18. March 2024 · Comments Off on Indivisible WIN Redistricting April 6, 2024 · Categories: Elections, Recent Events

If you are concerned with fair representation in Washington state, we invite you to join Washington Indivisible Network (WIN) for a People First Redistricting presentation and Q&A on Saturday, April 6th – 10:30am-12pm on zoom.

The Soto Palmer v Hobbs Federal lawsuit declared a Yakima Valley district (LD15) discriminatory towards Latino voters. Redrawing this district may force the re.drawing of 12 additional legislative districts in central Washington. The State has deferred to the courts to draw the maps. The new maps must be finalized by March 25th.

Join Alison McCaffree, from the LWV, to learn more about the change in the boundaries and how we can make systematic changes to the redistricting process that assure communities have the best chance to elect the representative of their choosing in the future.

People First Redistricting 

April 6th from 10:30-12pm

Zoom

Hannah Oliver 
Senior Regional Organizer
Pronouns: They/Them
Hannah@indivisible.org

The Indivisible Project is a registered 501(c)(4). Indivisible Action is a Hybrid Political Action Committee fueled by the grassroots movement to win elections and build local, independent progressive power nationwide.

Indivisible Project
PO Box 43884
Washington, DC 20010
United States

15. March 2024 · Comments Off on National Democratic Training – March 15, 2024 · Categories: Recent Events

❗For April events and beyond you will need a free NDTC account to register and access our virtual live training events.

We’re launching our updated NDTC experience this April, so get prepared and head on over to https://traindemocrats.org/login/ and create an account if you haven’t already.

In the future, when it’s time to join a training, you’ll need to log into your dashboard. We will not provide a direct Zoom link anymore. Remember: it’s free to create an account and use our trainings!

If you have any issues, such as the webpage stalling out or going down, don’t hesitate to use our Tech Support Form so someone can help.

Swing State Candidate Bootcamp: Campaign Fundamentals*
TOMORROW, March 16 at 10am ET

*This specific opportunity is only open to potential or current candidates and campaign staff in Arizona, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, or Florida. If you know someone running or working in these states, we’d love it if you would share!

This is your opportunity to learn the fundamentals of running a campaign, complete with expert guidance, downloadable resources, and a collaborative environment with fellow local Democrats running for office.

Join us for our very first Candidate Bootcamp of 2024, where we'll dive deep into Campaign Fundamentals and the building blocks you need to kickstart your journey to victory. Get ready for a day filled with expert guidance, handy downloadable resources, and a supportive community of fellow local Democrats.

This virtual bootcamp streamlines four essential training sessions into one power-packed day, making it easier than ever to gain the skills you need to succeed. Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to level up your campaign game – secure your spot today and get ready to make waves in the political arena!

Calculating Your Vote Goal
Monday, March 18 at 1pm ET

Learn the essential strategies for setting an achievable vote goal for your campaign.

Whether you’re running for local office yourself or volunteering with your local party, understanding these important numbers is the key to success. Gain the knowledge and tools needed to strategically calculate your vote goal and maximize your impact.

NDTC Expert Q&A: Women Working to Win
Thursday, March 21 at 1 pm ET

NDTC is bringing together three accomplished women from different corners of progressive politics to illuminate their experiences on the trail and beyond.

Be part of the conversation as our panelists delve into the pivotal intersections of gender, policy, and power, challenging and reshaping traditional political narratives. Secure your spot now to gain invaluable insights and inspiration from these trailblazing leaders! You will also have the opportunity to ask your own questions!

Building Equity-Centered Volunteer Teams
Friday, March 22 at 1pm ET

When working with volunteers who are already sacrificing their time and energy to further campaign efforts, it’s essential that managers and leaders prioritize equity and inclusion.

Discover strategies to create both inclusive and effective volunteer teams that reflect the diversity of your community. Our trainer will explore practical approaches to recruit, train, and retain volunteers while prioritizing these essential considerations.

Developing Your Campaign's Core Message
Monday, March 25 at 1pm ET

Crafting a compelling core message is fundamental to capturing voters’ attention and building support for your campaign. Join us as we delve into the art of developing a persuasive and authentic core message that resonates with your target audience. Learn to articulate your values, priorities, and vision effectively, setting the stage for a winning narrative to use across platforms and audiences.

