Democratic Dispatch Friday February 3, 2017

February 3, 2017/Dispatch

Dear Democrats,

People from across the Commonwealth are clamoring to become politically engaged. Readers of the Dispatch range from those who are newly engaged to those who are veterans of campaigns and organizing. Over the past two weeks I have put some thought into how to answer the question, “What can I do to make a difference in these troubling times?”

Below is a quick overview of what people can do. Feel free to share this information with people if you are being asked for guidance. If you are looking for advice, this gives you an idea of what can be done.

CITIZEN ACTIVISM
Contact your legislators
Contact other legislators
Contact friends and relatives represented by Republicans
Register as a Democrat

CAMPAIGN ACTIVISM
Every community in Mass is having municipal elections in 2017
Builds for the future: the bench, local leaders, campaign skills
Legislative and statewide elections in 2018
Governor and U. S. Senate

POLITICAL PARTY ACTIVISM – MassDems.org
City, town and ward committees
Caucuses to elect delegates in February and March
Platform hearings across the state
State Convention in June votes on Democratic Party Platform

ISSUE ACTIVISM
Choose an issue that you are passionate about
Get involved with a progressive organization
Reproductive freedom
Environmental issues
Immigrant rights

REGISTER DEMOCRATS
Not a time for middle ground
Register friends and neighbors
Reach out to people at rallies, meetings and marches

If people need further assistance there are many sources. Watch the Dispatch for details on some of these areas, especially around political party activism.

Pick something and do it.

Democratically yours,

Kate Donaghue

PS Events and schedules change rapidly. Matt and I work hard to get the most up to date information, but sometimes we don’t receive notices of changes. Weather can cause cancellations and postponements as well. If in doubt, watch MassDems calendar and check with the organizers.

Ideas for Committees – Facebook
There are a number of ways to publicize your Democratic Committee. E-mail lists. press releases, word of mouth, websites and more. In these days of “The Resistance” people are out there looking for you. Facebook is one place where they can find you. In addition to people posting information on their own personal pages, consider a facebook page for you your Committee.
From John Bowes:
Facebook is one of the most powerful social platforms in the world. It’s size alone is a positive for any Democratic Committee. More often than not people are on this platform. Facebook’s push towards local geographic content allows committees to expand connection to people living in the district. Facebook has been collecting information on members’ political profile. Through their advertising feature Committees can target progressive voters by town or city. To maximize the benefit of Facebook, create a Democratic Committee page.
Contact bowes3@yahoo.com for more suggestions and information.

DNC Officers Election Information
If you are interested in the the election of DNC officers here is some information:
Visit: https://www.democrats.org/page/dnc-2016-officer-elections
Use it as your go-to resource to get up-to-date information on the elections process, our Regional Future Forums, and links to live streams of our past Forums. It will continue to evolve as we get closer to the Elections for national office in February.
For an overview of the process go here:
https://medium.com/to-the-left/how-dnc-officers-are-elected-183fe269ecbc#.xjivc0luy
I hope that you find the information helpful.

Information for Committees – Caucus Update
Caucuses this year will be an important way to engage people who want to be involved in governance. The caucuses are a way for people to connect with like minded people in their own city or town. Those who are elected delegate will have a vote on the Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform for the next four years.

The Preliminary Call to Convention has been posted. This has important information for chairs, including a sample press release.

If your community does not have an active town or ward committee, there are procedures for getting a caucus scheduled. If you are interested in more information on scheduling a caucus or forming a town or ward Democratic Committee, you can reach the MDP at contact@massdems.org or me personally at KateDonaghue@aol.com .

The MDP has a comprehensive list of caucuses on line. If you have a friend or relative who wants to engage politically, you can send them information on their local caucus. As a matter of policy, the Dispatch does not include caucuses on our calendar unless they are held in conjunction with a meeting or speaker program.

LINK: http://massdems.org/caucuses/info-for-chairs
This page has links to the schedule, the preliminary call and more.

Mass Senate Community Conversations
COMMONWEALTH COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS 2017
https://malegislature.gov/CC/News
Locations and Hosts:
02/07 SOUTH COAST: Senators Michael Rodrigues, James Timilty, Marc Pacheco and Mark Montigny.
02/28 SOUTH SHORE: Senators John Keenan, Michael Rush, Richard Ross, Patrick O’Connor, and Walter Timilty.
03/07 SOUTHEAST: Senators Vinny deMacedo, Julian Cyr, and Michael Brady.
03/14 CENTRAL MASS: Senators Harriette Chandler, Anne Gobi, Jen Flanagan, Ryan Fattman, and Michael Moore.
03/21 NORTHEAST: Senators Kathleen O’Connor Ives, Bruce Tarr, Eileen Donoghue, and Barbara L’Italien.
03/28 WMASS: Senators Don Humason, Adam Hinds, Eric Lesser, Jim Welch, and Senate President Stan Rosenberg.
04/04 METROWEST: Senators Jamie Eldridge, Karen Spilka, Cynthia Creem and Mike Barrett.
04/11 NORTH SHORE: Senators Joan Lovely, Sal DiDomenico, Jason Lewis, Ken Donnelly and Thomas McGee.

