May the Spirit of the Holidays be with you throughout the New Year! |
|
We should be creative, and we should accommodate the needs of every
community to open up the democratic process. We should make it
easy and accessiblefor every citizen to participate.
John Lewis
|
|
|
|
THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, WE ARE THANKFUL FOR ILLINOIS!
By Leslie Sadowski-Fugitt
|
As the county grapples with another school shooting, we here in Illinois are making progress with regard to tackling gun violence as a public health issue. As a parent with a child in public school, I dreaded the first of what will be many active shooter drills. Countless articles have discussed the trauma of those drills, and the mental load that students carry knowing they will be expected to keep themselves and others safe. As Democrats, we can agree that this responsibility should never lie with children, and we will continue to fight for sensible gun laws that are aimed at keeping our communities safe.
On Monday, November 1, Governor Pritzker signed an executive order declaring gun violence a public health crisis and committed $250 million to “directly reduce and interrupt violence in our neighborhoods.” This declaration:
- Provides state support over the next three years to further fund the Reimagine Public Safety plan, a data-driven, community-based violence prevention program.
- Will ensure collaboration between other State agencies, municipalities, and other units of local government, including, but not limited to, law enforcement, community colleges, park districts, libraries, local public health departments, and local workforce development boards, to curb firearm violence and reduce trauma to Illinois residents living in the most affected communities.
- Will also collaborate with Illinois hospitals and community-based health providers, ICJIA, IDPH, and the Illinois Departments of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Corrections (IDOC) to implement a public health approach to reduce firearm violence that aligns with the Underlying Causes of Crime and Violence Study Act and builds on the Statewide Violence Prevention Plan to incorporate public health, public safety, victim services, and trauma recovery centers and services.
- Will leverage, complement, and enhance existing mental health resources to assist with trauma recovery of individuals exposed to firearm violence. These resources may include, but are not limited to, social service resources employed to address suicide prevention, gang affiliation, food insecurity, income disparity, financial and housing insecurity, and chronic criminal justice involvement.
- Will deploy education and training resources to areas of the State it determines are disproportionately affected by firearm violence, including identifying at-risk youth and providing youth development services, career training, and job placement services.
- Will provide $50 million in funding this year, and the Pritzker administration will also work with the General Assembly to secure additional $100 million appropriations in the budgets for fiscal years 2023 and 2024.
Illinois is dedicated to not only reducing gun violence, but also improving the quality of lives of its most vulnerable residents, particularly those who have experienced cycles of poverty and lack of access due to decades of systemic oppression. We are only as safe and healthy as our most vulnerable community members, and it is crucial that we keep electing Democrats to ensure this work continues in the coming years. Democrats deliver. Let’s invest, act, and win in 2022!
|
|
WHAT'S "NORMAL" IN OUR SCHOOLS! |
|
|
|
WHAT WILL IT TAKE TO PASS SENSIBLE GUN LEGISLATION.
By Sue Sitton
|
On December 14, 2012, a single gunman shot and killed 20 first graders and six teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.
It’s been nine years, and we still can’t get reasonable gun legislation passed at the Federal level. Who could possibly be opposed to expanding background checks? The GOP and NRA do, and they continue to block any legislation that would help to protect and save our children’s lives. You would think the death of 20 six-year-old children would have changed their minds. But, we have been proven wrong.
Now our schools must go through active shooter drills. I hope you read the following article by Moira about her thoughts and experiences in her high school. Thank you Moira for sharing your voice! It's important for all of us to listen!
Let’s continue to support and fight for common sense gun legislation!
|
|
|
|
My name is Moira, and I am a student at Hinsdale Central High School. In the wake of the tragic events of November 30 in Oxford, Michigan, I feel compelled to reflect on my experience as a 17-year-old during the rise of school shootings across America.
A few weeks ago, my school performed an ALICE drill: a preventative exercise that teaches students and teachers how to Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate if a shooter enters the premises. As the drill was conducted, my accounting class experienced a simulation of an unfolding, active scene. We reacted to a realistic threat from the principal, located all emergency exits, barricaded the classroom door, and developed distraction strategies in order to preoccupy a shooter and buy time to evacuate the space. The date was November 11.
