January 15, 2024

Newsletter

Martin Luther King, Jr.'s Birthday

Please note: our newsletters contain a lot of links to make viewing the source easier - just click on images or linked text to explore

IN THIS ISSUE:

• The King Center - In Honor of MLK
• Volunteer Kick-off Event - January 27th
• TDP Talking Points - Texas Blueprint, Dem Candidates!
• Important Ballot by Mail Information
• Primary Election - Key Dates
• Convention Committee Volunteers Needed!
• Final Friday - Meet the Candidates
• Bridge Issues - Immigration
• Non-Profit Spotlight - Children's Books on Wheels
• Playing for Change - Just for Fun and Inspiration!
• Democratic Party Events Around the County
• Go Texan Parade - Save the Date and Clean up Those Boots!
• Joe and Kamala's Corner (click on an image to open)
• Tweets (click on an image to open)
• Texas Blue Store
• Democratic Party Calendar of Upcoming Events
• Other Groups and Community Events

This newsletter is published on or about the 1st and the 15th of every month.

Email content for consideration to communications@mcdptx.org

no later than 3 days before publication.

The annual King Holiday Observance is a time that we celebrate, commemorate and honor the life, legacy and impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Global citizens will have unique opportunities to learn and unite in celebration of Dr. King’s groundbreaking work and Mrs. Coretta Scott King’s powerful continuation and formal institutionalization of that work through a variety of engaging events hosted by The King Center leading up to The King Holiday on January 15th, 2024.

As we witness nations around the world continue to struggle under the weight of violence, hate and poverty, today’s social, political and economic landscape reveals the urgent necessity of Dr. King’s philosophy and methodology of Nonviolence (Nonviolence365™). The King Center leads the charge to provide education and training in Nonviolence365; while serving as the vital living memorial of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Our strategic theme for 2024 is ‘Shifting the Cultural Climate through the Study and Practice of Kingian Nonviolence.’ 

Read more...

Texas BlueTexas Blueprint is the Texas Democratic Party’s 2024 Coordinated Campaign for Texas, uniting county parties and allied partners in a well-organized and focused effort designed to build on our collective goals to establish Texas as a bonafide battleground state for the betterment of working families.print is the Texas Democratic Party’s 2024 Coordinated Campaign for Texas, uniting county parties and allied partners in a well-organized and focused effort designed to build on our collective goals to establish Texas as a bonafide battleground state for the betterment of working families.

texasblueprint.org

The 2024 Texas Democratic Convention is coming soon, y'all! 🤠🌟

Ready to join Democrats from across the state in El Paso next summer? Pre-register NOW, ahead of the March 23, 2024 County/Congressional District Conventions!



Visit TexasDemocraticConvention.com to learn more! #TXDems24

Texas Democrats Ended 2024 March 5th Primary With

Stacked Deck Of Candidates

Want To See Who Has Filed In the Primary?

• Public Office Filings: txdem.co/Candidates24
• Party Office Filings: txdem.co/Chairs24
• Current County & Precinct Chairs: txdem.co/SoS-Official-Chairs

The Texas Democratic Party’s flagship initiative to recruit candidates — Lone Star Rising — has drastically increased the number of Democrats running for office and will allow the Party to contest more Republican seats in 2024.

By the numbers: 

• Statewide Non-Judicial: 12 candidates running US Senate and Railroad Commissioner (all seats up in 2024)
• Texas Supreme Court (Statewide): 5 candidates (all seats)
• Texas Court of Criminal Appeals (Statewide): 3 candidates (all seats)
• State Board of Education: 7 candidates (all seats)
• Texas Senate: 22 candidates (all seats)
• Texas House: 162 candidates contesting 85% of the seats in the Texas House

It’s clear that the work Texas Democrats have done to recruit candidates across the state has paid off, and we are poised to hit the ground running ahead of the 2024 election cycle. Thank you so much to the staff, volunteers, and party officers across the state that made all the recruitment and primary filing possible.

Ballot by Mail Information

Texas GOP legislators love to be creative in getting things done…..like making it harder to vote. The law now requires eligible, registered voters to reapply every year to receive mail-in ballots for elections in that year.

Application forms are available from your local elections office or the Secretary of State, or may be downloaded, printed, completed and submitted by mail or in person. 

Important note: when filling out the application, it asks for your SSN or your driver license number, which you used when you registered to vote. We recommend putting down both if you don’t remember. If you put down the wrong one, your application will be rejected. 

