Democratic Dispatch, January 27: Activism, Events and More

January 27, 2017/Dispatch

Democratic Dispatch, January 27: Activism, Events and More

Dear Democrats,

The highs and lows of this past week since the inauguration of the president have been unprecedented. The highs include the Women’s Marches with estimated attendance over five million at registered marches. That doesn’t include small local marches that people organized including those in nursing homes complete with people using canes, walkers and wheelchairs. I don’t think that there is any need for me to talk about the lows.

I am going to focus briefly on two areas in my remarks here today. What can an individual do to make a difference and be part of our resistance? What can Democratic groups do to reach out to newly energized people to get folks involved?

The success of Saturday’s marches is a testament to the power of an individual action in an atmosphere when people want to get involved. A few people posted on facebook the idea of a women’s march on the day following the inauguration. It went viral. But it took much more than a post on facebook to make it happen.

In brief people can make a difference in three overall areas:
* Involvement with the Democratic Party. Caucuses are coming up over the next few months. We are expanding our infrastructure to increase out effectiveness in the upcoming 2018 elections.
* Issue advocacy. Much can be done right now around issue advocacy either through organizations or your own efforts.
* Involvement with campaigns: Elections will be happening in 2017 in every municipality in Massachusetts. We have a Governor’s election and the midterms in 2018.

A silver lining is that people who have not engaged actively in the past are ready to engage. Every event I attend has people who have never participated in a comparable meeting in the past.

What can Democratic groups do to reach out to newly energized people to get people involved? The answer is simple. Do something and tell people about it.

Now, more than ever. Democratic groups need to publicize what you are doing. Use newspapers, community calendars, social media and word of mouth to spread the word about events. Events don’t have to be large to publicize them. You can plan coffee with a friend on Saturday morning and publicize it as “Coffee and Conversation.” For those who are interested do some voter registration after you gather.

These are longer than my usual opening remarks. The fact that you are reading this newsletter is a testament to the power of the individual. What started off as a group e-mail to a handful of people has become a newsletter that is utilized by thousands of people across the Commonwealth.

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.

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.

Friday, January 27 is the deadline for scheduling a caucus and notifying the Mass Dems. Caucuses that were scheduled prior to January 23 have now been posted on the Mass Dems site; this information will be updated as future caucuses are scheduled.

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 it is 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:
01/31 BOSTON: Senators Joe Boncore, Will Brownsberger, Pat Jehlen, Sonia Chang-Diaz and Linda Dorcena Forry.
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.

To subscribe to the Dispatch – send an email to DDemDispatch-subscribe@yahoogroups.com

Weekly joke – click here to read You Have to Laugh Occasionally – Edited by Matt Shear
LOLGOP, Modified by Matt – Crowd Scientists Say Women’s March in Washington Had 3 Times More People Than Trump’s inauguration. … They considered telling them Trump’s having another inauguration to clear the crowd out.

Frank Conniff – My favorite Eagles song: You Can’t Hide Your Alternative Facts Eyes.

Events:

3rd Middlesex Area Democrats Symposium: Moving Forward and Fighting Back
Saturday, January 28, 9 AM – Noon
Weston High School Media Center, 444 Wellesley Street, Weston, MA 02493
9:00am-9:30am Reception; 9:30am – 12:30am Program
Moderator: Joseph Mullin. Agenda will focus on motivation and organizing means of Moving Forward and Fighting Back in the Trump era. Congresswoman Katherine Clark, State Senator Michael Barrett and State Representative Tom Stanley will speak. For information and to RSVP contact garyddavis04@gmail.com.

Plymouth County Democratic League 2017 Chair’s Breakfast
Saturday, January 28, 9 – 11 AM
Middleboro Elks Riders #1274, 24 High St., Middleboro, MA 02346
Please join local Democratic Town Committee Chairs for a great breakfast and talk about political organizing in Plymouth County. For more info email info@plymdems.com.

Coffee and Conversation – Westborough Democrats*
Saturday, January 28, 9 – 10:30 AM
Red Barn Coffee Roasters, 17 South St., Westborough, MA 01581
Gather for coffee and conversation in the lobby adjact to Red Barn Coffee Roasters. For those who are interested we will continue with a voter registration project.

Ipswich Democratic Town Committee Annual Breakfast with Community Service Award
Saturday, January 28, 10 AM – Noon
Ipswich V.F.W. at 110 County Road, Ipswich, MA.
This year’s award will be presented to the Friends of the Ipswich Library. Featured Speaker will be Dr. Don Berwick who will discuss the important issue of health care and the impending overhaul/repeal of the Affordable Care Act which he helped create. All members of our community and region are welcome. Tickets of $35.00 per person include a gourmet breakfast of quiche, bacon, home fries, pastries, juice, coffee and tea. A sponsorship is $50.00. For information, contact Sherry Hurley at hurley13@aol.com.

