Idealism -- Integrity -- Independence
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NTD NEWS    June 20, 2018
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This past week, several things occurred that managed to brighten my outlook in the midst of the Trump presidency's unrelenting gloom -- not an easy thing to do.
     I admit, the source of my improved mood is hardly unique. Actually it's pretty much the standard morale booster for Americans of my age and liberal persuasion -- the promise of America's youth. Specifically, I'm talking about the growing numbers of young people energized to redirect the disastrous trajectory of our country. And I believe my optimism about their potential to influence change is far from just a naïve hope.
     Over the years with regularity I've seen the positive impact young energy can have in local elections. The string of local Democratic victories that turned the North Shore's political map blue would have been much less likely without the involvement of scores of tireless young volunteers.  
     And at the national level, I can never forget the courageous involvement of students standing up for civil rights in the 1960's. They risked (and sometimes lost) their lives to attain the rights of full citizenship for African Americans, particularly in the Jim Crow South. The undaunted energy of those young activists fueled a movement that radically improved our society.  
     With that in mind, I was cheered by Friday's gathering at Chicago's St. Sabina's Church. It was the kickoff rally and first stop for the March for Our Lives: Road to Change National Tour.
     The young organizers of this growing movement are survivors of February's Parkland, Florida School shootings. That terrible experience has motivated them to a level that few of us can fully imagine. These are not kids temporarily involved in a summer adventure, sure to lose interest when autumn arrives. They saw their friends die in pools of blood in their school! Shot by a crazy kid with a military style assault rifle! You think they're gonna get bored soon?
     These young activists are smart, articulate, adept at using social media, increasingly savvy politically, and they are p----d off. They've vowed to stay involved for as long as it takes to see change. I believe them.
     Their nationwide tour will take them to cities that have suffered years of senseless shootings as a result of the unlimited availability of guns in their neighborhoods. But wisely, the tour is also visiting communities where gun ownership is a way of life. At those stops the "Marchers" will be urging the support of gun owners for common sense laws - because in fact, a meaningful percentage of NRA members also want to see smarter laws concerning guns.
     But here's the most important aspect of their tour. These dedicated youths understand that just talking isn't enough. As they state on their website, they are on a nationwide tour "to get as many young people as possible educated, registered, and motivated to vote." - They know that voting the NRA's lapdogs out of office is the ultimate answer.
     The intensity and intelligence of these young leaders gives me more than a glimmer of hope that, this time, a national outcry for sane gun laws will have some real staying power.
     The second thing that cheered me up last week was a conversation I had with a young man whose family name is very familiar to many of us liberals living on the North Shore, (Actually the name is deservedly respected far beyond our region). His name is Jake Mikva. He is Abner Mikva's grandson and it appears he has inherited much of his grandfather's belief in good government. Jake is the CEO and Founder of GoodWerk.
     What is GoodWerk? As their website puts it, "Think Schoolhouse Rock meets ActBlue." They are prepared to get involved at virtually every level of the political ladder, " from your next Congressperson to your local puppychaser." They describe themselves as "one part civic content creator, one part progressive PAC." Their mission: "To make social media spaces more politically empowering for the Millennial Generation."
     What I found especially intriguing about GoodWerk's strategic approach is that they are concentrating on helping "down ticket" candidates, with the belief that those more accessible, "more real," candidates are more likely to attract young voters to vote (and perhaps even get involved in a campaign). Bringing in young voters via the middle of the ticket also will add votes at the top. - Interesting, right?
     So there you have it. Two promising initiatives led by America's newest generation of dedicated activists. They bring us uplifting goals at a time when we all badly need such examples. And they deserve our encouragement and support.
     Of course as we approach the November Mid-terms, the NTDO's efforts will primarily be toward electing our local and statewide Democratic candidates and, secondarily, helping efforts to defeat neighboring Republicans like Peter Roskam. But it seems to me that the strategies of March for Our Lives and GoodWerks just might play a part in that work too.
I'm feeling good about all of it 
 
                                                                           Nels Howard
                                                                           NTDO member since 1973   
 
P.S. You can visit the March for Our Lives website by clicking here. It's loaded with inspiring information.  
 
You can visit Jake Mikva's GoodWerk's website by clicking here. They are going to make a difference.
 
