Dear Democrats,

As we all take the necessary steps to keep our friends, family, and ourselves safe and healthy during this crisis, we’re left wondering how to continue advocating for the candidates and issues that matter most. It’s critical that we do our part to flatten the curve of the virus, but organize and connect with each other however we can.

For many of us, including the MassDems, that means taking our meetings and events online. From Zoom.us, to Google Hangouts, to Facebook and Instagram Live Streams–we have the tools to continue the work we’d normally do in person. So, over the next few weeks, please take time to familiarize yourself with these tools and learn how you can use them to keep Democracy going (from a safe distance).

Moving forward with campaign activities and elections safely is critical for Democracy. We cannot put Democracy on hold. I have been making phone calls to voters in the special elections coming up on March 31. We are providing information on how to electronically obtain and submit absentee ballot applications. 

The Massachusetts Democratic Party is taking State Committee and Town/Ward Committee meetings online—and I urge you to do the same. If you’re thinking about cancelling an upcoming meeting or event, consider transitioning to a virtual platform instead. If you’re hosting an online training, meeting, or event, let us know at events@massdems.org, so we can include it in the Dispatch! You may want to consider having MORE meetings (virtually) to provide community to people in these challenging times. 

Keeping a safe social distance does not mean that you have to stay home. Use this time to get outdoors, safely of course! 

Thank you, stay safe and healthy, and have a nice weekend!

Democratically yours,

Kate Donaghue

Ideas for Committees

Go virtual! There are plenty of ways your committee can get involved online over the next few weeks, starting with this month’s special elections. There are virtual phone banks scheduled in each of the districts, sign up for one this weekend here. If you live in one of these districts, make sure you submit your application for an absentee ballot–via email if you can.

You can also sign up for some digital organizing trainings! Sign up here to learn how to organize from the comfort of your home, and here to learn how to train volunteers online. 

As we approach the reorganization window, we want to make sure committees have the resources they need to transition these meetings online. We’ve included our top tips below, and you can read more in-depth instructions here. 

• Give notice. Make sure you give participants plenty of notice and let them know if they’ll have to register for the call in advance. Explain how the call will work and if they’ll have to download a special program. 
• Test and practice. Before your meeting, test out the tools you’ll be using, get familiar with the controls, and be prepared to sort out technical difficulties during the call. 
• Get some help. It’s tough to run a meeting and manage your participants at the same time. Recruit a few trusted volunteers to help you with the technical parts of the call. 
• Be clear. Start the call by explaining the process for the call and how the tools work. Speak slowly and carefully, and make sure people understand before moving on to the next part of the call.
• Use the mute button. Start the call with everyone muted, and allow people to unmute themselves as they need to speak. As a general rule, if you’re not speaking–mute yourself.
• Follow up. Follow up with participants individually by phone or email after the call is over. Recap the important stuff, and make note of any technical difficulties they ran into so you’re prepared to for them next time.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to the MassDems at (617) 939-0800 with any questions or concerns. 

 

Event details:

3/21/2020 CANCELED: A Call to Action on Housing: Progressive Democrats of Massachusetts Annual Conference

Saturday, March 21, AM

Lasell University, Newton

This year’s conference kicks off with a panel of experts on housing, including Rep. Mike Connolly and Eric Shupin from CHAPA. Then they’ll break into working groups to sharpen advocacy skills for use on a range of topics (not just housing), including one on effective grassroots strategies for lobbying for legislative action. At lunch you can network with activists to get up to speed on crucial policy issues before us during rounds of their popular Issue Speed Dating program. Then, they’ll wrap up with a lively discussion on winning the fight for progressive leadership in the State Legislature — with retired State Rep. Jay Kaufman and Jordan Berg Powers of Mass Alliance. Suggested donation $25. Buffet lunch included. Sign Up at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pdm-spring-issues-conference-tickets-92079930551 

*3/21/2020 CANCELED: Yarmouth DTC Meeting*
Saturday, March 21, AM

This event has been canceled. Contact velore20@gmail.com for more information. 

