Announcements
ICYMI: Election Protection Leadership Workshop with the DNC and DC Democrats
If you missed the Democratic Convention workshop on Election Protection, you can view it here.
On Saturday, June 12th, as a part of the DC Democrats’ State Convention, national and local leaders convened to discuss what we have accomplished, where we are going, and how you can get involved.
You can view the OCT broadcast of the workshop here and the Plenary Session of the Convention here.
“Election Protection in the Age of Obama: Why it Still Matters”
The Democratic National Committee has considered voter protection to be critically important for many years, and the 2008 presidential election saw an unprecedented effort to ensure that every eligible citizen could cast their ballot. This work is equally important in 2010 and beyond, in part because many of the President’s supporters belong to those populations that are typically disenfranchised: young voters, mobile voters, minority voters, older voters, and inexperienced voters. Midterm elections are especially significant, because lower turnout means that every vote can make more of a difference, and because maintaining control in Congress helps supports President Obama’s agenda. Expanding access to voting and making voting easier and more reliable for all will continue to be a systemic focus of the national party into the future.
Who:
DC Democratic Party and the DC Democratic Lawyers Council
What:
DC Democratic Convention Leadership Workshop with Will Crossley, DNC Counsel and Director of Voter Protection
Where:
Howard University Law School, Dumbarton Campus 2900 Van Ness Street Northwest
Red Line Metro: Van Ness-UDC
Limited on-site parking available to “early bird” arrivers
When:
Saturday, June 12, 10:00 a.m.
Register here: http://dcdsc.org/convention2010.htm
Or RSVP to erika@democraticlawyers.org with name, affiliation, phone number, and e-mail
I AM DC ADVOCACY DAY - 10/5
Join DC Vote Coalition and members of the DC Democratic Party on Monday, October 5 from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the Cannon Caucus Room, Cannon House Office Building 345, for I Am DC Advocacy Day.
SIGN UP HERE or Download the printable flyer here.
We will be dropping off post cards from DC residents demanding the vote while urging Congress to pass the DC Voting Rights Act (H.R.157) without harmful amendments. We need your support! Please bring a group to the event, post the event information on your Web site or sign up to lead a team of volunteers at the event.
If you have any questions or would like to commit to take a specific action for this event, please contact Jennifer Matson, Public Affairs Associate at jmatson@dcvote.org or 202.462.6000 x18
Making DC Elections Accessible and Accountable - 10/16
Join the Council Committee Chair and LCCR to learn about Bill 18-345, the "The Omnibus Elections Reform Act of 2009" Who: District of Columbia Affairs Section Speakers: Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3), Chair, Committee on Government Operations and Eric Marshall, Campaign Manager, National Campaign for Fair Elections, Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law's Voting Rights Project
What: Discussion on Making DC Elections Accessible and Accountable:Bill 18-345, the "The Omnibus Elections Reform Act of 2009"
Where: Wiley Rein, 1776 K Street, NW (Farragut North Metro Station)
When: Friday, October 16, 2009 from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM
Cost: Free; Please bring a bag lunch.
RSVP: Sally Kram at skram@consortium.org
YLFO's Meet a Rep Event - 10/8
Please join us for YLFO's inaugural Meet a Rep event with Congressman Tom Perriello on October 8th at 6:30 p.m. YLFO's inaugural Meet a Rep event features Congressman Tom Perriello. Tom is a young attorney, recently elected to Virginia's 5th District. He is a dynamic individual, with a strong interest in foreign affairs, social justice, and human rights. He has a long history of working in conflict zones in West Africa and the Middle East.
Who: YLFO and the DC metro-area legal community
What: Inaugural "Meet a Rep" Event with YLFO and Congressman Tom Perriello
When: Thursday, Oct. 8, 6:30-8:00 pm
Where: Hawk N Dove, Upstairs Lounge (329 Pennsylvania Ave SE)
To give the Democratic legal community a chance to meet a Democrat making a difference in Congress and an excuse to get together, YLFO is launching its "Meet a Rep" event series. We plan on hosting Members of Congress to speak to our membership and answer questions about public life, running for office, and the events of the day.
