Wakulla Democratic Women

Vice President Joe Biden Coming to Tallahassee!

2012-01-18T09:55:00.000-08:00

Vice President Joe Biden is coming to town on Feb 6. He will be at the Challenger Center downtown. It is a fundraiser for the re-election campaign. Tickets are going for $100 each. The first 100 in get in a drawing to have dinner or lunch with the VP. There is an opportunity to be listed as a host the event if you can raise $500 (sell 4 tix and buy your own and your in) which gets you a chance to meet him. There's also a write or raise $1000 level which gets a photo and a separate "clutch" with him. If you want to participate, please let me know! For more information or to RSVP -- drpienta@gmail.com or 850-321-3582. I will be submitting RSVPs to the campaign team.

-- Rachel

PS Rachel Sutz Pienta Let me know if I should submit your name for the drawing -- $100 ticket commitment per person needed to be entered.

And - still working on exact price of student tickets with the event coordinator.

“The Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, Inc. Calls on Florida Legislature to be Fair to Floridians in 2012”

2012-01-06T19:57:00.000-08:00

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tallahassee, Florida – In preparation for the opening day of the Florida legislative session, the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, Inc., has released its 2012 legislative agenda, which outlines the organization’s main priority for the year – fairness for all Floridians.

“In 2011, Floridians were under attack on all fronts – our state’s citizens were fair game for the Florida Legislature,” said DWCF, Inc. President Janet Goen. Goen said, “In 2012, the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, Inc. calls on the elected officials of Florida to keep fairness paramount in their actions while in Tallahassee.”

DWCF, Inc. Legislative Director Dr. Maureen McKenna stated, “Republican legislators and Florida’s job-killing governor “Pink Slip Rick” have attacked citizens’ rights on every level. Last year, Florida's citizens stood against an assault on voting rights, reproductive rights, and workers’ rights.” McKenna further asserted, “The war on women is slated to continue in 2012. Legislators seek to limit women’s access to healthcare, curtail our access to the polls, and further inhibit our ability to be productive workers contribute to Florida’s economic growth.”

The Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, Inc. calls for legislators, during the 2012 Legislative Session, to honor the will of Florida’s voters as expressed in the “Fair Districts” Amendments (Amendments 5 and 6) of 2010; to stop the war on women and to cease the continued attacks on women’s access to life-saving reproductive health care; and to support women workers as an important part of revitalizing Florida’s stalled economic engine – including passage of the Equal Rights Amendment.

Members of the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, Inc. will bring their legislative agenda to Tallahassee in person on February 6 and 7, 2012. Women from throughout the state will bring their call for fairness to the Capitol as part of the DWCF, Inc.’s “Tally Days” – an annual event devoted to awareness, education, and advocacy. For more information, please visit the organization’s website at http://www.democratic-women.org/ or on Facebook at Democratic Women's Club of Florida, Inc.

WDEC and WDWC Quarterly Meeting Scheduled Thursday November 10, 2011

2011-11-04T06:41:00.001-07:00

“Wakulla Democratic Executive Committee and Wakulla Democratic Women’s Club to Hold Joint Quarterly Meeting”

Crawfordville, Florida – Wakulla Democratic Executive Committee Chair Rachel Pienta announced today that the quarterly meeting of the Wakulla County Democratic Executive Committee will meet at 7 pm at the Wakulla County Public Library located at 4330 Crawfordville Hwy on Thursday November 10th. A “social hour” precedes the business meeting from 6 to 7 pm.

DEC Secretary Joan Hendrix noted that the Wakulla Democratic Women’s Club will meet at 8:30 pm immediately following the Executive Committee Meeting to nominate a slate of officers for the upcoming board elections.

The quarterly meeting will include announcements regarding the WDEC Annual Democratic Gala scheduled for Saturday, December 10th at Wakulla Springs. This year’s event will feature Wisconsin State Senator Jessica King, Tallahassee City Commissioner Andrew Gillum, and Representative Scott Randolph. Tickets are available for purchase online at or http://www.wakullademocrats.org/ by calling Joan Hendrix at 850-933-0924.

For additional information, please visit our website at http://www.wakullademocrats.org/ or see us on Facebook.