Eastern Hampshie Democratic Meeting with MDP Chair Gus Bickford*
Saturday, January 28, 10 AM
Belchertown Town Hall, Route 202 & Route 181 (2 Jabish Street, Belchertown 01007)
Members of area Democratic organizations and people who want to get involved with building Democratic organizations are encouraged to attend.
Contact Ken Elstein elstein@charter.net .

Our Revolution Massachusetts First Organizing Meeting*
Saturday, January 28, Noon – 5 PM
Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester, 90 Holden Street, Worcester, MA 01606
Following the Democratic National Convention in July, the members of the MA Bernie delegation agreed that we should begin a process that would lead to the formation of the Massachusetts Our Revolution affiliate. This idea soon expanded to include Bernie supporters and groups from across the state. Space is limited. Register at http://bit.ly/orma-j28

Holden Town Democratic Committee Annual Winter Dinner
Saturday, January 28, 6 PM
The Manor Restaurant, 42 W. Boylston St., West Boylston, MA 01583
6:00 – Social with cash bar. 6:30 – Delicious buffet dinner: salad, 3 entrees (Chicken Marsala, Baked Haddock & Vegetable Lasagna), dessert, and coffee. Cost: $35 per person includes gratuity and tax. Reservations and payment must be received by Saturday January 21, 2017. Checks should be made payable to the Holden Town Democratic Committee and sent to Robin Van Liew, 1 Avery Rd., Holden, MA 01520. For more info call 508-829-7278 or email RobinJVL@gmail.com.

JALSA 15th Annual Meeting with Special Guest Marty Walsh*
Sunday, January 29, 10:30 AM
Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Avenue, Newton
Tickets start at $60. Contact Sharon at 617.955.9881.

New Years Gathering with Mayor Setti Warren
Monday, January 30, 6 – 8 PM
Mick Morgan’s,118 Needham Street, Newton, MA 02464
Light appetizers will be served, with cash bar available.
Note: this is not a fundraising event. No donations please!
Event Co-Chairs: Peg Hannigan, Rev. Howard Haywood, Councilor Rick Lipof.
Dear Friend, As I begin my final year as Mayor of Newton, I’d like you to join me for an evening of reflection, discussion and good company. We have accomplished a lot in the last seven years – from investing in people and infrastructure to fostering an inclusive innovation economy and getting our city’s finances back in order. You’ve stood by me before, and I need you on my team as we enter a new year. Thank you, and I hope to see you there. –Setti

Young Democrats of Massachusetts Back to Business Social
Monday, January 30, 6:30 – 9 PM
Market Lounge, 21 Broad Street, Boston, MA 02109
Join the Young Democrats of Massachusetts and the Greater Boston Young Democrats for drinks and Democratic values, as we celebrate a new year of action. This event is ***ALL AGES*** and open to anyone who wants to know what we are up to in the YDMA! If you are interested in becoming a part of the Young Democrats of Massachusetts, please sign up through our google form at http://goo.gl/PFJh2f
SNOW DATE: Feb 6th

AG Maura Healey’s Post- Election Town Hall – Hingham
Monday, January 30, 7 – 8:30 PM
Derby Academy, 56 Burditt Ave., Hingham, MA 02043
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 http://bit.ly/2iwzddc

Somerville Democratic City Committee Meeting – DNC Chair’s Race*
Monday, January 30, 7:30 PM
Somerville High School, 81 Highland Ave, Somerville
So many have expressed interest in getting more involved with the Democratic National Committee and want to know more about the Chair’s race. Toward that end we have a very illustrious group of speakers at our January meeting.
Former DNC Chair and former State Treasurer Steve Grossman will explain the role of chair and all the job entails.
James Roosevelt, the co-chair of the Rules and Bylaws Committee of the Democratic National Committee, will explain the process.
State Party Chair Gus Bickford will explain it interacts with state and city committees.
Kate Donaghue, a DNC member here in Massachusetts, will attend.
Russ Muirhead, the author of “The Promise of Party in a Polarized Age”, will also be a panelist.
RSVP http://bit.ly/2jlMxQD

