News & Events


September 25, 2019
Have you met Greta Thunberg?
On Monday, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres assembled a climate summit. His goal was to reinvigorate the Paris climate agreement, originally adopted in 2015 by 174 nations plus the European Union. – President Trump withdrew the U.S. from the agreement in 2017. -- And now, Sixty-six countries have responded to Mr. Guterres’ call to renew their focus on this crisis, vowing to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. (You might notice that’s a potentially-disaster-filled 30 long years from now.)
 
Yesterday, I watched a video of Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old Swedish climate activist, speaking to attendees of the U.N. summit. And all I can say is, what a remarkable young woman! As I viewed her impassioned upbraiding of that roomful of eminent adults, it was impossible for me to be unmoved. Everything she said was indisputably true and unarguably urgent. (If you haven’t yet seen Greta’s brief speech, you can Google: ‘ How dare you?': Greta Thunberg slams world leaders at UN climate summit. )
 
So what happened after she spoke? Well as you would expect, the right wing immediately belittled her. Fox News commentator Laura Ingraham compared Greta to a character from the Stephen King horror film “Children of the Corn.” Trump mockingly tweeted: “She seems like a very happy young girl looking forward to a bright and wonderful future. So nice to see.”
 
But despite the push back from our nation’s Bully in Chief and those Fox practitioners of Goebbels-style Journalism, Ms. Thunberg’s words resonated around the world. And — if we were living in a less dysfunctional nation — I think over the coming days they might have resonated much more in our U.S.A. too.
 
With thousands of people presently being flooded out of their homes on the Gulf and Atlantic coasts (ironically, often Trump-friendly areas), Greta’s words might have started a national conversation and a demand for serious, non-partisan action to address the changing climate.
 
Unfortunately, within hours of her U.N. speech, America’s attention turned to a brand new subject, the impeachment of President Donald J. Trump. And this time it appears the U.S. House will seriously pursue drawing up those articles of impeachment. This means that in the coming months, along with all the news coverage of the Democratic Party’s presidential candidates, our country will be further politically polarized.

Perhaps the saddest aspect of this sad page in our history is that the Trump impeachment proceedings, although decidedly called for, will take up valuable time that could have been spent focusing on issues that desperately need the attention of the public and our lawmakers. You know the issues, but among them climate change, the existential threat to all future generations and in fact to life on earth, must be given the highest priority.
 
Each year, more of our planet's living things are brought closer to extinction, more arable land brought closer to becoming desert, more millions of people brought closer to being displaced, more extreme weather events becoming the norm. We cannot accept the path we are on as unavoidable. For the sake of our children and every future generation we must establish continuous and uncompromising policies that will slow down and eventually halt this disastrous process.
 
I know we have legislators at the state and national level as well as officals in local offices that have been championing legislation to deal with this crisis. -- We must encourage them to continue their work with increased ferocity.
 
Greta Thunberg’s message wasn’t just addressing her U.N. audience. Her fiery words were aimed at every one of us and at every person we have helped to elect in every level of government -- even the most enlightened, energetic and dedicated among us. We must ask ourselves and ask the office holders representing us, what more can we do?
 
It’s good to know that long after Donald Trump and his enablers are no longer present in a world they clearly care so little about, Greta Thunberg and hundreds of thousands of others inspired by her will be around. We must do all we can to make the world they inherit, better than they expect.

Nels Howard
NTD Member Since 1973
New Trier Democrats' Events
New Trier Democrats’ Annual Dinner
With Featured Speakers U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood & U.S. Rep. Sean Casten

Sunday, October 20, 2019
Reception 5:00pm - Dinner 6:00pm

Lauren Underwood
New Trier Democrats are excited and honored to welcome U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and U.S. Rep. Sean Casten (IL-6) as Featured Speakers at our Annual Dinner and fundraiser. Reps. Underwood and Casten are the newest Democratic representatives from Illinois and they flipped their congressional districts from Red to Blue in 2018.
If you have any questions, please contact our office at [email protected] or 847-446-8030.
Other Events of Interest
Inclusion in our "Other Events of Interest" List – whether it’s a fundraising event for a specific candidate or an event concerning a particular issue – does not mean that the New Trier Democrats have endorsed that candidate or adopted that position on an issue. 
Kristine Schanbacher
Tomorrow Night, September 26, 2019: Reception in Support of Kristine Schanbacher, Democratic Candidate for Congress in Illinois’s 7th District

