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Good morning Democrats,

On Wednesday, just days before he leaves the White House, President Biden issued a stark warning about the threats of unchecked power, and what he called the "Tech Industrial Complex." He pointed to the dangers of social media companies giving up on "Fact Checking," adding, "The truth is smothered by lies told for power and for profit." Biden was especially concerned that a few wealthy people holding a lot of power will threaten
([link removed]) our democracy.

As we approach the celebration honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the Democrats of Indian River are excited to participate in the parade and in the community. Join us as we celebrate Dr. King's legacy and engage with others in our county. For RSVP details and a list of other events happening across Indian River County, please see the information below.

This month, the DEC will hold meetings to outline plans for the next two years. We decided to create five committees to support our GOTV efforts in the county. We are seeking volunteers and precinct captains for the Candidate Committee, Local Government Council, Environmental Committee, Clubs (including the Dem Club and Young Dems), and the Fundraising Committee. Email our Chair, Bill Evans, at [email protected] (http://) if you are interested.

The City of Sebastian is looking for applicants to fill two alternate member positions on the Natural Resources Board. We encourage Democrats to get involved at all levels of Government. Find more details below.

Please note the Democratic Office will be closed Monday, January 20, 2025 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Were you among the more than 3 million Floridians who voted by mail in the November election? In 2021, Gov. DeSantis signed a bill requirement that mail voters must request a mail ballot every general election cycle. As a result, you are no longer signed-up to vote by mail in Florida’s next election unless you re-enroll with your county Supervisor of Elections.
Request Your Mail In Ballot HERE ([link removed])
MLK Day Parade
Let's honor Dr. King's legacy by marching in unity and spreading the message of hope, equality, and progress under the theme "The Power of Unity." We look forward to seeing you there!

Parade walkers will lead the way, followed by our vehicles with proud Dems, signs, and banners. We need volunteers to ride in our vehicles. We will also have a dedicated table at the park for Voter Registration as part of our commitment to fostering democracy. We need volunteers for the parade and for our tented table.
RSVP Here ([link removed])

Help us welcome over 200 new Democrats of Indian River County! We invite you to volunteer with our dedicated team to assemble packages for our New Democrats each month. You can make a real difference in welcoming new Democrats into our community and ensuring they have the tools they need to get involved.

Join us January 22 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM for a welcome letter assembling event. We look forward to seeing you there as we come together to prepare these important letters!
Sign Up Here ([link removed])
Use Inauguration Day to learn how to run for office to create the changes you want to see. Join the National Democratic Training Committee at 3PM Monday, January 20. During the "So You Want to Run for Office" virtual event, you will learn about:
* Understanding the steps necessary to run for office
* Explaining best practices for choosing which office to run for
* Identifying what kinds of support you'll need to run for office
* Preparing for sharing your decision to run with your support network

RSVP Here ([link removed])
Potential Candidates for 2026 Governor's Race
Several potential Democratic candidates are emerging for Florida's 2026 race for governor.
U.S. Rep. Jared Moskowitz, who previously led the Division of Emergency Management under DeSantis, is considering a run, while Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried, the only Democrat to have won statewide, may also enter despite her 2022 primary loss. State Rep. Fentrice Driskell, State Sen. Shevrin Jones, and Miami-Dade Mayor Daniella Levine-Cava are also potential contenders, with each weighing their chances and the political environment. State Sen. Jason Pizzo has already made waves by challenging Republicans, and attorney John Morgan is mulling a run under a new "People’s Party," though it’s uncertain if he will follow through. The race is shaping up to be a competitive and closely watched battle.
Read more HERE ([link removed] is the article for more information: [link removed])
Open Positions on Natural Resources Board
The City of Sebastian is looking for applicants to fill two alternate member positions on the Natural Resources Board. The board is working on initiatives such as reducing single-use plastics, promoting native landscaping, encouraging sustainable energy, protecting water quality, and enhancing connectivity through trails and bike paths. Meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall. Applicants must have been residents of Sebastian for at least one year.

Applications available in the City Clerk’s office, City Hall, 1225 Main Street, Sebastian, 8 am - 4:30 pm or at www.cityofsebastian.org ([link removed]) and will be accepted until January 31, 2025.
Say NO to SAVE Act

Instead of focusing on the needs of the American people, Trump and the Republican extremists in Congress are working to put up barriers to voting for many eligible Americans, including their own voters.

