2025 is the Year of Momentum!

January Newsletter

Our hearts are with the people of California as they endure unimaginable loss and devastation. While we work toward building momentum for a better future, we also pause to recognize the grief and challenges faced by those rebuilding their lives. Our strength as a community lies in how we come together during times of need. If you’re able, please consider contributing to the California Community Foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund, which focuses on helping underserved communities, including the disabled, farmworkers, and Native American populations.

2025: The Year of Momentum

As we step boldly into 2025, one word captures the energy, determination, and purpose driving the Aiken County Democratic Party: MOMENTUM.

Momentum isn’t just about speed—it’s about direction. It’s the steady force that builds with every conversation, every volunteer shift, every voter registered, and every door knocked. It’s what propels us forward, even when the road is uphill.

This year, we’re not starting from scratch. We’re building on the victories, lessons, and hard work of 2024. With momentum as our guide, we’ll push harder, reach further, and grow stronger as a community.

January Monthly Meeting

Date: Thursday, January 16

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: Odell Weeks Activity Center, Room 1

Join us as we kick off 2025 with MOMENTUM! This year is about building energy, driving change, and keeping our community engaged. Whether you're a long-time member or brand new to the party, your voice matters, and your presence makes a difference.

Let's set our goals and hit the ground running!

RSVP here with Mobilize

SAVE THE DATE!

Aiken County Democratic Party County Convention

Saturday, March 8, 2025

1:00 PM

Lessie B. Price Aiken Youth & Senior Center

Mark your calendars for the 2025 Aiken County Democratic Party County Convention!

Elections will be held for Chair, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Vice Chairs, and SCDP Executive Committee Persons.

Your voice and your vote matter—help us build the momentum we need for a strong Democratic future in Aiken County.

More details to come—stay tuned!

Click here to Pre-Register for the Convention

Celebrate the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Join USC Aiken and Aiken Technical College on Sunday, January 26, 2025, for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Celebration at the

USCA Convocation Center.

2:30 PM: Community Resource Fair
3:00 PM: Celebration Program

We’re proud to welcome Christale Spain, the Chair of the South Carolina Democratic Party, as the keynote speaker. Let’s unite as a community to honor Dr. King’s lasting vision of justice, equality, and service.

Join us for this inspiring day of unity and action!

Aiken Democratic Women’s Club: New Meeting Location and Schedule

The Aiken Democratic Women’s Club is pleased to announce that, starting January 27th, monthly meetings will be held at the Aiken County Democratic Party (ACDP) office.

New Meeting Details:

Location: ACDP Office, 410 Richland Avenue West, Aiken, SC 29801
Next Meeting: Monday, January 27th, 6:00 PM
Regular Meeting Schedule: Every third Monday of the month at 5:30 PM

The ACDWC is excited to welcome new and returning members to their meeting.

For mor information,contact aikendemocrats@gmail.com or call 803-648-6595.

Please note: Parking is available on Pendleton Street. We kindly ask that you avoid parking in the Auto Zone lot.

North Augusta Democratic Club: News & Events

January Meeting

Thursday, January 23rd
7:00–8:00 PM
Location: Hammond Grove Baptist Church, North Augusta

The NADC will hold elections this month. Contact Ida Weston at (803)292-1147 for more information.

The North Augusta Democratic Club celebrates another successful cycle of providing Rides to the Polls!

During the 2024 presidential election, the program ensured

that 85 voters had reliable transportation to cast their ballots.

This achievement reflects the power of community-driven efforts to strengthen democracy and make voting accessible to all.

Thank you to the volunteers and drivers who made this possible!

A Gentle Giant of Democracy: Honoring President Jimmy Carter

President Jimmy Carter’s passing marks the loss of a leader who embodied integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to public service.

From his humble beginnings in Plains, Georgia, to his transformative presidency and tireless humanitarian efforts with Habitat for Humanity, he represented the very best of American values.

He showed us that authentic leadership is rooted in empathy, service, and the courage to stand up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.

