It is indeed a new day for Florida Democrats. Our new chair put the emphasis on practical winning strategies, such as an entire hour on nothing but knocking doors. I was proud to represent the hardest working dems in the state as a presenter for that session, and my focus was on the WHY. We have evidence that our wins are found in our ground game, and our losses are when we don't engage the voters at the doors. For more information about how important door knocking is, you'll find some of my presentation here.
While most of Saturday was general session, there were some excellent breakout sessions as well-from our new state campaign committee where Chair Danielle Hawk shared the HARD work she's been putting in to help candidates all over the state win, to updates on Floridians Protecting Freedom, the latest information on voter registration restrictions and more.
It wasn't all work-there was plenty of time for fun too. From the welcome reception Friday evening to the star studded gala itself, the primary purpose of the weekend. Keynote speaker Bradley Whitford (Handmaid's Tale, the West Wing) was prepared and engaging-my favorite line was "little Ronny D is a f-ing coward". Check out this video from the FDP that highlights the speakers and energy at the gala.
And of course our own Jennifer Jenkins was selected to introduce all of the municipal elected Democrats throughout the state-and she proceeded to give a rousing speech which competed with Whitford for high point of the night. I came home Sunday morning, but the Dems who could stay participated in a knockathon for Miami/Dade-putting the winning strategies right to work. I couldn't be more proud, more confident and more energized.
If you see Nikki Fried out and about-give her a high five for an amazing weekend and for setting the stage for a new day, including FDP's new logo featuring red, white and blue. Democracy is worth fighting for and our flag is ours to keep
Yours in power and unity,
Pamela
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Pam Castellana was elected Chair of the Brevard Democratic Party in 2020 after serving as a Candidate and Campaign Committee Chair. A lifelong Democrat, Pam has lived in Melbourne since 1996. She is committed to voter education, a free press, and open dialogue with both allies and opponents.
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BrevardDems Monthly Meeting Reminder |
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Our monthly meeting will be held on Wednesday, July 26 in the County Commission chambers at Brevard County Government Center, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Building C, in Viera. Please RSVP here.
Please arrive by 6:30 so we can confirm membership and credential attendees. We will also be holding orientation for first-time visitors at 6pm. If this is your first visit I think you'll find it helpful!
As always, your attendance and active participation are vital to ensure we can conduct business and meet our monthly goals. If you are an elected member who is unable to attend, please notify our membership chair by email: [email protected].
Our meetings are open to all registered Democrats, so please bring friends and neighbors who are registered Democrats! Anyone NOT registered as a Democrat will have to be pre-approved by contacting Pam, your chair.
Our monthly meeting minutes are available for for your reading pleasure. You can read notes from the June meeting here..
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10 Bad Bills
10 terrible bills took effect in Florida on July 1. These new laws take away immigration, health care, education, and workers’ rights, threatening our safety and freedom; they are anti-worker, anti-woman, anti-immigrant, anti-education and anti-freedom. Make no mistake, if we don't organize and fight back, it will only get worse. We must stop DeSantis!
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Get Involved. Volunteer Opportunies |
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Canvass & Collect Petitions |
Join us in canvassing Dems thanking them for voting, meeting new Dems, offering Mail Ballot Requests and getting 2 important petitions signed. Drivers and walkers needed. Click links below for more info.
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Brevard Dems Veterans Caucus |
Join us July 18th for our monthly Veteran's Caucus Meeting. This meeting will focus on the Independence Day Parade, Veteran's Issues and the election officers.
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Drinking Liberally w/ Young Dems |
Join fellow Young Dems for the next Drinking Liberally event on Friday, July 21 at Playalinda Brewing Company Brix Project. No agenda, just a casual exchange of ideas and social. Bring a friend!
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Please join us Tuesday, July 25th (place tbd) for our LGBTA Democratic Caucus meeting. We are a political organization that educates, advocates and supports the LGBTQ community in Brevard County and beyond. Check out the Facebook page for updates on the July meeting place.
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Leadership Blue
Many members of the Brevard Dems attended the Florida Leadedrship Blue Conference.
Take a look at some of their reflections and take-aways
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The Saturday night gala included one of the most amazing and diverse entertainment presentations that followed the keynote speaker, Bradley Whitford. From a “drag show” to Latin dancing to a step crew … ensured that it became a truly inclusive show for all.