DC to VA GOTV - Every Saturday!
Join other dedicated DC Democratic volunteers to canvass for Democratic candidates in the Commonwealth this Saturday, October 3rd (and every Saturday up to the November elections!) Meet at Virginia Coordinated Campaign Office at 10:00
350 S Washington St, Falls Church, VA
(East Falls Church Metro stop is the nearest, at about 1 mile away)
Carpools leaving from the DNC parking lot at 9:30 AM
430 South Capitol Street, SE 20003
(1 block from Capitol South Metro stop)
10:00 AM- 2:00 PM canvass in VA
RSVP to David Meadows, DC Democratic Party Executive Director
Contact: David Meadows
Phone: 202-714-3368
Email: dcdemocrats@verizon.net
DEMOCRATIC LAWYERS' HAPPY HOUR – Wed. Oct. 7 at 6
Please join your fellow Democratic lawyers for a cocktails and camaraderie on Wednesday, October 7. The DNC voter protection team and Virginia’s Promote and Protect the Vote Coordinator will join us to discuss national and local activities and ways we can stay involved… This is especially important in advance of the critical Governors race across the River!
Who: Democratic lawyers in the DC-metro area committed to the expansion and protection of voting rights and the election of Democratic candidatesWhat: No-host happy hours with friends (old and new) plus the opportunity to meet with DNC and Virginia campaign officials to learn about volunteer opportunities to promote and protect the vote
Where: Lounge 201, 201 Massachusetts Avenue, NE (nearest metro: Union Station)
When: Wednesday, October 7, 6:00 p.m.
RSVP: Please let us know if you can join us by sending an e-mail to erika@democraticlawyers.org.
Help Virginia PROMOTE & PROTECT THE VOTE '09
Are you interested in helping to get Creigh Deeds, Jody Wagner and Steve Shannon elected, as well as local candidates in the 2009 Election in Virginia? Click here.
P2TV is a program aimed at promoting fair elections and protecting voters from election law violations in Virginia. Experience has shown that an effective voter protection program and vote canvass can change the outcome of an election.
As a member of the D.C. Democratic Lawyers Council, you can help protect the votes of Virginians and make a meaningful impact in communities around Virginia by volunteering with P2TV on one or both days. Virginia Bar membership is not required to volunteer but it is a plus.
If you are interested in helping, please go to http://www.vademocrats.org/page/s/promotethevote09 and sign up to volunteer. P2TV began in Virginia in 2001 and has continued to expand and grow each year. This program is only effective because of the participation of passionate members of the legal community.
If you have questions about the program or volunteer opportunities please contact Kristina Perry, Promote & Protect the Vote Coordinator, by email at kperry@vavictory09.org or by phone at (804) 644-1966 ext. 241.
Thank you for your support in helping to keep Virginia moving forward.
CONSTITUTION IN THE CLASSROOM 2009
Volunteer to teach constitutional law in D.C. classrooms in honor of National Constitution Day.
Just a few hours of your time will make a huge difference in the lives of our students.
TEACHING DAYS: Wednesday, September 16 – Friday, September 18, 2009
We provide the teaching materials. You provide the enthusiasm!
We have 1 hour slots for you to choose from on all three of these days.
To sign-up or for more information:
email CITCvolunteer@hotmail.com ASAP (and no later than Friday, September 11, 2009).
Celebrate the Inauguration & Support DC Voting Rights
DC Presidential Inaugural Gala This ticketed affair features participation by our local elected officials, live entertainment by the O’Jays, dinner, drinks, dancing, hospitality and festivities in celebration of the inauguration of Barack Obama, 44th President of the United States. Net proceeds to benefit voting rights efforts for the District of Columbia.
Monday, January 19, 2009
8 p.m. - midnight
U.S. Department of Transportation Atrium, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Visit: www.dcpresidentialgala.com.
