September 2024
Letter from the Chair
Democratically speaking, the most significant event in my lifetime occurred in April when I was elected to be a delegate at the Democratic National Convention. It was truly an honor to serve Florida’s Congressional District 19 and cast my vote for the nomination of the future President of the United States.
In August, Vice President Kamala Harris and Governor Tim Walz brought joy to the Democratic National Convention and an indescribable down to earth feeling that this country hasn’t had since Donald Trump took office. The Kamala-Walz team are relatable and human (while the Trump-Vance team are corporate and phony.)
Yet throughout the joyfulness of the convention, the Harris-Walz team were able to articulate what, exactly, they intend to do for Americans. Vice President Kamala Harris has always had strong values of fighting for the middle class, standing up to bullies, and a commitment to family. As Vice President, she is leading the charge to protect fundamental freedoms, including the right to reproductive healthcare and the right to vote. Her values are values that I share. And I dare say, they are values that define a lot of you.
In selecting Governor Tim Walz as her running mate, VP Harris has chosen someone who shares her vision. As governor, Tim Walz banished hunger instead of banning books. There are no “Don’t Say Gay” bills in Minnesota. He cut taxes, reduced health care costs, and signed paid family leave into law to support Minnesota families. While governor DeSantis was quietly signing a total abortion ban into law, Tim Walz made Minnesota the first state to pass a law codifying reproductive rights after the Supreme Court overturned Roe.
We are the party of hope for the future and the belief in equality, freedom, and justice for every American. So please join the Collier County Democratic Party as we make history together by electing the first Black, South Asian president —a celebration of the strength of our diversity.
We urge you to actively participate in the unprecedented history that is being made as Democrats fight for America. Visit CollierDems.org/Issues for more information, share the Democratic message with family and friends (CollierDems.org/FYI), and VOTE for Democrats up and down the ballot in November.
Four Days of Joy in Chicago – My Time at the 2024 DNC Convention
by Adam Molny
The months leading up to the convention were a real rollercoaster ride. When I initially signed up, I assumed it would be a mere formality to cast my vote for then-candidate Biden. It was a great relief when President Biden withdrew and endorsed Kamala Harris. The joy and excitement was palpable from the moment we arrived at our delegation’s hotel. I shared a room with a delegate from St. Johns County who works with Anne Daley. Having a traveling companion made the entire trip much more enjoyable.
I naturally expected to see high profile Democrats speaking at the convention every evening. But I was amazed at the number of famous faces that came to speak at our Florida Delegation breakfast. Chair Nikki Fried introduced the speakers each morning. We heard from Lauren Brenzel (Director of Yes on 4), JB Pritzger (governor of Illinois), Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, Jamie Raskin, Josh Shapiro, Andy Beshear, Gretchen Whitmer, Maxwell Frost, Chris Coons, Jared Moskowitz and many more.
Pro-Palestinian protesters made their voices heard the first day, and their activities outside the convention center were enough to delay the arrival of some delegates on Monday. Security was already tighter than usual because President Biden would be speaking in the evening, and the Secret Service had to take extra precautions. We did ultimately get in to see all the major speakers that night.
The DNC did a fantastic job producing each night’s events. There were speakers, performers, a DJ and a live band to keep the activities going continuously throughout the evening. My favorite night was Tuesday when the DNC did a roll call vote of each state to tally the votes. Here’s Chair Fried announcing Florida’s votes.
Overall it was an amazing week, giving all of us renewed energy to support the Harris/Walz ticket and flip Florida blue!
The Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) will meet
SEPTEMBER 4, 2024 – 6:00 PM Meet & Greet, 6:30 PM Meeting
at Collier County Democratic Party Headquarters
600 Goodlette-Frank Road #110, Naples FL 34102
The DEC is the local official arm of the Florida Democratic Party and is comprised of elected Committeemen and Women. Official meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM. We will hold a public Meet & Greet at 6:00 PM at our September meeting. Please join us!