Recurring Sections and Dispatch Information
To subscribe to the Dispatch – send an email to DDemDispatch-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
How to Send an Event to the Dispatch – click here for info

You Have to Laugh Occasionally – Edited by Matt Shear

“U.S. military officials told Reuters that Trump approved his first covert counterterrorism operation without sufficient intelligence…”
Rocky Mountain Mike – I think it’s safe to say that Donald Trump will do everything without sufficient intelligence.

Event details:

02/04/2017 Lincoln DTC Symposium: Moving Forward and Fighting Back
Saturday, February 4, 9 AM – Noon
Bemis Hall, 15 Bedford Road, Lincoln 01773
Agenda will focus on motivation and organizing means of Moving Forward and Fighting Back in the Trump era. Elected officials from the area have been invited to speak. For information contact garyddavis04@gmail.com .

02/04/2017 Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Seth Moulton in Lynn*
Saturday, February 4, 9 AM
Lynn Community Health Center, 269 Union Street, Lynn
Congressman Moulton will hold a roundtable discussion with community members who have been impacted by the Affordable Care Act.

02/04/2017 Marlborough Dems City Committee Meeting
Saturday, February 4, 9:15 AM
Marlborough Library, 35 W. Main Street, Marlborough (Story Hour Room)
After the meeting, at 10:30 am, Danielle Gregoire our State Rep covering W2P1,W3,4,5,6 W7P2, will be available to speak to his constituents. For more info see http://www.marlboroughdcc.org

02/04/2017 First Essex Middlesex Coalition Meeting *
Saturday, February 4, 9:30 AM
Ipswich Town Library, 25 North Main Street Ipswich.
Democratic State Chair Gus Bickford will be the guest speaker.
For more information, contact Kathy Pasquina at kathypasq2@hotmail.com

02/04/2017 Fake News? Real News?
Saturday, February 4, 10 AM
Gilman Room, Holliston Public Library, 752 Washington St., Holliston, MA 01746
Is the difference between fake news and real news giving you the blues? The Holliston Democratic Town Committee invites you to attend a free presentation with Rick Holmes, longtime opinion editor and columnist for the MetroWest Daily News, where he will talk about the many varieties of “fake news” and what we can do about it. This event is free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served.

02/04/2017 College Democrats of Massachusetts Winter Summit at Smith College
Saturday, February 4, 11 AM – 4:30 PM
Smith College Selye Hall, 10 Elm Street Northampton, Massachusetts 01063
The College Democrats of Massachusetts invites you to attend CDM’s Annual Winter Summit. Events for the day include our Constitutional Convention, a Foreign Policy Briefing with a local professor, workshops by our Women’s and Environmental caucuses, and a discussion on reacting to Donald Trump’s election. Guests for the event include: City of Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, Northampton Mayor David J. Narkewicz, Third Hampshire District State Representative Solomon Goldstein- Rose, and other local officials. The admission fee for high-school students is $7.00; all other attendees are requested to pay $5.00 for admission. Register at https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/wsummit17 and for more about College Dems see http://macollegedems.org