Celebrate the Inauguration with Sushi & Champagne
AAPI Grassroots Gala and Bollywood Afterparty
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
8 p.m. to closing
Perry’s Restaurant, 1811 Columbia Road
More information here.
Commemorate this historic inauguration in one of the most elegant private party venues in D.C.— Perry’s Restaurant in the heart of Adams Morgan. Come join your fellow grassroots activists and organizers as we celebrate our achievements, recognize our leaders and look towards the future!
Sponsored by Asian Pacific Americans for Progress and co-sponsored by Asian Americans for Obama, Filipinos for Obama and South Asians for Obama.
Discounted tickets and discounted all-access passes (includes gala, after-party, and VIP reception) are available through the DC AAPI Caucus. If you are interested, e-mail emorits @ yahoo.com and indicate how many tickets you want AND sign up and pay at http://www.actblue.com/page/apap-grassroots-group.
Grassroots Gala (8:00 – 11:00 pm)
Celebrating the Grassroots! Guests attending this distinctively stylish gala celebration will enjoy a five-star selection of sushi, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, and a partial open bar while listening to live jazz performed by world-class musicians.General Admission - $125Group Rates for 5 or more - $100 per ticketStudents – $75 per ticket
Bollywood Afterparty (midnight to closing)
Featuring Ashu Rai and DJ Bobby, Resident DJs for the NYC-based Desilicious parties. A cash bar will be available for revelers until closing.General Admission – $50 per ticketStudents and Groups Rate for 5 or more – $25 per ticket
Celebrate the Inauguration and Honor Latino Leaders
2009 DC Latino Presidential Inaugural Gala Celebration
Saturday, January 17, 2009
7 p.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School, 1100 Harvard St, NW
More information here.
The program will begin with a wine reception, followed by a dinner, with a special awards ceremony and tribute to three distinguished Local Latino leaders and two National Latino leaders, and will conclude with all-night dancing with a live band. Special tribute to Legendary Producer, Musician, Bandleader Maestro Johnny Pacheco with special guest Edward James Olmos
Support the Obama-Biden Transition Project
Meet Chris Lu and Lisa Brown from the Obama-Biden Transition Team on Wednesday, December 17 at the K Street Lounge. Click here. The current transition budget is only 40% funded by the government. Typically,the rest would be funded by corporations, lobbyists, and PACs. But for the first time, the Obama-Biden Transition Project - a nonpartisan entity whose purpose is to facilitate the transition and prepare for the next administration - has pledged not to accept these donations. As a result, the transition needs our help to fund its important work assessing the state of the federal agencies, preparing our agenda, and staffing key positions in the new administration. Who: Obama-Biden Transition Project What: A fundraiser to support the transition. We will be joined by Chris Lu, the newly appointed Cabinet Secretary and Executive Director of the transition, and Lisa Brown, the newly appointed Staff Secretary and Co-Director of Agency Review for the transition. Chris and Lisa will share their thoughts on the transition and what we can expect when President-Elect Obama is sworn in. Where: K St. Lounge, 1301 K St NW When: Wednesday, December 17, 6:30-8:00 p.m. Contribution: $250 – Ticket Please donate here. If you have any questions, contact Jamie at ylfodc@gmail.com.
$150 - Young Professionals/ Government/ Nonprofit
$2,500 (raise or write) - Includes a ticket to a transition fundraiser with David Plouffe on Jan. 6 (same price as ticket to the event)
It's Election Day!!!
To all of our members and supporters, whether serving as paid staff, campaign leadership, election protection lawyer, field organizer, poll watcher, pollworker, citizen, Democrat, voter…
...THANK YOU!!!
SIGN UP: Obama Voter Protection Program
The effort to promote and protect the vote has begun -- and it needs volunteers.You can sign up here.
Earlier than ever before, in a more comprehensive fashion than ever before, building on three years of base work and an extensive primary season, we're making sure that every eligible citizen who wants to vote can, and that the vote will count.
DC DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION at UDC May 3
Join voter promotion and protection colleagues on May 3 for a voter promotion and election protection workshop!
