TDW of Ellis County
January 20, 2026 Meeting
The meeting was called to order by President Kathryn Mossom at 6:00 p.m. with 28 members in attendance and 1 guest. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
Kathryn stated that the 2026 TDW theme is “Undaunted and more determined than ever!”
Our mission is to educate and motivate women to become more involved in the political process so that women’s voices are heard. We plan local political activities, support our community and discuss current events & legislation from a woman’s perspective.
Meeting Minutes and Treasurer Report:
The November meeting minutes are available online. Nancy Post made a motion to approve minutes. Donna Ross seconded. All ayes.
Treasurer Joanne Hunt reported a PAC account balance of $4,246.41 and a Scholarship balance of $7,175.42. Joanne stated we currently have 84 members. Helen Brock made a motion to approve report. Carol Young seconded. All ayes.
2026 Election of Officers:
Donna Ross was nominated for VP by Joanne Hunt, seconded by Rebecca Cockerham. All ayes.
Nancy Post swore in the officers for 2026: Kathryn Mossom – President; Donna Ross – Vice President; Kathleen Bowen – Secretary; Joanne Hunt – Treasurer
Committee Reports:
Fundraising – Nancy Post
Nancy reported that 2 fundraising letters go out each year: 1) In November for the General Fund and 2) in June for the Scholarship Fund (as the Bakeless Bake Sale)
Scholarship – Kathleen Bowen
Katheen reported that the scholarships have been made available since December 9th to Midlothian H.S. and Midlothian Heritage H.S. graduating seniors. April 1 is the deadline. The committee: Lynda, Vivian, Rebecca and Helen will meet soon after April 1st to select 1 recipient from each school to receive $1,500.00 each.
Community Outreach – Julie Mendenhall
Kathryn read a note from the Focus Care nursing home stating how much they appreciated the gift bags for Seniors over the holidays.
Programs – Nancy Post
Nancy stated that next month there will be a panel discussion with 3 people from the Ellis – Navarro Young Democrats.
Advocacy – Mary Lou Shipley
No report.
Communications/PR/Marketing – Ginger Cole
Ginger sends information to all papers and to Terri to add to our social media sites.
Refreshments/Social – Carol Young
Thank you to Kathleen for January refreshments.
Voter Registration – Mary Brooks
Mary stated that they are going to Waxahachie H.S. and Global H.S. next week. The last time they went to WHS, 83 students registered to vote.
Ginger Cole stated that she has been going to apartment complexes to talk with the managers about leaving voter registration cards. February 2nd is the last day to register to vote. She also had success in leaving cards at Waxahachie Pharmacy and CVS. She created letters for apartment complexes with information from the Elections Office encouraging people to vote. See Ginger for more voter registration information.
Committee Request –
Kathryn stated that she has more committees and sign-up sheets on the table. Volunteers are needed. The committees in need of volunteers are:
- Audit – 2 hours time required.
- Awards – Nominates local individuals for State awards
- Bylaws/Policy – These were last updated in 2021
- Election (Nominating) – help select officers for next year
- Membership – new members; how to retain members
- Sesquicentennial – Once in a lifetime opportunity; what do we want to do for the 250 anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence
Old Business:
State Convention is Feb. 6-8; Register until Jan. 31. There will be a Silent Auction. Please consider donating something that represents Ellis County. Contact Kathryn to register.
New Business:
Beginning in February, the meetings will begin at 5:30 p.m. social time, followed by the 6:00 p.m. meeting.
Kathryn stated there is a card to sign for Billye Summers.
Democratic Party News:
Kelly Blackburn thanked Ginger for going to apartments and providing voter registration cards to those who may not have them.
She stated we have 3 local candidates who need our support.
Consider donating to local candidates. It takes a lot of money to run a campaign.
Democrats need a presence at polling places. Kelly needs people outside on election day. While local candidates may be running unopposed, it is important that we show up and be at the polling places. Terri has a 10×10 ft tent (that is difficult to setup) for those interested in being at the polling places.
There is a need for poll workers.
The fundraising goal for the building was met. Still working to get everything put back into the building.
Other Business:
Kathryn recognized and thanked Nancy Post as past president with a gift of flowers.
Kathryn stated that the nominee for STAR Award for Outstanding Chapter member is Lynda Begnaud, who will represent TDW-EC at the State Convention. Congratulations to Lynda!
Be sure to always sign in on the sign-in sheets.
Be sure to send in your annual dues to Joanne asap.
Presentation:
Liza Hameline, founder of the Beltline Area Democrats (BAD), gave an informative presentation about the Texas Democratic strategies for turning the state blue in the midterm elections. It is so important to vote DEMOCRAT in the upcoming primaries even if candidates are unopposed. Primary election is March 3rd.
Next Month Refreshments:
February – Helen Brock
Next Meeting:
February 17, 2026 Social Time at 5:30 p.m. Meeting at 6:00 p.m. at the Democratic HQ.
Upcoming Actions and Announcements:
Places to get more information below:
Sue S. Bancroft Women’s Leadership Hall @ Texas Women’s University in Denton. Offer resources for women interested in politics and leadership. (referred to by Nancy)
Jan 27 BOOK TALK: How to Raise a Citizen (Virtual) when knowledge of civics is declining. This session is a practical roadmap for teaching the next generation about democracy.
Jane Nelson Institute for Women’s Leadership in Denton (undergrads)
LBJ Women’s Campaign school,
Center for Women in Government
tdw.edu/cwg
Fun FACTS:
The Democratic Party was established in 1828. It is the oldest active political party in the United States and the world. It is about 180 years old. The Republicans arrived in Texas about 21 years later.
Ellis County Democratic Party has been around 152 years.
1st County Chair: Major Emory W. Rogers, founder of Waxahachie
Texas Democratic Women organization is 39 years old
Texas Democratic Women of Ellis County organization is 38 years old
Midlothian Dems, Ennis Dems and Red Oak Dems are about 1 year old.
Ellis-Navarro Young Democrats is 1 year old.
Molly Ivins (last column 2007 in regards to the Iraq War but makes sense for our world today) we are the people who run this country. We are the deciders. And every single day, every single one of us needs to step outside and take some action to stop this war…We need people in the streets banging pots and pans and demanding, Stop it, now!
Adjournment:
Joanne Hunt made a motion to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Becky LeBreton. All ayes.
Meeting adjourned at 7:38 p.m.
The minutes were prepared by Kathleen Bowen.