02/04/2017 Town Hall Meeting with Congressman Seth Moulton in Gloucester*
Saturday, February 4, 12:30
Rose Baker Senior Center, 6 Manuel F. Lewis Street Gloucester
Moulton will talk about the Inauguration of Donald Trump as well as the Republican plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act. He will also take questions from constituents.
02/04/2017 Humor for Humanity: Jimmy Tingle in the Age of Trump*
Saturday, February 4, 8 PM
Sanders Theatre, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA
Social, political and autobiographical humor from comedian and commentator Jimmy Tingle. Tickets $35, $30, $25; Students: 10% off with valid ID. FREE PARKING is available at the Broadway Garage, 7 Felton St., with your ticket stub. Purchase athttps://www.boxoffice.harvard.edu/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=tingle
This show will engage in profit sharing with certain designated non profits. For details see http://jimmytingle.com
02/06/2017 Progressive Pioneer Valley – Mobilize
Monday, February 6, 6 – 8 PM
South Hadley Public Library, 2 Canal Steet, South Hadley, MA 01075
Now is the moment to create the first Western Mass chapter of Progressive Massachusetts. Come hear how this statewide organization can use its legislative and electoral resources to advance http://www.progressivemass.com/yourwww.progressivemass.com
02/06/2017 Haverhill Democratic City Committee meeting with MA Dems Chair Gus Bickford*
Monday, February 6, 6:30 PM
Haverhill Public Library Auditorium, 99 Main Street, Haverhill, MA 01830
Gus Bickford, the newly elected Chair of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee, will address Haverhill Democrats. The Committee will also be advancing plans for their newly established Strategic Action, Events and Young Dems Groups. The Committee launched these working groups recently to engage members and community friends in the pressing issues brought about by the new administration and to plan for future campaigns. All are welcome to attend, especially anyone interested in joining the Committee. Immediately after the meeting registered Democrats in Haverhill will be holding a caucus at 7:00 PM to elect delegates and alternates to the 2017 Massachusetts Democratic State Convention. For more info contact HDCC Chair Bill Cox at billcoxlaw@aol.com or 978-374-6297.
02/06/2017 MNW Alliance Meeting with Gus Bickford*
Monday, February 6, 7 PM
Restaurant 45, 45 Milford Street, Medway
At the Middlesex, Norfolk, and Worcester Democratic Alliance Meeting, State Party Chair Gus Bickford will be speaking at about 8pm. He will be sharing his thoughts and ideas and will be responding to questions and suggestions. Guests arriving early, 6:00 PM, for food or beverages are asked to email Paul Yorkis at pgyorkis@gmail.com.
02/06/2017 Wilmington Democratic Town Committee Meeting*
Monday, February 6, 7 PM
WCTV: Wilmington Community Television, 10 Waltham St., Wilmington, MA 01887
02/08/2017 Men for Choice 2017 Honoring Cong. Joe Kennedy & State Sen. Dan Wolf
Wednesday, February 8, 6 – 8 PM
Carrie Nation, 11 Beacon Street, Boston
NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts will be presenting their 2017 Men for Choice Awards to Congressman Joseph Kennedy III and State Senator Dan Wolf. This event will be 21+. Early bird tickets (only available until January 13th!): $20; General tickets (after January 13th): $35; Sponsorships start at $150. Tickets and sponsorships available at http://bit.ly/2iFsRLz
02/09/2017 Celebration of Ayanna Pressley’s Birthday
Thursday, February 9, 6 – 8 PM
Dona Habana, 811 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA, 02118.
Join the Friends of Ayanna Pressley in celebrating her 43rd birthday. The suggested levels to fundraise or contribute are:
Sponsor:$1,000; Host:$543; Co-Host:$243; Guest:$143;Friend:$43
Contributions can be made online at:
https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/ap43birthday or by check mailed payable to “Friends of Ayanna Presley” to PO Box 15, Boston, MA 02137. To RSVP, please contact Nai Collymore-Henry at 857-220-7026.
02/09/2017 Chicopee Dems Meeting with Rep. Tosado*
Thursday, February 9, 6:30 PM
Chicopee Public Library, 449 Front Street. Chicopee, MA
Guest speaker, State Representative Jose F. Tosado.
02/09/2017 Maynard Dems Meeting
Thursday, February 9, 7 PM
Trustees Room at the Library, 77 Nason Street, Maynard
Maynard Democratic Town Committee meeting. New members will be voted in and we will continue our discussion of mission and next steps for 2017.
02/09/2017 Gloucester Democratic City Committee meeting*
Thursday, February 9, 7 PM
the Gloucester House Restaurant, 63 Rogers St., Gloucester, MA 01930
Matthew Murray and Dru Tarr will be co-chairing the meeting. Program information TBA. All Democrats and friends are welcome. Admission is free. Come at 7 p.m. for informal conversation, free refreshments and cash bar. The business meeting begins at 7:30. For more info see http://www.gloucesterdemocrats.org
02/09/2017 North Andover Democratic Town Committee Meeting*
Thursday, February 9, 7 PM
North Andover Town Hall, 120 Main Street North Andover
02/11/2017 Holliston DTC Meeting
Saturday, February 11, 10 AM
Selectmen’s Room, Town Hall
02/12/2017 Jeremy Comeau for Canton Selectman Campaign Kick Off*
Sunday, February 12, 2 – 4 PM
Waterfall Bar Grille, 643 Washington St., Canton, MA 02021
Come and support Jeremy’s campaign to become Canton’s next Selectman. Donations may also be sent to the Committee to Elect Jeremy Comeau, Steve MacPherson, Treasurer 578B Chapman Street, Canton, MA 02021
02/13/2017 Leominster Love & Kindness Student Standout*
Monday, February 13, 3:30 PM
Downtown Leominster (Monument Square)