3/21/2020 CANCELED: Greater Lowell Area Democrats Meeting
Saturday, March 21, 8 AM
Chelmsford Police Station, 2 Olde North Rd, Chelmsford
Join the Greater Lowell Area Democrats and special guests Candidate for Congress (CD-6) Jamie Belsito and State Sen. Ed Kennedy for their meeting. Contact Christopher Jenkins at jenkins@gwmail.gwu.edu.  

3/21/2020 CANCELED: Rep. Kathy LaNatra’s Campaign Kick-Off
Saturday, March 21, 5:30 – 7 PM
Mussels Grille @ the Kingsbury Club, 186 Summer St. Kingston
Join Rep. LaNatra and supporters for her Re-Election Kick-Off! Appetizers, cash bar & special guests. RSVP to abbelmore@hotmail.com; walk-ins welcome too. Campaign donations greatly appreciated. Proceeds benefit the Committee to Elect Kathy LaNatra.  

*3/22/2020 CANCELED: Carlisle DTC Winter Gathering*
Sunday, March 22, 5 PM

This meeting has been canceled.  

3/22/2020 CANCELED: Fourth Congressional District Candidates Forum Hosted by Newton Dems and Progressive Newton
Sunday, March 22, 7:30 – 9 PM
War Memorial, Newton City Hall, 1000 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton Centre, MA
This event has been canceled. Join Newton Dems and Progressive Newton for an evening with the candidates running to fill the 4th Congressional District seat. They will have a moderated panel discussion and then the individuals candidates will be available for questions as well as information about their campaigns and opportunity to get involved. 

*3/23/2020 Brookline Dems Virtual Meeting*
Monday, March 23, 7 PM
Remote
With a special “drop-in” conversation with State Senate Majority Leader Cynthia Creem, who will update you on the Senate’s Working Group on COVID-19 at 7:30 p.m. To participate, please RSVP to bdtc@brooklinedems.org. To join virtually: https://zoom.us/j/966029112 or call 646-876-9923 and enter code 966029112.  

3/23/2020 CANCELED: Northborough Democratic Town Committee Monthly Meeting
Monday, March 23, 7 PM
Northborough Free Library large meeting room, 34 Main St., Northborough
This meeting has been canceled. Contact Janet Cason at janetqcason@verizon.net for more information.  

*3/24/2020 Brookline Dems “Schmoozefest” Zoom Call with Gov. Michael Dukakis and Jimmy Tingle*
Tuesday, March 24, 12 PM
Remote
Brookline Dems are hosting a “Schmoozefest” zoom call/conference call with Governor Michael Dukakis (calling in from California) and Jimmy Tingle at 12:00 noon! E-mail Cindy Rowe at bdtc@brooklinedems.org for the link. 

3/24/2020 CANCELED: Billerica DTC Meeting
Tuesday, March 24, 7 PM
Billerica Town Hall, 365 Boston Road, Billerica Billerica
Contact: billericademocrats@gmail.com 

3/25/2020 Annual Women’s Event in Support of Attorney General Maura Healey
Wednesday, March 25, 5:30 – 7 PM
Fairmont Copley Plaza, 138 St James Avenue, Boston
Suggested Contributions $125, $250, $500, $1,000, Young Professionals $50 (Limited). RSVP to info@maurahealey.com 

3/25/2020 CANCELED: Wakefield DTC Reorganization Meeting
Wednesday, March 25, 7 PM
Brightview, 29 Crescent Street, Wakefield, MA
Reorganization meeting to elect town committee officers. 

3/25/2020 Wellesley Democrats 2020 Organizing Meeting
Wednesday, March 25, 7 PM
Wellesley Community Center, 219 Washington St, Wellesley
Join us at 7:00 p.m. for social and refreshments, 7:30 p.m. for our business meeting, 7:45 p.m. to get organized! RSVP here: https://www.wellesleydems.org/events/2020-organizing-meeting 

