July 2019 TDW Meeting Minutes
July 20, 2019
The meeting was called to order at 4:05 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
Lynda Begnaud – July 2019 Treasurer’s report was read and accepted.
Lana Turner – the July 2019 meeting minutes were read and accepted.
Old Business:
Several TDW members attended the Democratic retreat in Lubbock. Breakout sessions, focused on what was needed to flip the 9 seats necessary to take back the Texas House of Representatives. Texas is a battleground state, and the DCCC will be investing in Texas to flip 6 U.S. Congress seats.
Texas Democratic President, Maria Regalado – facilitated one of the panel discussions. She gave a summary of what is happening at the border. The U.S. has implemented “metering” which severely reduces the number of people allowed to seek asylum. Main takeaway, “people” are scared of the negative rhetoric, disregard of the constitution and departments refusing to uphold and maintain justice for all in the United States. What can the average citizen do? 1) Vote, 2) support efforts in reaching democrats and independents straddling the fence, to get out and vote, 3) volunteer, 4) remain encouraged and stay determined during these challenging times.
Reminder: Baby Shower for Hope Clinic in September.
Brown Bag lunch
• 11 attended. Discussed fall fundraiser(s)
• College professor, Haley Kayzen continues to write articles on the behalf of TDW. Last article was about our attendance at the TDW Summer Retreat in Lubbock. Please forward ideas and future events to President Begnaud, so she can share with professor Kayzen.
New Business:
Committee Updates:
• Scholarship Committee: Chair, Vivian Gibson, absent, no updates.
• Outreach Committee: Chair, Pat Paige
o We brought our quarterly donations to North Ellis County Outreach. They cater mostly to senior citizens who are living on social security and food stamps.
o Organization is in dire need for more food donations. Most of their customers are seniors, living off a budget of $600 – $800 monthly. Meals on Wheels delivers food 1 x per day.
o TDW voted to donate every other month
• Christmas Party: Chair, Nancy Cannaday
o Committee discussed discontinuing the silent auction in replace of a bake sale.
o Idea is to bake cookies and place them in decorative boxes and sale them.
• Fundraiser Committee: Chair, Sharia Lassiter, absent, no updates.
JR – beginning cleanup in September of the Ellis County Democratic office. Preparing for future events.
Other Reminders:
• 8/26: Women’s Equality Day
• 8/21: Women’s Equality Day Celebration at Dallas City Hall
o Program starts at 12:00 pm
o Location: Dallas City Hall, 1500 Marilla Street, (in the Flag Room)Dallas, Texas
o Wear white to honor women’s equality
• 9/12 & 9/13: Next Democratic Presidential debates
• 9/16: Brown Bag luncheon
• 9/18: Waxahachie Culinary restaurant, “The Reservation”. There will be a sign-up sheet for future dates: 9/25, 10/2, 10/16 and 10/23.
• 9/24: National Voter Registration Day!! Location: Navarro College, Waxahachie, Texas – take a friend to register!! This event is non-partisan.
• 10/12: Fall fundraiser. Guest speaker, current chair of the Texas Democratic Party, Gilbert Hinojosa. Refreshments will be included. Purchase your tickets, limited seating. Tickets are $25 each. If you would like to help sponsor the event, there is a donation box specifically for the fundraiser.
• Continue to visit TDW Instagram and Facebook pages.
Guest Speaker: Jennifer Venable – Waxahachie High School History teacher.
The meeting was adjourned at 4:44 p.m.