Delegation Meeting, NEW Community Events

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Good morning Democrats,

We are excited to share multiple opportunities to engage with our community in today's newsletter. From education and city planning to marching and an emotional support group, there are many ways for you to take action in the new year. We hope to see you at Monday's delegation meeting if you are able to attend.

Last month, our Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) began the mandatory reorganization process of electing our leadership as outlined by the Florida Statutes and FDP Bylaws. Congratulations to our reelected Chair, Bill Evans and our reelected Treasurer, Rae Cross. More elections will be held during our January meetings. Soon, the Florida Democratic Party will be announcing details regarding their upcoming State Organizational meeting.

As we welcome 2025, we reflect on the strength and unity of our community. To our friends and supporters, we thank you and wish you a year of hope, growth, and progress.

The office will remain closed until January 6, 2025.
Happy New Year from the Democrats of Indian River!
We value your input and would love to hear your ideas and suggestions for improving the office, DEC,and events. Please share your thoughts.
General Suggestions Sheet ([link removed])
2025 County Legislative Delegation Meeting
We encourage Democrats of Indian River County to attend the Indian River County Legislative Delegation meeting Monday, January 6. Local governments, organizations, and citizens will present important issues to the delegates ahead of the 2025 Legislative Session. Senator Erin Grall and Representative Robert Brackett will be present. Representatives from our DEC will speak at the meeting and present our 2025 delegation letter.
When: Monday, January 6, 2025, at 2:00 P.M.
Location: Indian River County Commission Chambers
1801 27th Street, Vero Beach, Florida 32960.

Those unable to attend in person can watch the live feed HERE ([link removed]) .

Off to a "Fresh" Start
A top 2025 priority is collecting the necessary signed petitions for the Ballot titled: Right to Clean and Healthy Waters


The proposed amendment creates a fundamental right to clean and healthy waters in Florida, allowing individuals to sue for relief if state agencies fail to protect the waters from harm.

Though 891,523 signatures were collected last year, the amendment didn’t appear on the 2024 ballot due to a filing deadline issue. However, an effort to meet the 2026 deadline has been approved. Volunteers are needed to collect petition signatures, which can be returned to the office for filing with the Supervisor of Elections. This is an important opportunity to raise awareness in local communities.

Stop by the Democratic Headquarters to sign or pick up petitions.

If you are interested in running for office in 2025, 2026, or beyond, please complete FDP's Run for Office form ([link removed]) to be added to their candidate newsletter and resources.

The National Democratic Training Committee is hosting their “So You Want to Run for Office” virtual training Thursday, January 9 1-2 p.m. EST. This training is for anyone who is considering running for office but hasn’t yet filed or committed to run.
Register HERE ([link removed])
Community Events
Let's Talk Vero is a platform that informs and engages Indian River County residents on development, planning, and growth issues. They are hosting their community engagement event Wednesday January 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Riverside Theatre with complimentary gourmet sandwiches and cash bar at 5:00 and the program beginning at 5:30.

Learn more about this event and RSVP HERE ([link removed]) .
Education Champions is a grassroots organization whose mission is to be a positive, proactive force for addressing public education issues on the local, state and national levels, focusing primarily on K-12, but including higher education and public libraries, when appropriate.

Education Champions Monthly Meeting
2nd Thursday of each month at 1:00 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
The Awake Brevard Action Alliance is hosting a Women's March to raise awareness and protest key political issues impacting our local communities. Join them to make your voice heard.

When: January 18, 2025
Location: EGAD Square Park 1452 Highland Ave.,
Melbourne, FL 32935
From 11am- 3pm
Find More Information Here ([link removed])
A monthly support group will be hosted at the headquarters. This is an opportunity to come together, share your emotions, and process the challenges we’re facing after the election. Now more than ever, it’s important to have a space to talk openly with others who may be experiencing the same feelings.
Next Meeting:
Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Democratic Headquarters
Rick Scott Supports Concerning Legislation

Senator Rick Scott signed a recent letter to Leader-Elect Thune and Speaker Johnson, urging the swift passage of a border security-focused reconciliation bill. The proposal includes funding to hire thousands of additional Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers and agents and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers in order to apprehend and remove migrants as well as a substantial increase in the number of ICE and CBP detention and short-term holding facilities.
Read More About This Here ([link removed])
More Opportunities to Get Involved
DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER
Volunteer with Democrats of Indian River HERE ([link removed])
Steering Committee Meeting
Thursday, January 16, 2025 at 5pm
Via Zoom

Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) Meeting
Thursday, January 23, 2024 at 6pm
Vero Beach Main Library Multi-Media Room

Strategic Planning Session
Saturday, January 25, 2025 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Vero Beach Main Library Multi-Media Room

Voter Registration Team Meetings
Regular Monday Meetings are on HOLD
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Board Meeting
Tuesday, January 7, 2024 6:00 p.m.
ZOOM

Democratic Club Meeting
Wednesday, January, 8, 2024 6:00pm
At Democratic Headquarters
Join our club or pay dues HERE ([link removed]) .
Members, join our Dem Club Facebook group HERE ([link removed]) .
NEW: The Democratic Club of Indian River invites you to a new mini series “WHAT DEMOCRACY MEANS TO ME” starting Wednesday January 8 at 6:00 p.m. to June 11, 2025.

Speakers will engage members by sharing their personal experiences and stories of the impact of democracy in their lives. Series begins with Nancilee Wydra. Please join us at the Democratic Office on 14th Ave.

If you wish to share your own story in this series, please reach out to Elle at 561-234-5651 or [email protected].
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Young Democrats Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, January 29, 2025 6:00 p.m.
Democratic Headquarters 2345 14th Ave. Suite 7
Show your support by liking and following the Young Democrats of Indian River NEW Facebook HERE ([link removed]) . You can also find YDIR on Discord ([link removed]) ,Twitter ([link removed]) and TikTok. ([link removed])
Learn more and join the Young Democrats of Indian River HERE ([link removed]) .
View Events Calendar & Linktree HERE ([link removed])
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Join the club HERE ([link removed]) .
DWC Luncheon at Bent Pine Clubhouse
Saturday January 11, 2025 11:30 a.m.
6001 Clubhouse Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 31967

SPEAKER: Meredith Egan, CEO of United Way of Indian River County
Non-member guests are welcome to attend for $35, payable by cash or check at the door. Please RSVP by noon on Wednesday, January 8th to , including your meal choice: Chicken Pot Pie, Seafood Jambalaya (shrimp, fish, & sausage), or Vegetarian Plate. Valet parking will be available from 11:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with departure between 1:30 and 2:15 p.m. An optional food drive for the Fellsmere food pantry will also be held, accepting non-perishable items.
DWC Book Group Meeting
Friday January 4, 2025 2-4 p.m.
Brackett Library, Bjorkman room

,We will be discussing “James”, by Percival Everett.
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GOVERNMENT MEETINGS
School District of Indian River County
Find School Board meeting details here ([link removed]) .
1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month 9 a.m.
Indian River County
Board of County Commission Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Watch livehere ([link removed]) .
2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month 9:30 a.m.
City of Vero Beach
Regular City Council Meeting. Details here ([link removed]) .
Town of Indian River Shores
Find Town Council meeting details here ([link removed]) .
1st & 3rd Thursday of the Month
City of Fellsmere
Regular City Council Meeting details here ([link removed]) .
City of Sebastian
Find Regular City Council Meeting Details here ([link removed]) .

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Indian River Democrats Office Location
2345 14^th Ave. Suite 7
Vero Beach 32960

Office Hours
Monday to Thursday 10am-3pm
Friday Mornings

(772) 226-5267
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