Applications must be received by 2/23/2024 for the

March 5, 2024 Primary Elections. 

Click here for the application and more information

In a recent publication on Community Impact:

“Texas law requires eligible registered voters to submit an application to vote by mail starting Jan. 1 each year. Voters can mark "annual" on the application and receive a mail-in ballot for the pertinent 2024 elections in their jurisdiction, according to the release.”

For the full article click here

For comprehensive voting information check out Vote411

It’s Time for Us to Plan the County Convention

and We Need Your Help!

In March of the even numbered years, after the Primary Election, the Texas State Democratic Party mandates that the County Party hold a County/Congressional District (CD) Convention. The Convention is held on the same day of the week, across the whole state, for the purpose of selecting Delegates to the State Convention, and fulfilling the duties of the Credentials, Rules, Nominations, and Platform and Resolutions Committees. 

2024 is a Presidential Election year. In presidential years, delegates are elected proportionately to the number of supporters for a presidential candidate or uncommitted status at the County/CD Convention and if there are remaining slots unfilled, those may be filled by any presidential preference. The Delegates selected at the County/CD Convention will be eligible to go forward as Montgomery County delegates to the State Democratic Convention at the El Paso Convention Center on June 6-8, 2024.

This year, the County Convention is set for March 23, 2024. 

Because it is a Presidential Election Year, this year will be an especially exciting and interesting year to serve on the County/CD Convention committee. Any Democratic voter in our County can register to come to the County Convention and we hope to have at least 300 attendees. We need to organize guest speakers, select a venue, prepare a program, provide for convention officers, solicit chairpersons for each of the required convention committees, setup registration and credentialling, arrange for refreshments, signage, media, and a myriad of other details. Serving on this Committee is a great way to learn about Party operations and contribute to a critical County event.

If you are interested in joining the Convention Committee, send an email to office@mcdptx.org or call at 936-273-5841. If you have never served on a committee with us, this will be a great place to start. We need every curious, talented, eager, interested Democrat we can muster to help with this amazing event!

Join the Team! Yes, We Can!

Final Friday

January 26, 2024 

Our first Candidate Forum for 2024 is scheduled for Final Friday, January 26, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. either in person at our Democratic Party Headquarters, 704 N. Thompson Street, Conroe, Texas or via Zoom.

All 33 of the Democratic Candidates that are listed on our Montgomery County Ballot have been invited to attend to introduce themselves to our members. That number includes 8 candidates for United States Presidency, 9 candidates running to take over Ted Cruz’ position in the United States Senate, 8 candidates for judge at various levels of the state and federal judiciary, and many others running for more local state and county positions.

What a perfect chance for our Candidates to meet our Voters and what a perfect chance for our Voters to get a first look at our Democratic Candidates. Be an informed voter. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by!

As usual, our Final Friday Social and Speaker Program is held the last Friday of the month at Montgomery County Democratic Headquarters, 704 N. Thompson St, Suite 195, Conroe, Texas, 77301. You may also watch it on Zoom.

The link to watch virtually is highlighted in blue below. You may also watch on Facebook Live.

,

Topic: Final Friday Candidates Forum

Time: January 26, 2024, 6:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85874090628?pwd=RFNJVDRnM3N4aFJ1cFFBQlk1Smlpdz09

Meeting ID: 858 7409 0628

Passcode: 41243

+1 346 248 7799 US Houston

Bridge Issues



Each month in 2024 we will focus on a different Bridge Issue

January's Focus is Immigration

One of the best sources for understanding a party's position on any issue is their platform. To that end we are providing links here to the national and state parties' platforms. We suggest bookmarking these pages and referring to them throughout this election cycle to see where the parties stand. It's informative! (note these links are to the most current platforms available online)

Texas Democratic Party Platform

Texas Republican Party Platform

National Democratic Platform

National Republican Platform

In January, we focus on Immigration which has become a very hot and volatile situation. We do not believe the majority of Texans supports the position of the majority party in Austin.

The Texas-Mexico border has become a hotbed of political debate as the influx of asylum seekers continues to rise. While Democrats advocate for a compassionate approach towards the immigrants, Republicans are pushing for stricter border security measures. The political differences between the two parties have resulted in a stalemate, with no clear solution in sight.