Just over two weeks later, four lives were taken, and thousands forever altered in a high school just like mine. A sophomore, supplied with a gun and loosely monitored by school officials, opened fire on any person he could locate. Described as a “troubled loner”, Ethan Crumbley could have been a student in any of our area’s high schools. And that is what scares me the most.
Teenagers have so much on their minds in such a critical time of change in their lives. During the course of a typical school day, we should be worried about an upcoming exam, not how to pile up desks in an entryway. However, in the state of our nation today, it is abundantly clear that not enough has been done to deter gun violence in our schools.
This phenomenon is nothing short of troubling, but the root of the problem truly rests in why students feel motivated to commit such heinous acts. We have made meaningful progress in combating the stigma surrounding mental health, and further desensitization will eradicate the prevalence of violent incidents in schools. Crisis management, social workers, and other tools are extremely valuable in tackling the school-shooting problem from the inside.
There is hope for our country if we look to the future. We can, and must, do better with common sense gun control legislation and appropriate resources for mental health in schools. Hearing about a school-shooting on the news should never be the status quo.
|
|
DEMOCRATS DELIVER. THIS AND MORE! |
|
|
|
DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP GETS DuPAGE COUNTY BOARD BUDGET PASSED.
By Liz Chaplin
|
On November 23rd, the DuPage County Board unanimously passed the $447.3 million 2022 budget. The consensus-driven responsible budget that was adopted includes funds to implement new election equipment for the County Clerk and to continue implementation of the County’s new property tax system, a vehicle replacement fund and also includes increases in staffing, resources, and funding for the Sheriff’s Office, State’s Attorney, Public Defender, and Probation department.
The budget also pays down two general obligation bonds which will free up $2 million annually for the general fund starting in 2022.
I’m proud of this year's budget and everyone who worked so hard to bring forward a responsible, balanced budget. Chairman Cronin said “I really like the collaboration here. I think this year more than any other year has been a good, healthy collaborative effort.” I agree.
The Democratic majority has two years to prove we can lead in a responsible manner. This year’s budget proves we can. This is something every Democrat should be talking about and sharing with their friends and neighbors.
Respectfully,
Liz Chaplin
DuPage County Board Finance Committee Chair
|
|
|
|
NEWS FROM THE STATE CENTRAL COMMITTEE.
By Julia Beckman
|
The SCC continues its positive change on a daily basis. Chair Robin Kelly has set a vision of more inclusion and more action on the part of elected members. In addition, she is committed to bringing in many others from outside the committee to add their expertise. The committees are: Finance, Communications, Outreach, Data and Operations. I am Co-Chair of Operations.
Our focus will be on the internal workings of the DPI, including personnel issues, policy and training of not only our staff, but also candidates and their staff members. An example is avoiding harassment of any kind for staff. Our committee’s first task is to update and revise the employee handbook.
The Co-Chair is Sheila Stocks-Smith, from Springfield. We are recruiting knowledgeable people from all over the state to help with our tasks. We just held our first virtual meeting, and we’re moving forward. SCC is hiring more staff -- including a new Deputy Director of Operations, Lea Negron. The new Deputy Director of Communications, Jake Lewis, is already calling out Republican faults in press releases and on social media. He’s made a huge difference already. Our new Finance Committee is bringing much more funding to support candidates. A big emphasis will be helping two candidates for Illinois Supreme Court.
A new Data Director will soon be working to improve Votebuilder and strategizing on how to allow easier access for Democratic candidates, PCs and staff across the state. Another key move made by the Executive Director, Abby Witt, is to divide the state into 5 regions, each one of which will have its own full-time coordinator.
I’ll report more progress as time goes on but you may all rest assured that the DPI is on the move, in time for the critical 2022 election!
|
|
|
|
NEWS FROM THE FOREST PRESERVE DISTRICT OF DuPAGE COUNTY.
By Tina Tyson-Dunne
|
We had another busy meeting last week passing our budget for 2022, $1.6M in vehicle and equipment purchases, and ensuring our property taxes will stay flat for all residents. We also approved to proceed with permitting and bidding for the Waterfall Glen parking lot at Bluff Rd and Cass Ave which will increase from 16 to 180 spaces, and just this morning we discussed the design plans for a flush toilet there as well!