As Democrats, we carry forward his legacy—not just in remembrance but through action—championing human rights, social justice, and a world guided by kindness and decency.

Rest in peace, President Carter. Your extraordinary light will continue to inspire us all.

Upcoming Legislative Session: Key Issues to Watch

As the South Carolina General Assembly convenes on January 14, 2025, several significant legislative initiatives are poised for debate:

Abortion Legislation: Following the implementation of a six-week abortion ban, further restrictions are anticipated. The S.C. Freedom Caucus advocates for a complete ban, citing constitutional rights to life.
Cultural and Educational Policies: Proposals to limit or eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in state colleges are expected. Additionally, bipartisan support is growing for enhanced penalties for hate crimes, aiming to address and deter acts of hate-fueled violence.

These developments emphasize the turbulent and potentially disruptive nature of the forthcoming legislative session. Engaged citizens must remain informed and actively participate in the legislative process. For comprehensive coverage, please see the Statehouse Report.

January Government Meetings in Aiken County

Jan 13: North Augusta City Council, 7:00 PM, Municipal Building
Jan 13: Aiken City Council, 7:00 PM, Municipal Building

Jan 14: Aiken County Council, 7:00 PM, Aiken County Government Center
Jan 16: New Ellenton City Council, 7:00 PM, New Ellenton City Hall
Jan 20: Salley City Council, 7:00 PM, Salley Town Hall
Jan 20: New Ellenton City Council, 7:00 PM, New Ellenton City Hall
Jan 21: Aiken County Public School District, 7:00 PM, Brookhaven Dr, Aiken
Jan 27: North Augusta City Council, 7:00 PM, Municipal Building
Jan 27: Aiken City Council, 7:00 PM, Municipal Building

More details: ACDP Events Page

Upcoming Events & Meetings

Aiken County Democratic Party & Affiliates:

Jan 16: ACDP Monthly Meeting, 7:00–8:00 PM Odell Weeks Activity Center Room 1
Jan 23: N. Augusta Democratic Club, 7:00–8:00 PM, Hammond Grove Baptist Church, North Augusta
Jan 27: Aiken County Democratic Women's Club, 6:00–7:00 PM, 410 Richland Avenue, West

Civic Engagement Committee & Rapid Response Team

The Aiken County Democratic Party is excited to announce the launch of two vital long-term efforts to kick off 2025!

Civic Engagement Group

Our Civic Engagement Group is dedicated to fostering active participation in local governance and community affairs. By joining, you can:

Stay Informed: Receive timely updates on local issues and legislative developments.
Participate Actively: Engage in community discussions, town halls, and public forums.
Advocate for Change: Collaborate on initiatives that promote Democratic values in Aiken County.

Rapid Response Team

The Rapid Response Team is our frontline for addressing urgent political developments. As a member, you will:

Mobilize Quickly: Respond to pressing issues with coordinated actions.
Amplify Our Voice: Help disseminate important information swiftly to the community.
Support Campaigns: Assist in critical moments during election cycles and legislative sessions.

Get Involved!

Your participation is crucial in making a meaningful impact in our community. To join or learn more about these initiatives, please get in touch with us at:

Email: aikendemocrats@gmail.com
Phone: 803-648-6595
Office Address: 410 Richland Avenue West, Aiken, South Carolina 29801
To join the team, Register via Mobilize HERE!
Then join the Civic Engagement and Rapid Response Team Facebook Group to stay informed!

Together, we can strengthen our community and advance our values. Join us in making a difference!

Introducing the Aiken County Democratic Party Book Club:

Chapters for Change

Kickoff Selection: The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon

Start Date: February 1, 2025

Format: Hybrid

Let’s flex our minds and grow together!

Chapters for Change is more than a book club—it’s a community of readers tackling thought-provoking works that inspire, challenge, and align with our mission to create a better future.

Join us for our inaugural selection, The Small and the Mighty by Sharon McMahon, a compelling exploration of leadership, resilience, and the pursuit of justice.