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Photo Caption: Wakulla Democratic Executive Committee Joan Hendrix, a delegate to the 2011 Florida Democratic Party State Convention in Orlando October 28-30, spoke with Congressman Alan Grayson after the inaugural meeting of the Democratic Progressive Caucus of Florida. Congressman Grayson was the featured speaker at the meeting. Photo by Leon Democratic Executive Committee Member and Convention Delegate Jim Bailey.

One of the many ways that unions have positively impacted American society...

2011-10-16T17:13:00.000-07:00

Child Labor Reform and the U.S. Labor Movement

1832 New England unions condemn child labor
The New England Association of Farmers, Mechanics and Other Workingmen resolve that “Children should not be allowed to labor in the factories from morning till night, without any time for healthy recreation and mental culture,” for it “endangers their . . . well-being and health”
Women's Trade Union League of New York

Women’s Trade Union League of New York
1836 Early trade unions propose state minimum age laws
Union members at the National Trades’ Union Convention make the first formal, public proposal recommending that states establish minimum ages for factory work
1836 First state child labor law
Massachusetts requires children under 15 working in factories to attend school at least 3 months/year
1842 States begin limiting children’s work days
Massachusetts limits children’s work days to 10 hours; other states soon pass similar laws—but most of these laws are not consistently enforced
1876 Labor movement urges minimum age law
Working Men’s Party proposes banning the employment of children under the age of 14
1881 Newly formed AFL supports state minimum age laws
The first national convention of the American Federation of Labor passes a resolution calling on states to ban children under 14 from all gainful employment
1883 New York unions win state reform
Led by Samuel Gompers, the New York labor movement successfully sponsors legislation prohibiting cigar making in tenements, where thousands of young children work in the trade
1892 Democrats adopt union recommendations
Democratic Party adopts platform plank based on union recommendations to ban factory employment for children under 15
National Child Labor Committee

National Child Labor Committee
1904 National Child Labor Committee forms
Aggressive national campaign for federal child labor law reform begins
1916 New federal law sanctions state violators
First federal child labor law prohibits movement of goods across state lines if minimum age laws are violated (law in effect only until 1918, when it’s declared unconstitutional, then revised, passed, and declared unconstitutional again)
1924 First attempt to gain federal regulation fails
Congress passes a constitutional amendment giving the federal government authority to regulate child labor, but too few states ratify it and it never takes effect
1936 Federal purchasing law passes
Walsh-Healey Act states U.S. government will not purchase goods made by underage children
1937 Second attempt to gain federal regulation fails
Second attempt to ratify constitutional amendment giving federal government authority to regulate child labor falls just short of getting necessary votes
1937 New federal law sanctions growers
Sugar Act makes sugar beet growers ineligible for benefit payments if they violate state minimum age and hours of work standards
1938 Federal regulation of child labor achieved in Fair Labor Standards Act
For the first time, minimum ages of employment and hours of work for children are regulated by federal law

Educational materials containing more information on Child Labor in U.S. History and Causes of Child Labor, including Workshop Materials—Core Workshop on Child Labor and K-12 Teachers’ Materials, are available through this web site. These materials include Power Point presentations, instructors’ manuals, activities, and handouts. You may adapt these materials to your group’s needs.

Top of Page

http://www.continuetolearn.uiowa.edu/laborctr/child_labor/about/us_history.html

Occupy the Capitol in Tallahassee October 18th for the ERA: Why I want Bill Cotterell to be wrong in 2012

2011-10-09T14:12:00.000-07:00

Last spring, I addressed a group of Democrats in North Florida as part of a commemorative program to mark National Women’s History Month. The theme for 2011 was “our history is our strength”. At that point, I still entertained hope the Florida Legislature might actually ratify the ERA in 2011.

Yes, 2011 – the same year that the Florida Legislature was busy passing over a dozen anti-choice bills and also the year that the word “uterus” was banned from the lexicon on the House floor.

The theme for 2012 will be “Women’s Education – Women’s Empowerment” and the 2012 legislative session will be concluding in this redistricting year just as National Women’s History Month begins. I want to be able to give a talk next March about Florida ratified the ERA during the 2012 legislative session.

Last year, Senator Nan Rich and Representative Evan Jenne filed concurrent legislation calling for ERA ratification.

Tallahassee Democrat writer Bill Cotterell wrote about the legislation in a December 23, 2010 article under the headline “With no hope of passing, ERA returns to Legislature.” According to Bill Cotterell, “It won’t pass, partly because the ERA is one of the reasons Nan Rich is minority leader (in 2011); following its feminist instincts helped the Democratic Party lose the legislative majorities it had when the amendment first surfaced.”