A Celebration of Community Promoting Kindness and Acceptance of All. Feel free to bring: a flag from your country of origin . . . a large red heart made out of poster boar with a slogan, such as “Love” “Peace,” or an image. We will also have a singalong of patriotic songs. organized by Leominster School Committee members Wendy Anderson, Heather Poirier Mazzaferro, State Representative Natalie Higgins, Leominster 8th grader Josh Anderson, and Fitchburg School Committee member Sally Cragin.
02/13/2017 Celebrate Maura Healey’s Birthday*
Monday, February 13, 5:30 – 7 PM
Central Wharf Company, 160 Milk St., Boston, MA
Tix: $46 to commemorate 46 years. Please RSVP to Tara Healey at Tara@MauraHealey.com. Purchase tickets at https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/celebrate46
02/13/2017 Wayland Democratic Town Committee Meeting
Monday, February 13, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
110 Grill, 171 Commonwealth Rd. (Rt. 30 at 27), Wayland
Gather at 6:30 for socializing. Meeting begins at 7:00. Advance RSVP required. Email WDTC Chair Michael Gilbreath at gildell@mac.com.
02/15/2017 Beverly Democratic City Committee Meeting*
Wednesday, February 15, 7:30 PM
Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex Street, Beverly
For information, contact Chairman Duane Anderson at 978-922-2368.
02/15/2017 Reading Democratic Town Committee Meeting *
Wednesday, February 15, 7:30 PM
Reading Library, downstairs in Community Room A
02/16/2017 Hopkinton DTC Meeting and Caucus*
Thursday, February 16, 6:30 PM
Hopkinton Town Hall, 18 Main St., Hopkinton, MA 01748Business
Business meeting, immediately following caucus.
02/16/2017 AG Maura Healey Town Hall Meeting in Brookline
Thursday, February 16, 7 PM
Brookline High School 115 Greenough St, Brookline, MA
Please join Attorney General Maura Healey and organizers for a post-election Town Hall meeting. So much is at stake and we need to act to build on and protect the progress we’ve made in our communities, throughout Massachusetts and across the nation. Come hear what the Attorney General intends to do and how you can get involved. Note: This event is free an open to the public. Guests are asked to register in advance because seating is limited.
RSVP Here: https://goo.gl/forms/3mPNLbJw51o7AjGF3
02/16/2017 Wellesley Dems Meeting
Thursday, February 16, 7:30 PM
Wellesley Community Center,
Monthly meeting of the Wellesley Democratic Town Committee.
For more information contact secretary@wellesleydems.org
Futures meeting dates: 3/14, 4/13, 5/9, 6/15.
02/17/2017 Wayland Dems 3rd Friday Breakfast
Friday, February 17, 7 – 9 AM
Mel’s Commonwealth Cafe, 310 Commonwealth Rd., Wayland, MA 01778 (Rt. 30 at East Plain St.)
Join us for eggs and conversation over easy. Stop in when you can and stay as long as you like. Candidates who wish to speak please contact WDTC Chair Michael Gilbreath at gildell@mac.com. Address questions to same or for more info visit https://www.facebook.com/waylanddems
02/18/2017 Greater Lowell Area Democrats (GLAD) Monthly Breakfast Meeting
Saturday, February 18, 8 – 10 AM
Independence Bar & Grill/Radisson, 10 Independence Dr., Chelmsford, Massachusetts 01824
$7 requested donation to cover room and breakfast. GLAD member communities: Bedford, Billerica, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Dracut, Groton, Lowell, Pepperell, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro and Westford. For more info email sweeney133@verizon.net.
02/18/2017 Yarmouth Dems Meeting
Saturday, February 18, 1 PM
Selectmen’s Room, Town Hall, Yarmouth
Monthly meeting of the Yarmouth Democratic Town Committee. All Yarmouth Democrats are invited to attend. Entrance will be from the side door. Questions: contact Bob Isadore at velore20@gmail.com.
Meeting dates: 3/4, 4/15, 5/20, 6/17, 8/19, 9/16, 10/21, 11/18.
02/18/2017 A Conversation with MA Dems Chair Gus Bickford – Outer Cape
Saturday, February 18, 1 – 3 PM
Preservation Hall 355 Main Street, Wellfleet
Organized by the Outer Cape Democratic Coalition. Democratic State Party Chair Gus Bickford will highlight the role of Massachusetts grassroots organizations in preserving and protecting our democracy. For more information please contact Lydia Vivante at 508-237-3133 or wellfleetdems@gmail.com.
02/18/2017 Holliston Dems Comedy Night
Saturday, February 18, 7:30 PM
Anthony’s on the Green, 212 Prentice St, Holliston, MA 01746
Laughter is the best medicine. Join the Holliston Demcoratic Town Committee and Graig Murphy, rising star on the Boston comedy scene. You get a great night out and support local grassroots candidate. Tickets are $35 and include admission, coffee and light refreshments. Cash bar. To purchase tickets contact Megan O’Brien at obrinemegn@aol.com or Lee DeSorgher at desorgherl@verizon.net.
02/20/2017 Shrewsbury DTC Caucus and Meeting
Monday, February 20, 7 PM
Community Room at Southgate, 30 Julio Drive, Shrewsbury.
Our meetings are open to any interested Democrat, not just members! For more information contact ShrewsburyDTC@Gmail.com.
02/21/2017 YDMA Event with Former US Senator Mo Cowan
Tuesday, February 21, 5:30 PM
Mintz Levin One Financial Center, 38th Floor Boston
Young Democrats of Massachusetts Black Caucus Kickoff with special guest, former US Senator Mo Cowan.
https://www.facebook.com/events/1802208350044984/
02/21/2017 Westborough DTC Meeting with Jay Gonzalez*
Tuesday, February 21, 7 PM
Tatnuck Bookseller, 18 Lyman Street, Westborough
Jay Gonzalez, candidate for Governor, will be addressing the group. For more information contact KateDonaghue@aol.com.
02/22/2017 Natick Democratic Town Committee Meeting
Wednesday, February 22, 7 PM
Natick Town Hall, 13 E. Central Street, Natick MA 01760 3rd Floor Training Room
For more information visit http://www.natickdems.org/
02/22/2017 Stow DTC Meeting*
Wednesday, February 22, 7:15 PM
Stow Library
02/23/2017 Watertown Dems Meeting with Boston City Councilor Josh Zakim
Thursday, February 23, 7:30 PM
Lower Hearing Room of the Watertown Town Hall, 149 Main Street, Watertown.
Monthly meeting of Watertwon Democratic Town Committee.
Contact watertowndems@gmail.com
02/25/2017 Worcester County Democratic Organizing Breakfast