When : Thursday, September 26, 2019 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where : Blue Plate, 1362 West Fulton Street, Chicago
What : #TeamKristine will be gathering at Blue Plate to build on the momentum they’ve created so far to help propel their campaign into the next quarter. From Kristine Schanbacher: “I’m running for Congress because the voters of Illinois’ 7th District deserve a leader who will fight to move our District and country forward. Political ideology and big ideas are no longer enough. We can do better and I’m ready to bring change and solutions to Capitol Hill. Now is your opportunity to show your support before our FEC deadline. Your contribution today will help us show how strong our campaign is and how serious we are about winning this election.”  Click here for more details and to get your ticket.
Tomorrow Night, September 26, 2019: Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz’s Campaign Kickoff Celebration

When : Thursday, September 26, 2019 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Where : Ten Ninety Brewing Co., 1025 N. Waukegan Rd, Glenview
What : Join State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz for her reelection Campaign Kickoff Celebration fundraiser. Co-hosts for her Campaign Kickoff Celebration include Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Congressman Brad Schneider, State Sen. Laura Fine, State Sen. Ram Villivalam and State Rep. Robyn Gabel. For more information or to RSVP,  please visit her event webpage .
This Friday, September 27, 2019: Wilmette Reception for Rep. Lauren Underwood and Betsy Dirksen Londrigan

When : Friday, September 27, 2019 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Where : Wilmette address provided upon RSVP
What : Reception to meet and support two outstanding Democratic women, Rep. Lauren Underwood (IL-14) and Betsy Dirksen Londrigan, candidate for Congress in IL-13. For more information contact Madeline Doctor (574) 286-9964 or [email protected].  Register online .
Lauren Underwood
This Saturday & Sunday, September 28 & 29, 2019: Weekend of Action With Team Underwood

When : Saturday & Sunday, September 28 & 29, 2019
Where : Sign up for more details on location
What : Team Lauren Underwood is hosting a Weekend of Action on Septemeber 28th and 29th in IL14. They’ll be gathering petition signatures to get Lauren on the ballot for this election – and they need YOUR help. Will you join them?

Saturday :

Sunday :
Wednesday, October 2, 2019: New Trier Township Education Forum on Immigration Rights and Domestic Violence

When : Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at 6:30pm
Where : New Trier Township Office, 739 Elm Street, Winnetka
What : New Trier Township Education Forum Presents “Meet the North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic: Know Your Rights and Red Flags of Domestic Violence.” Identify the red flags of domestic violence. Learn to stay safe, be informed and aware of this issue. They will also discuss immigration issues. Learn what your rights are in case Immigration and Customs Enforcement knocks on your door. Seating is limited, please RSVP to Jack Macholl [email protected] by Sept. 27, 2019.
Thursday, October 3, 2019: Community Defense Forum With Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz and Ram Villivalam

When : Thursday, October 3, 2019 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm
Where : Skokie Public Library, Petty Auditorium, 5215 Oakton, Skokie
What : Join State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz and State Sen. Ram Villivalam to learn how to protect yourself and be an effective advocate for your neighbors with respect to immigration rights. They will share “know your rights” information for individuals and parents. As the only immigration attorney in the Illinois General Assembly, Jennifer will be there to answer questions, provide legislative updates, and share resources for our community. For more information, please contact Allie at 872.208.5199 or [email protected].
Saturday, October 5, 2019: Campaign Rally for Brad Schneider

When : Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 1:00pm
Where : Schneider Campaign HQ, 3710 Commercial Ave., Suite 5, Northbrook
What : A campaign rally and party for Congressman Brad Schneider’s dedicated volunteers and supporters.
Sunday, October 6, 2019: Stevenson Center On Democracy Presents “Climate Change and What It Means to our Children”

When : Sunday, October 6, 2019 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Where : Stevenson House, 25200 N. St. Mary’s Rd., Libertyville (on St. Mary’s Road south of Rt.60)
What : The Stevenson Center on Democracy presents “Climate Change and What it means to our Children” featuring Adele Simmons, President, Global Philanthropy Partnership. For additional information and to RSVP,  register online .
Monday, October 7, 2019: North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic Give-Back Launch Party

When : Monday, October 7, 2019 at 5:00pm
Where : Ravinia Brewing Co., 582 Roger Williams Ave., Highland Park
What : North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic holds a Give-Back Launch Party with 25% of the entire proceeds during the Party donated to the Clinic.
Thursday, October 10, 2019: Democratic Party of Evanston’s Forum “Responding to Political Hate Speech in the United States”

