07/09/2025
Meeting Notes from the June WTDC meeting:
Washington Township Democrat Club meeting (WTDC) - 18-Jun-2025: Notes
The meeting was called to order by Bryan Lilienkamp, President, at about 7 pm.
Despite the foul weather about 30 people attended.
Bryan led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Bryan and many other members attended the inspiring No Kings rally on Saturday.
Michelle Higgs, former candidate for HD-60 and one of the leaders of the Indiana Rural Summit, was the guest speaker. Among many topics, Michelle talked about:
Her life story and journey to Indiana via TX, Canada, UK and LA.
She was introduced into politics in 2016 with the pollution in the famous Martinsville Springs. She led organizing of Hoosier Action to address the situation but found the state legislature unresponsive due the GOP super-majority and the fact that this issue did not generate contributions (money) nor lots of votes.
Michelle was "volunteered" to run in the highly gerrymandered HD-60. Due to limited resources the Indiana State Party triages first-time candidates based on the likelihood of immediate success and her campaign did not receive any assistance.
Michelle determined that getting a band together to address rural issues across the southern portion of Indiana would help with resources and getting the message out. The Vigo, carbon-dioxide sequestration, and Johnson county, environmental engineer, candidates agreed, and the Indiana Rural Summit band was formed. Eventually twelve (12) southern Indiana candidates would join. Although there was no immediate electoral success there is evidence of increased Democratic participation and synergy for future campaigns. https://indianaruralsummit.org/about
Indivisible and 50501 have been catalysts for getting the message out, as well.
Between campaigns Michelle is working on https://organizingindiana.org/. This site is envisioned to be a storehouse of democratic information. It is the home of the Summer of Solidarity effort, as well. They have adopted the sunflower as their symbol of solidarity, acceptance and assistance. They plan actions at the annual Jasper parade and the Fall Festival event someplace.
Note: In conversation with open minded people remember to "Name the Harm". (See the attached flyers from https://posterproject.us/)
Michelle recommends that people watch "Electoral Disfunction" on Youtube. (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLG8IrydigQffkV94y_hhSFgZC-lgZ5rod)
Hoosier Action is tracking the impact of Medicaid cuts to Indiana healthcare. (https://www.hoosieraction.org/)
RE: Gerrymandering. Many districts are drawn to be as dispersed as possible, to discourage organizing. However, HD-60 is a high leverage district due to the intersection of many state senate and congressional districts. (https://iga.in.gov/information/house-district-map)
In many rural districts, sports and band are everything. (Ed. note: Run on eliminating class basketball.)
Given the direction of federal and state (non)support for communities, townships are about to become critical for dispensing mutual aid. Adam Dickey, CD-09 Democratic Chair, is fielding candidates for Township Trustee and County Councils wherever possible. (Ed. note: All counties and townships should be doing same.)
The state party can help by supporting Precinct Chair training and canvassing efforts. The more the Democrats reach out and build relationships the more likely that we will have electoral success. (Ed. note: Too often Democrats feel that the "good" will win all on its own.)
In addition, the state party could help by training campaign treasurers at all levels since they are limited to a single campaign and are in short supply.
Michelle recommends focusing on small dollar fund-raising from many people rather than high dollar contributions that get wasted on fifty flyers that no one reads and 30-second ads that no one sees. Instead focus on community events and PC canvassing, etc.
Note: Goshen has a Democratic mayor proving Democrats can win in rural communities. https://goshenindiana.org/government/mayors-office/history-of-goshen-mayors-a-legacy-of-leadership/
Michelle hopes that aligned organizations (e.g., Indivisible and 50501) pivot to electioneering in 2026. (Ed. Note: We must build Permanent Political Power lest all of our good ideas and values evaporate into the ether.)
Learn more at: https://voteformichellehiggs.com/.
Lori Ecker and Megan Alderman spoke about a Call to Action regarding the situation with Mayor Hogsett, Thomas Cook and the City-County Council. Contact them for further information.
The next meeting will be on 16-July-2025 at the usual time and location. See you there!