Saturday, February 25, 9 – 11 AM
The Manor Banquet Facility, 42 W. Boylston St., West Boylston, MA 01583
Join Congressman McGovern for a Worcester County Organizing Breakfast. Join Democratic leaders and activists from around Worcester County for breakfast and breakout sessions to help build on our strong Democratic base in Central Massachusetts. Breakfast: 9:00 -10:00 AM; Breakout Sessions: 10:00 -11:00 AM. Tickets: $25/Students: $10/Table: $150 (Limited space. Open to City/Town Committees or interested groups.) Donations can be made online at https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/dembkfast2017 or by mail. Checks payable to: Re-Elect McGovern Committee, PO Box 60405, Worcester, MA 01606. Kindly RSVP to Seth@JimMcGovern.com. For questions or more information please call Seth Nadeau at 508-795-1998.
02/27/2017 Ludlow Democratic Town Committee Meeting
Monday, February 27, 7 PM
Ludlow High School, 500 Chapin Street
For more info contact LDTC Chair Jake Oliveira at jake.oliveira@gmail.com.
02/27/2017 Marblehead Democratic Town Committee *
Monday, February 27, 7 – 9 PM
Marblehead Community Center, 10 Humphrey Street, Marblehead, MA
02/28/2017 Salem Democratic City Committee Monthly Meeting
Tuesday, February 28, 7 – 8:30 PM
135 Lafayette St., Salem, MA 01970-4828
Monthly Meeting of the Salem Democratic City Committee. We will be devoting a good portion of this meeting to our platform discussion. All members, Salem Democrats and Democratic friends welcome. For more info see http://www.facebook.com/salemdemocrats
03/04/2017 Ludlow Democratic Town Committee Annual Breakfast
Saturday, March 4, 9:30 AM
Villa Rose Restaurant 1428 Center St, Ludlow, MA 01056
For more info contact LDTC Chair Jake Oliveira at jake.oliveira@gmail.com.
03/04/2017 Policy Summit with State Senator Julian Cyr
Saturday, March 4, 1 – 5 PM
Cape Cod Community College, 2240 Iyannough Road, West Barnstable, MA 02668
This is the rescheduled date for this event. More info: meaghan@juliancyr.com. RSVP: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/policy-summit-with-state-senator-julian-cyr-tickets-30530092328
03/04/2017 Yarmouth Dems Meeting
Saturday, March 4, 1 PM
Selectmen’s Room, Town Hall, Yarmouth
Monthly meeting of the Yarmouth Democratic Town Committee. All Yarmouth Democrats are invited to attend. Entrance will be from the side door. Questions: contact Bob Isadore at velore20@gmail.com.
Meeting dates:4/15, 5/20, 6/17, 8/19, 9/16, 10/21, 11/18.
03/05/2017 North Andover Democratic Town Committee Breakfast*
Sunday, March 5, 9 AM
North Andover Country Club, 500 Great Pond Road, North Andover
Doors open at 9am. Buffet begins at 9:30am.
After breakfast, guests will hear from many of our local and state Democratic officials and candidates. Alocal Democrat will be recognized as the 2017 North Andover Democrat of the Year. For tickets, please email or call Chris Allen: 978-886-4846 or nandoverchris@hotmail.com Tickets are $30 each; Tables (10 people) are $300.
https://www.facebook.com/events/646683942186106/
03/08/2017 Longmeadow Democratic Town Committee Meeting
Wednesday, March 8, 7:30 – 8:30 PM
Greenwood Center dining room, 231 Maple Rd., Longmeadow
Our annual meeting when we meet in groups to discuss important issues submitted by LDTC Members. For more info email LongmeadowDemocrats@gmail.com.
03/09/2017 Wayland Democratic Town Committee Meeting*
Thursday, March 9, 6:30 – 8:30 PM
110 Grill, 171 Commonwealth Rd. (Rt. 30 at 27), Wayland
Gather at 6:30 for socializing. Meeting begins at 7:00. Advance RSVP required. Email WDTC Chair Michael Gilbreath at gildell@mac.com.
03/09/2017 North Andover Democratic Town Committee Caucus and Meeting*
Thursday, March 9, 7 PM
North Andover Town Hall 2nd Floor. 120 Main Street, North Andovver
Meeting will immediately follow the caucus.
03/11/2017 Marlborough Dems City Committee Meeting
Saturday, March 11, 9:15 AM
Marlborough Library, 35 W. Main Street, Marlborough (Story Hour Room)
After the meeting, at 10:30 am, Carmine Gentile our State Rep covering W1, W2P2, W7P1, will be available to speak to his constituents. For more info see http://www.marlboroughdcc.org
03/15/2017 Beverly Democratic City Committee Meeting*
Wednesday, March 15, 7:30 PM
Beverly Public Library, 32 Essex Street, Beverly
For information, contact Chairman Duane Anderson at 978-922-2368.
03/16/2017 AG Maura Healey’s Post- Election Town Hall – Malden/Melrose*
Thursday, March 16, 7 – 8:30 PM
Location TBA
Please join Attorney General Maura Healey and organizers with Metro North Democrats (a joint project of the Malden, Melrose and Wakefield Democratic City/Town Committees) for a post-election Town Hall meeting. So much is at stake and we need to act to build on and protect the progress we’ve made in our communities, throughout Massachusetts and across the nation. Come hear what the Attorney General intends to do and how you can get involved. Note: This event is free and open to the public. Guests are asked to register in advance because seating is limited. RSVP https://goo.gl/forms/IJAaoyahZ7X5M2zR2
03/17/2017 Wayland Dems 3rd Friday Breakfast*
Friday, March 17, 7 – 9 AM
Mel’s Commonwealth Cafe, 310 Commonwealth Rd., Wayland, MA 01778 (Rt. 30 at East Plain St.)
Join us for eggs and conversation over easy. Stop in when you can and stay as long as you like. Candidates who wish to speak please contact WDTC Chair Michael Gilbreath at gildell@mac.com. Address questions to same or for more info visit https://www.facebook.com/waylanddems
03/18/2017 Greater Lowell Area Democrats (GLAD) Monthly Breakfast Meeting
Saturday, March 18, 8 – 10 AM
Independence Bar & Grill, 10 Independence Dr., Chelmsford, Massachusetts 01824
$7 requested donation to cover room and breakfast. GLAD member communities: Bedford, Billerica, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Dracut, Groton, Lowell, Pepperell, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro and Westford. For more info email sweeney133@verizon.net.