We were also updated on the Blackwell Fleet Management Photovoltaic Array which is scheduled to go to bid this winter with construction anticipated for spring of 2022, and a very generous donation of $100k has been confirmed towards this project. It's been exactly a year this morning since taking my seat on the board, and it has been a great honor serving alongside three other wonderful Democrats ensuring we have some of the best preserves for our residents.
|
|
|
|
DGTDO CONTINUES TO SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY.
By Chris Hotchkin
|
Downers Grove Township Democrats continue to support our community in meaningful ways.
We held a successful Blood Drive in November. In November and December, we also held two successful collections.
We collected about 150 pounds of items that we donated to Operation Support our Troops to be sent to troops serving overseas during this holiday season.
We also collected several large boxes of toys and books for the People’s Resource Center “Share the Spirit” program which ensures families experiencing hardship in our county can enjoy gifts of books and games to share with each other.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO DONATED. CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOU! STAY TUNED FOR MORE.
|
|
|
|
HOLIDAY DOOR PRIZES.
By Ralph Beardsley and Mimi Raffenetti,
Door Prize Committee
|
We awarded door prizes at our December Monthly Meeting.
A special thanks to CHUCK'S BBQ IN DAREIN for donating a $25.00 door prize for our holiday meeting. Each year Chuck's donates to our organization. Also, thank you to Joanna Williams for donating 2 gift certificates to SavWay Fine Wine and Spirits.
Editor’s Note: Thank you Mimi and Ralph for coordinating the prizes. And thank you Mimi for donating 2 wonderful books (both signed by the authors).
Happy Holidays! Have fun and be safe!
|
|
FUNDRAISING: CRITICAL TO WINNING! |
|
PETITION FEST AND FUNDRAISER
Sunday, January 23
2:00 to 5:00 pm
at
Miskatonic Brewing Company
1000 N. Frontage Road, Unit C, Darien
|
|
PETITION FEST 2022 AND FUNDRAISER.
By Chris Hotchkin
|
Petition Fest 2022 will be an opportunity for Democrats to come together to sign petitions to get our candidates on the primary ballot for 2022.
At the same time, we will enjoy beer-tasting and snacks and a chance to chat with our candidates. Petition Fest will be January 23, 2:00 to 5:00 at Miskatonic Brewery, 1000 N. Frontage Road, Unit C, Darien. Tickets are $40 for beer, cider, seltzer, pizza, and snacks. Sponsorships for the event are Bronze $100, Silver $250, Gold $500, and platinum $1,000. To purchase tickets go to:
|
|
Send checks to DGTDO, PO Box 785,
Downers Grove 60515
|
|
2022 MIDTERM COUNTDOWN!
46 WEEKS AND COUNTING.
DGTDO Fundraising Committee
|
As Democrats, we stand for values that support our community and the well-being of its citizens. We strive for inclusion. When we elect Democrats, we have the opportunity to pass legislation that supports our values: voting rights, climate action, affordable healthcare, well-funded public education, common sense gun laws, strong unions, fair tax policies, social justice, LGBTQ+ rights, women's rights and more.
DGTDO has been instrumental in supporting and electing Democrats to offices at all levels of government. The 2022 Midterm election will require more resources (money, people, etc.), and we must start planning NOW. We must keep the majorities that we worked so hard to achieve.
INVEST. ACT. WIN 2022! is an effort to remind each of us that we need to be financially ready for 2022.
INVEST.
ACT.
- Make a monthly, quarterly or annual donation
-
Go to ActBlue (link) to donate by credit card
- Mail your check to DGTDO, PO Box 785, Downers Grove, IL 60515
- Drop off your check or cash at 908 Curtiss St., Downers Grove
WIN 2022!
- Create a financial foundation to elect Democrats up and down the ballot in 2022
How will your donations be used? To keep our office on Curtiss open and operating (rent, utilities, phone, internet, printing, postage, social media and more). To continue to support our precinct committeepeople and our candidates.