The Democrats believe that the immigrants should be treated with dignity and respect, and that their asylum claims should be processed fairly and expeditiously. On the other hand, Republicans argue that the influx of immigrants is a threat to national security and that the border must be secured at all costs.

Despite the ongoing political divide, it is clear that the situation at the Texas-Mexico border requires a collaborative effort from both parties to find a workable solution that benefits everyone involved.

Your vote is your voice - make it count in every election.

From the Texas Democratic Party:

Greg Abbott Admits that Texas Government is Only Deterred From Shooting Migrant Women and Children by Fear of Murder Charges

Heartland Signal released audio from Greg Abbott’s interview on The Dana Loesch Show via X (formerly known as Twitter) regarding Texas’ dangerous border policies:

“We’re doing everything we possibly can. The only thing that we’re not doing – we’re not shooting people that come across the border because, of course, the Biden administration would charge us with murder,” said disgraced Texas Governor Greg Abbott

• The only thing stopping Greg Abbott from ordering law enforcement to shoot migrant women and children are murder charges. Time and time again, Greg Abbott and Texas Republicans have made it abundantly clear they have no morality or humanity.
• Their only solutions to “secure” the border are separating families, medieval death traps, and mass imprisonment of migrants and Texans who are perceived to be undocumented by law enforcement.
• This is the same rhetoric endorsed by domestic terrorists such as the El Paso shooter, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz and former President Donald Trump – who recently echoed Adolf Hitler by accusing immigrants of “poisoning the blood of our country.”
• This bloodthirsty approach to governance is dangerous not only for migrants and Texans of color – but for our entire state.
• SB 4 is being challenged in federal court for its extreme overreach of authority against Black and Brown Texans – because brutality is their blueprint, cruelty is their point, and extremism is their M.O.
• It is our duty to protect our country’s most vulnerable, and Texas Republicans’ dehumanization of these communities will continue until their authoritarian policies prevail – or apparently, until they catch a murder charge.
• Texans will begin to cast their ballots in the 2024 Primary Election in just a few weeks, and we know that voters will soon not forget this violent and repulsive behavior from our Texas Republican government at the ballot box on March 5th.

More Reading:

The 5 biggest Trump-Republican lies about illegal immigration - Robert Reich

In his own words - Governor Greg Abbott Muses Over Murdering Refugees At The Border - LoneStarLeft

County

Non-Profit Spotlight

Each month, we will share information about non-profit resources in Montgomery County in hopes that those in need receive assistance and to make everyone aware of the great resources in our County.

This month we spotlight Children's Books on Wheels. 

From their website:

Children’s Books On Wheels (CBOW) is a 501c3 Non-profit community based mobile literacy organization. We promote literacy by providing books, educational literature, and community resources to children and their families in multiple languages at no cost. CBOW received its' non-profit status in 2004. CBOW has four components: Health Literacy, Financial Literacy, Digital Literacy, and Educational Literacy to diverse communities in Montgomery County and in the Metro Houston areas.

Rita Wiltz, Founder and Executive Director of Children's Books On Wheels (CBOW), established the mobile non-profit organization in 2004 to bring reading to children in all areas that may not have access to books. Seventy five percent of the population served by CBOW are below the poverty level. Wiltz and her team are mobile and travel to community events, churches, businesses, and other non-profits in north, south, east and west counties. The after-school site at the Sleepy Hollow Multipurpose Building for the YMCA is hosted by CBOW. Summer Reading Projects donate books to children and their families at no cost. Each year over 9,000 books are distributed.

Learn More

A World United Through Music

BREAKING DOWN BOUNDARIES

Playing For Change was created to inspire and connect the world through music. The idea for this project came from a common belief that music has the power to break down boundaries and overcome distances between people.

Traveling around the world inspired us to unite many of the greatest musicians we met throughout our journey. These musicians come from many different countries and cultures, but through music they speak the same language.

Check out the website here

Listen to this song to be awed and filled with joy! 

“Waiting for the World to Change”

Democratic Party Activities Around the County

psst: you're missing a lot of fun if you aren't joining us!!

On December 15, 2023, MCDP hosted a Holiday Open House at Headquarters. The food from our wonderful Catering Committee was amazing and the decorations were beautiful.  Thanks to County Chair, Ginger Blair, for the decorations!  And thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate the holidays and MCDP's work!