The “when” that Cotterell referred to is 1972– when Congress first passed the ERA amendment and set a 1979 deadline for ratification by 38 states. To date, only 35 of the required 38 states needed for ratification have done so.

As Cotterell predicted, the legislation did not get much traction. However, Senator Rich isn’t done yet. This September, Senator Nan Rich partnered with Representative Lori Berman to file concurrent resolutions SCR 180 and HCR 8003 entitled “Equal Rights for Men and Women.” A press conference and rally have been scheduled for Tuesday, October 18th, 2011 at 5:00 pm on the front steps of the historic Old Capitol building located at 400 South Monroe Street in Tallahassee.

Longtime ERA proponent Sandy Oestreich is calling on women in Florida to “Occupy the Capitol for the ERA” on October 18th in support of Senator Rich’s and Representative Berman’s planned event.

When I think about passing the Equal Rights Amendment, I always think about the fight women waged to get the right to vote. The 19th Amendment was a great victory but only one battle in women’s long fight for equal standing under the law.

In 1918, President Woodrow Wilson urged a joint session of Congress to guarantee women the right to vote. In his Sept. 30 speech, Wilson said, “We have made partners of the women in this war. … Shall we admit them only to a partnership of suffering and sacrifice and toil and not to a partnership of privilege and right?”

This weekend, as I wrote this piece, the growing Occupy Wall Street movement joined images of Wisconsin and Florida’s Awake the State efforts as I thought about organizing women (and men) to support ERA ratification in Florida.

In a state where a recent call to “incorporate my uterus” (see http://incorporatemyuterus.com/) still resonates among many women and pink “Uterus” buttons are coveted badges among progressive activists, I think we’ve got to keep calling for ERA ratification until we get it.

Why do we still need the ERA in the 21st century? Ask yourself why the Lily Ledbetter Act was one of the first pieces of legislation that became law in 2010 when President Obama took office. Then ask why, despite this law, is the issue of fair pay for women still a battle we have to fight as we head into 2o12?

Why do we need the ERA? For two different perspectives, I suggest comparing a corporate perspective on the economic benefits from a 2008 economic Goldman Sachs white paper “Women Hold Up Half the Sky” with the book Half the Sky by New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof.

And what, anyway, does the language of this legislation actually involve? It is really very simple:

Section 1. Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.
Section 2. The Congress shall have the power to enforce, by appropriate legislation, the provisions of this article.
Section 3. This amendment shall take effect two years after the date of ratification.

Still not convinced that we need an Equal Rights Amendment in the 21st century? Consider the ERA in this perspective — it is 2011 and women in the United States are still fighting for comparable worth, gender parity, and decision rights over their own bodies. No current law or set of laws does what the ERA will do when ratified.

The Bill of Rights does not do it, the 14th amendment does not do it, and the 19th amendment does not do it. Why did we need a law like the Lily Ledbetter Act of 2010? Why does the A.C.L.U need a Reproductive Freedom Project? These reasons and more all exemplify why we need the ERA.

Now, if you are not inclined to take my reading suggestions and my other examples haven’t swayed you, let me go back to 1992 for a moment. I will simplify things and just borrow a phrase from Bill Clinton’s presidential campaign, “it’s the economy, stupid!” We cannot continue to disenfranchise half the population without economic repercussions.

Recommended Links:

Global Economics Paper No. 164. The paper was underwritten by Goldman Sachs and authored by Sandra Lawson:

http://www2.goldmansachs.com/ideas/demographic-change/women-hold-up-half-of-the-sky.pdf

The book Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Cheryl and the companion website: http://www.halftheskymovement.org/

Florida Clears the Way to Pave Over Paradise

2011-09-18T18:50:00.000-07:00

"They took all the trees
And put them in a tree museum"

(Joni Mitchell, "Big Yellow Taxi")

The state Department of Community Affairs will no longer exist in Florida after this year. A recent editorial in the Tampa Tribune noted that half the planning staff was laid off and the remaining members of the planning agency would become part of the new Department of Economic Opportunity. This change heralds a shift in Florida’s approach to growth management.