3/28/2020 CANCELED: Attleboro 23rd Annual Democratic Spring Brunch
Saturday, March 28, 9 AM
Murray Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 N Main Street, Attleboro
Join together with city, town committee members, for a morning of good food and conversation with like-minded folks. Tickets are $25, available at door. Tickets can be also purchased in advance by mailing a check payable to Attleboro Democratic City Committee C/O Treasurer, Jackie Romaniecki, 120 Augsburg Dr, Attleboro, MA 02703 Guests include: US Senator Ed Markey, Attleboro Mayor Paul Heroux, State Representative Jim Hawkins, Secretary of State Bill Galvin, Former State Treasurer and Former DNC Chair Steve Grossman, State Senator Paul Feeney, State Senator Becca Rausch, Governors Councilor Bob Jubinville, Register of Probate Tom Hoye, Candidates for the 4th Congressional District Jesse Mermell, Becky Walker Grossman, David Cavell, Jake Auchincloss, Ihssane Leckey, Alan Khazei, Ben Sigel, and Tom Shack, and candidate for State Rep Brendan Roche. 

3/28/2020 POSTPONED: Springfield Ward 6 Meeting
Saturday, March 28, 11:45 – 1 PM
Forest Park Library, 380 Belmont Avenue, Springfield
This meeting has been postponed and will likely be via teleconference. More information to come. 

3/28/2020 POSTPONED: Cape & Islands Democratic Council Annual Kennedy Legacy Dinner
Saturday, March 28, 6 – 9 PM
Resort & Conference Center, 35 Scudder Ave, Hyannis, MA
Please stay tuned for updates. Please join the Cape & Islands Democratic Council for this year’s dinner. The theme is Climate Change Emergency – Cape Cod & Beyond. Keynote Speaker: US Senator Ed Markey. Guest Speakers: Congressman Joseph Kennedy III and Dr. Phil Duffy, Exec. Dir. of the Woods Hole Research Center. VIP Reception 5-6PM. Dinner 6-9PM. Online tickets and information: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/cidcdinner2020. Contact Steve Leibowitz StevenL57@gmail.com for inquiries and program advertising opportunities  

3/29/2020 Groton DTC Meeting
Sunday, March 29, 4 PM
Legion Hall, 75 Hollis St, Groton
Agenda includes reorganization. Contact: grotondtc@gmail.com 

4/4/2020 Democratic State Committee Reorganization Meeting
Saturday, April 4, 10 AM
Remote on Zoom
The 4/4 DSC Reorganization Meeting will be held online via Zoom. Contact the MassDems at contact@massdems.org for the link. 

4/4/2020 Wilmington Democratic Town Committee Scholarship Breakfast
Saturday, April 4, 10 AM
Windsor Place, 92 West St, Wilmington
RSVP: wilmingtondtc@gmail.com 

4/5/2020 Organizing Corps 2020 Brunch with Congressman Jim McGovern
Sunday, April 5, 11 – 1 PM
Home in Holliston
Join Congressman Jim McGovern and Organizing Corps 2020 Founder Meg Ansara for brunch in Holliston. The program will ensure that the eventual Democratic nominee has 1,000 community based field organizers in the key battleground states necessary to win back the White House in November 2020, tickets are $25, $50, $100, $250. For info and address contact James Arena-DeRosa email arena-derosa@msn.com or 508-429-8665.  

4/5/2020 POSTPONED: Waltham Democratic City Committee Hero’s Brunch
Sunday, April 5, 11 – 1 PM
Chateau Restaurant, 195 School Street, Waltham
This event has been postponed. A new date will be provided in the coming weeks. There will be much food, merriment, remembrances, a few political speeches, and of course, Heroes to honor!  

4/5/2020 Sturbridge Democratic Town Committee Unity Brunch and Fundraiser
Sunday, April 5, 11 AM
1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd, Sturbridge
Promote and support Democratic candidates and raise funds for their annual scholarship award. RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/2509188312684489/  

4/5/2020 Lexington DTC Reorganization Meeting
Sunday, April 5, 7:30 PM
Brookhaven, 1010 Waltham St, Lexington
 

4/6/2020 Lowell DCC Reorganization Meeting
Monday, April 6, 7 PM
East End Club,15 West Fourth Street, Lowell
Contact: Judith Durant at judithdurant1@comcast.net 

4/6/2020 Wilmington DTC Reorganization Meeting
Monday, April 6, 7 PM
Wilmington Community Television, 10 Waltham St, Wilmington
 

4/7/2020 Pepperell DTC Meeting
Tuesday, April 7, 6:45 PM
Charles Lawrence Library, 15 Main St, Pepperell
Agenda includes reorganization. Contact: tjdem@charter.net 

4/8/2020 Boxford Democratic Town Committee Reorganization Meeting
Wednesday, April 8, 7 PM
Boxford Community Center, 4 Middleton Road (corner of Elm Street), Boxford
This meeting will likely be held via conference call. Agenda will include the election/re-election of officers. For further information contact: Ken Thompson, Chair@BoxfordDems.org or 978-502-2078. 

