Tuesday, December 30, 2014

How We Met Our Movement

Join Us As We Kick-off Our 40th Anniversary Year with a Screening of Selma

It's been a remarkable year for marriage equality and LGBT rights in general. It's also been a remarkable year for post-racial America - remarkable for how clear it's become that we aren't in a post-racial America.

As San Diego Democrats for Equality begins our year-long celebration of our 40th anniversary, and the momentous progress we've made in that time, it's seems appropriate to reflect on where we started.. Most of us know about Stonewall and Harvey Milk. Some even know about the Mattachine Society, Harry Hay and Barbara Gittings.

While we can be justifiably proud of all the events and pioneers in the LGBT equality movement, we would still be a small group of people picketing in front of the State Department for our rights to be granted someday if it weren't for the blueprint, philosophy and - let's be honest - the sweat, tears and literally blood shed by the civil rights movement.

Dr. Martin Luther King once said, "no one is free until we are all free". That has never been more true than it is today. A majority of lesbians and gay men can now (or soon) marry the person they love, but in much of the Country, they can still be fired for utilizing that right. All over America, we've seen that equal voting rights has not necessarily guaranteed equal protection under the law.

As we prepare to overcome the hurtles still standing in the way of equality, it's time to get a refresher on the path set by Dr. King and the people who marched with him. The Club is planning an outing to see a screening of Selma. We found that an exclusive screening would result in prohibitively expensive ticket costs so we will be buying a block of tickets for a public screening of the film. The screening will be January 9, 2015. Because theaters have not yet set their specific screening schedule, the film will be scheduled approximately 7 - 8 PM at a Mission Valley Theater.

We will provide the specific time/venue info when it becomes available to those who have purchased their tickets through us. Make sure there's a seat for you at this important event by purchasing your ticket HERE.

Those who prefer to purchase tickets by check can send the check ($13.00 per ticket), made out to San Diego Democrats for Equality to:

San Diego Democrats for Equality

PO Box 33050

San Diego CA 92163

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Support Club Members Running for California Democratic Party Central Committee

Democrats for Equality has always had good representation with our members elected at ADEM caucuses and this cycle should be no different. But to make that happen, we need our members and friends to attend the caucus meeting and vote for our members running for State Central Committee and State Executive Board.

Each Assembly District caucus will elect seven women and seven men. Club Members running for ADEM/E-Board positions:

AD 78

- Andrea Villa, - Craig Roberts,

candidate for ADEM Delegate candidate for ADEM Delegate and E-Board

Representative

- Jeri Dilno, - Brian Polejes,

candidate for ADEM Delegate candidate for ADEM Delegate

AD 80

- Georgette Gomez,

candidate for ADEM Delegate

The meetings will be held on January 10th and 11th (2015) as follows:

Assembly District 80* Assembly District 79*

1/10/2015 10:00 AM 1/11/2015 12:30 PM

Chula Vista Public Library Malcom X Library

Civic Center Branch

365 F Street 5148 Market Street

Chula Vista CA 91910 San Diego CA 92114

more info: more info:

angelin2011@gmail.com mike@TheThallers.com

Assembly District 78* Assembly District 77*

1/10/2015 10:00 AM 1/10/2015 12:00 Noon

Marina Village Conference Center Mainstreet Bar and Grill

1960 Quivara Way, Rm. 3-1 13385 Poway Road

San Diego CA 92109 Poway CA 91064

more info: more info:

attriv23@gmail.com President@PowayDemocraticClub.org

Assembly District 76* Assembly District 75*

1/10/2015 10:00 AM 1/10/2015 10:00 AM

Oceanside Library Community Rm. Park Avenue Community Center

330 North Coast Highway 210 Park Avenue

Oceanside CA 92054 Escondido CA 92025

more info: more info:

wcfischer@yahoo.com budb@cox.net

* If you're unsure of your Assembly District, click here.

You must be a Democrat registered in the Assembly District in which you wish to vote. The times listed above indicate when meeting registration opens. You may register, vote and leave. It is not necessary to attend the meeting which begins two hours following the opening of registration. There is a $5 requested donation for all voters at the caucus. We urge you to pay if you can, but it is strictly voluntary and not required in order to vote.

If you are a Dems for Equality member running for a delegate position or E-Board position (registration to run has closed) let us know here. Let's make sure our community continues to be heard within the County/State/National Democratic Party.

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Is it Time to Re-Up?

The Club depends on membership dues to keep the lights on and promote our candidates and issues to the community. A large number of community members depend on our Voters Guide to help them make an intelligent choice when marking their ballots so your membership renewal is critical to ensure those Guides get into those hands. If your membership has lapsed or if you know you're membership is soon to expire, please re-up now. You might also consider upgrading your membership to a higher level.

You can find out more about the Club's membership levels and benefits online HERE. You can also renew with a credit card there. If you would prefer to use a check, send the check, made out to Democrats for Equality to:

San Diego Democrats for Equality

PO Box 33050

San Diego CA 92163

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Jonathan Dunn-Rankin

We lost a member, benefactor and friend last Friday. Jonathan Dunn-Rankin was a part of San Diego Democrats for Equality for decades, opening his home for events and meetings, performing Master of Ceremony duties at the Freedom Awards as well as where ever his strong voice could be of use. He was also a friend to many in the Club and within our community.

On February 2nd, a memorial service - This Is Your Wonderful Life, Jonathan Dunn-Rankin - will be held at Cygnet Theatre. Jonathan Dunn-Rankin's life will be celebrated by family, friends and colleagues. But I'm sure that in Jonathan's mind everyone he met became family. Please come together to celebrate the life of this wonderful man.

There will be a reception followed by a celebration in the theater. RSVP and keep up with the plans for the celebration here.