The so-called “Hometown Democracy” amendment appeared on the state ballot in November 2010 but failed to pass. The proposed constitutional amendment, also known as the Florida Comprehensive Land Use Plans, Amendment 4, and technically titled "Referenda Required For Adoption And Amendment of Local Government Comprehensive Land Use Plans” was subject to political spin and a major public relations campaign on both sides of the issue.

In spring 2010, I attended a League of Women Voters of Florida “Lobby Days” dinner that featured some of the primary authors of the amendment with their opposition counterparts. The evening was informative but left me with more questions than answers. Ultimately, the League did not take a position on Amendment 4.

Between March and November, I spent some time following the issue and ultimately decided I opposed Amendment 4. I kept thinking about how Amendment 4 would play out in local government in my own small county with less than 35,000 residents in North Florida. The basis for my stance is that I elect people to represent me and make governance decisions. We live in a representative democracy, not a direct democracy. I think our country, in general, functions fairly well in that fashion. If we were to begin voting individually on every policy decision, the process would soon grow unwieldy and unnecessarily cumbersome. There are already numerous opportunities for citizen input and involvement. In general, the average concerned citizen chooses only one or two issues to influence.

The election of Governor Scott and the influence of a Republican-majority Legislature would soon prevail where the ballot initiative fell short. The checks and balances on local governments have been weakened and the doors appear to have been opened wide to developers.

What does this mean where I live in Wakulla? It seems to mean that changes to our county comprehensive plan are on the table. One proposed amendment appears to be a lifting or reduction of the current buffer zone contained in the existing wetlands protection ordinance.

In 2010, Wakulla County was lauded by Audubon of Florida for enacting progressive wetlands protection. The ordinance passed by Wakulla County Commissioners was designed to help protect the wetlands that make the area ecologically sensitive and an attraction to those who love natural Florida. The new law created a 75-foot buffer zone around the wetlands of Wakulla County. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the first 35-feet of the buffer is required to limit impact and allows only for minimal activities such as a dock or trail with an allowance for normal or "customary" hunting and fishing activities. The second 40-foot band would permit only those additional activities with minimal impacts . The ordinance also included a minimum building footprint lot size to ensure future property owners sufficient dry land for homes and businesses.

With the decimation of the DCA accomplished and a proposal to amend Wakulla’s comprehensive land use plan under discussion, I have lines from an old Dr. Seuss classic, “The Lorax”, repeating in my head: “They say I'm old-fashioned, and live in the past, but sometimes I think progress progresses too fast!... Please! I object in the name of the trees!” Sometimes what passes for progress isn't exactly progressive.

So, to paraphrase, who does speak for the trees? In this case, who speaks for the wetlands, where trees and so many other things grow?

Maybe the Northwest Florida Water Management District (NWFWMD) does? The Water Management Districts have come under fire this year, too, with funding cuts and other reductions in scope. These special districts, created by Chapter 373, Florida Statutes, are charged with protecting and managing the water resources of Florida in a sustainable manner for the continued welfare of its residents and natural systems. Wakulla falls within the boundaries of the Northwest Florida district. Inherent in this statutory mandate to manage water resources is the protection, preservation, restoration and enhancement of wetlands within NWFWMD boundaries.

According to the NWFWMD website, wetlands are vital to the economic and ecological welfare of the watershed, providing a broad array of functions and services for environmental resources and human communities including:

* Water quality protection, improvement and groundwater recharge

* Shoreline stability, flood protection and moderation of surface water runoff

* Ecological integrity including support for natural systems

* Promotion of a natural resource economy including commercial, aesthetic and recreational benefits

I think we need to be pushing green sustainable development in Wakulla. I grasp that it is initially cheaper to develop the same way we’ve always developed. However, in the long term, a more visionary approach to growth can yield a good return on an environmentally sound project.

With at least one Wakulla County Commissioner pushing to weaken the wetlands ordinance and another with traditional development interests who could benefit from a repeal, the only remaining roadblock may be three members of the BOCC listening to the concerns of local citizens.

The question in the coming weeks remains, “Who will speak for the wetlands?”

Events of Interest

2011-08-14T10:07:00.000-07:00

Tuesday August 16th

Congressman Southerland will be holding office hours in Crawfordville at the BOCC complex 3093 Crawfordville Hwy from 10 am to 2 pm on Tuesday.