Sexual Health Lobby Day – UPDATED
Tuesday, January 31, 9:30 AM
Massachusetts State House in Boston
Lobby Day activities will include:
09:30am-10:30am Sexual Health Fair – Grab some coffee and meet representatives from the state’s leading sexual health providers and advocacy organizations to learn about opportunities to get involved, take action, and take care of your health.
10:30am-11:00am Raising Our Voices – Hear from activists who will share their stories and mobilize with us to protect sexual and reproductive health care. The speaking program will also feature a lineup of some of the Commonwealth’s most remarkable political leaders, including Senator Harriette Chandler, Representative Juana Matias, and Attorney General Maura Healey as keynote speaker.
11:00am-12:00pm Lobbying 101 – Come learn what lobbying is and get all the information and practice you need prior to meeting with your elected officials.
12:00pm-02:00pm Meetings with Legislators: Join a group of your peers from your legislative district(s). You will have the opportunity to speak directly with your elected officials and their staff to advocate for important legislation to protect and increase access to birth control, comprehensive sex education, and confidential health care.
Sponsored by NARAL ProChoice Mass, Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of MA, and many others. For more info or to RSVP see http://bit.ly/2iNWsiJ

Michelle Wu’s 2nd Annual Lunar New Year Celebration with Marty Walsh *
Wednesday, February 1, 5:30 – 7:30 PM
The Fairmont Copley, 138 St. James Ave., Boston, MA 02116
Boston City Council President Michelle Wu invites you to attend her 2nd annual Lunar New Year Celebration. Special guest, Mayor Martin J. Walsh. Suggested contribution: Chair $1,000/Host $500/Friend $250/Supporter $100. RSVP at https://Bit.ly/WuLunarNY17 or address questions to Sharon Durkan at sharon@michelleforboston.com or 617-303-0347.

Where Do We Go from Here? North of Boston Action Planning*
Wednesday, February 1, 6 – 9 PM
Reading Public Library, 64 Middlesex Ave, Reading, MA, 01867
Where Do We Go from Here? will be an action planning meeting for people wanting to engage in political action in the aftermath of the election and the Women’s March. It is co-sponsored by the Lynnfield, Reading, and Wakefield Democratic Town Committees and Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts (PDM). The meeting is open to the public. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served. Please reply to John Lippitt at jlippitt@verizon.net if you plan to attend.

Bellingham DTC Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, February 1, 7 PM
Municipal Ctr., 10 Mechanic St.

Democratic State Committee Meeting
Thursday, February 2, 7 PM
Boston Teachers Union, 180 Mt. Vernon Street, Dorchester 02125
6:00 pm Refreshments
7:00 pm Meeting
One agenda item is voting on a new DNC Committee Man to represent Massachusetts. DSC member John Bowes has interviewed all five declared candidates:
LINK TO INTERVIEWS: http://bit.ly/2hxPEFm
NOTE: There is a Mt. Vernon Street on Beacon Hill. Be sure to use the zip code when using a GPS.

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 .

First Essex Middlesex Coalition Meeting
Saturday, February 4, 9 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

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

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.

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

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

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 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.

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

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.

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.

Holliston DTC Meeting*
Saturday, February 11, 10 AM
Selectmen’s Room, Town Hall

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.

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

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.

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

Marblehead Democratic Town Committee
Friday, February 17, 7 PM
Marblehead Community Center, 10 Humphrey Street, Marblehead, MA

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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/

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/

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

AG Maura Healey’s Post- Election Town Hall – Malden*
Thursday, March 16, 7 – 8:30 PM
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/IJAaoyahZ7X5M2zR2

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.

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/

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: Former State Treasurer and Former DNC Chair: Steve Grossman; District Attorney: Tom Quinn; State Representative: Paul Heroux; Governors Councilor: Robert Jubinville; 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

AG Maura Healey’s Post- Election Town Hall – Woester*
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

AG Maura Healey’s Post- Election Town Hall – Central Mass*
Thursday, April 20
First Unitarian Church in Worcester
Save the date:
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.

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.

Jefferson Jackson Dinner
Saturday, May 6
Doubletree Hilton, Rt 28, Hyannis
SAVE THE DATE!

Shrewsbury DTC Meeting
Monday, May 8, 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.

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.

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.

Yarmouth Dems Annual Barbecue
Saturday, July 8
SAVE THE DATE!

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.
1) Use subject line “For the Dispatch”
2) Put your event information in text format in the body of the email. Please include start time, end time (if any), location (with street address for GPS), event description (it’s good to mention food/drink/donations/RSVP), and a link to more info.
3) Send to DDemDispatch-owner@yahoogroups.com

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.

Please sign up for the lists that suit your needs. If it turns out a list doesn’t suit you, just opt out. In some, but not all of these groups, it helps to write a note as to why you want to join. Just as an FYI, in some groups, the groups is configured so a message is not seen. So let the owner know who you are.

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

If the group is a yahoo group you can sign up by sending an e-mail to the address listed. The subject and content can be left blank, but if your e-mail system objects just put the word subscribe in both places. In some groups to avoid spammers, when applying to join state your name & town and include a brief statement why you are joining.

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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