And it doesn’t stop there! You can always visit the Online Academy’s Course Catalog, set up a free account, and keep track of your progress while taking advantage of our extensive course offerings.

Connect with us on social media!

14. March 2024 · Comments Off on National Democratic Training – March 14, 2024 · Categories: Recent Events

The 2024 election is a pivotal moment for Democratic women everywhere.

In one of their latest campaign ads, the Biden campaign articulated their pro-choice stance, emphasizing the importance of protecting women’s autonomy over their bodies. This bold reaffirmation underscores the importance of women’s issues not only in this cycle, but for future generations.

Now, more than ever, it’s crucial to stand united in supporting women’s efforts in progressive campaigns across the country.

In celebration of Women’s History Month, NDTC is elevating some of these essential perspectives in our upcoming Expert Q&A: Women Working to Win on Thursday, March 21 at 1pm ET.

Whether women run for office or work in mobilizing spaces, their involvement ensures that the voices of women are heard and respected.

Which is why we’ve invited panelists from a diverse array of progressive organizations and causes

This interactive panel program will feature three Democratic strategists – April Fournier (Program Lead, Training & Alumni, Advance Native Political Leadership), Ana Ramon (Executive Director, Annie’s List), and Liz Walters (Chairwoman, Ohio Democratic Party) – to discuss various aspects of organizing women, but also prioritizing women’s policy priorities.

Get your questions answered directly from our panel on Thursday, March 21, moderated by NDTC Director of Development Bridget Geraghty! RSVP using the button below:

Learn more about the panelists and topics covered by following the registration link today!

— The NDTC Team

And it doesn’t stop there! You can always visit the Online Academy’s Course Catalog, set up a free account, and keep track of your progress while taking advantage of our extensive course offerings.

Connect with us on social media!

12. March 2024 · Comments Off on National Democratic Training – March 12, 2024 · Categories: Recent Events

Hello — NDTC is officially switching over to our updated learning platform, which means there are new, permanent changes in the way you will access virtual training events.

We’re here to walk you through these changes and ensure a seamless transition. Follow these steps for the best experience:

FIRST – Make sure you have an account with us. Don’t have an account with us yet? Register for free here: https://traindemocrats.org/login/. If you already have an account, you can go ahead and log in.

SECOND – Navigate to your account dashboard by clicking My Dashboard in the top left corner. You can also directly access it here: https://traindemocrats.org/dashboard/

THIRD – Any trainings you sign up for will appear under My Live Trainings on your NDTC Dashboard. In addition, a direct link to the training will be emailed to you 30 minutes prior to the start of the training.

In the future when you sign up for events on the upcoming events page, they will automatically appear in your Dashboard. If you’re signed up for any courses, they will appear in the My Online Trainings section. Overall, our new systems allows you to keep better track of your coursework and upcoming trainings, all in the same spot.

If you have any issues, such as the webpage stalling out or going down, don’t hesitate to use our Tech Support Form so someone can help.

We appreciate your patience and ongoing support. We’re here to make your learning experience a positive, productive one!

– The NDTC Team

Connect with us on social media!

08. March 2024 · Comments Off on National Democratic Training – March 8, 2024 · Categories: Recent Events

❗Reminder: Starting in April, you will need a free NDTC account to register and access our virtual live training events.

We’re launching our updated Online Academy experience this April, so get prepared and head on over to https://traindemocrats.org/login/ and create an account if you haven’t already.

In the future, when it’s time to join a training, you’ll need to log into your dashboard. We will not provide a direct Zoom link anymore. Remember: it’s free to create an account!

If you have any issues, such as the webpage stalling out or going down, don’t hesitate to use our Tech Support Form so someone can help.

TOMORROW: National Fundraising Bootcamp with support from ActBlue
Saturday, March 9 at 11:15 am ET

It’s not too late to sign up for our full day workshop to hone key campaign fundraising skills! Whether you’re a volunteer or running for office yourself, this bootcamp will be indispensable for enhancing your fundraising efforts!