“Wakulla Democrats to Host Social and

Discuss Voting Law Changes August 22nd”

Crawfordville, Florida – Wakulla County Democratic Executive Committee Chair Rachel Pienta announced today that the Wakulla Democratic Party will host a social for all Wakulla County Democrats at the Black Bean Café on Monday August 22nd. The restaurant is located at 2615 Crawfordville Hwy. The event is free and open to the public. Food and beverage items will be available for purchase.

Event: “Meet the Wakulla Democratic Party”

Where: 2615 Crawfordville Hwy

Date: August 22nd, 2011

Time: 5:30 to 7:30 pm

Pienta said, “This social will also serve as the kick off event for our ‘get out the vote’ efforts in Wakulla County. Several rules changes enacted by the 2011 Florida Legislature including how voters receive vote by mail ballots as well as reductions in the hours of early voting will impact how voters in Wakulla County will cast their vote in 2012. With so many important elections to be decided in 2012, we want to be sure voters are well-informed.”

Wakulla Supervisor of Elections Henry “Buddy” Wells has been invited, along with other public officials, to speak on the recent changes made to Florida voting laws.

For more information, please visit the Wakulla Democratic Party online at http://www.wakullademocrats.org/.

Gardening on the Gulf Coast

2011-08-09T07:10:00.000-07:00

This post was written in rebuttal to views expressed by the Wakulla GOP and has also appeared, in a slightly edited version, on the Florida Progressive Coalition page.

*****************************************************************
Gardening on the Gulf Coast: How I invest in my community...and my country.

When I think about government and the role that taxes play in governance, I think about where I want to live and how I want to live.

I would like to live in a community with good roads, safe bridges, clean water, and quality schools. I want to live in a county where emergency and law enforcement personnel have the resources and staff to respond to citizens in a timely and effective manner.

In the place where I would like to live, city and county parks would be well-maintained and safe with varied opportunities for recreation including walking paths, tennis courts, and other play areas such as soccer fields. While I am on the topic of a community where I would want to live, I would also add in a few amenities such as sidewalks and bike lanes that would further encourage residents to enjoy the natural beauty of our county.

Recent commentary written by the Wakulla “GOP” or Republican Party suggested that “Wakulla County Commissioners take the easy way out – They Tax.” After I did a few deep breathing exercises and counted to ten to give myself a little moment to calm down, I began to think about why my neighbors on the other side of the political aisle might feel this way.

The GOP writer cited recent comments from a July 28 WCTV story on taxes in Wakulla County, “Florida Tax Watch CEO Dominic Calabro says the county can do a better job making cuts.”

"They should cut their operating expenses. Get rid of perks. See who gets a car that doesn't need to have a car, cut back on some of the salaries that they're paying," says Calabro.

I’m not sure what county Calabro refers to in his statements. It is not the Wakulla where I reside and pay taxes. In Wakulla, we’ve been cutting county expenses for some time now. County employees have been furloughed.

My Republican neighbors cite recently approved and proposed taxes for the county in their indictment of the work our Commissioners are doing:

New Taxes

• Public Service Tax – Approved
• Solid Waste MSBU – Proposed
• Ambulance MSBU – Proposed

Increased Taxes

• Communication Service Tax – Approved
• Fire MSBU – Proposed
• Hotel Bed Tax – Proposed

After reading and researching a little more about this issue, I began to think that maybe my Republican neighbors want one of two things in the community where they live. They either want to live off the grid without the services and amenities that are the hallmarks of a civilized modern society OR they want others (maybe the governance elves, whoever they may be?) to pay for such things.

In the article “Wakulla County Commissioners take the easy way out”, posted online August 1st at http://wakullagop.org/?p=59 the writer refers to playing the “blame game” with prior administrations – on the local and national levels. Without playing the blame game, I want to challenge my neighbors to remember history.

To borrow lines from Shakespeare said by Antonio in The Tempest:

“Whereof what's past is prologue; what to come,
In yours and my discharge.”
The Tempest Act 2, scene 1, 245–254

Did the Bush tax cuts bring the nation to the current debt crisis? Did the deeds of prior administrations leave Wakulla in a poor fiscal position? Perhaps.

I am not interested in laying blame. I would prefer to study HOW leaders have solved problems in the past rather than focus on the prior mistakes. It is far more useful to consider how a problem may have been resolved than to spend additional time bemoaning the problem itself.

On a national level, my study of the debt crisis has taken me back to the 1930s to refresh my memory on such prior problem resolutions as the New Deal, the Works Project Administration, and the Social Security Act of 1935.

