Newsletter of the Platte County Democratic  Central Committee

Volume 13 No. 2                             February 2021

Calendar  March 8 – Platte County Federated Women’s Democratic Club will meet via Zoom at 5:30 p.m. Virtual meeting. Those who want to join us should contact Rita McGuire at ritakay638@gmail.com, 816-225-4506. March 10 - First session of Indivisible's “State Legislative Advocacy Training Series”. See below. March 18 - Platte County Democratic Central Committee will meet at 7:00 p.m. - virtual meeting - Contact dems@plattedems.org for Zoom link.    Clay County Democrats - click here.  Jackson County Democrats - click here.  Indivisible Kansas City - click here. Greater KC Women's Caucus - click here. Northland Progress - click here. Buchanan County Democrats - click here.

Platte County Federated Women's Democratic Club

The Women’s Club met via Zoom on Monday February 18. The first order of business was a report on sales of MFWDC Lottery Tickets. To date, no one has purchased a ticket. The second order of business was the report of the Nominating Committee (Alice Wadsworth, Acting President, Rita McGuire, Lee Karbaumer, 1st Vice President and Sharen Hunt). So far, there are proposed nominees for President, 1st Vice President and 2nd Vice President but the Committee hopes to expand potential leadership because there is time to reach out. The Committee also reported that Helen Weigman has asked to resign as Treasurer due to family health issues. Tracy Holthaus, our current Secretary has since agreed to become the Acting Treasurer and Elizabeth Murtagh-Yaw has agreed to assume the role of Acting Secretary. A slate of candidates will be presented at the March meeting. Our official guest Speaker was Dr. Sofia Khan, founder of KC for Refugees. She spoke passionately about the need to help create a welcoming environment for refugees moving to and living in the Kansas City area. Their approach is very personal with the goal of educating the community about the refugee resettlement process and to help connect local refugees with each other and with their Kansas City neighbors. Refugees who come to America often include the most vulnerable, including women and children at risk; women heads of households, the elderly and survivors of violence and torture.

David Park, Candidate for the Platte County Health Department Board of Trustees requested permission to give a brief presentation on the importance of this position during the pandemic. David’s education and experience, as well as his commitment and devotion to his Platte County community, provide him with the tools and resources needed to serve as a Trustee on the Platte County Health Department Board of Trustees on the April 6 ballot.

Platte Country Democratic Central Committee

The Platte County Democratic Central Committee met via Zoom on February 18. Meeting called to order by Chair David Christian. Treasurer’s report was presented by John Kirchmeier: we have sufficient funds for the year, based on current expenses. Sharen Hunt noted the Northland Progress event on March 7, Paula Willmarth reported that State Central Committee met to reorganize, with election of officers. David Park, candidate for the non partisan Platte County Health Board discussed his platform and background and interest in the position. His degree in Environmental Health relates to several of the health department’s roles. His web page is www.Park4Platte.com . Ed Casey reported on the Jobs for Justice Program, emceed by State Rep, Ashley Aune. Plans for 2021 were a large part of the meeting. Wanda Park, Vice Chair, submitted the following report on this discussion: Legislative Update: Sharen Hunt to reach out to Ashley Aune regarding speaking at a Zoom Legislative Update hosted by PCDCC.   If this is going to be held in March during Ashley's Legislative spring break, this might be the first Forum of 2021. If Ashley is agreeable & we have a date/time, we would move forward with press releases, email notices, Facebook announcements, etc. Climate Change & Issues: This is a topic we had on the possible Forum list before the pandemic & before the extensive use of Zoom which might make it easier to pursue now.   John Kirchmeier to let us know if his daughter, Megan, who is an expert in this field, is available & willing to be a speaker. Discussion on Stacey Abrams - All in: The Fight for Democracy Jamie Johnson and Stacey Webb discussed putting together a Forum on Stacey Abrams' book/documentary with discussion questions; timing of Forum TBD.

State Legislative Advocacy Training Series

Indivisible is sponsoring a “State Legislative Advocacy Training Series” of Zoom training sessions beginning in March and the last in May. The first two sessions will be: March 10th “How to Build an Effective Campaign” and March 24th “Framing the Issue”. For additional information and Meeting registration information click here.

Start The New Year by Supporting the Missouri Democratic Party

Join the grassroots army of dedicated supporters to finish what we started and build on our wins in the White House, Senate, and House of Representatives! Will you join us? Become a card-carrying member today! Membership dues are $35. For seniors (65+) and Young Democrats (18-25), dues are only $25. Memberships will be for the duration of 2021. Click here to join !