Representative Andy Kim (D-NJ) Donates Blue Suit to Smithsonian
After the horrible attack on our Capitol on January 6th, one Congressman took time to help clean the grounds and building. He was wearing a new blue suit he bought to wear to the inauguration of President Biden and Vice President Harris. But after the events of January 6th, he took his blue suit and hid it in the back of his closet. He didn’t want to see it and the reminder it brought of that painful day. Then the Smithsonian reached out and asked if they could have it. You can read more here:
DeSantis Defies Bipartisan Consensus on Children’s Criminal Justice
One of the biggest achievements this session was forging a bipartisan consensus on expunging the nonjudicial arrest records of children who completed diversion programs and keeping the records private. These bills passed both chambers of the state legislature unanimously –– every Republican and every Democrat agreed.
Last week, in defiance of the consensus around criminal justice for children, the Governor unwisely vetoed these common sense, bipartisan measures.
Not only do these bills provide kids with a second chance, they also allow them to use that second chance to matriculate into higher education, serve in the military, and get wage paying jobs that help them become productive members of society. Cutting off minors’ educational and job prospects are uniquely harmful to their prospects of building a life as adults.
It’s pretty simple: after someone puts in the hard work of completing a diversion program, which keeps them out of the criminal justice system by offering training or counseling appropriate to their needs, why would we then undercut their rehabilitation by saddling them with an arrest record for employers and schools to see? Clearly, we shouldn’t.
Sadly, the Governor has a different agenda, and instead chose to jeopardize the futures of thousands of Florida children for the sake of it.
DeSantis Vetoes Civics Bill
Governor DeSantis has vetoed yet another bipartisan bill aimed at creating a practicum for students based on knowledge of political systems and activism. DeSantis cited the risks of “promoting preferred orthodoxy of two particular institutions.” He failed to identify or define what that meant. But it isn’t hard to figure out. You can read more here:
If you are disgusted by these acts committed by Governor DeSantis, send him an email here: [email protected]
LOCAL
Donate - School Supply Drive!
Both the Gifford and Fellsmere students are looking for school supply donations. Some suggestions are: pencils, pens, erasers, highlighters, notebooks, paper, art supplies, and backpacks. Donations can be dropped off at Democratic Headquarters at 2345 14th Ave., Suite 7, Downtown Vero Beach, 32960, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Adopt a School or Classroom
As the new school year approaches, teachers and students need our support more than ever. The Education Foundation of Indian River County is currently looking for donors to Adopt-A-Class or Fund-A-Project. If you would like to do that, you can go to their website here https://www.edfundingirc.org/ to pick a classroom or project.
GET INVOLVED
If we are going to be successful in 2022, we need to ensure that our organization is strong. We are currently looking for leaders to step into the following position. If you are interested, and want to learn more about these positions, 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, attendance and record of the monthly DEC meeting; submit copies of minutes and records for the DEC files to the Florida Democratic Party; take minutes at DEC Steering Committee meetings; and perform other such duties as the Chair shall direct.
Florida Young Democrats of Indian River (FYDIR)
Are you between the ages of 18 to 40? Want to get more involved in your local Democrat party? We are looking for new leadership and membership for our Young Democrats. To learn more about the Young Dems, you can check out their website at https://floridayoungdems.com/
If you are interested on getting involved, email Stacey at [email protected]
DEMOCRATS OF INDIAN RIVER
4th of July Parade and Downtown Friday
Thank you to everyone who showed up to walk in the Sebastian 4th of July Parade and work at the booth at Downtown Friday.
Democratic Club of Indian River – Downtown Friday
We are looking for July’s Downtown Friday Booth Volunteers on Friday, July 30th.
We need at least four volunteers for each shift. The shifts are from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
The 5:30 p.m. volunteers will meet the setup crew at 5:30 p.m. to assist in setup. The 7:00 p.m. volunteers will stay and help the take down crew at 9:00 p.m.
If you would like to sign up for a shift, email Stacey at [email protected]
Democratic Club of Indian River – July Meeting
The next in-person Club Members meeting will be on Tuesday, 7/13 at 6:00 p.m. at the Irish American Society, located at 1314 20th St., Vero Beach. It will be an Ice Cream Social (make your own sundae) and an open general organizational and planning meeting. Claudia Martino and Bob Bruner will co-chair the meeting.
Democratic Club of Indian River – Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed to help check in members and guests at the Democratic Club meetings. It is a fun way to meet like-minded people and make them feel welcome. If you are available, please contact Valerie Daley at [email protected].
For those who wish to join the Democratic Club of IRC, contact Al Griffiths, [email protected], 203-537-1762 (voice/text).
Democratic Women’s Club
Age of Ambition: Chasing Fortune, Truth, and Faith in the New China by Evan Osnos is the next Book Group selection. The virtual meeting will start at 2:00 p.m. on July 23rd. If you are not a Book Group member and would like to attend, please contact Rita Milelli at [email protected].
As life begins to resume publicly, lots of people are ready to get out and see the world again. But traveling while Covid is still a factor can lead to a lot of anxiety. So, here are some beautiful and relaxing places you can go to ease that anxiety.
