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TDW of Ellis County

February 18, 2025 Meeting

The meeting was called to order by President Nancy Post at 6:00 p.m.  The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Meeting Minutes and Treasurer Report:

The January meeting minutes are available on the TDWEC website.  Mary Lou Shipley made a motion to approve.  Joanne Hunt seconded.  All ayes.

Treasurer Joanne Hunt reported a PAC account balance of $4,569.91 and a Scholarship balance of $6,491.86.  Lynda Begnaud made a motion to approve.  Vanessa Hunt seconded.  All ayes.

Program: 

Lynda Begnaud introduced Richard Miller (Coach Richardo) the dynamic leader and passionate advocate for personal and community development.  He’s written 7 books and his mission is to inspire individuals and organization into unlocking their full potential.  He serves on the Red Oak City Council, active member of Red Oak Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club in Waxahachie.

Topic:  Why Black Men are Moving Away from the Democratic Party.

7 areas that can be improved:

  • Leadership
  1. Black men are looking for a strong, reliable leader who understands their unique challenges and can effectively advocate for their needs
  2. Everything rises and falls on leadership
  3. No Leadership. No Direction.
  • Vision
  1. The ability to capture the vision and understand how the pieces come together
  2. To see the end at the beginning
  • Strategy
  1. See the long play
  2. What’s your strategy
  • Marketing
  1. This is huge, this is EVERYTHING…last minute marketing hurts the process
  2. Where do you want to go
  3. Diversify your approach
  • Relevancy
  1. What is relevant today
  2. Are we connecting with people today
  3. Be very intentional in where we are coming from
  • Balance
  1. Look at how balanced our message is…diversity is the present
  2. Have to be able to deal with all people…have a message that speaks to all people
  • Celebration
  1. Appreciate the small wins
  2. Whatever you give attention to, grows
  3. Making progress….CELEBRATE

Committee Reports:

Program – Lynda Begnaud

Speaker for next month is (still in progress) from Hope Health.  Will discuss maternal health.  Recruitment needed for Program Committee.

Scholarship – Lynda Begnaud/Kathleen Bowen

There will be 2 $1,000.00 scholarships this year from Red Oak.

Community Outreach – Julie Mendenhall

Items are being collected for the annual Baby Shower for Hope Health that starts tonight, February 18th.  Hope Health recently opened a new building for Ellis County.  Unite Ellis needs volunteers for the Thrive ’25 Conference.

Fundraising – Nancy Post

Our 2nd annual membership letter for TDW-EC has been sent.  Part of the funds we raise go for dues to the State organization.  Texas Democratic Women used the dues of its members to give over $50K last year to women candidates in Texas.

Advocacy – Mary Lou Shipley

Mary Lou spoke on contacting our representative for issues coming up before the legislature, local city council, and congress.  Call your representatives to let them know you oppose upcoming issues.  Handouts with resources for advocacy, including contact information for state and federal representatives were given.

Refreshments/Social – Carol Young

It was suggested for members to pair up from the list for bringing snacks.  No one has signed up for September or October.

Voter Registration – OPEN

This committee is also in need of a Chairperson.  This role will work closely with the Ellis County Democrat Party.  Let Nancy know if you know someone to fill this role.

Other Business:

Joanne Hunt spoke on convention workshop she attended.  First session, 2025 Legislative Update (call, email or write your elected officials).  School vouchers, Water and Housing.

Refreshments:

March refreshments – Lynda Begnaud and Julie Mendenhall

Next Meeting:

March 18th at the Chamber of Commerce

Adjournment:

Devita Ross made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  It was seconded by Joanne Hunt.  All ayes.

Meeting adjourned at 7:42 p.m.

The minutes were prepared by Devita Ross.