White, Treasurer
We are pleased to announce that the Montgomery County Democratic Party will be celebrating Black History Month this year with a presentation about Black history in Montgomery County by Gloria White, a native of Willis, Texas, long-time resident of Conroe, Texas, and the current Treasurer of the Montgomery County Texas NAACP Chapter 6304.
The program promises to explore the rich culture and history of our area from its earliest times before Texas was even a State through today.
Our Final Friday Social and Speaker Program is held the last Friday of the month at Montgomery County Democratic Headquarters, 704 N. Thompson St, Suite 195, Conroe, Texas, 77301. You may also watch it on Zoom.
The link to watch virtually is highlighted in blue below. You may also watch on Facebook Live.
Topic: Final Friday
Time: February 24, 6:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 858 7409 0628
Passcode: 41243
|
|
County Executive Committee (CEC) Report
January 19, 2023
By Ginger Blair, County Chair
January's meeting of the County Executive Committee was well attended, with most of our Precinct Chairs being present either in person or by zoom. I reported on the fact that I attended a conference call meeting with all the other County Chairs in the State once a week on Tuesdays and that this week’s call was a review of the newly adopted State Democratic Party Rules and the changes that the new rules will have on the way we operate here in Montgomery County.
Essentially, the new rules, broaden the statutory duties of the precinct chairs to include a higher degree of involvement in helping recruit and campaign for our local Democratic candidates, to fund-raise, and otherwise participate more fully in the executive functions of the Party as outlined in our State’s Election Laws, Ethics Code, and other pertinent State Laws and Codes. To review the new rules, click here: https://www.texasdemocrats.org/party-rules
As a consequence of these new rules, our local Montgomery County Democratic Party Rules are being amended to come into compliance with the new State directives. Mainly, the old rules were more administrative in nature, but the new rules are more about building the grassroots organization of the Party. It is all about candidates and winning!
According to the folks on the State Conference call, the National and State Party now acknowledge that Texas is going to be the new Georgia of the next election cycle.
Party Officers, including Kim Valdez, Deputy Chair; Carmen McZeal, Secretary; and Natalie Ward, Treasurer presented the minutes of the previous meeting, and other monthly reports as usual.
This month, we installed three new Precinct Chairs, Stephanie Miller, from Precinct 65; Michele Lightfield from Precinct 72, and Tyler Diaz from Precinct 80. We now have 111 precincts in Montgomery County and we still need more Precinct Chairs and Precinct Captains throughout the County. If you are interested in helping us succeed in 2024, send us an email at mcdpoffice@gmail.com and we will be thrilled to have you join us.
Other new business at the meeting included:
- a proposal from Mike Midler and Sue Reese to activate the Campaign Support Committee that is established under our existing Rules,
-
a report on the February 18th Go Texan Parade by Michele Lightfield
-
a report on the activities of the Women’s Outreach Committee including the Women’s March in support of Women’s Reproductive Rights on January 22 and the monthly meeting on January 28th.
-
the announcement of the Veteran’s Outreach Committee meeting on January 28th by Kevin Price
- a report on the Valentine’s Day Fundraiser by Lore Breitmeyer Jones,
- a report on a new state program, Lyft, which supports Democrats in non-partisan races, by Mike Midler,
- and the favorable adoption of a Resolution in support of the Alabama Coushatta Indians' effort to expand their casino operations in Polk County based on a request by the Tribe and a background report by Joe Christofell.
The next CEC meeting is scheduled for March 16, 2023. Our meetings are always open to the public and you are welcome to attend in person or by Zoom. For announcements of upcoming events and links to Zoom meetings, go to our website for the events listing or view newsletters at https://www.mcdptx.org/newsletter/
|
|
Volunteer to Help Your Precinct!
We have 3 new Precinct Chairs this month!
Thanks and congratulations to:
- Stephanie Miller (Precinct 65)
- Michele Lightfield (Precinct 72)
- Tyler Diaz (Precinct 80)
Join them as they learn the ropes and help turn Texas Blue!
If you want more info about what is expected of a Precinct Chair go to the NDTC virtual training scheduled for Wednesday Feb 8, 2023 at noon Central called What is a Democratic Precinct Chair?
We know you have heard this request many times but maybe now you are ready to join Stephanie (pictured) as a Precinct Chair! If you have ever thought you might be interested, now is the time to get more information.
Please contact us to talk about what is involved in being a Precinct Chair or in helping your Precinct Chair. There is a lot of support for Precinct Chairs and that support is getting stronger. You will not be going it alone; but you will make a huge difference in our County, State and Nation.
To talk with someone about how you can help email office@mcdptx.org or call Headquarters at 936-703-5841.
