January 31, 2021
St. Johns County Democratic Party
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71 South Dixie Highway, Suite 6
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Telephone: 904-825-2336
Office Currently Open by Appointment Only
Due to COVID Surge
stjohnsdemocraticparty@gmail.com
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Please note: This is a long newsletter,
so be sure to click on the link at the end to expand and read the entire email.
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Dear Friends,
Hard to believe it's been only 10 days since President Biden and Vice-President Harris were sworn in. They hit the ground running and have already made many significant changes to begin righting the ship. According to the New York Times, President Biden has now signed "about 45 executive orders, memorandums or proclamations enacting or at least initiating major policy shifts on a wide array of issues, including the coronavirus pandemic, racial justice, immigration, climate change and transgender rights." The path forward will not be easy with the need to balance bipartisanship with progressive change, let alone the raging pandemic and Senate trial of the former president. We stand united in support of the Biden-Harris administration and look forward to doing all we can to promote their agenda through the challenges that lie ahead. At the same time, we are focusing on reclaiming Florida by pushing back on harmful state legislation and local actions, and by supporting Democratic candidates who reflect our values. We invite you to join our crusade by making a financial contribution to the St. Johns Democrats and/or by volunteering for one of the many opportunities described in this newsletter. Thank you for your support!
--Robin Dion, Chair, St. Johns County Democratic Party
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JAN. 20TH, 2021: DEMOCRACY PREVAILED! |
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The Florida legislature is at it again, trying to subvert the will of the voters, especially ex-felons. More than 60% of Florida's voters approved a constitutional amendment last fall that would increase the minimum wage to $15 per hour by the year 2026. But State Sen. Jeff Brandes (R-St. Petersburg) filed Senate Joint Resolution 854, which if approved, would allow individuals, including youth under the age of 21, convicted felons, and prison inmates, to be paid less than minimum wage.
If you live in St. Johns County, Sen. Travis Hutson represents you in the Florida Senate. As his constituent, please call, email, or otherwise contact him, and implore him not to support this bill. In the words of Orlando attorney John Morgan, “This proposed resolution is a patently unconstitutional attempt to undermine the will of the voters, who resoundingly voted to ensure all of Florida’s low-wage workers are paid enough to live and work with dignity.”
Senator Travis Hutson
District office: (386) 446-7610
Tallahassee office: (850) 487-5007
Email using the form on this site: https://www.flsenate.gov/Senators/s7
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Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/StJohnsDemocrats
to receive future Calls to Action!
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Black History Month: Read About the St. Augustine Four |
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"Audrey Nell, a spunky warrior for civil rights, was part of a group known as the 'St. Augustine Four.' They were young people with uncommon courage. They spoke up. They spoke out. They broke color lines and leaned hard against the arc of the moral universe — all at great personal cost." Washington Post, February 1, 2021
READ THE RIVETING STORY OF AUDREY NELL EDWARDS, the last of the St. Augustine Four, in today's Washington Post HERE
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Lincolnville from the Civil War to Civil Rights: Feb. 10th, 5 PM |
In honor of Black History Month, the St. Johns County Democratic Women's Club will host the program "Lincolnville From the Civil War to Civil Rights" on February 10th at 5:00 pm via Zoom. Our guest speaker will be Regina Gayle Phillips, Executive Director Lincolnville Museum and Cultural Center.
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For information and to obtain the Zoom link, contact: Pamela Mirelson, President, DWC SJC at mirelsonp@gmail.com or call 904-502-3245.
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FEB. 18TH, 6:30 PM: DEC MEETING |
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The DEC meets on the third Thursday of each month via Zoom, at 6:30 PM. Attendance is welcome by any registered Democrat interested in learning about our activities or joining the team. Please register for the meeting in advance if you are attending as a guest. DEC members will receive a separate Zoom link.
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JOIN OUR TEAM!
St. Johns Dems are laying the foundation for a vigorous effort to elect Democrats at state and local levels in 2022.
Please consider joining our team as a committee member, precinct leader, or club/caucus member. All training and resources provided!
If you are a guest, please REGISTER for this event in advance here. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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DEC COMMITTEES
Voter Registration Team
Campaign Committee
Volunteer and Community Engagement
Candidate Committee
Legislative Affairs (local and state)
Digital Communication and Technology
Fundraising Committee
Diversity and Inclusion
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DEC PRECINCT LEADERS
Precinct Leaders reach out to registered Democrats in their own precincts, providing voter information and encouraging election participation. They identify potential volunteers and work closely with the Campaign Committee to conduct get-out-the-vote activities. Please contact stjohnsdemocraticparty@gmail.com for more information.
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Feb. 3rd at 6:30 PM: Environmental Caucus Meeting |
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A BIG WIN FOR LAND CONSERVATION IN ST JOHNS COUNTY!
After years of advocacy by many county residents and local environmental and land trust organizations, the Land Acquisition Management Program was reinstated on Jan. 19th, 2021. In the words of John Pilecki, the St. Johns County Environmental Caucus president, "Kudos to County Commissioners Dean, Whitehurst and Blocker for their votes to preserve land for public use and conserve the best of what St. Johns County has to offer it's citizens."
The Democratic Environmental Caucus will meet on Thursday, February 3rd, at 6:30 pm for a discussion of the National Parks of Cuba. The people who staff the parks and biological stations are enthusiastic and dedicated to conserving their country's natural resources. Nana Royer will share her photos and experiences of her visits to Cuba with the Friendship Association (St Augustine) with observations on efforts, despite inadequate funding, to preserve the environment.