P.P.S. In case you don't subscribe to the Chicago Sun Times, here is the link to a remarkable and valuable feature they promoted last week: "31 ways you can fight fun violence." To visit that site click here.  
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Monday, July 16th 

It's the ANNUAL NEW TRIER DEMOCRATS
MEET AND GREET 
at AVLI ESTIATORIO

566 Chestnut, Winnetka 
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm




Delicious Greek nibbles, refreshing drinks
and lots of liberal conversation
with fellow Democrats, office holders and candidates.
Don't miss this event!

 

Other events of interest:
  
Tomorrow Morning, June 21 in Chicago - Breakfast Fundraiser for Sean Casten
 
When: Thursday, June 21, 2018 from 8:00am to 9:30am   Sean Casten
Where: Office of Conlon and Dunn, One East Wacker Drive, Suite 500, Chicago 
What: A fundraising event for Sean Casten, who is the Democratic candidate in the hotly-contested 6th Congressional District of Illinois. He is running against Republican Peter Roskam. Sean Casten is a strong clean energy businessperson, is a climate change solutions advocate, is pro-choice and would bring a fresh perspective to Congress and the Illinois delegation.  RSVP online.  For more information, please contact Olivia Daniels at (312) 806-2743 or olivia@lbhchicago.com.
 
Saturday morning, June 23 at the Glencoe Farmers Market - Congressman Brad Schneider hold Neighborhood Office Hours.  
 
When: Saturday, June 21 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm
Where: Glencoe Farmers Market, 675 Village Ct., Glencoe
What: Congressman Schneider will hold Neighborhood Office Hours to meet with caseworkers and staff to discuss federal issues that they may have, including issues with Medicare, Social Security, the Veterans Administration, immigration and more. 
 
Monday, June 25 in Evanston - Reception Honoring Rep. Laura Fine with Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky

 
When: Monday, June 25, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where: La Principal, 700 Main Street, Evanston
What: A reception honoring Rep. Laura Fine for State Senate. The event features Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. To RSVP, email carly@ilsenatedems.org or call 312-630-7700.




June 27, 2018: IDCCA "Blue Wave Summer Brews" Young Professional Meet & Greet  
 
When: Wednesday, June 27, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Where: Great Central Brewing Company, 221 N. Wood St., Chicago
What: The Illinois Democratic County Chairs' Association (IDCCA) hosts a Meet & Greet for young professionals featuring special guests State Senator Kwame Raoul, candidate for Attorney General, and State Comptroller Susana Mendoza. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online
 or email Amanda Latty at amanda@ILDCCA.org or call 312-448-8014.

Thursday, June 28 in Chicago - Reception for Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza with Jason Kander

When: Thursday, June 28, 2018 from 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Where:  Chicago location to be determined
What: A reception supporting Illinois Comptroller Susana Mendoza featuring special guest Jason Kander, founder of Let America Vote. Susana is a member of the Let America Vote board. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online  or email Katy at Katy@kjdstrategies.com or call 312-600-9496.
 
 
 
Saturday, June 30 -  Visit New Trier Democrats at the Glencoe Sidewalk Sale

When: Saturday, June 30, 2018
Where: Downtown Glencoe
What: Visit New Trier Democrats at their booth during the Glencoe Sidewalk Sale. We would love to see you - whether to chat politics, sign up to become a member, check out local volunteering opportunities or fill out a political survey. If you are interested in volunteering to work our booth for this or any other Sidewalk Sale, please contact Joan at newtrierdemocrats@gmail.com.
 
Saturday, June 30 in Riverwoods - Women for Bob Morgan Luncheon

When: Saturday, June 30, 2018 from 11:30am to 1:30pm Bob Morgan Where: Ravinia Green Country Club, 1200 Saunders Rd., Riverwoods
What: A luncheon in support of Bob Morgan, Democratic nominee for state representative, 58th District.  Special Guest: Jennifer Granholm, former Michigan Governor and current CNN political contributor. For additional information or to RSVP,  register online or email jessica@newchicagollc.com.

Monday, July 16 in Chicago - Second Annual Women's Rights & Resistance Lunch

When: Monday, July 16, 2018 at 10:30am (doors opens), program begins promptly at 11:30am
Where: Revel Fulton Market, 1215 W. Fulton Market, Chicago
What: Second Annual Women's Rights and Resistance Lunch hosted by JB and Juliana. Keynote speaker will be provided at a later date. The event is free to attend and lunch will be provided. RSVP is required to attend. RSVP to Margaret@jbpritzker.com.
 