Boost your campaign’s fundraising cash flow by perfecting the art of soliciting donations across channels. Maximize the value of call time, practice crafting a hard ask, and even get email fundraising insights. Reserve your spot now for this accelerated one-day workshop!

Setting Up Your Local Democratic Party’s Structure
Tuesday, March 12 at 1pm ET

We’ll delve into the essential steps for setting up a robust framework for your local Democratic Party. Learn how to effectively structure your party’s operations, committees, and leadership roles to maximize efficiency and impct.

Whether you’re a seasoned organizer or new to party leadership, this session will provide practical strategies for strengthening your local Democratic Party. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to enhance your party’s impact and effectiveness in your community!

Finding a Job in Democratic Politics
Wednesday, March 13 at 1pm ET

This one’s for those either pivoting to a new role or getting their foot in the door in the progressive advocacy space!

This session is tailored to help you navigate the Democratic job market. Learn about various job opportunities, networking strategies, and ways to streamline the job search. Our trainer will give you access to important resources like progressive job boards and other key insights.

Swing State Candidate Bootcamp: Campaign Fundamentals*
Saturday, March 16 at 10am ET

*This specific opportunity is only open to potential or current candidates and campaign staff in Arizona, North Carolina, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, or Florida. If you know someone running or working in these states, we’d love it if you would share!

This is your opportunity to learn the fundamentals of running a campaign, complete with expert guidance, downloadable resources, and a collaborative environment with fellow local Democrats running for office.

Bootcamps are a virtual program that consolidate four training sessions into a one-day event. This way, you can gain skills and jumpstart your progress efficiently.

Our first candidate bootcamp of 2024 is about all things Campaign Fundamentals and the building blocks that go with it. Don’t miss out!

NDTC Expert Q&A: Women Working to Win
Thursday, March 21 at 1pm ET

Our March Expert Q&A panel will bring together accomplished women from different areas of progressive politics to share their experiences on the trail and beyond!

With an emphasis on exploring the evolving landscape of the 2024 cycle, we want to shed light on the challenges, triumphs, and strategies changing women’s roles in politics. Our panelists will examine the critical intersections of gender, policy, and power that are pushing women to reshape traditional, patriarchal political narratives.

And it doesn’t stop there! You can always visit the Online Academy’s Course Catalog, set up a free account, and keep track of your progress while taking advantage of our extensive course offerings.

Connect with us on social media!

07. March 2024 · Comments Off on National Democratic Training Events – March 7, 2024 · Categories: Recent Events

Here are some ways you can take action.

All times Eastern


Connect with us on social media!

Paid for by the National Democratic Training Committee, TrainDemocrats.org, not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.

01. March 2024 · Comments Off on Ag and Rural Caucus for March 2024 · Categories: Committee News, Recent Events

Ag and Rural Caucus for March Policy Briefing

March Schedule
Better Practices
7:00 pm Thursday 7 March
Engaging Youth

Misty Muchlinski, chair, Benton County Democrats

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88689149657?pwd=R3dXbFRpYVUyeGVhb3ErTFI0QXlpZz09

Policy Briefing

6:30 pm Thursday 21 March
Vermitreatment of Waste Water
Russ Davis, Pres/CEO, Perca
George Damov
Sierra Smith

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85907982157?pwd=MU4vV3E3VGZ5VU02dnhvZjg2b3hKZz09

Paste link into browser to go to meeting.
Follow up note: Suicide in Rural Washington
Link to recording
https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/8T38Gn04nahqb8zluhYz7Ouh3XdU37hwlj_zJ66tsl8gBQ5A-EElcWt8ecbS0FfI.dcsBTWdXGwO7Dw-V

Copies of meeting announcements are at arcwashdems.wordpress.com.
·  List of Generations:   

        The Silent Generation – born 1928-1945.
·        The Baby Boomer Generation – born 1946-1964.
·        Generation X – born 1965-1980.
·        Millennials – born 1981-1996.
·        Generation Z – born 1996-2012.
·        Gen Alpha – born 2013 – 2025
A Feel-Good Session. Yes, but…

You are probably expecting a feel-good session Thursday, and you would not be wrong. That is what our Better Practices series is all about. It is just that the stakes of engaging youth are high. Democrats need to get this right. Youth are impatient; they are untethered from the complications that have schooled us older folks to patience and half loaves.