4/11/2020 Malden DCC Organizational Meeting
Saturday, April 11, 10 – 12 PM
Irish American Club, 177 West Street, Malden
Committees from the 8 Malden wards and the MDCC will organize and elect officers for a 2-year term. If you are a member, please attend and participate if you can. For more information, please contact Adam Weldai (Chair), adamweldai@gmail.com or (781) 264-1629 or your ward chair.  

4/13/2020 Franklin Democratic Town Committee Meeting
Monday, April 13, 7 – 9 PM
FranklinTV and Radio Station, 23 Hutchinson St, Franklin
 

4/15/2020 Burlington Democratic Town Committee Meeting
Wednesday, April 15, 7 PM
Town Hall Annex, 25 Center St, Burlington
 

4/25/2020 Democratic National Convention Caucuses
Saturday, April 25, 1 PM
Various
 

4/26/2020 Longmeadow Democrat of the Year Breakfast
Sunday, April 26, 9:30 AM
Twin Hills Country Club, 270 Wolf Swamp Road, Longmeadow
The Longmeadow DTC will be holding its annual Democrat of the Year Breakfast, honoring Sheriff Nick Cocchi, with U.S. Senator Ed Markey and U.S. Representative Joe Kennedy III as our keynote speakers. Other notable guests include Congressman Richie Neal, State Senator Eric Lesser, State Rep. Brian Ashe, and Hampden County DA Anthony Gulluni. 

4/26/2020 Groton Democratic Town Committee Meeting
Sunday, April 26, 4 PM
75 Hollis St, Groton, MA 01450
Contact: grotondtc@gmail.com 

5/2/2020 Tewksbury Democratic Town Committee Meeting
Saturday, May 2, 10 AM
1009 Main Street, Tewksbury
 

5/3/2020 Wakefield DTC Breakfast – Blue 2020 Vision: What’s at Stake?
Sunday, May 3, 8:30 – 11 AM
Four Points Sheraton, One Audubon Rd, Wakefield
The Wakefield DTC will be recognizing the Wakefield Human Rights Commission. The Breakfast will be held on May 3, 2020 at Four Points Sheraton in Wakefield 8:30 am-11:30 am. Tickets are $28 Students-$15. Guests include Congressman Seth Moulton and State Senator Jason Lewis. 

5/3/2020 The Gloucester Democratic City Committee’s Annual Fundraising Brunch
Sunday, May 3, 11 AM
Elks Lodge at 97 Atlantic Road, Gloucester.
Join the Gloucester DTC during their annual fundraising brunch on Sunday, May 3rd at the Elks Lodge!  

5/9/2020 Three Towns & Two Cities Breakfast
Saturday, May 9, 9 AM
Nicholson Hall, 9 Harris Street, Newburyport 01950
8:30 AM coffee/9:30 AM breakfast. Tickets are $35 if purchased in advance and $40 when purchased at the door. For more information, contact Kathy Pasquina at kathypasq2@hotmail.com or (978) 270-0529. 

5/9/2020 Malden Democrats Monthly Meeting
Saturday, May 9, 10 – 11 AM
Irish American Club, 177 West Street, Malden
For more information, please contact Adam Weldai (Chair), adamweldai@gmail.com or (781) 264-1629. 

5/19/2020 Littleton Democratic Town Committee Meeting
Tuesday, May 19, 7:30 PM
Littleton Town Hall, Room 230, 37 Shattuck Street, Littleton MA 01460.
Join the Littleton Democratic Town Committee for their regular business meeting. Contact Rob Hueston at rob@rghpc.com for more information.