This issue of the newsletter is packed with information and opportunities both with the Democrats of Indian River and the community as a whole! Make sure you read to the bottom so you don't miss out on anything important!
In this issue of the newsletter issue you'll find information about:
-No Kings Protest on October 18th
-Latine Heritage Month, including multiple ways to participate
-Our BIG Halloween fundraising event on October 25th
-A call to action on gerrymandering
-FDP Vote By Mail Phone Bank
-Coastal Cleanup Recap
-Democratic Women's Club Luncheon on October 11th featuring Senate Candidate, Jennifer Jenkins
-UUFVB and Education Champions joint showing of "Banned Together" (Banned Book Documentary)
-Motown Mingle Fundraising Gala for the Economic Opportunities Council
-and more!
A growing number of organizations and individuals in our community refuse to stay silent while the Trump Administration, Florida legislature, and other institutions undermine our rights to advance their power and agenda. Since the founding of our nation, the collective power of the people and democracy have prevailed over the whims of any wannabe kings and their sycophants. We can restore our Democracy if we stand united like so many have done before us. This is why we urge you to take part in this national demonstration and speak out against the alarming trend of tyranny. Join us as we line the streets of Sr 60 (20th St) on Saturday, October 18th, at 12:30PM.
While the Democrats of Indian River are one of the many groups using their resources to promote this action, this is far larger than a political party. Your freedom is on the line, regardless of your affiliation
United we stand, and united we speak against:
-The Trump administration and Congress gutting public education, healthcare, SNAP, scientific research, the VA, and clean energy to fund mass deportations and the authoritarian takeover of American cities
-The attempts by the president, lawmakers, and media to undermine freedom of speech in order to silence their opponents
-State legislatures, including Florida, using mid-decade redistricting and other voter suppression/apathy tactics to stay in power. They can gerrymander our districts but they can silence our voice.
-The weaponization of our justice system to achieve political and personal agendas
-The calculated attack of our most vulnerable communities by Trump and his sycophants
-Tyrants using rhetoric to distract and divide the people while they serve themselves
Remember, there are no Kings in America and your voice matters
NEED A SIGN?
Need ideas/supplies or just want an opportunity to do something meaningful with like-minded people? We've got you covered!
The Democrats of Indian River will be hosting a sign making workshop along with our partners at dem headquarters (2706 20th St.) from 10AM-3PM on Friday, October 17th
Surge 4 Democracy will also be sponsoring a make 1 take 1 sign station at the demonstration
SAFETY
We are committed to ensuring this demonstration a safe, nonviolent action. As such, we expect every attendee to avoid escalating encounters with counterprotestors. We will be appointing volunteers as safety captains, but we hope that every individual can take on that role as well. You can sign up for a virtual No Kings safety training by clicking the button below. We've also included a recording of a past training.
We ask that all of you refrain from open carrying weapons at this event. As always, the local police have notice of the demonstration and patrol the area.
The start of Latine heritage month (October 15th to September 15th) coincides with the independence of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua from Spain. It is for this reason, that we use this month to recognize the unique cultures that have flourished in Latin nations as a result of their commitment to independence. There are so many unique aspects of the Latine diaspora that it would be impossible to highlight them all in a month, but we hope to leave everyone more educated on the beauty, traditions, and history associated with these nations.
INVITATION: CONTRIBUTE TO OUR OFRENDA
Please join us in celebrating Día de Muertos this month! We will have an in office (2706 20th St) ofrenda where you can participate by bringing keepsakes and photos of past loved ones, including pets. This is an invitation to any person regardless of background who would like to join.
Día de Muertos is celebrated throughout the month of October leading up to Nov. 1 and 2, and is largely observed throughout Mexico and other Latin American countries.
The intention of this space is to (re)connect the living and the dead. There are common features to ofrendas or altars but there are no hard and fast rules. This space is as unique and personal as you make it.
Traditional components of an ofrenda that originate from indigenous cultures resemble earth, wind, fire and water. Scents from flowers or fruits are used to attract and help guide the dead you summon to the altar. A cup of water is meant to cleanse their energies and quench the thirst of the journey of the dead that are coming to visit. Candles are symbols of fire on ofrendas to light a path for the souls to follow. Food is also used to feed the souls as they come to visit. It is a tribute and a thank you to the work your loved ones and ancestors have done.