All registered Democrats may attend and observe as guests, and all attendees must register ahead of time. Only DEC members may vote and participate in the meeting. Attendees are encouraged to join 10 minutes early to get settled before the meeting begins.
To learn more about the Collier County Democratic Party, join us at one of our Saturday morning “Welcome to the Party” virtual sessions! See below.
INTRODUCTION to the Democratic Executive Committee (DEC)
Upcoming “Welcome to the Party” – Volunteer Orientation Events!
SEPTEMBER 7, 14, 21, and 28, 2024 – 11:00 – 12:00
Virtual via Zoom
Please register to receive the link to join our Zoom online session!
Join other Democrats for this virtual program that will introduce (or re-introduce) you to the Collier County Democratic Party, including our clubs, caucuses, and committees. You will also learn about how you can get more involved to help us protect our democracy in the 2024 election.
Because this is a virtual program, you can participate from anywhere. We also have volunteer activities you can do from wherever you are located!
Whether you’re an introvert, an extrovert, have very little or a whole lot of time to give, the contribution of your expertise and patriotism will be invaluable.
Pick the date that works for you. After you register, you’ll receive an email with information about how to attend the event. We look forward to seeing you!
Join us for a Presidential Debate Watch Party at Democratic HQ!
SEPTEMBER 10, 2024
8:00-10:30 PM
600 Goodlette Road #110, Naples FL 34102
All Like-Minded Neighbors welcome!
The Collier County Democratic Club (CCDC) will meet
SEPTEMBER 16, 2024 – 4:30-6:30 PM
Tacos & Tequila Cantina
(Pavillion Shopping Center) 8791 Tamiami Trail N
All Democrats Welcome. Please Join us!
Come join us at Tacos & Tequila Cantina to mingle with like-minded neighbors.
Tacos – $4, Quesadiila, Quacamole Trio & Nachos $8, Draft $4, Wine, Select Spirits, & House Margarita $6. We will be in the private room behind the bar.
****Dues are due – $35 single/$60 couple – please join or renew now!
If you know of a venue with a no fee private room that can accommodate 40 people, please let me know!
hihollha@aol.com with subject line – private room.
The Democratic Women‘s Club of Marco (DWC Marco) will meet
SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 – 5:00-6:30 PM
online via Zoom
Our featured speaker will be Anne Daley, Collier County Voter Protection Chair.
Topic: Voter Protection Overview, recent events, upcoming activities and learn how you can help.
Join Us! Registration is Required. Click the button at left to Register. Zoom will open at 4:45pm, and the meeting will begin promptly at 5:00pm. Please be on time.
Members and guests welcome! Community members interested in joining the club and promoting our Democratic values while supporting its charitable efforts can go to dwcmarco.org or contact us at info@dwcmarco.org.
The Collier County Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida
The Collier County Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida (CCDEC) is a chapter of the Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida (CCDECF). Our mission is to elect Democratic candidates who will address the environmental and climate crisis we face.
If we want any chance of meeting the challenge of climate change, we must defeat the former President, retain the Senate, flip the House, and take giant steps to turn Florida State legislature purple, then blue. We are asking all of our supporters and members to help Collier County Dems get our like-minded neighbors, friends, and family to VOTE. Volunteer opportunities abound.
After we win in November, we will be growing our candidate recruitment and support of our legislative action activities.
To learn more about our activities and how to join us, click here: Democratic Environmental Caucus of Florida
ONGOING MEETINGS – Make your voice heard in local government!
septiembre 1, 2024
ARTÍCULOS DESTACADOS
AHORA TENEMOS UNA OPORTUNIDAD
EL PARTIDO REPUBLICANO – ENFOCADO EN LA POLÍTICA DE INMIGRACIÓN EN LUGAR DE EN LAS FAMILIAS ESTADOUNIDENSES
Facebook Cuenta Oficial en español del Partido Demócrata de Florida.
