Welcome to the February edition of West Windsor Democrats' digital newsletter.
Happy Luna New Year! Gong xi fa cai!
February is Black History Month, presenting us with an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the African American community. In addition to celebrating diversity, this month we are energized to continue organizing against anti-environmental warehouse sprawl, while building support for our club and our values within our community.
Please join us for the February meeting of the West Windsor Democrats
DATE: Tuesday, February 20th
TIME: 6:30pm – 8pm
PLACE: West Windsor Public Library (333 N Post Rd).
Doors open at 6pm.
A Zoom link is available to those who subscriber to the WW Dems email list. Subscribe here.
Agenda for Tuesday, February 20th
Welcome and introductions
Club Business Update
Topic in Focus: Combating Warehouse Sprawl with Katie Perrone from the League of Conservation Voters. Ms. Perrone will speak about the LCV's organization structure and theory of change, their 2024-2025 priorities, opportunities to get involved, and what NJ LCV has been doing to combat warehouse sprawl.
Upcoming Opportunities for Engagement
Meeting schedule and topics for the first half of 2024
February 20th - League of Conservation Voters
March 19th - Tentatively Held for Warehouse Legislation
April 30th – Panel discussion on Affordable Housing
May 21st - TBD
June 18th - Celebration of Pride Month
Celebrate by attending the following events:
Thursday February 22 - Mercer County Presents "A Celebration of Black History: Empowerment Through Higher Education". The event features several guest speakers and music. It will be held at 640 South Broad St, Trenton, 4th Floor Cafeteria. Additional information can be found on this flyer.
Black History Month Events with Mercer County Community College
A few highlights are:
Tuesday, February 27 – A screening of sports documentary “Black Boys” will play at 6:00 p.m. at the James Kerney Campus of Mercer County Community College (102 N Broad St, Trenton). The film highlights black identity and opportunity in America’s sports, education and criminal justice systems and will be followed by a courageous conversation. Visit their website for a complete schedule of MCCC events.
Wednesday, February 28 – MCCC is also sponsoring an insightful conversation about “The Black Vote” will take place at 6:00 p.m. via Zoom (https://zoom.us/s/7305181386).
Visit the MCCC website for their complete schedule of events.
Catherine Bernard appointed as Nominations and Elections Chair of West Windsor Democratic Club
We warmly welcome Catherine Bernard as she steps up and into a leadership role with the West Windsor Dems! Catherine has raised her children in West Windsor for the past thirteen years, and she values the opportunities West Windsor offers its families. Catherine has spoken out passionately in favor of protecting our environment from poorly conceived warehouse sprawl. Moreover, Catherine is inspired to lead our nominations and electoral process. We are extremely excited to add her voice to our Club's leadership team.
Rider University is hosting a primary debate for the U.S. Senate between Congressman Andy Kim and NJ's First Lady Tammy Murphy. The event takes place Sunday, February 18th, at 8:00PM. Stream the event at newjerseyglobe.com or onnj.com
STOP BOOK BANS IN NJ!
Calls for Book Bans have come to New Jersey, and librarians in many communities across the state are being harassed.
The Freedom to Read Act (S2421/A3446) has been introduced which will prevent the removal of library books and materials due to discriminatory or political aims, and will protect school library media specialists and librarians from harassment.
Senator Andrew Zwicker (LD16) is a primary sponsor in the Senate, and Assemblywoman Mitchelle Drulis (LD16) is a primary sponsor for the companion Assembly bill. Our own Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (LD15) is a co-sponsor.
Each bill has been referred to their respective Education Committee for a hearing.
Sadly, disinformation about this bill is spreading quickly on Social Media. There is urgency to pass this bill to protect both our right to read and the security of librarians and their peers.
ACTION: Call the Senate and Assembly Education Committee Chairs to ask for a speedy hearing and call for a YES vote in the full legislature chambers.
CALL TODAY:
Senator Vin Gopal, Senate Education Committee Chair: (732) 695-3371
Please give S2421, the Freedom to Read Act, your full support at the Senate Education Committee hearing on February 15 and do all you can to bring it to a vote in the Senate as soon as possible. We must protect librarians' judgment and safety, and stand against prejudice and politically motivated challenges to what we can read.
Assemblywoman Pamel Lampitt, Assembly Education Committee Chair: (856) 435-1247
Please give A3446, the Freedom to Read Act, your full support at the next Assembly Education Committee hearing and do all you can to bring it to a vote in the Assembly as soon as possible. We must protect librarians' judgment and safety, and stand against prejudice and politically motivated challenges to what we can read.
For more details on the bill and an example of how harassment has played out in Hunterdon County: NJ legislation targets book bans, harassment of librarians | NJ Spotlight News
Thank you to our friends at the Princeton Community Democratic Organization (PCDO) for alerting us of this important legislation.
Seeking volunteers for the Fundraising Lead position
Exciting opportunities await for those eager to make a tangible impact on our community! We currently have an open position for a Fundraising Lead – a new position that plays a vital role in sustaining the West Windsor Democrats community. We are on the lookout for an enthusiastic individual to organize a couple of fundraising events this year, helping us secure the resources needed to drive our initiatives. If you have a passion for fundraising, a knack for organizing successful events, and a desire to contribute to the growth and success of our organization, we invite you to consider joining us in this fulfilling role. Together, let's make a difference and ensure the continued success of the West Windsor Democrats. To express your interest or learn more, please contact Dan Weiss or Charmi Patel Peña.
Time to renew your membership in the WW Democratic Club!
As we embark on a new year, we extend a warm invitation to renew your membership with the West Windsor Democratic Club or join us if not already a member. The Club's mission is to unite all registered Democrats of West Windsor Township into a powerful force for progressive political action. By renewing your membership or becoming a new member, you will be actively contributing to our shared goals of encouraging political involvement, community service, and providing a platform for the thoughtful discussion of public questions on all levels of government. Together, we advance the interests, causes, and ideals of the Democratic Party, endorsing qualified candidates and promoting civic engagement. Your support also helps us in identifying and supporting qualified West Windsor Township residents for government jobs and appointments at all levels. Join us in shaping a brighter future for our community and reinforcing the values we hold dear. To renew or join, please visit the membership page on our website.
West Windsor Democrats website updated
The West Windsor Democrats website has been reimagined! Please take a moment to explore the new site. Use the menu bar to learn about the Club, Committee, News, and more. Membership dues can now be paid directly on the website.
Developments with Dan
Now that Dan Weiss is settling into his role as a Councilman, he wants to further community engagement with the entirety of West Windsor! Be the first to know! Visit DanWeissNJ.com to stay up to date on local news and future events.