What is the SAVE Act?

This dangerous bill is the latest attempt to justify extreme legislation to put up barriers for voters to cast their ballots. The reality is the U.S. does not experience widespread voter fraud, and states have multiple effective systems to ensure voter eligibility. The SAVE Act aims to make it harder to register to vote by requiring specific ID, disenfranchising millions of eligible voters, intimidating others, and stoking fear and xenophobia.

Send a pre-written letter (you can revise!) to our Senators and House Rep urging that they vote NO on the SAVE Act.
Send Your Letters HERE ([link removed])
Community Events
The Treasure Coast Young Democrats are hosting a sister march in solidarity with the People’s March in Washington, D.C., on January 18, 2025. The march will end at the U.S. District Courthouse in Fort Pierce, where Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed Donald Trump’s classified documents case. The march aims to unite our community, hold civil servants accountable, and inspire change—reminding Washington and the nation that true power lies with the people. Let’s make our voices heard.
Register Here ([link removed])
The Pelican Island Audubon Society is hosting it's 6th Annual Conference.

When: January 18
The Emerson Center 1590 27th Avenue Vero Beach FL 32960
From 8:30am-4:30pm
Event Details Here ([link removed](2).pdf)
Register Here ([link removed])
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])

Lagoonapalooza ([link removed] ) is almost here! Enjoy live bands, environmental partners, hands-on activities, food, pontoon or kayak trips, aquarium visits, dip netting, and more—all for free on Saturday, January 25, 10 AM to 6 PM!

Volunteer Opportunity: The Democratic Women's Club is looking for volunteers to help with tabling and distributing water petitions during the event.

Time Slots: 10 AM - 12 PM, 12 PM - 2 PM, 2 PM - 4 PM

To Volunteer: Please RSVP to .
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.

Education Champions Monthly Meeting
2nd Thursday of each month at 1:00 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
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.
Next Meeting:
Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 1:00 PM
Democratic Headquarters
Flip Matt Gaetz' Seat BLUE

Gay Valimont was the ONLY Democrat to qualify for the special election to replace House Representative Matt Gaetz. Volunteer virtually with Team Valimont for a Weekly Phone Bank on Mondays and Tuesdays from 6-8pm.
RSVP for Monday Phone Banks ([link removed])
RSVP for Tuesday Phone Banks ([link removed])
More Opportunities to Get Involved
DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER
Volunteer with Democrats of Indian River HERE ([link removed])
Steering Committee Meeting
Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 5pm
Via Zoom

Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) Meeting
Thursday, January 23, 2025 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
Board Meeting
Tuesday, February, 11, 2025 6:00 p.m.
ZOOM

Democratic Club Meeting
Wednesday, February, 12, 2025 6:00pm
At Big Shots Golf Vero Beach
(This will be our venue until further notice)
Join our club or pay dues HERE ([link removed]) .
Members, join our Dem Club Facebook group HERE ([link removed]) .

The Dem Club is inviting all interested individuals to consider candidacy for the following positions on the Dem Club Board:
* President
* Vice President
* Secretary
* Two Dem Club Board Members

Each position has a term of service lasting 2 years.

Elections will take place on Wednesday, February 12th, at 6:00 PM, during our meeting at Big Shots.

If you are passionate about leading and contributing to the growth of the Dem Club, we encourage you to submit your candidacy and get involved in shaping the future of our club. If you are interested please contact Elle Shaw at [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 February 8, 2025 11:30 a.m.
6001 Clubhouse Drive, Vero Beach, Florida 31967
SPEAKER: Susan Adams, County Commissioner, District 1
“State Of The County”
DWC Book Group Meeting
Friday January 24, 2025 2-4 p.m.
Brackett Library, Bjorkman room

,We will be discussing “James”, by Percival Everett.
For more information about the DWC Book Group, please contact Rita and Susan at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
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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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We value your input and would love to hear your ideas and suggestions for improving the office, DEC,and events. Please share your thoughts.

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

Office Hours
Monday to Thursday 10am-4pm

(772) 226-5267
Copyright © *2023* *Democrats of Indian River All rights reserved.

Our email address is:
** [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

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