03/20/2017 Marblehead Democratic Town Committee *
Monday, March 20, 7 PM
Marblehead Community Center, 10 Humphrey Street, Marblehead, MA
03/22/2017 Natick Democratic Town Committee Meeting
Wednesday, March 22, 7 PM
Natick Town Hall, 13 E. Central Street, Natick MA 01760 3rd Floor Training Room
For more information visit http://www.natickdems.org/
03/25/2017 Attleboro Southeastern Mass Unity Brunch*
Saturday, March 25, 9 AM
Murray Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 N Main Street, Attleboro
Attleboro 20th Annual Southeastern Massachusetts Democratic Spring Unity Brunch.
$20 per person, $15 for students.
CONFIRMED GUESTS: Secretary of State Bill Galvin; Former State Treasurer and Former DNC Chair: Steve Grossman; District Attorney: Tom Quinn; State Representative: Paul Heroux; Governors Councilor: Robert Jubinville; Candidate for Governor, Jay Gonzalez; Mass Dems State Party Chair: Gus Bickford. Tickets will be available at the door. Tickets can be also purchased in advance by mailing a check payable to Attleboro Democratic City Committee Treasurer, Jackie Romaniecki, 120 Augsburg Drive Attleboro MA
Further Details This event is hosted annually by the Attleboro Democratic City Committee. For further information Ellen Parker at 508-222-3062 or e-mail us at Elparker2@gmail.com
04/15/2017 Yarmouth Dems Meeting*
Saturday, April 15, 1 PM
Selectmen’s Room, Town Hall, Yarmouth
Monthly meeting of the Yarmouth Democratic Town Committee. All Yarmouth Democrats are invited to attend. Entrance will be from the side door. Questions: contact Bob Isadore at velore20@gmail.com.
Meeting dates: 5/20, 6/17, 8/19, 9/16, 10/21, 11/18.
04/15/2017 Tax Day March Boston*
Saturday, April 15, 1 PM
City Hall Plaza, Boston
http://taxmarch.org/marches/
https://www.facebook.com/taxmarch/
ALL ARE WELCOME. We encourage anybody and everybody who demands to see Trump’s tax returns to join us.
04/20/2017 AG Maura Healey’s Post- Election Town Hall – Worcester*
Thursday, April 20, 7 – 8:30 PM
Worcester location TBA
Please join Attorney General Maura Healey and organizers for a post-election Town Hall meeting. So much is at stake and we need to act to build on and protect the progress we’ve made in our communities, throughout Massachusetts and across the nation. Come hear what the Attorney General intends to do and how you can get involved. Note: This event is free an open to the public. Guests are asked to register in advance because seating is limited. RSVP https://goo.gl/forms/x72ONgj1fIFxvlB42
04/29/2017 DSC Meeting*
Saturday, April 29
Barnstable County
Watch massdems.org for details.
04/30/2017 Longmeadow Democratic Town Committee Democrat of the Year Award Breakfast
Sunday, April 30, 9:30 AM
Twin Hills Country Club, 700 Wolf Swamp Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106
Annual LDTC gala award event. Democrat of the Year: Senate President Stanley Rosenberg. Also to be recognized and congratulated: Congressman Richard E. Neal–Ranking Democratic Member of the House Ways and Means Committee. For more info see https://www.facebook.com/longmeadowdems or email LongmeadowDemocrats@gmail.com.
05/06/2017 Jefferson Jackson Dinner
Saturday, May 6
Doubletree Hilton, Rt 28, Hyannis
SAVE THE DATE!
05/13/2017 3rd Middlesex Area Democrats Annual Spring Breakfast
Saturday, May 13, 9 AM – Noon
Hilton Garden Inn, 450 Totten Pond Road, Waltham
Themes: Recognizing volunteer success in Massachusetts and New Hampshire; Motivation and Means of Moving Forward and Fighting Back in the Trump era. Elected officials serving the Middlesex area have been invited to speak. For information or to purchase tickets contact garyddavis04@gmail.com.
05/20/2017 Greater Lowell Area Democrats (GLAD) Monthly Breakfast Meeting
Saturday, May 20, 8 – 10 AM
Independence Bar & Grill/Radisson, 10 Independence Dr., Chelmsford, Massachusetts 01824
$7 requested donation to cover room and breakfast. GLAD member communities: Bedford, Billerica, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Dracut, Groton, Lowell, Pepperell, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro and Westford. For more info email sweeney133@verizon.net.
06/03/2017 Massachusetts Democratic State Convention*
Saturday, June 3, 10 AM
Tsongas Arena, Lowell
Watch www.massdems.org for details.
07/08/2017 Yarmouth Dems Annual Barbecue
Saturday, July 8
SAVE THE DATE!
11/14/2017 DSC Meeting*
Tuesday, November 14
Save the date.
Watch massdems.org for details.
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Caucus and Convention Information
The method of selecting delegates was approved on November 14 by the DSC.
Please refer to this document (once is is posted) for information on the process. Some of the key dates are listed here:
Deadline for notifying MDP of caucus date: January 27, 2017
Caucus window: February 4 to April 2, 2017
Convention date: June 3, 2017 in Lowell
NOTE: The DSC voted to allow sixteen and seventeen year old pre-registered Democrats to take part in the State Convention and vote on the party platform at the 2017 Democratic State Convention, if they become delegates. Preregistered Democrats who will be age 18 by the anticipated date of the 2018 primary will be able to participate in caucuses and run for delegate or to apply to become youth add-on delegates.
PLATFORM: Since it is a platform convention, caucuses usually go fairly quickly. This makes it easier to have a committee meeting in conjunction with your local caucus. A specific time for a caucus is required. For example it it is not allowed to have the caucus follow the adjournment of a committee meeting. But a committee meeting can immediately following the adjournment of a caucus. With the very long window it is easy to schedule a caucus on the same day as a regular meeting. With the provision to have candidates who are absent be able to run under specified conditions, many committees find this to be a practical way to proceed.

