The Kane County Democratic Women began its ninth year with the annual meeting on January 10th at Sunset Community Center in Geneva, IL. The following officers were elected for two-year terms: Carolyn Bird-Salazar, Chair; Lois Swatscheno, Vice Chair; Kim Young, Treasurer; and Lindsay Morris, Secretary. Robin Barazza was recognized for her work as head of the Fundraising Committee for the last four years.
Chair Salazar spoke briefly about the primary coming up in March and the midterm elections following in November. She reminded members that this midterm election is one of the most critical elections of our lifetime. And it’s important to get people out to vote. That starts with the primary in March where we choose the candidates that will represent the Democratic party in November’s midterm election. We have to work harder than ever. We owe our freedom to those who came before us, and it’s our responsibility to hand over a country with democratic principles to the generation that follows us.
The keynote speaker, Pam Davidson, is a woman who works tirelessly to uphold these principles and make sure that the voices of people throughout the state are heard. Currently, Pam works for John Deere Harvester Works in East Moline where she is a member of the UAW (Local 865). She has held union positions at the local, regional, and national level, including being president of the national Civil and Human Rights Council. She is also the first Black woman to be elected Chair of the Knox County Board and was a delegate for Joe Biden at the 2020 Democratic National Convention. Presently, she is the 17th District State Central Committeewoman and is running to retain her seat.
Pam also emphasized the importance of the primaries and doing the work needed to win. She agreed that we need to get the voters excited about voting in the primaries and bringing about change. It is the Democratic party that represents and cares for everyone, no matter who they vote for. Democrats care for the elderly, the children, the homeless, and the persecuted. And Democrats care about protecting Social Security, providing affordable health insurance, and helping farmers keep their family farms.
Life brings challenges, and we need to teach our young women to make good decisions and take risks to bring about change. For years, society taught young men to be the decision makers. Traditionally, it is women who raise the children and make many of the important family decisions. Pam stated, “Go on my sisters and make the most of your decisions at the kitchen table. Educate yourself and others about politics and put some action in the call to action.” This starts right now by making a plan to vote in the primary. Research the candidates and get the information about when and where to vote. Then educate your family and those in your community.
The Democratic party needs to reach voters. In the last election, 60% of white women voted for Trump, and many of those were women who believed in equal rights for women. Did they recognize that in some states, laws could be made that would put their lives in danger? We need to make that message clear. Young white males and Hispanic males also voted in large numbers for Trump because Republicans reached them through social media. Democrats need to use social media too at the local, state, and national level. And we need to rebut the lies that Republicans state on TV and make sure that people know what we stand for. Young people are worried about the affordability of housing, availability of decent jobs, and the high cost of student loans. Democrats at all levels of government can reach them by listening to them and involving them in plans that offer solutions to these issues, which affect not only people coming out of college but also people in their thirties and forties.
Lastly, we need to reach out to people in our community concerning voting. And we need to sign up as precinct committeepersons (PCPs) to help our party at the local level. It’s a great way to get to know people in the community and be a good neighbor. Call neighbors and remind them to vote. Volunteer to take them to the polls if they don’t drive. If they vote by mail, call to be sure they received the ballot and mailed it back quickly. Go the extra mile. The message is to keep working and leave no stone unturned until we win. Pam finished with some words from a spiritual entitled “I’m Not Tired Yet.” It sums up the fight ahead and what we need to do. As we know, the fight for freedom never ends! We can win this battle!
I’ve Been Running and Working a Long Time.
I’m Not Tired Yet.
Noooooooooooo. I’m Not Tired Yet.
It’s a Hard Fight, but I Gotta Keep Going.
I’m Not Tired Yet.
Noooooooooooo. I’m Not Tired Yet.
I’ve Been Working Hard, and I Can’t Do It Alone.
I’m Not Tired Yet.
Noooooooooooo. I’m Not Tired Yet.
I’ll Keep on Running and Keep on Fighting.
I’m Not Tired Yet.
Noooooooooooo. I’m Not Tired Yet.