We are not going to cut our way out of a recession. It can’t be done on the national level. Nor can it be done on the local level.

How do we grow an economy? We invest in it. How do we nurture and sustain a vibrant community? We invest in it.

In Wakulla, we are going to have to decide what kind of community we want. I know I want to live in a county where the fire, ambulance, and police can respond to me and all my neighbors quickly and effectively with all the resources needed.

Taxes are an investment in my community. I think my Republican neighbors view government as a bloated, overweight monster that eats tax dollars with no return on the investment. I view my tax dollars as my investment in the community where I want to live.

To me, good governance is like farming. Whether the farmers tend cattle, grow food, or cultivate flowers – the agrarian endeavor needs sustaining resources. When I plant a seed in my garden, I know I have to tend it – and provide resources for that seed to grow. The reward I reap from what I sow far exceeds the initial investment.

My tax dollars are an investment in my community that I consider seeds well-sown. I thank my Wakulla County Board of County Commissioners for being visionary public stewards of the governance “garden” who will help grow us out of these lean fiscal times.

Rachel Sutz Pienta
President, Wakulla Democratic Women's Club

Wakulla Democrats are Golden!

2011-07-23T07:44:00.001-07:00

On Thursday, August 4th, Wakulla Democrats will travel to Tallahassee to honor two of their own when Wakulla Sheriff David Harvey and Mrs. Joan Hendrix are recognized as 2011 "Golden Democrats" at the Capital City Democratic Women's Club Golden Democrat Lunch at the Leon County Civic Center.

What a great way to celebrate President Obama's birthday!

Mrs. Joan Hendrix currently serves as secretary of both the Wakulla Democratic Executive Committee and the Wakulla Democratic Women’s Club.

Mrs. Hendrix also serves the Wakulla community as President of the Citizens for the Humane Treatment of Animals (CHAT). In that role, she writes a weekly column for the Wakulla News and educates the community about animals and pets in our county.

In 2008, Mrs. Hendrix was a tireless volunteer for the Obama for President campaign efforts in Wakulla County. She served as office manager for the campaign headquarters and supervised the work of dozens of local volunteers.

Mrs. Hendrix also serves as the VAN administrator for the Wakulla County DEC. She also serves as the Precinct Captain Coordinator. In that role, she organizes and advises precinct representatives throughout the county.

Mrs. Joan Hendrix is a hands-on, active Democrat. Wakulla County has been truly fortunate that she made her home here. Mrs. Hendrix exemplifies Democratic service and the Democrats of Wakulla County are proud to nominate her for this year’s recognition.

The Capital City Democratic Women's Club has released the following information about the event:

The Capital City Democratic Women’s Club is sponsoring our 7th Annual Golden Democrat Luncheon on August 4, 2011 at 12 noon at the Tallahassee-Leon County Civic Center. This event is being held as an annual fundraiser for the Club where Democrats from the surrounding counties in the Big Bend are honored for 30+ years of service to their communities and the Democratic cause. Proceeds from this event will be used to provide campaign support to candidates, scholarships for college bound students and other programs of the Club.

Honorees will include: Barbara Hobbs, Tom Rollins, Bishop Holifield, Karen Woodall, Imogene Roach, Alma Gonzales and Steve Beasley from Leon; Jeanette Wynn from Gadsden; Joan Hendrix and David Harvey from Wakulla; Judy Mount, Carolyn Munroe-West from Jackson; Shirley Washington from Jefferson; Elesta Pritchett and Jayne Scott from Madison; and others yet to be confirmed. Past honorees will also be recognized.

The keynote speaker for the luncheon is DeeDee Smith, wife of the Florida Democratic Party Chair, Rod Smith of Alachua County, Florida. Tickets for this event are $40 per person and tables may be purchased for $300 each. For more information, please email capitalcitydemocraticwomen@gmail.com or contact Dianne Williams-Cox, President at 850.556.0627.

Tickets for the Wakulla Democrats' table at the event may be purchased from Wakulla Democratic Executive Committee Treasurer Mrs. Verna Brock. Please contact her at 850-421-3730 or 850-212-3131.

Celebrating the 4th of July in Sopchoppy with Wakulla Democrats!