Sign up here. Full Convention agenda available here.
What: 2008 DC Democratic Party State Convention Where: University of the District of Columbia
Where: University of the District of Columbia (Van Ness Metro)
When: Saturday, May 3, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
(Voter Promotion and Election Protection Workshop at 10:30 a.m.)
The DC Democratic Party is holding its state convention at the University of the District of Columbia May 3. Democrats from across the District will come together to review and adopt the 2008 DC Democratic Party Platform that will be submitted to the National Democratic Party during the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Colorado.
At 10:30 a.m., we have organized a Voter Promotion and Election Protection workshop. Please join representatives from the DNC, the Democratic presidential campaigns, and your colleagues from the DC DLC, DC Democratic Party, and Virginia Democratic Party to discuss local, regional, and national opportunities to make a difference and help voters exercise their rights!
Sign up here (or RSVP to erika@democraticlawyers.org)
Full Convention agenda available here.
Become a Neighborhood Leader for the Democrats!
The DNC is launching a new block-by-block neighborhood empowerment and party-building initiative.
Sign up! Be a Leader! It’s fun and easy!Washingtonians: sign up at www.dcdemocrats.us
Virginians: sign up at http://www.vademocrats.org/page/s/nlsignup
Marylanders: sign up at http://www.mddems.org/ht/d/sp/i/1128619/
Neighborhood Leaders is a new DNC initiative to build a grassroots program in every state to help the eventual Democratic Presidential Nominee. The program provides the Neighborhood Leaders with training on a host of on-line tools to communicate with their neighbors in their own voice.
Neighborhood Leaders will get access to the State Party's Votebuilder database, targeted lists of their neighbors and political material to personalize and distribute.Folks, this is brand new and game changing...it's the first time Democrats have had a national voter file and allowed our grassroots activist and leaders with direct access to it! If we build this program in every ward, precinct and neighborhood, we'll create a real ground game that will push our candidate to victory on November 4th, 2008!
Volunteers for 1/19 DC Pre-Primary Caucus Needed!!!
The DC Democratic Party is seeking volunteers to help to administer and monitor the DC pre-primary caucus on Saturday, January 19th.
See democracy in action first-hand and help DC voters select District-level Delegates and Alternates to represent the City and the Democratic Presidential Nominee at the 2008 National Democratic Convention!Training session is scheduled for January 16th at 7:00 p.m.
You do not need to be a DC resident to volunteer. DC residents who volunteer will still be able to participate in the caucus.
If you are interested, please contact DC Democratic Vice Chairman Jeffrey Richardson at jeffdrndc@yahoo.com.
DC Democrats Holiday Party
Holiday Party, Presidential Forum, and Straw Poll
- Join fellow DLC members, as we celebrate the holidays and inaugurate our NEW partnership with the DC Democratic State Committee
- At 8 p.m. there will be brief presentations from representatives of the presidential campaigns
- Buffet and Cash Bar
WHEN: Monday, December 10, 2007, 7:00 to 11:00 pm
WHERE: The 18th AMENDMENT RESTAURANT
613 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE (one block from the Eastern Market Metro station)
Admission is $10, plus a children’s book (age 12 and under) that will be donated to a local charity
Mention that you were referred by the DC Lawyers/DC Voter Education Committee – a portion of the admission will benefit the DC Lawyers Committee!
Support the Democratic Law Students’ “Opportunity Grant Program”
The National Democratic Law Students Council, the national group for law school Democrats, has launched the "Opportunity Grant Program" for the 2008 Law Dems '08: Building to WIN! Convention. Opportunity Grants will help to foster a convention that reflects the diversity that makes our Party strong by helping law students who otherwise would be unable to afford to attend the Convention.
We need your help to give students this great opportunity. Click here to contribute for greater law student involvement! Our convention will enable students to plug in and get ready to play important roles in the 2008 elections and voting rights efforts.
Your support will allow us to ensure a diverse group of delegates this spring.
· A $500 "Donor" contribution allows us to reimburse travel and expenses for up to three law students from diverse backgrounds.