Monday, July 16 in Chicago -  League of Women Voters "Food for Thought" Lunch with David Orr

When: Monday, July 16, 2018 from 11:30am to 1:00pm
Where: DePaul Club, DePaul University Center, 11th Floor, 1 E. Jackson, Chicago (corner of State Street and Jackson)
What: The League of Women Voters of Cook County presents a program on different aspects of Cook County government - with food!  Featured speaker: Cook County Clerk David Orr.  He will talk about what he is working on now and what he would like to see happen in the future. Proceeds benefit the League of Women Voters of Illinois Education Fund. Reservations are required.   Register online or for questions, call Priscilla Mims at 312-861-0166.

Save The Date!
 
2018  New Trier Democrats' Events


Saturday, June 30, 2018
Visit New Trier Democrats at the Glencoe Sidewalk Sale

Friday & Saturday, July 13-14, 2018
Visit New Trier Democrats at the Winnetka Sidewalk Sale

Monday, July 16, 2018
New Trier Democrats' Annual Meet & Greet at Avli in Winnetka

Friday & Saturday, July 20-21, 2018
Visit New Trier Democrats at Wilmette Summerfest & Sidewalk Sale 

Saturday, September 8, 2018
New Trier Democrats' Annual Meeting and Picnic at Mallinckrodt Center

Sunday, October 14, 2018
New Trier Democrats' Annual Dinner at Maggiano's in Skokie

Thursday, December 13, 2018
New Trier Democrats' Holiday Party at Wilmette Wine Cellar
 
Your Legislators:


Legislators Democratic Legislators
who represent New Trier Township in 
Washington, Springfield and Cook County 
 



You'll be hearing a lot from these exceptional public servants. --

And they want to be hearing a lot from you. 
     The fact is, they need to hear from you and want to hear from you in order to represent you most effectively. So, the first thing you can do is get to know who these people are. The links below to their campaign websites are a good place to start. 
 
Jan Schakowsky , 9th U.S. Congressional District Representative  and Chief Deputy House Democratic Whip. The new Ninth District boundaries include all of New Trier except for Glencoe. 

Brad Schneider , 10th U.S. Congressional District Representative which includes a number of precincts in Glencoe.
     
Daniel Biss,   State Senator for Illinois' 9th State Senate District.The Ninth District includes all of New Trier Township.
  
Julie MorrisonState Senator for Illinois' 29th State Senate District. The district includes New Trier's northernmost precincts.   

Robyn Gabel, IL 18th District State Representative. The 18th District includes much of New Trier up to Hazel Avenue and Dundee Road.
 
Laura Fine , IL 17th District State Representative.
The 17th District includes the East Glenview and West Wilmette areas of New Trier Township.

Scott Drury IL 58th District State Representative. 
The 58th District includes the northernmost precincts in Glencoe.

Larry Suffredin, Cook County 13th District Commissioner. The 13th District includes all of New Trier, Evanston and Niles Townships. 
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Dear Fellow Democrats, 

If you are not already an NTDO member, and enjoy our Newsletter, we hope you consider joining us as a dues-paying member. NTDO is a not-for-profit political action organization. We depend on our membership dues to support our Democratic causes and candidates.

There are two options for dues payments: by check or credit card.

 

By Check: Make check payable to NTDO and mail to our office:

NTDO

800 Oak St., Suite 112

Winnetka, IL 60093

OR

By Credit Card: visit our website by clicking  here 

Click on the "Join/Contribute" button

Find the link for "contribute with ActBlue"
or go directly to ActBlue by clicking here. 
Still not a member of the New Trier Democrats? Your participation in grassroots political action 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; participating in grassroots campaigns, staying in touch with elected officials, 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's grassroots political community.    
About Us:
The New Trier Democratic Organization is made up of hundreds of grassroots volunteers dedicated to advancing progressive ideals through the political process. We welcome your participation.

Sincerely,
Dean T. Maragos, Committeeman New Trier Township

We are located at 800 Oak Street, Suite 112, in Winnetka, IL. Ph: 847-446-8030
Contact: newtrierdemocrats@gmail.com.

*This Internet communication paid for by the New Trier Democratic Organization and  not authorized by any federal or state candidate or campaign committee. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is available for purchase from the State Board of Elections in Springfield, Illinois.