If you are ready to apply for a Precinct Chair vacancy, please download, print, and complete this application form, and submit it to us by U.S. mail, email as an attachment to office@mcdptx.org, or drop it off in person at 704 N. Thompson St. #195, Conroe, TX 77301. If you have never visited Headquarters, it would be great to meet you!
You may find out whether your Precinct has a Chair and who your Precinct Chair is by going to the Secretary of State website. Or contact us and we'll let you know!
|
|
Click on Images to Open Full Content and Sign Petition |
|
Democratic Party Events Around the County
psst: you're missing a lot of fun if you aren't joining us!!
|
|
The Women’s March to Support Women’s Reproductive Rights
January 22, 2023
On January 22, 2023, the Women of Montgomery County Democratic Party participated in a local rally supporting the Women's March, "Bigger than Roe," in Spring, TX. We had a terrific, energetic turnout thanks to leading members Stephanie Miller and Keefer Barlow Grace. The assembly included folks of all ages and genders, displaying our handmade signs with various messages. A few supporters from Harris County were there as well. The weather was perfect, responses from passing traffic were predominately positive, judging from the frequent thumbs up and honking. We also collected signatures for a pro-choice petition to be delivered to the Texas State Legislature this session.
Thanks to all who participated. We look forward to a good year in 2023 of activation and mobilization in Texas.
|
|
Winning Logo Design
A contest was held to create a logo for the Women of Montgomery County Democratic Party (WoMCDP). Five designs were submitted and the winning design was created by Michele Lightfield. Congratulations, Michele!
We would like to also thank Carolina Duque Ferrero, Lorena Perez, Ciana Simpson, and Natalie Ward for their awesome submissions.
The creators have graciously agreed to allow us to put all of them in the WoMCDP shop which is coming soon! You'll be able to choose which design you want on t-shirts, mugs, and more. All proceeds will benefit WoMCDP!!
|
|
Final Friday
January 27, 2023
Our Guest Speaker was Teresa Bos from the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center (GCRBC). She shared very important and interesting information about what it takes to keep citizens in our part of Texas safely covered with life-saving blood on hand. Folks attended in person and by Zoom.
The MCDP will be scheduling a blood drive at headquarters in the next few weeks. Stay tuned for more information about how to sign up for the MCDP Blood Drive.
|
|
Women of Montgomery County Democratic Party (WoMCDP)
Monthly Meeting on Jan 28, 2023
with Guest Speaker
Jane Kelso Winter
There was a great turnout for the WoMCDP January meeting with several new members! In addition to great food and socializing, Jane Kelso Winter, Moms Demand Action: Northeast Group Of Greater Houston, provided a lot of great information about MDA. Help Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America make Montgomery County and Texas safer from gun violence!Here's what you can do:
-
Click on this link to join the Facebook page.
-
Join the Advocacy Day at the Texas Capitol event on Tuesday, February 28. RSVP here.
- Text READY to 644-33 for easy actions and event notifications
-
Find local events at moms demand action.org/events
-
Campaign for and vote for Gun Sense Candidates. Find your Gun Sense Candidates at gunsensevoter.org
Also we collected coats and blankets for Matthew's Light, a mission to support the homeless in our community. See the Non-Profit Spotlight in this newsletter for more information about Matthew's Light. |
|
(l – r) Aleta Garcia, Christie Brown Moran, Michele Lightfield, Stephanie Miller, Keefer Grace, and Mom’s Demand Action Speaker Jane Kelso Winter |
|
MCDP VETERANS OUTREACH
Initial Meeting held on January 28, 2023
Several veterans met to begin planning to reactivate this group led by Mike Midler and Kevin Price. Kevin Price is looking into the possibility of joining up with the state veterans group. Keefer Grace presented information about Matthew's Light with the suggestion that the Veteran's Group team up with the Women’s Outreach Group to help homeless vets with clothing and hygiene packs. Mike Midler presented the bowling team program.
This Group is in discussion/research/recruiting mode as we need MCDP veterans and family members to join us.
Our next meeting is Saturday, February 25 at HQ at 5:00 pm.
Please spread the word and join us!
|
|
MCDP INTRA-PARTY BOWLING LEAGUE
CALLING ALL BOWLERS!!
PARTY MEMBERS, FRIENDS, and RELATIVES…
Summer leagues don’t start until June , but we can start our own intra-party league as soon as we are organized. We are planning on 4 to 8 three person teams. Teams can be any mix of men, women, and youth. You may have an alternate bowler in case a team member can’t make it on our league day. Our league will run for 6 weeks and each team will bowl once a week. We have to have a set schedule to reserve our lanes, so we are tentatively looking at Mondays, however days and times will be discussed at our ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING Monday, February 6 at 6:30 at Party Headquarters. You do not need to have your team put together then as we will have some singles that we can group together.