On December 30, 2023, Rick Blummer and Carsten Angermann hosted a Zwischen Den Jahren (Between The Years) Party. Zwischen Den Jahren identifies the magical quiet time between Christmas and New Years, a time to reflect, recharge and relax.  

The Party was fun with games, great food (again, thanks to our Catering Committee), and wonderful camaraderie.  

Blue Magnolia's Events Continue into 2024!

We closed out 2023 with an outing to Blue Heron Farm Beer Garden in Waller on December 13th. It was a bit cold and rainy but we had a good turnout and a lot of fun. Mr. and Mrs. Claus joined us! Check out The Beer Garden!

Blue Magnolia met on January 10th at our favorite Thai restaurant. We had a great turnout (17!) with some new faces. We love getting together and catching up with each other and party news! Our next event is our morning social on January 25th at 10 am at 5 de Mayo Restaurant in Magnolia.

We meet the 2nd Wednesday at 6 pm and the 4th Thursday at 10 am.

Join us!

Go Texan Parade!

Again this year, MCDP will have a huge presence at the awesome Go Texan Parade in Conroe.

If you want to volunteer to help decorate or include a vehicle with us, please contact Laurie McSpadden at volunteercoordinator@mcdptx.org.

Please join us to march in the parade or ride on the float on the day of the parade! More details to follow!

Tweets!

Blue Texas Store

Visit headquarters or Facebook to shop and check out what's available. Thanks to Judy Trosvig for the creation of the Blue Texas Store and of many of the beautiful items available in it!

Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)

Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining"!

Democrats & Progressives of Montgomery County Area Meetup

Attend a Wednesday Evening Meetup - Dinner with Friends

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

6:00 PM to 8:00 PM CST

RSVP

OR Attend a Morning Coffee/Breakfast

Second Saturday of the month -

Saturday, Feb. 10, 2023, at 8:30 am

Start the new year right - with friends

The Whistle Stop Cafe

11133 Interstate 45 S · Conroe, TX

Hosted by Karen Cavanagh.

RSVP

Democratic Club of The Woodlands Meeting › Zoom 

Monday, January 29, 2024 at 7:00 pm

Thank you for your continued advocacy and support to our Democratic values. There are many ways -- big and small -- that you can support your community and our local Democratic Club. Join us on Facebook and come to the upcoming meetings to find ways you can get involved.

Recurring meetings, and related events



TUE JAN 16 - CONROE ISD BOARD, 6:00pm, 3205 W. Davis Street, Conroe 77304

THU JAN 18 - LWV: TEXAS CIVIL RIGHTS PROJECT, 11:30am, Macaroni Grill 77380

THU JAN 18 - FILING DEADLINE FOR TWT VILLAGE AND RDRC BOARDS

THU JAN 18 - WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP BOARD, 6:00pm, 2801 Technology Forest Bl. 77381

TUE JAN 23 - MOCO COMMISSIONERS COURT, 9:30am, 501 N. Thompson 77301

WED JAN 24 - WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP BOARD, 6:00pm, 2801 Technology Forest Bl. 77381

SUN JAN 28 to 30 - TX IMPACT/UNITED WOMEN IN FATIH AT THE LEGE, Austin

MON FEB 5 - LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE, OR CHANGE ADDRESS ON REG.

TUE FEB 6 - MOCO COMMISSIONERS COURT, 9:30am, 501 N. Thompson 77301

MON FEB 12 to 16 - VILLAGE & RDRC ELECTION EARLY VOTING, 9:00am to 5:00pm, TWT

TUE FEB 13 - LS GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION BOARD, 6:00pm, 655 Conroe Park N

SAT FEB 17 - VILLAGE & RDRC ELECTIONS, 8:00am -6:oopm, 2801 Technology Forest Bl.

TUE FEB 20 - EARLY VOTING BEGINS

TUE FEB 20 - MOCO COMMISSIONERS COURT, 9:30am, 501 N. Thompson 77301

WED FEB 22 - WOODLANDS TOWNSHIP BOARD, 6:00pm, 2801 Technology Forest Bl. 77381

THU FEB 23 - LAST DAY TO APPLY FOR A BALLOT BY MAIL

FRI MAR 1 - LAST DAY OF EARLY VOTING

TUE MAR 5 - PRIMARY ELECTION DAY, 7:00am to 7:00pm

SAT MAR 23 - LWV: TOGETHER!, 1:00pm, SHSU The Woodlands Center