To provide a welcome space for volunteers and a gathering place to plan and connect with like-minded people. To provide resources for outreach to grow our base of support and turn out our voters.
So today is your opportunity to strengthen our office and grow our organization. Please donate!
Thank you for your support!
|
|
IT'S UP TO ME ... AND YOU! |
|
|
|
SPEAKING UP. IT'S UP TO YOU.
By Mary Coen
|
This is not "the best of times." Anyone not living under a rock can list any number of issues that are stretching the fabric of our society to the ripping point: environmental extremes, the pandemic, the economy, vitriolic political partisanship, conspiracy theories, gun violence, voting rights suppression, racial inequalities, etc, etc, etc. Any sane response to the daily news has to be screaming frustration or a slow slide to zombieistic apathy. A common cry is " why doesn't somebody (Congress, the President, the doctors, the mayor, the superintendent, the police, the parents, the media, your mother) DO something?" The answer is that they all may be trying but that none of them can do it alone. While we are waiting for that happy convergence of work and luck and magical solutions, the other question is..." what are YOU doing?"
I know I'm not doing enough. Why not? There are many reasons, some even valid: "I don't know what to do. I can't make a difference. I don't have the time, the right words or the whatever." Do I need to figure a way to work around them? I think I do. I am a citizen of this country and a patriot, so I have a responsibility to do at least something. And I know that that responsibility belongs 100% to each one of us. Ethical studies show that when a single person is exposed to wrong-doing he is more apt to intervene than when he is part of a crowd. We know that when we are alone, we have to take 100% responsibility for our actions, but we often fall into the wrong thinking that when we have a partner, we are able to claim that we are only 50% responsible. So, it follows that if we are part of a crowd, we have only a slice of the responsibility for the outcome. The thinking often goes: " Somebody is surely more capable than I am," or " Nobody is doing anything so I shouldn't either," or They must know something I don't." This is the kind of paralysis that accounts for a person being attacked or even killed while onlookers do nothing. The converse of this is the instinct to break the rules with a compatriot so that there will be someone to share the blame with. (Think of your little brother/sister). We can overcome this instinct by setting ourselves up with ways to make it easier to do at least SOMETHING good. And if it works for you, go ahead and get a partner to conspire with. You will both get a 100% for civic responsibility.
|
|
|
|
CHANUKAH AND CHRISTMAS, THE SEASON OF LIGHTS.
By Carla Feinkind
|
Tis the season of joy, love, family and friends sharing meals and laughs…
As you gather at your parties and dinners, chat about the world and this Trumpy GOP. There are LOTS of sick gallows humor stories to share….Masks = Nazi yellow stars for Jews. Jewish space lasers started the fires in California. AND, that GOP congressman photographed with his ENTIRE family FULLY ARMED with BIG GUNS under a Happy Holiday Banner. This was just a few days after the Michigan Massacre by the 15-year-old student with the tacit help of his parents.
While the GOP fight to end abortions to “protect innocent fetal life”, it denounces gun control that could protect LIVING BREATHNG KIDS. Gun control would be a gross violation of “our rights”…as are masks and vaccine requirements.
As the brightly lit trees come down, (My people have already put away our menorahs.) keep sharing the “HILARIOUS” gallows humor ‘stories’ over drinks, tasty meals and desserts. Encourage everyone to get busy and STAY BUSY to defeat this TOXIC, SEDITIOUS, INCREASINGLY FASCIST GOP. If we chip into Democratic races locally and nationwide, WE CAN FUND A BIG BLUE VICTORY! If your family and friends are willing, calling Congress is a GREAT idea and, it feels so good to be heard. (202) 224-3121.
Many feel like they have HAD it with ALL of this. BUT of course, we KNOW that we must always stay busy and ALERT. 2022 is VERY NEAR! Trump and his toxic, TREASONOUS GOP are NOT just going away.
ENJOY the holidays with family and friends….and then, get ready to fight like hell for our nation, our Democracy, OUR KIDS and our GRANDKIDS!
PEACE, KINDNESS and LIGHT!
|
|
|
|
PC CORNER. DECEMBER 2021
By Chris Hotchkin
|
We hope all of our dedicated precinct committeepersons and volunteers have happy holiday season of celebrations with family and friends.
