Dear Members and Friends,

This week, like many of you, I was shocked and angered when the draft majority opinion was leaked from the U.S. Supreme Court, attacking our right to abortion care.

Even though we knew this might be coming, the news knocked the wind out of me. I was immediately terrified for my two young daughters, who may never remember a country that supported their fundamental rights to abortion access – before their freedoms are taken away. I was horrified that a few extremist justices, who were put in place by a president for whom the vast majority of Americans did not vote, are able to dictate health care decisions for millions of people who may need abortion care.

Thank goodness our Democratic leaders in Illinois saw this coming and ensured that we have state laws that are the strongest possible in supporting abortion access. And our amazing allies and advocates in the abortion justice space have been planning for this moment. So, as Evanston Democrats, what can we do to help? 

We can assist our key allies organizing for abortion justice by supporting Personal PAC, Jane’s Army (a new campaign by Personal PAC, Men 4 Choice, and Future Voices Council), and Planned Parenthood of Illinois.

And we can protect and grow the Democratic majority. Abortion care is still legal in this country, but Congress must legislate to protect this human right. And we know that Congress will only do that if there are enough Democrats to make it happen. 

Please become a member of DPOE, join us at an upcoming rally, and watch for opportunities to give and/or volunteer for Democrats in key races across the country. This is an emergency and we must organize to protect ourselves, our families, and our neighbors. 

In solidarity,

Rachel Ruttenberg

DPOE Board President

Join us for the Annual Awards Lunch!

Please join us on Sunday, November 21st at Sketchbook Brewing Co. (4901 Main Street, in Skokie) for DPOE’s annual awards fundraiser. (Yes, we will be gathering in person this year!) We will be serving lunch catered by Maggiano’s and honoring the hard work of Illinois Democrats fighting to deliver our progressive goals.

Our special guest speaker will be The Hon. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, who will be receiving the Blue Donkey Award in recognition of his progressive leadership in the Democratic Party.  

Additional honorees include:

• Jack Darin, Director of the IL Sierra Club, Abner Mikva Award.
• Morris “Dino” Robinson, Founder Shorefront Legacy Center, Liz Tisdahl Community Service Award.
• Barb Cornew, Democratic Activist; Board member of DPOE, NTD, Democrats Abroad and NWPC, Ted Loda Volunteer Award.

This event is one of the most important events on the DPOE calendar, as it will help us fund all of our election activities for the 2022 election cycle. From voter education events to phone banks and canvasses, we will be working hard in the coming year to ensure that we elect and re-elect Democratic candidates up and down the ballot. Every race is important—from Senator to Governor to Secretary of State and Circuit Court Judges. Your support of our efforts is crucial to our success in getting out the vote for our local, state and national elections. Thank you for helping us win in 2022!!
 

 ** Individual tickets are $125/person, for reservations received by Nov. 15^th; $140/person after Nov. 15^th **
 

Please Note: In consideration of our guests and their health and safety, all guests will be expected to show proof of vaccination and to wear a mask when entering the venue. We plan to use larger tables, with smaller groups sitting at each table, to maintain some social distancing at each table. If you are unable to attend the event in person and wish to attend electronically, arrangements will be made to provide a digital link to view the event.

Please contact info@EvanstonDems.com for more information.

Join Us for the Annual Membership Meeting!

Sebastian Nalls is a senior at Purdue University, double majoring in Accounting and Political Science, with a minor in Sociology. He concluded his run for mayor of Evanston in February of 2021 and has since become a community activist working on many issues that impact the larger community, such as early childcare access, youth and young adult development, and transitional programs. He says that Evanston and its community helped shape him into the man he is today, and he looks forward to giving back in any way possible.

BOARD MEMBERS TO BE RENEWED

• Greg Andrus

• Rachel Ruttenberg

• Christian Sorensen
   

OFFICER NOMINEES

• Greg Andrus, Vice President and Nominating Committee Chair

• Dan Jordan, Treasurer

• Doug Nickels, Secretary

ARTICLE V: COMMITTEES

Standing committees and their responsibilities are stated below. “Other Committees” are considered ad hoc committees with a specific start and end time. Each committee shall be headed by an appointed chair, except the Nominations Committee, whose chair shall be elected by the Membership at the Annual Meeting. Members of committees shall include Board members and other DPOE members.

1. Executive Committee. This committee shall consist of the Committeeperson, Deputy Committeeperson, President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. The duties of the Executive Committee shall be to:

   1. Advise the Committeeperson/Deputy Committeeperson regarding his/her duties until the Board of Directors is able to meet.

   2. Meet on the call of the President, the Committeeperson or any other two members of the Executive Committee to vet an issue needing Board action between Board meetings. The Executive Committee shall adopt a recommended action by majority vote and shall forward its recommendation to the full Board, which may then vote electronically. 

2. Communications Committee. This committee informs membership and the general public the media of DPOE activities events, positions, and statements; coordinates activities to advertise Party events to the Membership and the general public; writes, publishes and distributes the organization’s newsletter; and oversees the maintenance of the web site and social media of the organization.

3. Finance and Development Committee. This committee recommends the organization’s budget to be approved by the Board of Directors, and conducts fundraising activities.

4. Issues Committee. The committee plans for and coordinates voter education events on specific issues approved by the Board. The committee makes recommendations to the Board regarding changes to the Policy on Endorsement of Positions on issues.

5. Membership Committee. This committee recommends to the Board of Directors periodic updates to the membership policy including the dues structure. It also plans and coordinates activities for the recruitment of new members and renewal by current members and maintains membership records.

6. Nominations Committee. This committee nominates Officers and Members of the Board of Directors.

7. Political Committee. This committee recommends to the Board of Directors periodic updates to the endorsement policy and plans and coordinates endorsement meetings. It also plans, oversees, coordinates and implements DPOE political activities, including voter registration, voter turnout and other related activities.

8. Data and Technology Committee. This committee oversees management and integrity of DPOE voter, volunteer and member data to support the Political, Membership and Development and Finance Committees. This committee recommends to the Board policies or tools needed to protect data and to enhance the functionality and effectiveness of the organization. This committee also oversees a cadre of data volunteers and controls who is authorized to access data.

9. Other Committees. The Board of Directors may create these committees from time to time for specific purposes, such as organizing political activities, planning educational events, and executing operational functions on behalf of DPOE.