2011-07-10T13:30:00.001-07:00

Your fellow Wakulla Democratic friends took to the streets as part of the Sopchoppy Fourth of July Parade. A brand new banner sporting our name and Democratic logo looked really good being carried through the Sopchoppy streets by our very own Alan Brock and accompanied by Al Pasini. Steve and Diane Wilson rode their bicycles and distributed candy to the crowds as they followed the parade through town along with Verna Brock who drove the DEC truck and also distributed candy. A good time was had by all.

Commissioner Alan Brock commented, “I always enjoy the Sophchoppy 4th of July festivities- and being in the parade is part of the tradition!”

Al Pasini said “It was great fun marching in an old fashioned July 4 parade down the main streets of Sopchoppy. I was proud to hold the Democratic banner and greet the folks in Sopchoppy.”

With your help, next year we will make our participation in this event even larger. We all look forward to seeing you at our next meeting which will be held August 11 at the County Library. More details and a reminder will be sent out closer to the meeting date.

As always, please check our website and calendar for scheduled events and check us out on Facebook at Wakulla County Democratic Party.
.
http://www.wakullademocrats.org/

-- submitted by Diane Wilson

June Events for Wakulla Democrats and Friends

2011-06-11T11:21:00.001-07:00

What's Happening - Updates from the Wakulla Democratic Party

Sunday June 12th -- WDEC Steering Committee Meeting 3 pm at The Works Co-Working Cafe in Crawfordville

-- Join us to submit your delegate form for the 2011 state convention.

Tuesday June 14th - WDEC and WDWC host Representative Leonard Bembry at The Works Co-Working Cafe in Crawfordville

Time
Tuesday, June 14 · 9:00am - 11:00am
Location
The Works Co-Working Cafe
Azalea Drive
Crawfordville, Florida

More Info
Join the Wakulla County Democratic Executive Committee and the Wakulla Democratic Women's Club for a Meet and Greet with State Representative Leonard Bembry.

Representative Bembry represents District 10 which includes Wakulla.

Committee Memberships
Agriculture & Natural Resources Policy Committee
Economic Development Policy Committee
Natural Resources Appropriations Committee
State & Community Colleges & Workforce Policy Committee

City of Residence:

Greenville
Occupation:

Retired General Manager/retail; Farmer/timber
Spouse:

Susan Bembry, of Jasper

Coffee and pastries will be available for purchase. Come out and meet your state representative!

Monday June 20th - 2012 Project

The 2012 Project is a national, non-partisan campaign to increase the number of women in Congress and state legislatures by taking advantage of the once-in-a-decade opportunities of 2012.

This mission will be brought to Florida with the help of a coalition of state-based partners like you who are dedicated to women’s advancement in government, industries, and communities throughout the state. Together, the coalition will strategize how best to proceed to increase the number of women in office in Florida in 2012. The 2012 Project will convene an initial meeting for brainstorming a plan of action for the state in Tallahassee on June 20, 2011 at the House Office Building, Room 12. The meeting will be from 9am-12:30pm. The meeting is co-hosted by former state legislator Anne Mackenzie and former secretary of state and state legislator Sandy Mortham.

The meeting coincides with the first of a series of statewide public hearings held jointly by the House and Senate Committee on Reapportionment, beginning at 1pm at 412 Knott Building. We believe that increasing the number of women in office in 2012 also means paying close attention to how women legislators fare in redistricting decisions and monitoring opportunities created for potential women candidates by newly-drawn state and federal maps. Therefore, we invite those attending our meeting to join us at 1pm at the public hearing, where we plan to make our voice heard to remind committee members to consider the impact of their decisions on women in particular.

This meeting will act as the first convening of a potential coalition of women’s interests in the state around the effort of increasing women’s presence in political office. RSVP to Kelly Dittmar
kdittmar@rci.rutgers.edu or (732) 932-9384 ext. 269.

Monday June 20th - Redistricting Hearings in Tallahassee

Redistricting Hearings are scheduled to take place Monday, June 20th, in Room 412 of the Knott Building.
Fair Districts also wants to have a pre-event before each hearing (i.e., standing out in public waving signs before the hearings). We are working on a location now, possibly in front of the Old Capitol at the intersection of Monroe Street and Apalachee Parkway.

http://www.fairdistrictsnow.org/home/

Monday June 20th - League of Women Voters of Wakulla Hosts Deirde McNab

League of Women Voters of Wakulla Riverside Reception

Monday June 20, 2011 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM EDT

Home of Diane Cook
110 Rio Paz Trace
Crawfordville, FL 32327

Email drpienta@gmail.com for an email invite and RSVP link

Thursday June 23 - 7 pm Wakulla Democratic Women's Club Membership Meeting

Location TBA -- WDWC Joan Hendrix will update on location information. Please plan on renewing your annual membership at this meeting.