And just what are these “complications”? We need to talk about these. I think that process is a big one…how you go about governing is important.  In a democracy this means that you talk to people, you make your case, and you build a winning coalition out of passionate factions, with everyone giving at least a little. You have to be peculiar to get satisfaction out of a win born of compromise. But there it is.

How do we reach out to young people with the promise not of quick policy victories but with the prospect of being satisfied with process and compromise? By taking them seriously. By making our persuasive pitch to a passionate faction. By compromise.

Come Thursday, at 7:00 pm. Join Misty. Share your thoughts.

Don 
5 March 2024
State of the Union Address > Delay “Better Practices”

President Biden delivers the State of the Union address Thursday at 6:00 pm PST. This is important and I will be listening. Misty has agreed to push our start time to 07:00 pm. Please watch the President frame his policy at 6:00 pm and then join Misty at 7:00 pm..

Don
3 March 2.024
Youth are the Future – Are we Ready?

When I am asked what gives me hope about the future, I invariably respond that it is the youth of this country that gives me confidence. The younger generations are much more comfortable about diversity…sexual and gender diversity, racial complexities.  Of course, being young, they are less tied to conventional wisdoms and are open to questioning what we take for granted. The certainties about how society works that we grew up with are open to re-evaluation. All this is good.

Just because we are counting on the youth does not mean that they are counting on us.

Misty Muchlinski knows this. That is why is she is leading the Benton County Democrats in figuring out how to reach young voters and actually doing it. Let’s learn from her and share our hopes – and fears – about where our young people are leading us.

Don
2 March 2024
Misty Muchlinski will introduce our Better Practices session on engaging youth in Democratic politics. Misty, chair of the Benton County Democrats, talked persuasively for just a moment on CD4’s Deep Dive last month about Benton County’s commitment to reaching out to younger generations and its program to make good on our usual pretty words. Join Misty on 7 March and let’s talk about how to rejuvenate our party and maybe win a few votes along the way.

“Wow!” best describes our Policy Briefing for March. Russ Davis and his team will  talk about using worms to treat contaminated waste streams. This is not just promise or hype. Russ has produced eye-popping results for the City of Walla Walla faced with a troublesome waste stream from Refresco Beverages. Explore with Russ on 21 March the Refresco proof of concept and other applications where Perca is working. 
Capital Press Op-Ed

I wrote an op-ed for the Capital Press website – it was too long for the printed edition – about planning for a transition from the current operation of the Lower Snake River dams. With my language and tone, I tried to connect with the uncommitted reader. I will leave it to your judgement if I succeeded. 

The piece is part of a larger campaign that Ormand Hilderbrand, Bill Moyer of Solutionary Rail  and I are initiating to open discussion in eastern Washington about the dams in general and, more specifically, using short-line rail to replace barges for getting Palouse grain to market.

I do not want to overstate our campaign. It is more wishful thinking at this point but this is at least a start. Actually, maybe the second or third start. 

I thank Bill Moyer and Tom White for their foundational work on developing the short-line rail plan. They deserve credit for the concept, evaluation, and engineering of a feasible transportation alternative to the barges.

This is the link to the Capital Press website. The content is below.

Don

25 February 2024
Let’s Plan for a Transition
 
I grew up with the dams. I was graduating from Walla Walla High School when the dams on the Snake were being built. My dad, a farmer, was trained in engineering. He left me with an appreciation of the dams as engineering successes. I am still awed by the massive structures.

Another thing my father left me was the importance of commitment. My father has passed now but he would be distressed by my generation’s shortfall in meeting our commitments to ensure the salmon runs on the Snake. These commitments go back to the 1855 treaties and to the more recent Endangered Species Act in 1973.