When : Thursday, October 10, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm (doors open at 6:30pm)
Where : ETHS, main auditorium, 1600 Dodge Avenue, Evanston
What : Join the Democratic Party of Evanston at Evanston Township High School for a student-led program with national and local experts from: The Southern Poverty Law Center, The Illinois Holocaust Museum, Logan Consulting Services, LLC, and U. S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (9th).  Pre-registration is required to attend .
Sunday, October 13, 2019: Democrats of Northfield Township Luncheon With Sen. Dick Durbin

When : Sunday, October 13, 2019 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm
Where : The Glen Club, 2901 West Lake Avenue, Glenview
What : Democrats of Northfield Township hold their third annual fall fundraising luncheon, featuring Keynote Speaker U.S. Senator Dick Durbin and Congresspersons Jan Schakowsky and Brad Schneider. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online .
Sunday, October 13, 2019: Indo-American Democratic Organization Annual Benefit

When : Sunday, October 13, 2019, 5:30 Networking, 6:30 Program.
Where : Holiday Inn Northshore, 5300 Touhy Avenue, Skokie
What : Indo-American Democratic Organization (IADO) 40th annual banquet. IADO represents Illinois’ 270,000+ South Asian Americans. Since 1980, IADO has engaged South Asian Americans in the political process, and recruited and endorsed candidates who champion progressive policy solutions.  Register online .
Tuesday, October 15, 2019: Chicago Foundation for Women’s Annual Luncheon

When : Tuesday, October 15, 2019, Registration 11:00am to 12:00noon, Luncheon and Keynote 12:00pm to 1:30pm
Where : Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL
What : Don’t miss your chance to attend Chicago Foundation for Women’s 34th Annual Luncheon featuring keynote speaker Elaine Welteroth, former Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue. Space is limited, so secure your spot today!  Register online .
Thursday, October 17, 2019: We Will Legislative Luncheon

When : Thursday, October 17, 2019 from 11:00am to 1:30pm
Where : Maggiano’s Little Italy, 4999 Old Orchard Shopping Center, Skokie
What : Join WE WILL’s 5th Annual Fundraiser celebrating their accomplishments, legislative collaborations and women having a voice and being heard. This year’s panel is about Women of Color with confirmed panelists Donna Miller, Cook County Board Commissioner; Xza Higgina, MommyCon Founder, coalition builder; Sol Flores, Illinois Deputy Governor and Josina Morita, Commissioner, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online.
Monday, October 21, 2019: EMILY’s List Annual Ignite Change Midwest Regional Reception

When : Monday, October 21, 2019. Registration: 5:00pm; reception: 5:30pm; panel discussion: 6:30pm
Where : Fig & Olive, 104 East Oak St., Chicago
What : Join EMILY’s List President Stephanie Schriock and featured guests, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, discussing the crucial role of EMILY’s List and women candidates in the 2020 election. Panelists include: Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, Chicago City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin and Congresswomen Elissa Slotkin (MI-08). For additional information or to RSVP,  register online . For questions, email McCaul Nelson at [email protected].
Tuesday, October 22, 2019: EMILY’s List Hosts Cocktails for Change

When : Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at 5:30pm
Where : Hubbard Inn, 110 W. Hubbard St., Chicago
What : EMILY’s List hosts Cocktails for Change featuring Marie Newman, candidate for U.S. House (IL-03).
Looking For Something To Do Now?

Help Text Bank For Democratic Candidates In Virginia State House Races With Sister District

Text Banking is here!

You can sign up at  this form . They expect high demand for texting lists.
Please sign up to text ONLY for the two candidates, Alex Askew and Ghazala Hashmi, that our local Sister District is supporting!

Some things to know:

You need to do some reading and training on your own. This is done online. Texting will be done at specified times. You will sign up for a texting “event” and at the scheduled time, a batch of numbers will be released. Sign-up is available now. Texting began August 17 and will continue through Election Day. You must sign up and complete all training steps at least one week before your first texting event.

More details can be found in this Sister District/Red2Blue  Texting Guide .
Need help contacting your
representatives in government?

Visit our website for a complete list of everyone who represents the residents of New Trier Township - from Federal to Village level - and links to contact them.
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will make a difference. Come join us!

When you're a member of the New Trier Democratic Organization, you have an active role in affecting the political process by: participating in grassroots campaigns, staying in touch with elected officials, and playing a role in deciding which candidates are endorsed. You'll also gain  free admission  to select forums and events throughout the year.    

Come be a part of New Trier Township's grassroots political community.    
New Trier Democrats memberships are on a calendar year basis. We encourage our members to renew their dues annually every January.
Paid for by the NTDO-FED and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is available on the Board’s official website (www.elections.il.gov) or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois.