ADVOCACY ALERT
OCTOBER 2024
DDI Newsletter
DDI Makes Final Endorsements
At the September DDI General Membership Meeting the members voted on several additional endorsements. Endorsements on the national level focused on the results of the National Democratic Party Convention activities and on the local level the following a presentation by the Defend WA organization.
On the national level it was no surprise, DDI Members endorsed Vice- President Kamala Harris for President and Governor Tim Waltz for Vice President. Several DDI members that attended the Democratic National Convention spoke about the energy, enthusiasm, and excitement of the Convention. They were all fired up and ready to get out the vote to support this ticket and gave the members some pointers and speaking points.
Her opponent is proposing mass deportations, the suspension of US Constitution, ending voter rights for even more Americans, implementing Project 2025, ending abortion rights nationwide, and cutting government services and programs impacting communities of color. It will be the wild west with every man (and yes, I mean man -women serve your man) out for himself. MAGA is a push to return to the pre-Civil Rights – Jim Crow era of America.
We Won’t Go Back!!! Vote and Vote for Harris/Walz.
On the state level, DDI members heard a presentation about the 4 initiatives that will be on the statewide ballot. Calvin Jones from FUSE WA was the presenter and went through each of the 4 initiatives, what they say and how they impact voters and services if passed.
I-2109 – Repeals Washington’s limited capital gains tax, eliminating over $2.2 billion in funding for education, childcare, and early learning by giving a tax break to the state’s wealthiest.
I-2117– A purposely misleading initiative opposed by firefighters, small business owners, doctors, Tribal Nations and more. No to more pollution. No to more traffic congestion.
I-2124 – Seeks to dismantle WA Cares, Washington’s long-term care benefit program, potentially stripping over 3 million workers of over $8.1 billion in guaranteed, earned benefits, disproportionately impacting women.
I-2066– Increases energy bills and attacks energy efficiency by repealing and prohibiting common sense protections.
DDI members voted unanimously to VOTE NO on ALL Four initiatives.
For a complete list of DDI endorsements and recommendations for the General Election go to the DDI website 2024 ENDORSEMENTS – DEMOCRATS FOR DIVERSITY (democratsfordiversityandinclusion.org).
GET OUT THE VOTE – NOW is the TIME
“Now is he time for all good men, and women, to come to the aid of their country.”
Many of us learned how to type/keyboard using this practice sentence, but today more than ever these words ring true.
Each and every one of us:
has a moral obligation to Vote and have Our Voices!!
must make sure that as many people as we can are registered and prepared to Vote.
must make sure that we are registered and prepared to Vote.
must VOTE and vote early
must support and assist others to make sure they do actually Vote!
Why “Each and Every one of us”? This past August in a statewide Primary Election race Dave Upthegrove won by just 49 votes!!! Out of 2 million votes cast 49 votes was the difference between winning and losing. That’s’ ONE MORE VOTE in each of the 49 legislative districts across the state.
With efforts to purge voting rolls, invalidate registrations, intimidate voters Each and Every Vote truly counts!!
You received YOUR Ballot and must make sure YOUR VOICE is heard!
Each and every one of us can and will make difference in the future. VOTE TODAY!!!
Future Activities and Opportunities
After the General Elections, the local legislative districts (LDs) will be electing new leaders. Each LD will elect their officers and representatives to the King County Democratic Central Committee (KCDCC) and to the Washington State Democratic Central Committee (WSDCC).
Only elected Precinct Committee Officers (PCOs) will receive notice of these local LD Leadership elections. DDI Members are encouraged to attend these meetings and participate in the process. While only Elected PCOs will get to vote, ALL Voices need to be in the room so the individuals running for office know and are aware of the issues and concerns impacting our communities and that the Party at the local, county, and state level must be responsive to those issues, needs and concerns.
The newly elected representatives to the King County Democratic Central Committee will get to vote on the new leaders at KCDCC. The newly elected representatives to the Washington State Democratic Central Committee will get to vote on the state leaders at the WSDCC level.
Find out from your current LD Chair when YOUR local LD Reorganization Officer Election) meeting will be held (usually in January) so you can attend. If you are an Elected PCO be there and make sure issues and concerns impacting our communities are expressed so the individuals running for office know what they need to work on for the next 2 years. ALL Voices need to be in the room so the individuals running for office know and are aware of the issues and concerns impacting our communities and that the Party at the local, county, and state level must be responsive to those issues, needs and concerns.
Once again, every counts!! Be there and be heard.
DDI Elections – November 4th
At the November 4th DDI meeting, DDI Paid members will be voting on new officers for the next 2 years. The Elections Committee made an extensive report about the process for nominating and electing the new leadership. The Elections Committee is committed to ensuring every Paid Member has access to and is able to vote in the DDI Elections.
Be present and cast your voice. YOUR Vote and YOUR Voice will help guide the direct and leadership of DDI for the next 2 years. ALL Voices need to be in the room (on the zoom) so the individuals running for office know and are aware of the issues and concerns impacting our communities and that the DDI must work with the Party at the local, county, and state level to be more responsive to those issues, needs and concerns.
DDI ADVOCACY ALERT
FEBRUARY 2024
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
February is Black History Month. It originally began as Negro History Week by historian Carter G. Woodson in 1925. People first observed the event in February of 1926 during the week of both Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass’ birthdays. Over time, the celebration gradually became officially supported by the mayors of several American cities. The federal government formally adopted the occasion and expanded it to the entire month of February in 1976.
Black History is American History. There is NOT an era in American History where blacks did not play a role (Black History Milestones: Timeline | HISTORY) . There is NOT a single industry, occupation, or economic endeavor where blacks have not made significant contributions. (List of African-American inventors and scientists – Wikipedia.
50 MOST INFLUENTIAL BLACK ENTREPRENEURS OVER THE PAST 50 YEARS – (blackenterprise.com)
DDI was created to ensure the voices of Black and minority communities are heard. DDI works to ensure the increase of Black and minority precinct committee officers (PCOs). DDI works to ensure the election of Black people and minorities so they can adequately represent their communities and the issues and concerns of those communities. DDI works to ensure the advocacy for issues and concerns impacting Black and minority communities are heard and addressed by elected officials at all levels of government, as well as, within the Democratic Party
“WE, DDI, will continue to fight to increase advocacy for Black and minority communities. DDI will continue to fight to make sure Black and minority voices are heard and their issues and concerns are addressed. DDI will continue to fight to increase the number of Black and minority elected officials and make sure the elected officials that represent Black and minorities communities are reflective of the communities they are elected to represent at all levels of government. DDI will continue to fight to make sure the Democratic Party stands up and reflects the diversity of the communities it represents and that it stands for and fights and advocates for issues and concerns impacting Black and minority communities,” said Clarence Gunn, DDI President.
He continued, “If these goals are something you believe should be happening in and for Black and minority communities then I encourage you to join the fight and Join DDI today. Black History happens every day in America. Join DDI today and become a part of a movement to make America responsive and reflective of ALL communities and addresses the concerns and needs of ALL.”
Dr Martin Luther King, Jr said it best in his “I Have a Dream” speech, “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character.”
PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY
Tuesday, March 12th each Party in the state of Washington will hold their Presidential Primary. The purpose of the Primary is to allow members of each party an opportunity express their preference for the person they wish to become President of the United States. In the Democratic Party the election results determine the allocation of committed delegates (based on the Primary Election results) that go to the National Democratic Convention where the Democratic Party officially nominates its candidate for President of the United States.
DELEGATE SELECTION PROCESS
AS mentioned in the Presidential Primary article there will be delegates elected and sent to the National Democratic Party Convention. Delegates to the State Democratic Party Convention are a part of the process to elect the delegates to the Democratic National Convention (DNC).
The process for Democrats to run for State Delegate is quite simple they must register as a candidate for e State Delegate position from their local Legislative District. State delegates begin electing National Delegates from Congressional District and State level, ending with the Democratic Party Convention State
To become a State Delegate go to the following website to learn more and to register as a Candidate for State Delegate go to this link: Run for Delegate – Washington State Democratic Party (wademsdelegates.org).
If you need help or additional information about running as a State Delegate or a National Delegate attend one of these training sessions: Events from March 24 – February 4 › Delegate Candidates › Candidate Training › – Washington State Democratic Party (wademsdelegates.org)
If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact Clarence Gunn, Azziem Underwood, or your local legislative District Chair. Azziem and Clarence are on the State Democratic Party Black Caucus working to increase minority representation and are here to help.
DDI WAS THERE
January and February have been busy months for DDI members and Leaders. Below is a brief list of some of the activities and events they have participated in on behalf of DDI:
January 15th MLK Day Garfield HS, Seattle – DDI and CIRCC jointly presented a workshop “Diversity in Action.”
January 27th – Washington State Democratic Party Central Committee Meeting and Training, Bellingham, WA – Clarence Gunn, DDI President, Azziem Underwood, Andrew Ashiofu, and Lisa Weber attended meeting and Training sessions.
February 8th – Federal Way Black Collective, Zoom, Federal Way – DDI participated in Community Forum.
February 10th – Renton Technical College, Renton, WA – DDI and CIRCC attended and hosted an informational table at the Renton Black History event.
February 11th – King County Democrats Campaign 2024 Kick-Off Machinist Hall, S. Seattle – DDI leaders and members attended this campaign Kick Off rally.
February 19th – African American Legislative Day. Olympia, WA – DDI Leaders and Members attended legislative lobbying activities in Olympia.
COMING EVENTS
Major Activities DDI will be involved in over the next 2 months will be focused on
- Working to increase Black and minority participation in the Democratic Party in preparation for the coming elections Summer and Fall 2024.
- Recruiting, assisting, and supporting Black and minority Candidates running for State Delegate. Election on April 6th.
- Working with Black and minority community groups and organizations to avert major negative impact as the result of potential budget shortfalls by city and county governments.
DDI QUICK CALENDAR (Up to Date events/activities check Facebook page (insert address here)
March 2nd– Poor People’s Campaign – Legislative Activities in Olympia
March 4th – DDI General Membership Meeting 7:00p.m. zoom
March 12th – Presidential Primary Election
– Return YOUR Ballot No Later than this date.
March 31st Last day to become a member of your Legislative District to be run or for National Delegate.
April 1st – DDI General Membership Meeting, 7:00p.m. Zoom
April 6th – State Delegate Elections – Hosted by State Democratic Party –
ONLY Local Legislative Members (by March 31st) get to vote electronically.
Vote for Your Legislative District Candidates running for State Delegates.
DDI Advocacy Alert October 2023
Presidents message – Boots to the Booth
It is October and General Election campaigns are running in high gear. There are candidates running for city council across the region. There are campaign events and functions where you can meet and talk to the candidates to determine which candidate best understands and represents you and your communities’ interests. There are a series of candidate forums for these races. Please look for additional information about these events and other opportunities to meet and talk with candidates. DDI will post events and activities as we become aware on our Facebook page.
It is key that you take advantage of these advantages to learn more about the candidates to see how they represent you. Be ready to vote. Confirm you are registered to vote. You can check your registration status by going to My Voter Information – King County. You can register to vote by going to Register to vote – King County, Washington.
Look for YOUR Ballot in your mail. Ballots are being mailed out October 18 th . Be sure to return Your ballot. You can mail it via US Mail, or you can drop it off at Ballot Boxes located throughout King County. The locations of these ballots are found at this link:
Ballot drop boxes – King County, Washington.
Please be sure to vote and Return YOUR Ballot in No Later than November 7 th , but it is best to vote prior to then to be sure your ballot gets postmarked or in a ballot box, so it counts.
YOUR VOTE is YOUR VOICE!!! Use Your Voice and VOTE!
Candidate Forum series
Candidate Forums are being set up across the region. Look at the DDI Facebook page for exact dates, times, and locations for forums in Federal Way, Kent, Renton, and Seattle. Check your local newspapers and community blogs for additional information as well.
National Voter Registration Day
National Voter Registration Day was September 25 th . DDI and other community partners supported activities and events to get more people registered to vote. It is not too late to register to vote for this year’s elections. You can register online at Register to vote – King
County, Washington.
You can register up to election day, but it is best to register in advance, so you get your ballot mailed to you. Young people can register at age 16 although they cannot vote until the elections after their 18 th birthday. Do not delay – Register today.
Seattle Democracy Vouchers
Democracy Vouchers are certificates Seattle residents can give to the candidate of their choice to support that candidates campaign. These vouchers are available to any Seattle resident over the age of 18. Please find your vouchers and use them to support the candidate of your choice. For more information about the Seattle Democracy Voucher please go to Information for Seattle Residents – DemocracyVoucher | seattle.gov
If you can’t find your voucher you can get a replacement voucher at this link Request Replacement Democracy Vouchers – DemocracyVoucher | seattle.gov.
Happy Vouchering!
PCO Training and Support
One of DDIs goals is to support and assist PCOs in their role of supporting and representing their communities. DDI is already in the planning stage of preparing a variety of ways to support and assist PCOs as they prepare for the 2024 election cycle.
DDI will be preparing PCOs for the future opportunities in 2024 including, but not limited to, the Presidential Primary, National Delegates selection, Democratic National Convention, and of course Elections 2024.
Keep an eye out for these events and activities to support you in your role as a community activist and leader and PCO.
DDI Membership Campaign
Look for some exciting information and opportunities to become a DDI member and become an active representative of your community. At DDIs monthly meetings we have a series of presenters that provide our members with the latest information and trainings to help them be up to date and have tools and resources to do their job as a
representative better.
As a member you have access to elected officials, party leaders, and policy decisions makers on a regular basis. If there are community issues of matters of concern these are often discussed at DDI meetings, and we work with and partner with community organizations to help create solutions.
If members have issues or concerns, they want to see addressed we discuss those and determine the best path to move forward on those. If members have someone with resources and valuable information, they think will help them they can let us know and
we will see if this person or organization can come and make a presentation at DDI.
JOIN DDI Today and be prepared for the coming year. You can join DDI by going to Join DDI – DEMOCRATS FOR DIVERSITY (democratsfordiversityandinclusion.org)
DDI Newsletter July 2023
Presidents Message
A 4th of July Reflection and A Call to Action
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of happiness.”
While these words are stirring, they did not include the slaves in America, as evidenced by the recent celebration of Juneteenth, when slaves in the South finally found out they were free in 1865, more than 100 years after the Declaration of Independence. The lives of the slaves were not their own, but rather were property. There was no liberty and no opportunity to pursue happiness.
Fast forward to today, while liberty has been won, each day there are instances that show the direct denial of the right to life due to daily assault and attacks resulting in injury and deaths of Black people and minorities. While freedom has been won, the opportunity to pursue happiness has been denied by redlining, inferior quality schools, inadequate healthcare systems, lack of access to capital, and other measures, rules, legislation, etc. to restrict and limit black. These directly impacted Black people in America reducing their Opportunity to pursue happiness.
That the Bad – The Good I that no there are Primary Elections that can change the elected officials and force them to address and resolve the matters and concerns that impact Black, brown, and other historically neglected communities. Read the article about the importance of the Primary Elections being held August 1t. Be sure to return YOUR Ballot to make YOUR VOICE count and is heard!!
Look for several exciting opportunities to get involved beyond the Primary Elections to increase the power and impact of our communities! The Communities must ban together to overturn and address the recent travesties and actions.
Become a DDI Member today and stay tuned for updates!!!
Primary Election Endorsements (AZ)
who did them (id team), what was process (brief overview of requirements and process), why endorsements matter (why do we do endorsements), and who DDI endorsed (send to website)
DDI Endorsements
DDI’s Endorsement Committee made multiple recommendations that were approved by the membership. City, county, and judicial races were considered covering Seattle, King County Council, Port of Seattle, and other cities across King County.
For the complete list of endorsed candidates go to the DDI website. 2023 DDI CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS – DEMOCRATS FOR DIVERSITY (democratsfordiversityandinclusion.org)
DDI Was There – DDI members have been active across the region representing DDI in numerous community events and activities. The response has been overwhelming.
At the May Washington State Democratic Party Committee Members meeting DDI members advocated for a responsive and equitable plan for the election of delegates to the National Democratic Convention. DDI members will be following the implementation of this plan closely to ensure the election of representative delegates from Washington to the National Democratic Party Convention. DDI Had a table at this State Party meeting and there was a huge interest in the work of DDI.
At the Juneteenth event in Renton DDI members registered more than a dozen new voters and passed out literature about DDI membership.
In July, DDI members were active and attended several Community Candidate Forums to provide the voters in different regions of Seattle and the County opportunities for local voters to hear directly from candidates running for local city council races.
Later this July, DDI Members will be active in the Primary Election campaigns of the endorsed candidates, supporting them with community outreach and engagement activities as well as Ballot return activities.
What have you been doing this summer to increase diversity and inclusion? DDI wants to know so we can acknowledge your work and support and assist you in these efforts. Let us know by sending us photos and background information about your actions. We will highlight them in coming editions of the Advocacy Alert.
New Website – The DDI Website has been revised and updated, thanks to the hard work and leadership of Yvonne Brandon. DDI members supported these efforts and provided feedback.
Check it out at www.democratsfordiversityandinclusion.org.
Please send us your ideas and suggestions for content. The website is a work in progress and needs your thoughts and ideas to meet your needs.
Member Spotlight – Who? What? and why a member of DDI?
Time for Membership – request for action and membership (with correct link to membership form)