· A generous $1000 "Benefactor" contribution would mean even more deserving students will reap the benefits of attendance.
· We also welcome contributions at lower levels as "Friends of Diversity" donations – e.g. $250 or $100.
We are encouraging firms to match attorneys' individual contributions. Consider your gift a direct investment in the future attorney-leaders within the Democratic Party. So don't wait!
For this program to work, we need to know well in advance the amount of money we can raise so that we can properly get the word out to the students who apply. Our goal is $5000 – which will help 15-20 students from diverse backgrounds attend the 2008 National Convention. All donors will be recognized at the Convention through placement on signage and in the convention program.
Click here to donate and promote diversity today!
If you have any questions, please contact Matt Bailey at mbailey@lawschooldems.org.
Voters in Gaithersburg need your help!
We need lawyers and bilingual volunteers on the ground in to ensure people have the right to vote on November 6.
Recent activities by the Minutemen, including plans to handbill polling places, suggest that intimidation and attempted suppression of Latino votes is likely.The City of Gaithersburg has already stated that they will not have bilingual judges available because they are not required to provide bilingual access to the polls under their city charter. With the help of voter protection volunteers, voters in Gaithersburg can have a peaceful election and have their voice heard!
When: Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. We need people all day.
Where: Headquarters is located at Volunteer Lawyers for Ryan Spiegel, Carlos Solis, and Ahmed Ali - 60 W. Gude Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850 From the headquarters, people will rotate across the 6 polling places and respond to volunteer calls.
Do I have to be a licensed lawyer in Maryland to help? No What legal backup will be provided? We will be working with a national voter protection association, which will have a telephone hotline and a web based system.
Is there anything I can bring? Yes, a wireless enabled laptop and a cell phone. Computers and telephones will be limited at our makeshift headquarters. Also come in your own car (rather than sharing a ride) if you can so we can dispatch more people if needed to problem voting sites.
Who can I contact to volunteer of for more information? Kim Propeack, 301-379-7461, kimpropeack@hotmail.com
Help Virginia PROMOTE THE VOTE
Lawyers Needed for all Priority Races in the Commonwealth
Volunteer activities will include one election day training session, election day field placement, and field placement for subsequent Canvass the day after the election (Canvass training will also be available).Contact: rita@democraticlawyers.org, on behalf of Virginia Association Democratic Campaign Counsel.
Please send an email stating your availability on Nov. 6-7, whether you have transportation, the distance you are able to travel, and fluency in other languages in addition to English. You do not need to be licensed in Virginia in order to participate.
“Your right to vote - we guarantee it!"
Power in Diversity! 2007 DNC AMP Summit
DNC American Majority Partnership Summit
August, 23-25th, 2007
Las Vegas, NV
CLICK HERE FOR THE DRAFT AGENDA
(includes 2 voting rights sessions!)
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Registration Extended to: August 17th, 2007
Fee: Registration is $25 per person, $10 per student
Event Date & Location: August 23-25th, 2007 Las Vegas Bally's and Paris Hotel, 3645 Las Vegas Blvd South, Las Vegas, NV 89109 (877) 603-4390
A message from our Chairman:
“Democrats are taking back our country because everyone has a seat at the table.“Our diversity makes us relevant, it makes us representative of our country, and it makes us better serve the entire nation.“You have a chance to see this in action. The 2007 DNC American Majority Partnership Summit starts in just two weeks in Las Vegas -- and I'd like for you to join us…
“Hosted by the DNC's African American, Asian Pacific Islander American, LGBT, Hispanic, and Women's Caucuses, the Summit will be an incredible chance for leaders in the party to hear from you.
“This meeting will also help set up our strategy for success in the upcoming election cycle. There will be trainings on how to run for office, and how to win; policy briefings by our party's leading experts; and trainings on new technologies that will give our candidates the tools for victory.
"I'll be at the AMP Summit, as will other key leaders of the Democratic Party. We're looking forward to hearing what you have to say -- your ideas on how we can, and will, work together to win.