Submitting Events
Please send us your Democratic events. We want to publicize what you are doing. We usually go to press on Friday AM, so make sure you send your info no later than Thursday evening to get into that week’s issue.
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The Democratic Dispatch is a more or less weekly e-mail newsletter for Democratic events across the state. Your editors are Kate Donaghue and Matt Shear. Pace Willisson handles the tech stuff. We edit this as volunteers as our way of promoting the Democratic Party, Democratic candidates and the Democratic Platform. The positions represented in the regular “Greetings from Kate” or “Greetings from Matt” reflect our personal positions, and not those of the Democratic Party.

Thanks! Kate Donaghue (and Matt Shear)

Ideas for Committees – Choosing Your Caucus TIme
The caucus window for 2017 is February 4th – April 2nd. This gives Committees a lot of flexibility. In a platform committee year, the caucus is usually fairly quick. Many committees find that it is helpful to have a committee meeting in conjunction with their caucus. The caucus has to be at a time certain so it is generally best to have the caucus first, immediately followed by a committee meeting. Sometimes committees schedule a meeting first, followed by their caucus an hour later. That is allowed, but has the disadvantage that if your meeting is quick, people are waiting for the caucus to start. Additionally, if non-members come at the published time for the caucus, they may not be aware of a meeting that they might otherwise have attended.
SUMMARY OF CAUCUS INFORMATION.
– notify the MDP office of your caucus NO LATER THAN January 27th.
– eligible young people who PREREGISTER as Democrats may vote at a caucus.
– Platform Convention is June 3rd in Lowell
Method of Selecting Delegates: http://bit.ly/2hOPXyq
Link to post a caucus: http://bit.ly/2hfrWQm
Town/ward chairs http://www.massdems.org/index.php/your-party/town-and-ward-committees
If the contact information listed is not accurate, please notify the MDP by e-mail at mmurray@massdems.org .

