WCDP News: Black Caucus, Candidate Forum, Young Dems, and more

When you vote to put Democrats in the majority, you get results for the American people. But is the word getting out about big Dem wins? Try our one-question-quiz and see if you are in the know! Find the answer at the end of the newsletter.

By boosting child tax credits, Biden’s American Rescue Plan halved the number of children living in THIS condition.
What is the condition?

WCDP Black Caucus March Meeting

WCDP Black Caucus invites you to their upcoming General Meeting this Saturday, March 23rd. This promises to be an informative session with two dynamic guest speakers:

Cheranissa Williams: As Washtenaw County’s Economic Opportunity Manager, Cheranissa will share valuable insights about local and state resources. If you’re a small business owner, this is an excellent opportunity to learn about networking and support available to you.
Lauren Coffman: Lauren, the Digital Manager for the Michigan Democrats, will delve into the world of social media. She’ll cover Do’s and Don’ts for campaigns and advocacy and introduce the latest social media tools to enhance your messaging.

Don’t miss this chance to gain knowledge, connect, and maximize your impact!

The Washtenaw County Democratic Party Black Caucus meetings offer a hybrid format, allowing in-person and virtual participation. While virtual attendance is convenient, joining in person can maximize your experience.

In person:
Washtenaw County Learning Resource Center, 4135 Washtenaw Ave., Ann Arbor

On Zoom:
https://us05web.zoom.us/j/82503004229 Passcode: WCDPBC2023

OneCampaign Kickoff – Saturday, March 30

Come meet the 2024 OneCampaign staffers and Dem leaders, including Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and MDP Chair Lavora Barnes at their local headquarters – our office at 418 Michigan Avenue, Ypsilanti, 2-4 pm. Please let us know you’re coming. Snacks, drinks, and Democratic camaraderie will be on offer.

Let us know you’re coming!

WCDP April Monthly Meeting

Panel of Democratic Candidates for the Office of Washtenaw County Sheriff

Save the Date! Saturday, April 6 @ 9:15 am – 12:00 pm

Candidate forums are a huge part of what we do, and we hope you’ll be able to join us at our first of 2024. Choosing our public servants at the ballot box is how democracy works. Come get to know the candidates & ask them the hard questions.
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Meeting schedule

9:15 – 9:45 — Social Time – get to know your Democratic neighbors and enjoy breakfast treats!

9:45 – 10:30 — Party business

What we’re doing, how you can be part of it
Updates from state & local electeds
DC Update from Congresswoman Debbie Dingell

10:30 – noon: Panel of Democratic Candidates for the Office of Washtenaw County Sheriff

Alyshia Dyer, Former Police Officer, now Therapist and Social Worker.
Derrick Jackson, Police officer, Social worker, Director of Community Engagement at the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office.
Ken Magee, Law Enforcement Veteran, Executive, and Criminal Justice Consultant.
Moderator: Eli Nathans

Washtenaw County residents are invited to send questions for the panel before the meeting to enathans48103@gmail.com The subject heading should be “Questions for WCDP Democratic Sheriff candidates’ panel.” Those who attend the meeting will also have a chance to ask questions.

In person:
Washtenaw Learning Resource Center, 4135 Washtenaw Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48103

On Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87669763350

Join Young Dems Washtenaw to hear from our superstar progressive prosecutors

Forward Together: Uniting Young Dems for Washtenaw’s Future

Join the YDW at our spring kick-off meeting on Sunday, April 7th at the Westgate Ann Arbor Library in the Side Branch Room from 2:00-4:00pm

We’ll discuss criminal justice reform with Washtenaw County’s progressive prosecutors, Eli Savit and Victoria Burton-Harris!

Learn about their efforts to create a fairer justice system and explore ways to get involved locally, from becoming a precinct delegate to joining township boards, as we outline our 2024 plans.

Snacks and beverages will be provided!