The focus of our efforts leading up to petition time in 2022 is to get contact information for the Democratic households in our precinct. We want to collect email addresses which will make it so much easier to stay in contact with our Democratic voters. The best way to get these email addresses is to knock on their door and ask them or give them a call. If you need a list of the right households to ask, contact Sue ([email protected]) in our office.
While young people are home from college for winter break, this will be a great time to make sure all get registered to vote. The easiest way for them to register is to go to the Illinois Voter Registration website https://ova.elections.il.gov/.
|
|
|
|
VOLUNTEERS: OUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET! REMINDER.
By Sue Sitton
|
DGTDO is extremely lucky to have such a great group of volunteers. Our success in electing Democrats up and down the ballot would not have happened without their skills, knowledge, commitment, leadership and hard work. Through each election cycle, we continue to make progress.
But of course, there is more work to do. We will need everyone on board for the 2022 Mid-Terms. It’s 327 days until Election Day (November 8 2022). In 29 days, we will be in “petition season” starting January 13.
There are many opportunities to volunteer with DGTDO. Here are some of our volunteer opportunities (select this link for a full description) :
- Communications/Social Media
- Canvassing
- Office/Organization Help
- Fundraising
- Election Day Help (early voting and election day)
- Phone Banking
- Registering Voters
- Working on a Campaign
- Working with a Committee
- Writing Postcards
Please take a few minutes to complete this survey, and let us know how you would like to get involved. If you have questions or have friends/family that would like to get involved, send an email to Sue at [email protected].
Thank you for getting involved!
|
|
|
|
Once again Jeff Jacobson will be facilitating "Becoming a Notary" classes at DGTDO, 908 Curtiss St., Downers Grove. He will guide you through the process and get you on your way to be a Notary.
Sign-up HERE for 6:00 pm on
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15
Thank you Jeff!
|
|
|
|
JOIN THE DGTDO EVENTS COMMITTEE. REMINDER.
By Chris Hotchkin
|
The Downers Grove Township Democrats Events Committee invites you to help us plan fun and meaningful events each month that bring Downers Grove Township Democrats together to:
- Enjoy fellowship with other Democrats
- Contribute to the well-being of our community
- Support the values of the Democratic Party
- Promote the election of Democratic candidates
- Raise funds to support the operations of our organization and our office
If you would like to be a part of this newly formed committee, please contact Chris Hotchkin at [email protected]. We welcome and need your participation! This committee will likely meet about once a month, either at the office or via Zoom.
|
|
|
|
DEMOCRATIC WOMEN OF DUPAGE COUNTY ANNUAL BRUNCH.
By Chris Hotchkin
|
The Democratic Women of DuPage County will hold our Annual Meeting and Brunch on January 15, 2022 at Abbington Banquets, Rt. 53 and Butterfield Roads in Glen Ellyn. Guests may arrive starting at 10:00 a.m. The event will feature a full brunch, a keynote speaker, reports on the activities of DWDC in 2021 and elections of officers for 2022. Tickets are $40 for DWDC members, $50 for non-members, or $70 for brunch and 2022 membership.
The Democratic Women of DuPage County’s special fundraising effort to support women candidates in DuPage County, “22-4-22”, continues to raise a significant amount of money for our candidates. To donate go to https://secure.actblue.com/donate/22-4-22.
|
|
|
|
DGTDO OFFICE RESOURCES AVAILABLE. |
DGTDO Office resources are available for volunteers and PC. Here are some of them:
- To reserve the office for a meeting, text Sue at 630-441-6640 or email at [email protected]. Provide date, time, reason and how many people are expected.
- Print and make copies of PC letters to voters thanking them for voting
-
Voter lists based on your needs - contact Sue Sitton at [email protected] if you need help
- Run and print voter lists
- Voter labels for mailings
Let us know what you need.
|
|
|
|
The office will be closed Saturnday morning after Thanksgiving.
