General Membership Meeting
May 11th
7:00pm as a
Zoom Meeting
Don’t forget, our next general membership meeting is Tuesday, May 11, 2021 at 7:00-9:00pm. This meeting is open to the public.
Here is the Zoom link to join us:
Progressive Democrats of Benicia May 11th meeting link
Meeting ID: 894 9636 2942
Passcode: 956675
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
For our May 11th meeting, we’ll have an in-depth look at how we can help address climate change. We’ll also discuss activity in the current CA Legislative Session on proposed bills targeting climate change issues and needed actions. As Californians, we are experiencing the effects of climate change now, with extreme drought conditions that cause us anxiety with the knowledge of an impending wildfire season soon upon us. To learn more about how we can be part of the solution
- Maggie Kolk, who recently completed her Climate Reality Project training, will share a Climate Leadership Initiative presentation, and Dr. Bonnie Hamilton will share her experiences with the Solano Climate Action Policy Group she began 3+ years ago after her own Climate Leadership training.
- Bonnie and Kari Birdseye will also discuss proposed legislation active in the current CA Legislative Session that addresses actions toward climate change and how you can support these bills as the Session continues through the summer months.
Other News
Recall of two Benicia School Board members. During our April 13 meeting, one of the local issues we discussed was the potential recall of BUSD Chair Sheri Zada and Board Member Mark Maselli. The supporters of the recall effort are now gathering signatures – they have 120 days to gather over 4,000 signatures which must be qualified by the County Registrar’s office to have the recall election.
DON’T SIGN THE RECALL PETITION!!!
Why is the recall wrong?
- It will cost the Benicia School Board over $300,000 to have the election
- It’s misplaced – Sheri’s and Mark’s seats are both open for the 2022 election without spending any additional money
- It’s unfair – the School Board voted 3-2 in October 2020, and again 5-0 in January 2021 to maintain distance learning for students, yet Sheri and Mark are being targeted for “keeping students out of school.” PDB endorsed Sheri and Mark in 2018 and we should support them now!
Go to http://NOBUSDRecall.com and https://www.facebook.com/NO-BUSD-Recall-101546872022219 for more information and ways you can help stop this attack on two BUSD Board Members who are being unfairly targeted. NO BUSD RECALL plans to have signs and place tables in public places to counter the signature gathering that is expected to continue around town for the next several weeks.
See you May 11!
Ongoing Membership Drive! You’ve probably noticed that we are also in the midst of a membership drive. Steering Committee members have been busy calling past members and asking them to renew, and we’ve been actively seeking new members to join. We’re also exploring new ways to pay dues—through family memberships or sustaining and recurring memberships, for example. Nathalie will share some of these ideas on Tuesday night, as well as an update on our efforts to solicit donations to help support a candidate’s fund for the upcoming 2022 elections (two Council seats and two BUSD board seats will be open).
We need help! As PDB continues to grow, create change, and fight voter suppression, we are reaching out with opportunities to become even more involved in your Club’s activities. We’re asking for help from those who have some time—and maybe some specific skills—and the desire to join in with steering the Club in the directions we choose to go.
We have specific needs in the following areas:
1. Website and MailChimp. Our primary webmaster and MailChimp master, Roger Straw, has stepped back from his duties for the present. Some others have stepped up, temporarily, to fill the need. We need a person with website and mailing list experience to assume this role for the remainder of the year. Back-up assistance and training will be available.
2. Development Committee. Join our new fundraising and membership arm! Help us plan events, recruit and support new members, and more. While fundraising experience is a plus, all are welcome and training is available.
3. Steering Committee. We have openings for 2 to 3 motivated individuals to join in monthly planning meetings to select and develop programs, agendas, and related activities. Relevant qualifications and experience are less important than your commitment to putting your time, energy, and bold new ideas to work in this friendly group.
4. Women’s and Youth Caucus. Help plan events and work to attract diversity to our membership, learn how to organize at the grassroots level, and more.