Wednesday June 29th -- Democratic Women's Club of Florida Region One Quarterly Dinner

Make plans to attend the quarterly dinner at the University Center Club at Florida State University.
6 to 8 pm
RSVP by June 22 and indicate meal choice -- meat or vegetarian

-- Dinner agenda includes elected women officials and 2012 candidates, information about the 2011 state convention, 2012 lobby days in Tallahassee, and much more. Don't miss this important event!

Email drpienta@gmail for an invite to share, with questions, or to RSVP. Call Rachel at 321-3582.

Coffee with Representative Bembry June 14th

2011-06-02T07:13:00.000-07:00

“Coffee Hour ‘Meet and Greet’ Event with State Representative Leonard Bembry at The Works Co-Working Café Tuesday June 14th”

Crawfordville, Florida – The Wakulla Democratic Executive Committee and the Wakulla Democratic Women’s Club announced today that Representative Leonard Bembry will be the featured guest for a coffee “meet and greet” event Tuesday June 14th from 10 to 11:30 am at The Works Co-Working Café located at 27F Azalea Drive in Crawfordville.

The Works Co-Working Café, recently recognized as the 2011 Wakulla Chamber Start Up Business of the Year, will be featuring coffee specials in honor of Representative Leonard Bembry’s visit. Other beverages and pastries will be available for purchase.

Wakulla Democratic Women’s Club Vice President Verna Brock said, “We’re happy to have the representative join us for this event. We know how much ground Representative Bembry has to cover with a district that stretches from Cedar Key to Apalachicola.”

For additional information about the Wakulla Democratic Women’s Club, please find the group on Facebook or on the web at http://wakullademocraticwomen.blogspot.com/.

The Wakulla Democratic Executive Committee can also be found on Facebook as the “Wakulla County Democratic Party” or on the web at http://www.wakullademocrats.org/.

For more information about this event, please call 850-321-3582.

March 2011 Quarterly Meeting

2011-03-13T09:49:00.000-07:00

Time
Thursday, March 31 · 6:00pm - 9:30pm
Location
The Works Coworking Cafe
27F Azalea Dr
Crawfordville, FL 32327

Quarterly Meeting of the Wakulla Democratic Women's Club

Social "Hour": 6 - 6:30 pm

Business: 6:45 - 7:30 pm

Women's History Month Observance: Screening of Iron Jawed Angels*

*This is a free event, open to the public.

Information on the film and the women's suffrage movement in the United States:

http://www.time.com/time/classroom/voting/history.html

What is a Democratic Women's Club?

2010-10-07T04:03:00.000-07:00

The Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, Inc. had it’s official beginning in 1956 although there had been individual Democratic women’s clubs in our state for many years.

The organizational meeting for a state club took place at the Princess Martha Hotel in St. Petersburg on May 24, 1956, which was the day chosen by Eleanor Roosevelt as Democratic Women’s Day. Eighteen active Democratic Women gathered to do business as the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida and to receive a Charter from the Secretary of State. We received our charter as a corporation in 1972. In 1980 we joined the National Federation of Democratic Women after attending the two previous conventions. Several of our members have served on National Federation of Democratic Women's committees and held National Federation of Democratic Women's elected positions.

From that small beginning in 1956, under the leadership of its first President, Mrs. James Haley of Bradenton, The Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, Inc. now consists of nine regions, representing over 40 clubs.

The DWCF was formed to bring together all Democratic Women’s Clubs in Florida to provide a forum for discussion of public matters, to support qualified candidates for public office and to encourage qualified Democratic women to seek elected office.

The spirit of volunteerism is just as alive today as it was 48 years ago. Members and guests are trained in leadership and campaign skills through a variety of curricula offerings, recruit women to run for political office, both elective and appointed, and manage campaigns with computer and Internet technology. The Legislative Committee serves as the hub of activities during the Legislative Session as members monitor and lobby for or against legislation that has a dramatic impact on the lives of the citizens of Florida and particularly the women of Florida. Our goal is Equal Representation from the Court House to the White House and no less! (r