How It Works

Weekly Online Discussion:
Engage in vibrant discussions on our ACDP Facebook page. Look out for fresh prompts every Monday to share your thoughts and insights.
Manageable Reading Schedule:
We’ll guide you with a weekly plan so you can stay on track and enjoy every chapter.
In-Person Wrap-Up:
Celebrate finishing our first read together! We’ll meet in person at the end of February for a lively discussion and camaraderie.

Ready to join?

Grab your copy of The Small and the Mighty, mark your calendar, and invite a friend! Stay tuned for updates on our Facebook page. Together, let’s read, reflect, and create change.

Join the Book Club by Clicking Here!

ACDP Office Open Saturdays from 1–3 PM

Starting January 11th, the Aiken County Democratic Party office will be open every Saturday from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Feel free to drop by to:

Learn about upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.
Engage with fellow Democrats in our community.
Access resources to stay informed and involved.

Location:

410 Richland Avenue West

Aiken, South Carolina 29801

Parking:

Please park on Pendleton or Greenville Streets.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Join Us Through Mobilize: Your Gateway to ACDP Events & Volunteering!

It's now easier than ever to connect with us and get involved using Mobilize, the go-to platform for informing you about our upcoming events and volunteer opportunities.

What does this mean for you?

One-Click Event Sign-Ups: No more searching around! Find all our events in one place and sign up with just a click.
Volunteer Opportunities at Your Fingertips: Whether it's canvassing, phone banking, or helping out at events, Mobilize will keep you in the loop and let you know where you can lend a hand.
Stay in the Know: Get notified about new events and opportunities that match your interests so you never miss a chance to make a difference.

Ready to BE THE CHANGE? Check out our upcoming events linked below and start making an impact today. Click on the event images below or go to Mobilize.US/aikencountydemocrats for more information.

Thanks for being a vital part of the Aiken County Democratic Party. Your support and involvement keep us going strong.

We can't wait to see you at our next event!

🌟 Become a Monthly Meeting Sponsor! 🌟

Meeting space costs have skyrocketed, and your support can make a significant difference. For just $100 a month, you can sponsor an Aiken County Democratic Party monthly meeting and directly help cover essential expenses.

It’s an easy and meaningful way to make an impact and keep our party moving forward with Momentum in 2025.

Interested in becoming a sponsor? Contact us today and make a difference!

Click Here to Become a Meeting Sponsor!

We Value Your Feedback

We want to hear from you! Your thoughts and experiences are invaluable in shaping how we move forward as a team and a community.

Whether you knocked on doors, made calls, sent texts, or shared a post on social media, every effort contributed to our success. Now, we want to know what worked, what didn’t, and what we can do better next time.

Please take a few minutes to complete our post-election survey. Your feedback will help us improve and grow as we fight for our shared values.

Click here to take the survey.

Thank you for everything you’ve done this cycle. Together, we’re making a difference!

Momentum: Honoring the Past, Building the Future

As we step into a new year and prepare for the next chapter of American leadership, one word rises above the noise: momentum. It's the force that propels us forward, shaped by the leaders who came before and carried by those who refuse to stand still.

President Biden's tenure was defined by steady, determined momentum—leading our country through crises with empathy and action. From historic investments in infrastructure and clean energy to expanding healthcare access and restoring international alliances, Biden's leadership was a reminder that real progress comes from persistence, not spectacle.

At the same time, we pause to honor President Jimmy Carter's extraordinary life and legacy. Carter remains a beacon of humility, integrity, and tireless service. Whether brokering peace in the Middle East or swinging a hammer with Habitat for Humanity, Carter exemplified leadership built on compassion, selflessness, and a relentless commitment to doing good.

In sharp contrast stands Donald Trump—a figure whose presidency stalled momentum, replacing progress with division, self-interest, and chaos. Where Biden and Carter built bridges, Trump burned them. Where they led with character, he led with grievance. The difference isn't just in style—it's in outcomes.

As we honor Carter's extraordinary legacy and reflect on Biden's steadfast leadership, we must carry their spirit forward into the battles ahead. Let's build on their momentum by showing up, speaking out, and staying engaged—because progress doesn't happen by accident.