Eli Savit, a lifelong public servant and Washtenaw County native, has built his career on fighting for justice—from teaching in public schools to clerking for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, leading criminal justice reform in Detroit, and taking on big adversaries as a public-interest lawyer. Now serving as Washtenaw County Prosecutor, Eli is committed to equitable justice for all. A respected advocate for children and families, he also teaches at the University of Michigan Law School, focusing on educational equity and environmental law.

Victoria Burton-Harris is a Flint native and University of Michigan-Ann Arbor alumna with a deep commitment to criminal law and social justice. With a career beginning in family law and criminal defense, she has become a prominent advocate for fair and equitable justice, emphasizing community investment over incarceration. Victoria’s work focuses on transformative justice, education, and her role in community organizations aiming to break cycles of incarceration and support vulnerable populations.

Yes, I’ll Be There on Sunday, April 7!

April 14 Fundraising Concert

Join fellow Democrats on Sunday, April 14 at 4pm for a benefit performance for the Washtenaw County Democratic Party by Louis Nagel in a reprise of previous years’ performances!As before the event will be held at the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 4001 Ann Arbor-Saline Road, Ann Arbor 48103.Ticket Levels – Get yours now on ActBluePartner $500 – Sponsor $300 – Donor $200 – Guest $50

Get your tickets today!

Become a Precinct Delegate!

Precinct Delegates (PDs) are on-the-ground connectors between the WCDP and neighbors. We’ll teach you how to be a great one! Basic PD duties will require around 15 hours between now and November 5.

Why to file – How to file – Find your precinct

One-stop filing: At our April 6 monthly meeting (9:15 – noon, Washtenaw County Learning Resource Center) we’ll have printed affidavits and a notary public who will even deliver your affidavits to the County Clerk’s office!

Run for a seat on your township board!

Or recruit a friend to run! The Webster, Lodi, and Lima township boards are dominated by Republicans even though Democrats cast the most votes for one simple reason: Democrats don’t run for the seats. Dexter Township trustee Lonnie Scott and Lodi Township clerk candidate Eric Roberts shared data, and instructions for running, at our March meeting. At our April 6 meeting, we can help you file to fill these important seats.

What have Dems done for you lately

Tax Relief: April is quickly approaching, and that means tax season is here. This is the first year that Michiganders can take advantage of the historic tax relief passed by Senate Democrats last year!

Dems made big changes to Michigan’s tax code that promise to lower costs and deliver savings to working families across our state. They repealed the harmful retirement tax and expanded the Working Families Tax Credit, putting money back into the pockets of those who need it. The Working Families Tax Credit will save those who qualify an average of over $3,000 per year—meaning that many Michiganders will have an extra $3,000 to spend on food, clothes, housing, education, and other life essentials.

Volunteers Wanted!

WCDP is seeking graphic designers and a paralegal or two to join our team!

We’re looking for designers who can create eye-catching, inviting, and accessible event announcements, sign-up sheets, and invitations that can be used across multiple platforms. Knowledge of 508 compliance requirements a plus.

We also need occasional paralegal assistance to help us chase down permissions for graphics, quotes, and other content.

Let us know you’re interested!

Become a WCDP Candidate Partner!

WCDP fundraising committee now seeking candidate partners!

Democratic campaigns can get linked on our website, benefit from our email blasts, join us on social media, and place an ad in our website ‘ad book’ reaching over 3,000 Washtenaw County Democrats. This opportunity is open to all Democratic candidates and does not constitute an endorsement from the WCDP.

To sign up, visit our Candidate Partners ActBlue page.

Meet your representatives

State Representative Jason Morgan, HD23, will meet constituents at MoonWinks Café, 5151 Plymouth Rd. Ann Arbor, MI 48105, this Saturday, March. 23 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Meet your candidates

MI-46 is the only part of Washtenaw County not represented by a Dem in the Michigan House! The district spans Jackson and Washtenaw, and includes Sylvan Township & the City of Chelsea. But that could change in 2024!

Campaign kickoff this Saturday, March 23

Daniel J Mahoney for State Representative (MI-46)