E-Mail Lists/Campaign Contacts
SEND ME INFORMATION ON YOUR LIST If your list is not listed here, or the information that I have needs to be changed, just send an e-mail to DDemDispatch-owner@yahoogroups.com.

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1EM Alliance (Gloucester area Democrats) -Contact kathypasq2@hotmail.com
3rd MAD (Middlesex Area Dems) – http://3rdMAD.org/ or http://www.facebook.com/groups/3rdmad email rwallhagen@aol.com or mara@maradolan.com
4th MAD (Middlesex Area Dems) listserv – email 4thMiddlesexSenate-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Berkshire area – berkshires4demchange@yahoogroups.com
Bershire Brigades – email sheila@berkshirebrigades.com
Cape and Island Democrats – http://www.capeandislandsdemocrats.org/ email: velore20@msn.com
College Dems of MA – http://macollegedems.org
GLAD (Greater Lowell Area Democrats) – sweeney133@comcast.net
Greater Blackstone Valley Dems – http://www.gbvdems.org
Kids for Democracy – (for kids & teens) contact anitagc@kidsfordemocracy.org
List for DTC activists – MassDemsGuide-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Merrimack Valley Young Democrats – https://www.facebook.com/YDM.MV
Middlesex County Democrats listserv – email MiddlesexCountyDems-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
MNWAlliance (Splika district)-AllianceDems-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
MWDems (Eldridge District) – MWDems-owner@yahoogroups.com
North Shore Update – NorthShoreDemocraticUpdate-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Organizing for Action – http://www.barackobama.com – Contact Marianne Rutter, mariannerutter@yahoo.com or Hanna Gerhard, hannagerhard67@gmail.com
Plymouth County Democratic League – Facebook “Plymouth County Democratic League” contact: PCDL Chairman, John Bowes bowes3@yahoo.com
South Shore Democratic News – contact jim@jimcantwell.com
South Shore Democrats – http://www.SouthShoreDemocrats.org contact: newsdesk@southshoredemocrats.org
South Shore Democratic Caucus – aliceandrob88@gmail.com

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CONTACT INFORMATION:
PARTY INFORMATION
Massachusetts Democratic Party:
11 Beacon St, Suite 410
Boston, MA 02110
Tel: 617-939-0800 Fax: 617-426-5126

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