The WC believes in the power of women and community. We will be hosting regular meet and greets throughout Douglas County in order to engage with our community, receive community feedback, and build a sisterhood of progressive women ready to demand our right's be recognized and upheld. Our first meet & greet will be held Thursday, February 28th, 2019 from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the CWA located at 1920 S. 44th Street in Omaha. We will have some "get to know you" games, a few small prizes, refreshments, a children's activity table (legos, coloring books, books), and great conversation! Following the WC Meet & Greet, the DCDP will be hosting their monthly membership meeting. We encourage everyone to stick around and learn more about the Douglas County Dems! If you already participate in the DCDP meetings, come a little early and meet the WC!
Solidarity! WC Chairwoman Philips called a Special Meeting of the Caucus to vote on a Resolution to Support LB 154 - Authorize A Study to Improve Reporting and Investigation of Missing Native American Women on January 21st. During the meeting, LB 154 passed unanimously. As such, the following letter was entered into the public hearing for LB 154 on January 24, 2019.
"Dear Senators of the Judicial Committee, We, the Douglas County Democratic Party (DCDP) Women’s Caucus, wish to express our full support for LB 154 to authorize a study to improve reporting and investigation of missing Native American women, as introduced by Senator Brewer. We ask this letter be included in the official hearing record. The DCDP Women’s Caucus mission includes advocating for women’s rights and working to end violence against women. Violence against indigenous women occurs at unprecedented levels. Four of every five indigenous women experience acts of violence, and one in two experience sexual violence at some point in their lives. This extremely important issue is the subject of the “Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls” report from the Urban Indian Health Institute. This report studied 506 cases of missing or murdered indigenous women and girls, revealing that Nebraska has the 7th highest number of such cases among the states studied. In addition, Omaha ranked 8th highest (out of 71 cities) in the number of missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. This is both heartbreaking and unacceptable. LB 154 calls for a collaborative effort amongst the Nebraska State Patrol, Commission on Indian Affairs, tribal and local law enforcement partners, federally recognized tribes, and urban Indian organizations in order to “determine the scope of the problem, identify barriers, and find ways to create partnerships to increase reporting and investigation of missing Native American women”. This effort will result in data and analysis that will help identify ways Nebraska can ensure Native American women are safe. As such, the DCDP Women’s Caucus encourages the Committee to move this bill forward. Respectfully, The DCDP Women’s Caucus" A copy of the WC Resolution can be found here. Chairwoman Crystal Rhoades recognized the DCDP Women's Caucus as a County Caucus on January 23rd, 2019 after review of WC Bylaws, Platform, and Membership Roster. Regular Membership Meetings will be held the 3rd Sunday of each month at 5:00 PM. The WC is anxious to get started on our mission and have already proudly adopted our first Resolution. A resolution in support of LB 154 which authorizes a study to improve reporting and investigation of missing Native American women. WC Officers (left to right): WC Chair Angie Philips, WC Vice Chair Sarah Jane Teetzel, WC Secretary Renee Righter, and WC Treasurer Deb Manning. "The Mission of the DCDP Women’s Caucus is to empower women of all ages, advocate for women’s rights, educate on women’s issues, work towards equitable representation of women in leadership both inside and outside of government, and grow the Democratic party."
Throughout history women have played a critical role in the direction of our country. Since the election of the current Republican Administration we have seen women galvanized into political action. In Douglas County and throughout Nebraska we see women stepping up to run for elected offices and demand our voices be heard. We see women putting in the work to get our Progressive sisters elected. We managed campaigns, canvassed, raised donations, rallied, phone banked, and worked to educate our communities about our candidates. Beyond elections women play a consistent role in improving our communities through both Non-Profit Organizations, Grassroots Movements, and Charities.
The DCDP Constitution and Bylaws permit for County Caucuses to develop in order to better represent marginalized communities. The Women's County Caucus is currently working with and seeking recognition from the Douglas County Democratic Party. We aspire to unite, organize, and empower women, advocate for women’s rights, educate on women’s issues, work towards equal representation in elected offices, and grow the Democratic party. |
AuthorThis blog is maintained by members of the DCDP Women's Caucus. Archives
February 2019
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