Considering that this holiday predates photography, challenge yourself to be the most creative in the spirit of this celebration. Reflect on what were important elements to your person and/or your animal’s life. Methods to participate can include a drawing, photograph, item, or an offering of fruit/candy, etc.
Once the celebration is over on Nov 2nd, it is fine to eat the food as the dead have consumed the essence of it. Recall, we are joining life and death.
HIGHLIGHTING SUSY SHOCK AND CLAUDIA RODRIGUEZ
Written by local Young Democrat, Emily Gutierrez
" In honor of the spooky season coming and Latine heritage month upon us. Here are some totally monstrously stellar activists coming out of Latin America. Susy Shock (Argentina) and Claudia Rodriguez (Chile) are poets, performers, speakers, and activists who often compose their work in the past, present, and future states of trans/travesti politics.
Travesti specifically refers to people assigned male at birth and feminize their bodies and behavior but do not necessarily seek sex-reassingnemnt surgery.
“While transgender, trans, and transsexual are terms that refer to changing gender and sex through legal, corporeal, or social mechanisms, a travesti may have been assigned “male” at birth but does not necessarily consider herself a woman (though some do). Susy Shock exclaim, defiantly, ‘Yo reivindico mi derecho a ser un monstruo’ (I claim my right to be a monster; 2011, 10)” (Pierce, J. 2020)
At the same time, Claudia was asked in an interview “Why monster?” Her response: “For other people, one that is travesti is monstrous. People get shocked when the one who is talking has blonde hair but with such a bitter voice. That's part of the horror. I don’t show up as a trans woman, but as a
travesti, it’s more political. I come from that problem of existence.”
In their own words,
Susy Shock: “Yo monstruo mío” (I, my monster)
I, mere mortal,
Equidistant from everything
me, ID number 20.598.061,
me, firstborn son of the mother I later was
me, old pupil
of this school of torments.
Amazon of my own desire.
I, bitch in heat of my red dream.
I, I claim my right to be a monster.
Neither man nor woman.
Neither XXY nor H2O.17
(2011, 10)
I claim: my right to be a monster.
Let others be Normal!
The Vatican: Normal.
The Creed of god and the sacred virgin: Normal.
Pastors and their flock of what is Normal.
The Honorable Congress of laws of what is Normal.
The old Larousse of what is Normal.
(2011, 11)
Only my vital right to be a monster
or however I call myself
or however it comes out,
whatever my desire and my fucking appetite can bear.
My right to explore myself,
to reinvent myself.
To make a noble exercise of my mutation.
(2011, 12)
Obviously, we need to ask: Why do we possibly need to (re)claim monstrosity?
Quite literally, Claudia Rodriguez was viewed as out of the natural world order by her family when she began her physical transition which coincided similarly to monsters; nonhuman, and not natural. Possibly I posit they could be discussing their own monstrous desires that are so much bigger and scarier than themselves... "
INVITATION: CREATE MOLA ART
Come into headquarters during Latine Heritage Month if you'd like to create more pieces for our Mola Art Exhibit!
Mola is a traditional textile art form created by the Guna people, an Indigenous group from present-day Panama and Colombia. Historically crafted by Guna women, Mola designs are hand-sewn into layered fabrics and often incorporated into clothing. These intricate works are not only visually stunning; they also carry deep cultural significance and stories passed down through generations.
We look forward to honoring this beautiful tradition and the broader Latine diaspora with you.
Vero's Premier Cosplay Party | Democratic Fundraising event
Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 6 pm-10 pm | 2706 20th Street 32960 (Route 60 and 20th Ave. Blue building right on the corner)
Come out for some food, libations, music and fun for all at our 1st ever Halloween event! It’s your excuse to see the fancy new office and to dress up in your favorite costume.
-Costumes Encouraged! | COSTUME CONTEST at 9 pm The most creative, the scariest, the most glamorous, and best traditional costume winners take home a prize.
-Burgers, dogs and various fixin’s to fill your FOOD plate.
-BEER, WINE and MIXED DRINKS available with ID.
-There will be multiple Halloween RAFFLE PRIZES up for grabs!
We encourage you to purchase your meal and beverage tickets in advance. Pre-sale packages are available below.
Old-school? Come by in person or mail a check to c/o Club Secretary - Democrats of IR, 2706 20th St, 32960. Be sure to include which package you are purchasing on your check. All online and mailed payment orders will be available between 10am & 3pm Monday-Thursday at our office one week before the party or at will-call at the check-in tables the night of the party. Limited cash and Square card admission at the door.
