Happy Pride Month, Democrats!
FEDERAL
Wear Orange to End Gun Violence
June 4th, the first Friday of this month, will kick off the Wear Orange Weekend, which will feature virtual events across the nation from June 4th through 6th.
This campaign is devoted to ending gun violence in the United States. This effort began after Hadiya Pendleton, a high school student from the south side of Chicago, marched in President Obama’s second inaugural parade. One week later, Hadiya was shot and killed on a playground in Chicago. Soon after this tragedy, Hadiya’s childhood friends decided to commemorate her life by wearing orange, the color hunters wear in the woods to protect themselves and others.
Wear Orange originated on June 2, 2015—what would have been Hadiya’s 18th birthday. Now, it is observed nationally on the first Friday in June and the following weekend each year. In the years since, participation in Wear Orange has increased tenfold.
In 2020, #WearOrange trended nationally on Twitter with over 150,000 Americans taking part along with more than 300 corporate and nonprofit partners and some of the most impactful thought and culture leaders in the country—including President Obama, President Biden, Vice President Harris, Julianne Moore, Pearl Jam, and 25 individual sports teams. More than 100 buildings and landmarks lit the skyline orange across 40 states + DC, including a record 11 stadiums and arenas, while grassroots volunteers hosted more than 270 virtual events in all 50 states plus DC.
  
The Great American Map Off
Think you can shape Democracy? The Princeton Gerrymandering Project is challenging the public to draw redistricting plans for 7 states. If you want to give it a try, enter the contest by clicking the link below. Good luck!
https://gerrymander.princeton.edu/map-contest
STATE
Agriculture Commissioner Nikki Fried Enters Race for Governor
The only state-wide elected Democrat, Nikki Fried, Florida’s Agriculture Commissioner, has entered the 2022 race for Governor. Ms. Fried has been a vocal critic of DeSantis since the time they both took office. Fried joins fellow Democrat Charlie Crist in the Governor’s race. You can read more about Commissioner Fried and the race here:
https://www.heraldtribune.com/story/news/politics/2021/06/01/democrat-nikki-fried-likely-challenging-republican-gov-ron-desantis/5288546001/
Governor DeSantis Signs Bigoted Anti-Trans Bill
On the first day of Pride month Governor DeSantis signed a cruel and unnecessary bill that bans trans students in sports. In response, Florida Democratic Party Chair Manny Diaz released the following statement.
"Not only did Ron DeSantis just sign a cruel and unnecessary bill that prevents transgender students from playing sports, but he also chose to sign it on the first day of LGBTQ+ Pride Month. This bill and the signing of it today is a blatant show of discrimination and bigotry against a community that is meant to be celebrated this month— it exemplifies the exact opposite of the values Florida should stand for. Today and every day the Florida Democratic Party stands with the LGBTQ+ community, and will continue to fight against any and all discriminatory legislation."
Read more about the bill and signing here:
https://www.npr.org/2021/06/02/1002405412/on-the-first-day-of-pride-month-florida-signed-a-transgender-athlete-bill-into-l
Virtual Press Conference on Florida’s Unemployment Benefits
Today at 11:00 a.m. there was a Virtual Press Conference on Florida’s Unemployed. DeSantis has decided to terminate the $300/week enhanced unemployment benefits to Floridians. Join AFL-CIO, Rep. Anna Eskamani, and Karen Woodall of People’s Advocacy Center to push back! You can watch it here Virtual Press Conference
LOCAL
Gifford Youth Achievement Center
The GYAC is looking for school supply donations, starting June 7th through August 6th, for children in Gifford. Donations can be dropped off at the GYAC, 4875 43rd Ave., Vero Beach, 32967. Or you can drop them off at Democratic Headquarters at 2345 14th Ave., Suite 7, Downtown Vero Beach, 32960 on Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All school supplies are needed.
Fellsmere School Supply Drive
The students in Fellsmere also need our help with school supplies. If you can donate, please drop off supplies by July 23, 2021, at Democratic Headquarters at 2345 14th Ave., Suite 7, Downtown Vero Beach, 32960 on Wednesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All school supplies are needed.
Juneteenth
GET INVOLVED
The Democratic Executive Committee of Indian River County is looking for volunteers to fill two positions on the board. If you are interested in one of these positions below, please email Stacey at [email protected]
Chair
Chief Executive Officer of the IRC County Committee, working in cooperation with the Steering Committee (officers of the Committee). Presides at all meetings of the DEC and of the Steering Committee (3 meetings per month); advises the Secretary of any special meetings in sufficient time for proper notice; approves all expenses; serves as ex-officio member of all committees; promulgates an annual precinct organization activity plan, a campaign schedule, plan and budget for each election cycle; serves as primary official spokesperson for the DEC; attend FDP trainings and workshops; and delegate these and other duties as the need arises.
Secretary
Attend and keep minutes and record of all meetings of the DEC (3 per month); submit copies of minutes and records for the DEC files to the FDP; keep roll at all DEC meetings; accept applications of new members; take minutes at DEC Steering Committee meetings; and perform other such duties as the Chair shall direct.
DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER
The Democratic Club of Indian River
Volunteers Needed!
The Club is also looking for volunteers to man the booth for Juneteenth at Gifford Park on Saturday, June 19th from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you are interested in helping at the booth, please contact Al at [email protected] to schedule a shift.
Taco Night!
Based on the latest CDC guidance, the Democratic Club of IRC will begin in-person meetings for fully vaccinated members and guests beginning June 8th at 6 p.m. at the Irish American Society, 1314 20th St., Vero Beach. Masks are no longer required, however, if you are more comfortable wearing a mask, please do so.
Our first in-person meeting since the COVID lockdown will be an open social event that will feature free tacos and 1 free Margarita for members, and a donation of $25.00 for non-members. Non-members can join and the $25.00 donation would pay their free tacos and 1 Margarita along with one year of membership dues.
The Club runs on donations and fundraisers, so the donation fishbowl will be a regular feature at all member meetings.
The Democratic Club is a great meeting place to socialize, for those who are considering running for office, and others who would like to work on campaigns or to just meet discuss issues, seek information and organize.
So, come out to network, bring a friend, have some fun and let start getting ready for 2022, which will be an election as consequential, if not more so, than 2020.
If you plan to attend, please email Al Griffiths at [email protected] and let us know so we can get an estimated number of attendees for food preparation. Al Griffiths, 203-537-1762 (voice, text).
Club Membership
Club Annual Membership Dues are due in July. Dues cover July 1st through June 30th of the next year.
To pay membership dues go to:
www.democratsofindianriver.org
Click on the “Local Democrats” tab
Click on “Democrats of Indian River Club”
Click the “Join or Renew Your Membership Today”
You can choose to either renew your membership or become a new member. You will have the option to pay by credit card or PayPal. You may also send a check, payable to “Democratic Club of IRC” to DEC Headquarters, 2345 14th Ave., Vero Beach FL 32960.
For Members who have joined in 2021, their membership dues will be valid through June 30, 2022.
Annual Membership Dues are $25.00. Additional donations are greatly appreciated.
Democratic Women’s Club of Indian River
There will be no membership meeting in June.
The next book group meeting will be June 25th at 2:00 p.m. The book is Bagman: The Wild Crimes, Audacious Cover-Up, and Spectacular Downfall of a Brazen Crook in the White House by Rachel Maddow and Michael Yarvitz. If you are not a Book Group member and would like to attend, please contact Rita Milelli at [email protected].
CALENDAR
Thursday, June 3, 2021
7:00 p.m. - Fellsmere City Council
For agenda and meeting information go to www.cityoffellsmere.org/citycouncil
Friday, June 4, 2021
10:00 a.m. – Democratic Women’s Club Board Meeting
Tuesday, June 8, 2021
8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - School Board Discussion, School District of Indian River County
For agenda and meeting information go to
https://go.boarddocs.com/fl/ircs/Board.nsf/Public
9:00 a.m. – IRC County Commission
For agenda and meeting information go to
https://ircgov.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
5:00 p.m. – Democrats of Indian River, DEC Steering Committee Meeting
Meeting via Zoom. Contact Stacey at [email protected] for meeting link.
6:00 p.m. – Democratic Club of Indian River Taco Night, Irish American Society, 1314 20th St., Vero Beach, FL 32960, Cost $25 for non-members, free for members
6:00 – 8:30 p.m. – School Board Business Meeting, School District of Indian River County
For agenda and meeting information go to
https://go.boarddocs.com/fl/ircs/Board.nsf/Public
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
6:00 p.m. - Sebastian City Council
For agenda and meeting information go to https://www.cityofsebastian.org/Calendar.aspx?EID=343&month=2&year=2021&day=17&calType=0
Friday, June 11, 2021
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. – Coffee with the Mayor (City of Vero Beach)
For more details go to https://www.mainstreetverobeach.org/mornings_on_main_street/
COVID VACCINATIONS
Retail Vaccinations
CVS – https://www.cvs.com/immunizations/covid-19-vaccine?icid=cvs-home-hero1-link1-coronavirus-vaccine
Walgreens--https://www.walgreens.com/findcare/vaccination/covid-19?ban=covid_vaccine1_landing_schedule
Winn-Dixie –
https://www.winndixie.com/pharmacy/covid-vaccine
Publix -- https://www.publix.com/covid-vaccine/florida
Walmart and Sam's Club – http://www.walmart.com/COVIDvaccine and http://www.samsclub.com/covid
Sharecare Statewide System
Individuals can pre-register for vaccine appointments and be notified when appointments are available in their area by visiting https://myvaccine.fl.gov/.
This website will allow individuals who are eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine to be proactively contacted when vaccine appointments are available through your local health department.
Covid Testing
Go to: https://www.ircgov.com/coronavirus.htm for a complete listing of Covid testing sites. Home testing kits are also available at local pharmacies.
TIDBITS
That’s all!
See you next week!
Stay Safe and Well!
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