Length: 6 weeks (or 8 weeks) (Possibly skipping Spring Break if necessary)
Teams: 3 person teams + alternate
Dates and Times: TBD
Location: Time to Spare Entertainment,13027 Highway 105 East, Conroe
Cost: $25 per week; Includes 3 games, ball and shoes, popcorn, and soft drink.
Prize Pool: Approximately $200-$300 depending on number of teams.
MCDP Donation: Approximately $100-$150 depending on number of teams
ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
Monday, February 6 at 6:30 at Party Headquarters
|
|
Hispanic Outreach Subcommittee Meeting
February 8, 2023 6:30 PM at Headquarters
The last two years have been difficult all around for many. As such, this subcommittee's efforts have also suffered due to many circumstances that impacted its ability to be effective in its outreach efforts. I was asked to continue trying to lead an endeavor to make it more viable in 2023 and potentially rejuvenate its member ranks, facilitate its main goal in bringing the party's message to Latinos in our county, and registering those eligible to vote.
I am scheduling a face-to-face meeting of the subcommittee on Wednesday, February 8th at 6:30 PM at Party Headquarters in order establish plans and goals for 2023. Please join us and share this with anyone who may be interested in our outreach efforts. If individuals are bilingual, this helps even more.
We can do it. Si se puede.
Gordon Lopez
Chair, Precinct 97
Chair, Hispanic Outreach Group
|
|
County Non-Profit Spotlight
Each month in 2023, we will share information about non-profit resources in Montgomery County in hopes that those in need receive assistance.
This month we feature
Matthew's Light
|
|
Matthew's Light is a nonprofit dedicated to helping those in need regardless of faith, orientation, affiliation or other man-conceived descriptor that tries to separate and divide us. With our invaluable volunteers and partners, we strive to improve the lives of those struggling with poverty, homelessness and food insecurity.
Matthew's Light is faith based but we serve without obligation or expectation. We are commanded to love our neighbor as ourselves, there are no exceptions. We treat all of God's children with dignity and respect while trying to reignite their hope and faith.
|
|
The Dignity Index
One Woman Is Holding Politicians Accountable for Nasty Speech. It’s Changing Politics.
She was a Republican appointee, religious Mormon, and grandmother of ten. Then she began to wonder: what if politicians got rewarded for resisting contempt?
Thanks to Charlie Lindahl for sharing
|
|
Training Resources - sign up now!!
National Democratic Training Committee has virtual training opportunities for all Democrats. Go to https://traindemocrats.org/events/ to sign up for any of their trainings. |
|
JOE and KAMALA'S CORNER !
|
|
|
Check out our Blue Store at Headquarters
Lots of great bling to show your commitment to Democracy!
|
|
Event Calendar - For more details, click on the image and follow link to the MCDPTX.org website; click on the date to view event.
|
|
Other Groups & Community Events: |
|
IMMIGRATION CLINIC REOPENED- VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! - Lorena Perez McGill |
Can you help?
- Legal consultation
- Set up, clean up, organize
- Speaker
Third Thursdays
5:00 to 9:00pm
24803 Oakhurst Dr. 77386
Questions and Information:
contact Lorena Perez McGill at
email or 202-294-4473.
|
|
Democrats and Progressives of Montgomery County
Morning Breakfast MEETUP
Saturday, February 11, 2023 at 9:00 AM
Start the New Year right - with friends and breakfast!
11133 Interstate 45 S · Conroe, TX
Hosted by Karen Cavanagh
|
|
League of Women Voters Texas Lobby Days
LWVTX Lobby Days is a bi-annual event that coincides with the Texas legislative session. We will have lunch, speakers on our top priorities (Voting Rights & Election Law, Women's Health & Reproductive Rights, Gun Safety, and Public Education), and visits with your legislators at the Capitol.
Here's the schedule:
Lobby Day Training for League Members - Feb. 27th, 12:00pm at the Holiday Inn located at 6000 Middle Fiskville Rd. in Austin
Women Power Texas ~ A Making Democracy Work Dinner - Feb. 27th, 6:30pm at the UT Alumni Center
Lobby Day Advocacy & Legislative Visits - Feb. 28th, 8:00am-12:00pm at the State Capitol (and via social media)
Registration for Lobby Days is $20/person and includes lunch and a limited edition Lobby Days 2023 t-shirt. For more information and to register, click here.
|
|
Paid for by the Montgomery County Texas Democratic Party, www.mcdptx.org. This communication is not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