No one in particular is to blame for the failure of the salmon to thrive. The Corps of Engineers has tinkered with the operation of the dams to make them more friendly to the salmon. We have come a long way from the idea that the turbines were chewing up baby salmon. The Corps has met every metric for smolt survival, but still… We now speculate that the pools themselves are responsible for the poor survival rate. And we now concede that deteriorating ocean conditions are probably the most important determinant of salmon survival. Dealing with the dams, though, seems easier than moving the temperature dial for the Northern Pacific Ocean.

Courts, not politics, are going to decide whether we have met our commitments to treaty and law. Even the recent settlement between the Federal government and the tribes was to settle a legal dispute, not a political decision. No amount of pounding our chests and proclaiming our commitment to keeping the dams intact or, for that matter, breaching them is going to make much difference in the long run.

My guess, and it is a guess, is that we have maybe ten years before the courts command the breaching of the Lower Snake River dams. We have the choice of continuing to make indignant protestations, or set about making plans for a smooth transition, so smooth that if and when the breaching is to happen, we are indifferent – if we can look past our sense of loss.

This transition needs to solve at least three different problems. These are called “services” the dams provide. Power – electricity – is an obvious “service” that needs to be met. Irrigators in Franklin County and Walla Walla County rely on the pool behind Ice Harbor. This is a “service”. We need to keep them growing crops. The third “service” is moving grain grown in the Palouse to the export terminals in Portland and Kalama.  We need to figure out how to replace the barges without wildly increasing the cost to wheat growers.

We can turn to a couple of different ways to meet these “services”.

We need to assure that we have wind, solar, storage and maybe nuclear, sufficient to replace the hydropower. Our test is simple. No blackouts. Private money is the answer here. There is money in electricity. There is enough profit in electricity to attract the necessary investment to make us whole. We need to guide solar and wind development and make sure that we have the necessary grid capacity but otherwise the power problem will take care of itself. Private dollars will drive the solutions.

For irrigators the answer is Federal compensation…you take it, you pay for it. If Ice Harbor no longer holds the river back irrigators will be left high and dry. Water will still flow in the Snake. It will just be further out. The irrigation intakes from behind Ice Harbor Dam need to be extended further into the river and the pumps beefed up to handle the longer draw. The Federal Government pays this bill.
Replacing the barges means investment in rail, a pretty easy choice if burning diesel and rebuilding highways is the alternative. State government is the player here, but with help from Federal investment.

Rail investment takes a little more description, and the description comes in two packages.

The first package is to retro-fit the ports along the Snake. These ports have a rail line that runs through their parking lots.  They don’t use it. Ports of Lewiston, Almota, Central Ferry, and Lyons Ferry need to turn around and fill rail cars instead of barges and provide rail-siding space in their back lots. The Great Northwest Railroad runs along the north shore of the Snake from Lewiston to Pasco. This existing rail has the capacity to replace the grain shipped via barge to Pasco. The rail is there and the train runs. It is ready to go. This first step is quick and easy. It does not change how grain reaches the river. Once at the river, it just moves by rail instead of barge in case Tidewater is no longer on the river.

Growers can see this solution every time they drive across rail tracks on their way to the river. They are right to complain, though, that every time they have had to rely on Burlington Northern/Santa Fee (BNSF) or Union Pacific (UP) to haul their grain that they forfeit their profit margin to these monopolies. Growers rely on barges not only to move their but to keep BNSF and UP honest.

A second package would help keep competition alive. The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) owns short line rail in the Palouse but has neglected it. By rebuilding a couple of short sections of track and reclaiming a longer stretch of unused line, WSDOT can create an alternate route for independent rail operators to move grain all the way through the Palouse without relying on BNSF or UP. There are two major grain shuttles in the Palouse that accumulate grain from smaller elevators to load onto rail. These are at McCoy near Rosalie and at Endicott. They are currently locked to either BNSF or UP. With a little effort, WSDOT could make way for eager independent operators to move grain from Rosalie to Pasco without using either BNSF or UP. McCoy and Endicott could choose BNSF, UP, or an independent, depending on price and service.