"Thank you for your work to take our country back.
"Sincerely,
Gov. Howard Dean, M.D."
For further information, please contact AMPSummit2007@dnc.org
Debate Watch Party - August 19
WHEN: Sunday, August 19, 2:00-5:00 p.m.
WHERE: Busboys and Poets (2021 14th St. NW)
RSVP: erika@democraticlawyers.orgSPONSORED BY: Andy Shallal, Gertrude Stein Democratic Club, Asian Pacific Islander American (APIA) Democratic Caucus, Ward 2 Democrats, Councilmember Jack Evans, Councilmember Jim Graham and the Ward One Democrats, and the Women’s Information Network
$20 Donation INCLUDES:
- FREE BUFFET & Specials on Mimosas and Bloody Mary’s
- A Presidential Preference STRAW POLL
- A Raffle with Dinner for Two at Bus Boys and Poets
Funds will be used for DCDSC expenses to the DNC Convention
Visit http://www.dcdsc.org/
Congressional Training - Tuesday, June 26 at 5:00 p.m.
Please join us for the DC DLC Congressional Training on June 26, 2007, in Washington DC.
We are delighted to have, as our instructor and mentor, the Honorable "Jim" Chapman. Jim previously represented Texas' 1st congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he served for 12 years. Jim has also had 8 years of state elective experience and served as a District Attorney for 8 years.
Jim will give advice on how to approach Members and congressional staff and how to connect our issues with their constituent interests and political proclivities.
To RSVP and for location information, please contact John Shuman at john@democraticlawyers.org.
March for the Vote on April 16
What: Voting Rights March—The Largest Demonstration Ever for DC Voting Rights
Why: Because Congress Needs to See Thousands of Us Taking to the Streets—No More Taxation Without Representation!
When: DC Emancipation Day, April 16, 2007
2:30 PM—Gather at Freedom Plaza, 13th St. & Penn. Ave., NW
4:00 PM—Rally at the Capitol Reflecting Pool, 3rd & Independence, NW
Where: Gather at Freedom Plaza and March to the Capitol Reflecting Pool(Freedom Plaza—Metro Center | Capitol Reflecting Pool—Federal Center SW)
Who: DC Vote, Mayor Fenty, Chairman Gray, Delegate Norton, other elected officials, civic leaders, coalition partners and
dedicated citizen activists
Sign up online at www.VotingRightsMarch.org or call 202.462.6000 x25
Join the DNC's New Lawyers New Leaders Democracy Bonds Initiative
The New Lawyers New Leaders Democracy Bonds group is an exciting new program that brings together democratic lawyers in the DC metro area for political briefings, low-dollar events, and social networking.
The Presidential cycle has started earlier than usual and the DNC is preparing for the eventual nominee early as well. By becoming a member of the DC New Lawyers New Leaders chapter, you are supporting the Democratic Party as we continue to lay the groundwork to win back the White House and increase our majority in Congress.
Please become a Democracy Bond member today by visiting our group's home page:National Democratic Law Students Convention
The National Democratic Law Students will hold their 2007 Convention from March 2-4 in New York City. The events will be held at New York University School of Law and Cardozo Law School.
For more information and to sign up, visit: www.lawschooldems.org/convention
For more information
Please contact our co-chairs:
Rita Aguilar
Joi Chaney
Erika Moritsugu
DNC Hosts Election Protection Summit
The National Democratic Lawyers Council and Voting Rights Institute hosted a day-long event to bring together voting rights activists, litigators, scholars, Democratic Party leaders, and election administrators to develop comprehensive strategies to advance fair election practices. DNC Chairman Howard Dean delivered the closing remarks for the session, noting the contributions of the DLC and concluding:
"This is a really huge issue, because it's not about the future of the Democratic Party, but the future of a Democracy that has been the greatest Democracy for 200 years. When you begin to believe winning is more important than America, you have hurt your country, and we can't have that -- we want to make sure that America is always first."
For more information visit the DNC Voting Rights Institute.