For the link to the meeting, and/or information on joining the caucus for 2021, please contact John Pilecki at johnpilecki@gmail.com
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Feb. 8th at 6 PM: Democratic Black Caucus
Interest Meeting for St. Johns County
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Racial equality, justice and representation are core values of the Democratic party. We are thrilled to announce that Jaime Perkins, a strong community activist, organizer, business owner, and former candidate for Florida House, is leading the effort to build a vibrant Black Caucus in St. Johns County. As a Precinct Leader for precinct 207, she is well-positioned to champion the black community in St. Johns County. |
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Join our St. Johns County
Interest Meeting Feb. 8th at 6 PM!
The Democratic Black Caucus of Florida aims to increase social, economic and political awareness; support elected and appointed Democratic officials; and offer advocacy and outreach to all demographics and classifications of Blacks throughout the state.
A representative of the state caucus will host an interest meeting for St. Johns County residents on Feb. 8th at 6 PM, together with our local leader, Jaime Perkins.
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St. Johns Democrats Sponsors Leadership Retreat for
Florida College Democrats
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The St. Johns County Democratic Party is proud to be a sponsor of the Florida College Democrats' Leadership Retreat in January 2021. College Democrats are a vital part of the Democratic Party and sponsorship helps support their chapters, membership expansion projects, tools and technology for organizing, and leadership development efforts. |
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Feb. 15th at 6:30 PM: Young Democrats Meeting |
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Election of Officers
Nominations accepted until Feb. 14th. Anyone from age 14 to 40 is welcome to join this club as a member or run for a leadership position. St. Johns County has produced many young progressive activists. Some are leading community organizations or events, others serve as elected officials, and still more have served as campaign managers. On Feb. 15th, we plan to elect officers.
Click here for the Zoom registration link and help spread the word to all of your left-leaning social networks! |
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Are you a veteran and a Democrat? We invite you to learn about the Democratic Veteran's Caucus! One of the original organizers of the Democratic Veterans Caucus of Florida, Mildred "Milli" Smith, is working to establish a chapter right here in St. Johns County!
Ms. Smith was awarded a 2004 Congressional Black Caucus Veterans Braintrust Award and a 2008 Florida State Conference NAACP Veterans Meritorious Award for her advocacy on behalf of veterans. She is a also charter member of Women in the Military Service Memorial, is a living memorial of military women in Arlington, Virginia.
In general, the caucus promotes the election of Democratic veterans at all levels – local, state, and national; encourages non-veteran, Democratic candidates who support veteran issues; and increases the involvement of all Democratic veterans in the electoral process as candidates, policy experts and advisers, and campaign volunteers. Please contact Milli Smith at millijr@gmail.com or stjohnsdemocraticparty@gmail.com for more information.
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Feb. 28th: Virtual Book Discussion for SCJ Democrats |
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ANNOUNCING THE FIRST DEC VIRTUAL BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP!
February 28th, 6:30 PM
Hosted by the chair of our Volunteer Engagement and Community Outreach team, Joanne Pero, we will start with Stacey Abrams' seminal work. It is widely believed that Ms. Abrams' organizing efforts are in large part responsible for Democrats' success in the Georgia runoff elections that led to us taking control of the U.S. Senate. Living in a red state, we can undoubtedly learn some important lessons from her blueprint for taking back our country. Order your copy now and REGISTER HERE to join our discussion!
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Feb. 8th: Northwest SJC United for Progress Democratic Club |
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The Northwest St Johns County United for Progress club will celebrate its 4th birthday on Feb. 8th!
We will also elect our new officers and hear about their vision for the coming year. Program at 7 PM, with a social beginning at 6:30 PM.
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Feb. 9th: St. Augustine Democratic Club Organizational Meeting |
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The organizational meeting and election of officers will be held via Zoom at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, February 9. The link for the Zoom meeting will be sent out to members prior to the meeting.
Any St. Johns County Democrat interested in joining the club can download the attached membership form and return it with the $20 membership fee to Nell Toensmann to the address on the form. The membership fee can be paid by cash or check, payable to St Augustine Democratic Club. Click here for the St. Augustine Democratic Club Membership Form
For more information about the St. Augustine Democratic Club, contact Nell Toensmann at 904-484-4960 or nelltoensmann@gmail.com or Bob Hellermann at 386-689-0595 or bobteach@aol.com.
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Feb. 10th at 6:30 PM: Ponte Vedra Democratic Club Meeting |
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The Executive Branch of Government |
This year, PV Dems will host the first of a non-contiguous series in 2021 on the three branches of government. Join us by Zoom on February 10 at 6:30 PM for a fascinating look at the White House and its role as the executive branch of government. What can – and can’t – it do? Particularly important in the aftermath of the Trump administration and how all the ills can be corrected. Jacksonville University political
science professor Dr. Austin Trantham will present. Click here for Zoom link. Meeting ID: 880 4713 5915; Passcode: 303011
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This meeting will also feature a vote to affirm the slate of candidates for PV Dems Club Officers and Board presented at the January meeting.
For further info, contact Jan Kary at 202-438-6750 or jkary@verizon.net
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Democratic Party of St Johns County |
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Or by check payable to St Johns County Democratic Party mailed to the office.
Please Note: Contributions to Political Parties are not tax-deductible.
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For more information contact: |
St. Johns County Democratic Party | 904-825-2336
71 South Dixie Highway, Suite 6
St. Augustine, FL 32084
Please note: The DEC office is currently open by appointment only due to the rise in COVID rates in St. Johns County. We will re-assess the situation in mid-February.
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