Designate your driver, load the UBER or LYFT app on your mobile, carpool or have someone drop you off and pick you up. Safety team will be on site.
Passenger drop off at the corner of 28th Street and Route 60 directly in back of the Raymond James building. There will be a safety guard there to help anyone with a disability.
Parking: Please park along 28th Avenue, in the Mid-Florida Bank Parking Lot (28th Avenue), or the Christian Church across the street from our office. The church is on the south side of Route 60. Keep in mind that parking at the church requires walking across Route 60 at the cross walk.
This is one we REALLY, REALLY, REALLY – did we say REALLY need your RSVP so we’re sure to have enough FOOD, DRINKS, and CANDY BUFFET for everyone.
PACKAGE BREAKDOWN
RAFFLE PRIZES
Coastal Cleanup Recap
Click for Video
Thank you to everyone who turned out to Seagrape Trail Beach last month. This was our most well attended annual cleanup yet! One thing that our community is truly united on is protecting our waterways.
Florida Redistricting Call to Action
Florida legislators are expected to vote this October on redoing the census (just five years after the last one), despite the fact that it's traditionally conducted every ten years. Census data shapes our election districts, and a mid-decade redo isn’t just unnecessary, it’s incredibly costly. The GOP may be eager to use taxpayer dollars to eliminate blue districts, but Florida is not Texas. We won’t stand by while our maps are blatantly manipulated.
Email your state representatives to let them know that you oppose mid-decade redistricting. It will only take you a minute using the button below:
County and state elections are coming up in 2026. Running for office is a meaningful way to impact your community. Many local positions are paid, including some insurance benefits and are non-partisan. If you're interested in running, contact us to set up an info session or one-on-one meeting. Getting on the ballot is straightforward, and support is available to help you run a successful campaign. The time to register as a candidate for Fellsmere, Sebastian and Vero Beach City council elections has passed. We will inform you who has filed when the Indian River County SOE site post names.
Become familiar with Democratic candidates who have already declared a run for office:
U.S. Senator: Alex Gould, Tamika Lyles
Florida Governor: Richard Paul Dembinsky, Indony Pierre Jean Baptiste, David Jolly, Donald J. Peterson
Florida Attorney General: Jose Javiar Rodriguez
Commissioner Agriculture: Chase Anderson Romagnano
Get Involved contact the Indian River Candidate Committee through the office or [email protected] for support in your journey.
Voter Registration Training | Register Here
Tuesday, October 14th from 6:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Local Democratic Meetings
DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER Volunteer with Democrats of Indian River HERE
Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) Meeting Thursday, October 20th, 2025 at 6pm Vero Beach Main Library Multi-Media Room
Steering Committee Meeting Thursday, October 16th, 2025 at 5pm Online/Zoom
Join the NEW Democratic Club of Indian River event information blast. We're heading up a handful of new promotional efforts to make a greater impact in the Treasure Coast. From coordinating focus groups to hosting entertaining speakers and throwing grand balls, we make it happen and want you to be there.
DWC Luncheon at Vero Beach Yacht Club Saturday, October 11th, 2025 11:30 am
3601 Rio Vista Blvd, Vero Beach 32963 (Next to the City of Vero Beach Marina)
SPEAKER: JENNIFER JENKINS, FOUNDER OF EDUCATED WE STAND
2026 CANDIDATE FOR US SENATE FROM FLORIDA
Non-member guests are welcome to attend for $35, payable by cash or check at the door.
Please RSVP by NOON on Wednesday October 8th to [email protected]
Including your name & meal choice:
Swordfish with Balsamic Beurre Blank Sauce, Scalloped Potato and Vegetable
Medley, Chicken Francaise with Scalloped Potato and Vegetable Medley or
Vegetarian Plate
Dessert: Pumpkin Cinnamon Cake
Valet Parking is not available.
DWC Book Group Meeting Friday, October 24th, 2025 2-4 pm
Brackett Library, 6155 College Lane, Vero Beach
Bjorkman Room (to your left when your enter the library)
Indian River State College, Mueller Campus
Book Title: Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaries Behind the Rise of the Radical Right Author: Jane Mayer
The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship and Education Champions will have a showing of the documentary Banned Together on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, from 6-8pm at the UU (1590 27th Avenue, Vero Beach, FL 32960). Entry is free!
Education Champions Monthly Meeting 2nd Thursday of each month at 1:00 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist Fellowship
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.
