HDCC Newsletter, June 4, 2017
****************************
We’re on the Web at haverhilldems.org/. Remember to Like the HDCC on Facebook and follow us on Twitter. Tweet (@HaverhillMADems) or email us content and action items: hdccnewsma@gmail.com.
Contributors to this newsletter include Jean Sanders and Chere Bemelmans. Contact hdccnewsma@gmail.com with feedback, corrections, and ideas.
HDCC News
Have you checked out our new website: haverhilldems.org? This week the newsletter starts to transition to live partially on the website; partially in your inbox.Let us know what you think! We’d love to have your ideas and input: what do you want to see on the website? Get involved!
On June 3, Haverhill Dems went to the Massachusetts Democratic Party Convention. At an early morning breakfast, we heard inspiring speeches from Secretary of State William Galvin (“we must tell the truth about this administration”), Boston Mayor Marty Walsh (“health care, immigration, and climate change are local issues”), and state Attorney General Maura Healy (“we will hold this administration accountable”).
In the main convention hall, we met three candidates for governor for the 2018 election: Jay Gonzales, Bob Massie, and Setti Warren. Please get to know these candidates — each one can provide a solid challenge to Charlie Baker.
The 2017 Platform was adopted with amendments; as soon as it is available, the newsletter will provide a link. We then heard rousing speeches by Senators Markey and Warren, and a strong speech in support of the platform by Haverhill’s own Andy Vargas.
New! In other news, the Events Committee has selected the next book for the book discussion group: This Fight Is Our Fight by Elizabeth Warren. We will meet on July 13 at 6:30 p.m., at The Barking Dog Alehouse in Haverhill.
Happening Soon! Upcoming HDCC meetings:
Events Committee: June 5, 6:30 p.m., Milhendler Room, Haverhill Public Library
Action Committee: June 12, 6:30 p.m., Milhendler Room, Haverhill Public Library
The Young Democrats Outreach committee is getting up and running. Stay tuned for more information from this exciting committee soon. And just getting underway: an Immigration Task Force. Please contact Kathy Rurak (jarandkas@comcast.net) if you want to be involved.
Also coming soon: Social Media training. Whether you have no idea what a tweet or a Like is, or if you just want to use your social media presence to further social justice causes, this training is for you. Beginners and old hands alike, look for more details about social media training coming to the HDCC this summer!
And don’t forget yoga — we need it now more than ever! Wednesday nights; 5:30-6:30 Giving Tree Yoga and Wellness, Yoga 4 HDCC Sign up now: whitsps@gmail.com
The HDCC has committees that could use your ideas, help, and energy. The Events Committee (young01950@yahoo.com) has started the book discussion group and is planning the HDCC Annual Breakfast. And the Action Committee (chere.bemelmans@gmail.com) puts out the newsletter, maintains the new HDCC website, and is planning outreach with other Democratic city committees. Events and Action are co-planning forums, so stay tuned for information on that.
******************************
We’ve all heard by now that Trump is withdrawing the United States from the Paris Climate Accord. Although the formal withdrawal can’t happen until shortly after the 2020 election, the administration can now ignore the U.S. pledges to curb greenhouse gas emissions while we are formally a part of the agreement — the commitments are not legally binding. To read more and check out this week’s further reading, click here,.
******************************
National and Massachusetts Action Items
This week’s action items include climate change and education actions. Please see our Dems in Action page for this week’s national and Massachusetts action items.
******************************
What Our Reps Are Up To
-
June 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Events Committee meeting, Haverhill Public Library, Milhendler Room
-
June 9, 10 AM – 3 PM, Massachusetts State House, 24 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108, Safe Communities Act Hearing, sponsored by the Safe Communities Act.
-
June 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Action Committee meeting, Haverhill Public Library, Milhendler Room.
-
June 13, Public Hearing at the State House on Paid Family and Medical Leave. Lobby in Room 437 at 11:30AM and Hearing in Room B2 at 1:00PM
- June 14, 6:30-8 pm, International Dinner and Multicultural Exchange, 512 Washington St, Haverhill, MA 01832-4518. Hosted by the Mt.Washington Alliance.
- June 14th – Fair Share Amendment Constitutional Convention, Massachusetts State House. Join Raise Up Massachusetts in the House Chamber of the Legislature at the Massachusetts State House, 3rd Floor, for the Constitutional Convention, where the legislature will be voting to advance the Fair Share Amendment.
- June 14, 6 p.m., League of Women Voters of Greater Haverhill, Roma Restaurant, Haverhill. Guests are invited. Linda Dean Campbell will talk about the importance of the Civic Education bill and why it is critical to have this issue gain more significance in our cities and towns and how the schools can refocus on civics.
- July 13, 6:30 p.m., next book discussion group: This Fight Is Our Fight by Elizabeth Warren, The Barking Dog Alehouse