Spotlight on the Steering Wheel Brigade
The Collier County Voter Protection Ground Team includes Poll Watchers, Poll Greeters and Steering Wheel Brigaders. All volunteers go through training and every role is important to the overall program.
A Steering Wheel Brigader drives (hence the words “Steering Wheel”) to multiple polling places during a shift which lasts anywhere from 3 to 6 hours. Shift lengths vary by day and driver availability. This enables the VoPro team to significantly expand our presence at polling places around the county because Poll Watchers and Greeters are generally in one location for an entire shift. It also allows for more comfort and flexibility for the volunteer. All in all a great addition to our VoPro program.
Meet the Steering Wheel Brigade for the August Primary:
Firdausi Irani (L)
Arthur Oslund (R)
Gloria Hogerty
Voter Protection Training
for the 2024 General Election
The 2024 Election is around the corner. We have an amazing Presidential Ticket: Kamala Harris and Tim Walz. We have an amazing Senate candidate: Debbie Mucarsel-Powell. AND we have Democrats running in every House race.
Join the VoPro team to help protect the vote across Collier County. Every vote counts and we have the winning ticket. Training information and sign-up links are included below:
POLL GREETER TRAINING: Learn how to greet voters and monitor activities outside the polling place during Early Voting (October 21 – November 2) and on Election Day (November 5). Shifts are 4-6 hours. You will learn about polling place operations, poll worker duties and the role of a Poll Greeter. All Poll Greeters must be registered Democrats. Attend the training from your home on Zoom. You will receive the meeting link after you sign up.
STEERING WHEEL BRIGADE TRAINING: This volunteer role involves the observation of Polling place activities from cars – a Steering Wheel Brigade. Learn how to monitor activities outside the polling place during Early Voting (October 21 – November 2) and on Election Day (November 5). Shifts are 4-6 hours. All Brigaders must be registered Democrats. Attend the training from your home on Zoom. You will receive the meeting link after you sign up.
POLL WATCHER TRAINING: The Collier VoPro team is working with the Harris / FDP Coordinated Campaign VoPro Team and Poll Watcher training will be provided by them. Learn how to monitor election activities inside the Polling Place during Early Voting (October 21 – November 2) and on Election Day (November 5). Shifts are 4-6 hours. You will learn about polling place operations, poll worker duties and the role of a Poll Watcher. All Poll Watchers must be registered Democrats in Collier County. Attend the training from your home on Zoom. You will receive the meeting link after you sign up.
BALLOT CURE TRAINING: will be announced at a later date.
QUESTIONS? Contact your Collier County Voter Protection Committee
Anne Daley adaley01@gmail.com 516-455-2782
Adam Molny amolny@gmail.com 631-672-9386
Janet Perna janet.perna@gmail.com 914-299-0268
Melanie Rose melanierose209@gmail.com 914-441-9887
YOU can make a huge difference in the November elections!
Florida Democrats are energized and galvanized, and in Collier County, we are too. The Harris campaign and the DNC now view Florida as a swing state.
Help us help our like-minded neighbors, friends, and family learn what issues and candidates will be on the ballot and be sure everyone is able to vote!!!
You can help:
- Register Voters
- Participate in Voter Protection
- Participate in Phone Banking
- Coordinate Meet and Greet socials or host one in your neighborhood!
- Mail Post Cards
- Answer Phones and Greet Visitors at Democratic Headquarters
- Put out Yard Signs
VOLUNTEER NOW (link to volunteer checklist?) and you will be contacted as soon as possible.
LEARN MORE by joining our Saturday overview online – with information about your Collier Democratic Party’s strategies to get Democrats elected up and down the ballot, and get a detailed overview of our volunteer campaign activities.
The Collier County Democratic Executive Committee (CCDEC) is the official, local county arm of the Florida Democratic Party. The CCDEC has oversight over all Democratic Party activities within Collier County. LEARN MORE
The Collier County Democratic Party is an all-volunteer, entirely donor-funded organization. Our local party can not exist without volunteers and donors like you.