Now that the office is open, we have coffee and chat on Saturday mornings - in person. Typically people show up around 10 am, but the office is open from 9 am to 12 noon. Stop by for good conversation with like-minded democrats. It helps to keep our sanity and to get caught up on what's going on is our community. You might also find a great volunteer opportunity.
|
|
|
|
POSTCARDS TO SWING STATES AVAILABLE AT DGTDO. |
Are you interested in writing postcards to swing states? Stop by DGTDO office and pick them up. We currently have postcards for Florida and Georgia. The deadline for mailing is January 7, 2022.
Thanks for your help.
|
|
MORE EVENTS AND RESOURCES |
|
|
|
PEACE! TOASTMASTERS
1ST FRIDAY 6:30-8:30PM (virtual)
3RD SUNDAY 3:00-5:00pm (in person)
DUPAGE DEMOCRATS OFFICE
- Improve your impromptu speaking
- Learn to articulate your message clearly
- Learn to use feedback to improve performance
- Try out new ideas
- Vent with like-minded people
|
|
|
|
Federal Elected Officials
White House: (202) 456-1111
Click on GET INVOLVED in the blue header
Dept of Justice: (202) 353-1555
Congressional Switchboard for Both House and Senate: (202) 224-3121
Local offices if Washington office is busy:
Sen. Dick Durbin (312) 353-4952
Sen. Tammy Duckworth (312) 886-3506
Rep. Sean Casten 202-225-4561, 630-520-9450
Rep. Mike Quigley (773) 267-5926
Rep. Bill Foster (630) 585-7672
Rep. Marie Newman (773) 948-6223
Illinois State Elected Officials
State of IL: JB Pritzker:
(217) 782-0244
State Sen Suzy Glowiak
(217) 782-8148, (630) 785-3177
Rep Deanne Mazzochi (R)
(217) 782-1448, (630) 852-8633
State Sen John Curran (R)
(630) 796-2623, (217) 82-9407
State Rep Jim Durkin (R)
(217) 782-0494, (630) 325-2028
State Rep Anne Stava-Murray
(217) 782-6578 , 630-605-0595
DuPage County Board Elected Officials
District 2
Elizabeth Chaplin
630-518-6740
Paula Deacon Garcia
630-407-6023
Pete DiCianni (R)
630-834-4059
District 3
Greg Hart (R)
630-407-6023
Brian Krajewski (R)
630-435-6340
Julie Renehan
630-407-6023
|
|
|
|
DGTDO OFFICE HOURS:
December / January
|
DGTDO Office
(PO Box 785)
908 Curtiss St, Downers Grove
630-297-8600
Monday 1:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday 1:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday 1:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday 1:30 to 6:00 p.m.
Friday 2:00 to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
|
|
Upcoming Events and Key Election Dates
Types of events: DGTDO, Candidate, Education / Issues, “Be Active”, Organization Meeting
Updated December 15, 2021
Recurring Events
DGTDO Office Hours
Saturdays, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Stop by for coffee and chat. Good conversation with like-minded people.
DGTDO Office
908 Curtiss Street, Downers Grove
December 2021
December 15 (Wednesday), 6:00 to 7:30 pm
Become a Notary Public with Jeff Jacobson
DGTDO Office (vaccinations and masks required)
908 Curtiss St., Downers Grove
December 17 (Friday), 6:00 to 9:30 pm
DuPage Dems Holiday Party
Abbington Banquets
3S002 Route 53, Glen Ellyn
December 19 (Sunday), 3:00 to 5:00 pm
PEACE Toastmasters Meeting (1st Fridays, 3rd Sundays)
In-Person – check for location
January 2022
January 7 (Friday), 6:00 to 9:00 pm
PEACE Toastmasters Meeting (1st Fridays, 3rd Sundays)
Virtual Meeting
January 12 (Wednesday), 7:30 to 9:00 pm
DGTDO Monthly Meeting (2nd Wednesday)
D99 Administration Building
6301 Springside, Downers Grove
January 16 (Sunday), 3:00 to 5:00 pm
PEACE Toastmasters Meeting (1st Fridays, 3rd Sundays)
Virtual Event
January 23 (Sunday), 10:00 am
DWDC Annual Brunch
Abbington Banquets
Rt. 53 and Butterfield Rd, Glen Ellyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