- Claudette Wells, Treasurer
The information on messaging and communication was particularly important for our voter contact efforts, and it was great to hear the updates on the petition drives. FDP leadership gives hope for the future.
- Karen Moser, Parlimentarian
I appreciated hearing from Chair Fried and her staff about the changes that they are implementing at the state level. After experiencing the energy and excitement of Leadership Blue, I finally feel like we are in good hands with Chair Fried and her team of experts. I look forward to ensuring Brevard’s voice is heard as we shape the party moving forward.
- Jennifer Sizemore, State Committeewoman
The presentations were packed with helpful information and inspiring messages. I was especially grateful for the State Candidate Chair’s training and hope that I can use the strategies I learned to help turn BREVARD Blue! Also, the after-party was legit! Let's go Dems!!!
- Rachele Jolley, Candidate & Campaign Chair
It was really exciting to be around so many Dems and to know that we aren’t backing down. There are a lot of new faces and ideas that I’m really excited to learn from and work with as we put Florida on a better path!
- Kristin McBenton, District 2, Field Organizer
It was a jam-packed 6 hours of presentations. One of the highlights was the presentation by the leaders of the Florida Democratic Youth Council. Their priorities are to engage the student population at Florida colleges and high schools, create the FDP Ambassador Program, a digital outreach plan to increase youth involvement and recruit youth to run for office to build a strong bench for now and the future.
- Risë Walter, Communications Chair
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Request Your Mail Ballot Today!!!
If you havent already requested your mail-in ballot, do it today. Ron DeSantis and his GOP legislature are banking on the fact that you don't know that your previous mail ballot request was cancelled at the end of 2022. That means that if you usually vote by mail, you must re-request your mail-in ballot. Do not be left in the lurch! Request your mail-in ballot here. Do it today!!! Don’t wait!
Voting by mail is not a partisan issue. Voting should be made easier, not harder. Changing the rules without making an effort to ensure that everyone is aware of the change is a cowardly move with the hopes that if you don’t get your mail-in ballot you won’t go to vote in person.
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There are elections happening THIS YEAR in Rockledge, Cape Canaveral, Indian Harbour Beach, Melbourne Beach, Barefoot Bay, Holiday Park, Indialantic, Palm Shores, and Melbourne Village.
Join us for our monthly training August 13, 7pm. Whether you are a candidate or thinking about running in the future or are just generally interested please join us! Everyone is welcome! Snacks and drinks provided!
If you're interested in running for one of these municipal seats or would just like to get more information on the process, please contact Rachele Jolley, our Candidates and Campaigns chair at [email protected] or at (321) 795-1584.
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Become our new Diversity Chair |
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The Diversity and Inclusion Taskforce ensures that the BrevardDems organization truly represents, includes, and serves disenfranchised and oppressed communities, including people of color, immigrants, the disabled, and the poor. Register voters and increase voter turnout in these communities. For more information please contact us at [email protected].
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Get Involved: Join a Committee |
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The Brevard Democrats is a diverse group of motivated, talented people, and we could use your help on one of our committees. Please contact the committee chair you’re interested in if you’d like to contribute your time and effort. |
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BrevardDems Headquarters | 321.600.4855
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Brevard Supervisor of Elections | 321.290.VOTE (Spanish: 833.803.0613)
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BrevardDems District Organizers | Your district number is also the first digit of your precinct number. To find your precinct number, check your voter registration card or click here.
District 1
District 2
District 3
District 4
District 5
And you can ALWAYS reach me, Pamela Castellana, at
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Voting Rights Restoration:
Fine & Fee Assistance Available for Former Felons
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The Florida Rights Restoration Coalition (FRRC) has a program to help pay any outstanding fees and fines for returning citizens with a previous felony conviction that is preventing an individual from having their voting rights restored. Individuals can apply for assistance here .
If you'd like to make a tax-deductible donation to the FRRC's fund for helping pay off the outstanding fines and fees of returning citizens, please click here .
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BrevardDems Volunteer Calendar |
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Please see your District Newsletter or contact your District/Precinct Organizer for more volunteer opportunities! |
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BrevardDems Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, July 26 at 7:00PM
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Paid for and approved by the Brevard Democratic Executive Committee. |
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