This WSDOT corridor would replace the competition between the barges and the mainline railroads (BNSF and UP). Growers for the first time would have a real choice of how to move their grain. We can leave it to the market to figure out what works best and cheapest. If it turns out that the WSDOT corridor wins, it can steal business from that rail line that runs through the Snake River canyon. That would move trucks off public highways including State Highway 127, the twisty road from Dusty to Lyons Ferry, not a bad idea.

I have sketched out a couple of thoughts about how to replace the “services” the dams provide. A transition from the Lower Snake River dams – if that is what the courts determine – can come with dollars, some private, some public. Solutions take dollars and these dollars flow into our communities. This means jobs and customers. If we go about this willy-nilly then we will leave dollars on the table. We will survive, at least most of us. Most everyone will be angry.

If we are smart, we begin now. Just in case. Let’s make the best deal we can. We can be both happier and better off.

Our Better Practices roundtable is on the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm.. Use the link above for 2024.

Our Policy Series is on the third Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm. Use the link above for 2024


Copyright © 2024 Ag and Rural Caucus, All rights reserved.
Ag and Rural Caucus of State Democratic Central Committee
Our mailing address is:
Ag and Rural Caucus
2921 Mud Creek Rd
Waitsburg, WA 99361
01. March 2024 · Comments Off on National Democratic Training – March 1, 2024 · Categories: Recent Events

📣 CALLING CANDIDATES AND CAMPAIGN STAFF IN MICHIGAN, NORTH CAROLINA, FLORIDA, ARIZONA, GEORGIA, OR PENNSYLVANIA 📣

Candidate Bootcamp: Campaign Fundamentals Saturday, March 16 at 10am ET

Candidate Bootcamps offer the opportunity to go through multiple training sessions in a single-day event. This streamlined approach allows you to gain core campaign skills and kickstart your progress.

The four sessions include…

Three Steps to Establishing Your Campaign
Calculating Your Vote Goal
Four Steps to Raise More Money
How to Connect with Voters Through Personal Stories

By the day’s end, you’ll emerge with newfound confidence in these campaign fundamentals. Please note that this bootcamp is for candidates in Michigan, North Carolina, Florida, Arizona, Georgia, and Pennsylvania. Stay tuned for other opportunities coming soon for other states!

So You Want to Run for Office: Women’s History Month Edition with Elect Black Women PAC
Monday, March 4 at 1pm ET

By taking the very first step in increasing female representation in politics, NDTC hopes to promote greater inclusivity, challenge traditional power dynamics, and foster a more equitable Democratic future.

This training is an introduction for women who aren’t quite sure whether they want to run, or maybe women who have only gotten started. Our trainer will help get you there!

And we’re excited to partner with Elect Black Women PAC, who is dedicated to empowering Black women in Democratic politics!

National Fundraising Bootcamp with support from ActBlue
Saturday, March 9 at 11:15 am ET

Are you ready to take your fundraising efforts to the next level? Whether you’re a seasoned campaigner or just getting started with fundraising, our one-day bootcamp is designed to equip you with the essential skills and insights you need to succeed. Join a slate of highly experienced trainers for four dynamic sessions on fundraising.

During the bootcamp, you’ll take a dive deep into key fundraising tactics, including “making the ask,” maximizing call time, and email fundraising. Over the course of just a day, you’ll walk away more confident than ever in increasing your campaign’s cash flow.

Setting Up Your Local Democratic Party’s Structure
Tuesday, March 12 at 1pm ET

How a local party is structured plays a pivotal role in its efficiency and ability to support candidates come Election Day.

This training session will familiarize you with various organizational structures of local parties from real-world experiences. Our trainer will help you assess the merits and drawbacks of different frameworks so that you can walk away ready to take the lessons learned back to your own local party.

And it doesn’t stop there! You can always visit the Online Academy’s Course Catalog, set up a free account, and keep track of your progress while taking advantage of our extensive course offerings.

Connect with us on social media!

29. February 2024 · Comments Off on National Democratic Training Events – February 29, 2024 · Categories: Recent Events

Here are some ways you can take action.

All times Eastern


Connect with us on social media!

Paid for by the National Democratic Training Committee, TrainDemocrats.org, not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.