For information contact: dickinsondemsia@gmail.com
June 2025
Monthly Meeting Summary
Monday, June 16, 2025, 7:00pm
Lakes Activity (Senior) Center, Spirit Lake
Unofficial until approved at July 21, 2025 meeting.
Chairman Yarns called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM., with 22 attendees
May Summary: Read by Kaylene Kinlan. Approved Dennis/Sue
NOTE: Subsequent to the meeting, the following corrections were made to the May minutes:
The Bridges Bay raffle by the Dallas County Democrats to benefit the Dallas and Dickinson County Dems raised $80.00 for the Dickinson Dems.
These changes to be updated and approved at the July meeting.
Officers: The Secretary position needs to be filled. Jane Shuttleworth agreed to take the June meeting notes but is not a current Dickinson County resident.
NO KINGS DAY - The main topic of discussion was how to carry the momentum of the overwhelmingly successful No King's rally held in front of the Dickinson County Courthouse on Saturday, June 14. At least 450 people attended, drawing local and summer visitors/residents and attendees from Sioux Falls, SD, and Jackson and Sherburn, MN. Jen Johnson promoted the event on the Dickinson County Dems FB page and other social media and on the national Hands Off webpage. She also alerted the sheriff, police and local media about the event. Jane Shuttleworth said she did an informal survey asking attendees how they learned about it and did not receive any specific answer other than “online” and “Facebook”.
NO KINGS was a part of a national event organized by Hand’s Off, a grassroots coalition of more than 150 organizations, including Indivisible, the Women's March, the 50501 Project, and various civil rights, labor, and LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. Hands Off was born in early 2025 out of concerns over authoritarian style government overreach, sweeping federal policy changes, such as significant cuts to Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, as well as policies perceived as discriminatory toward immigrants and transgender individuals. Organizers argue that these actions constitute a "billionaire takeover" of government institutions, undermining democratic norms and public services.
Discussion occurred as to how the DCD could have taken better advantage of this event to promote the Dickinson County Dems. A suggestion was made to create a card with DCD name, website and meeting times that we could pass out at future events. Chairman Yarns also is taking steps to strengthen the Dickinson Dem organization and function by creating committees listed below.
COMMITTEES Chairman Yarns passed around signup sheets to create communication, membership and event committees. We brainstormed ideas for each of those committees, listed below. Terry will have the groups meet before the next meeting so they can report back.
Communication: get information about our meetings and issues via social media and print platforms. We need more people to write letters to the editors. The Lakes News Shopper is very good at publishing our announcements and letters whereas with the Dickinson County news one must be a subscriber to be published.
Events: Purpose is to raise money and awareness. Many good ideas were discussed:
Tabling at locations such as the County Fair, farmers market, baseball and softball games. Chairman Yarns will investigate tabling possibilities.
Pat Kelly emphasized the need to register people as a tabling activity and will research how to sign up voters.
“Bean ballot/poll”: label jars with different topics such as Medicaid, environment, etcetera for people to vote on the most important issues
Get candidates running for office to come talk to us as well as the chair of the Iowa Democratic Party Rita Hart. It was noted gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand will be here on June 30 (location to be announced) and that will be a good opportunity for us to get printed cards out to hand out with the date and location of our monthly meetings
JD Scholten, Senate candidate running against Joni Ernst, would be a good speaker
The Lanes offered to host an event at their home and cook
OTHER Lila finished reading and highly recommended the book Why Civil Resistance Work: the Strategic Logic of Nonviolent Conflict by Erica Chenoweth and Maria J. Stephan from Columbia University Press. The book argues you only need 3% of the population to get involved in nonviolent movements to make democratic change through peaceful protests and is based on case studies from around the world from 1900 to 2006.
TO DO List before the next meeting:
Terry Yarns to coordinate committees
Terry Yarns to research how to table at farmer’s market
Jane to contact Jen and/or Mary Chambers about creating Dickinson Dem cards
Pat Kelly research voter registration
ANNOUNCEMENT Rob Sands, Democratic candidate for Governor, will be in the lakes area June 30 at 7:00pm at location to be determined.
Submitted by Jane Shuttleworth, Acting Secretary
Next meeting, Monday, July 21, 2025, 7:00pm, Lakes Activity (Senior) Center, Spirit Lake
May 2025
Monthly Meeting Summary
Monday, May 19, 2025, 7:00pm
Arnolds Park City Hall Community Room, Arnolds Park
Unofficial until approved at June 16, 2025 meeting.
Pro Tem President Harold Prior called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM with the Pledge of Allegiance.
March Summary/County Caucus Report & Treasurer’s Report: Read by Kaylene Kinlan. Current amount in treasury: $2,538.94. Both approved. *No April meeting, thus no summary.
NEW BUSINESS ITEMS - discussion
Rob Sand running for Governor
New King’s rally Saturday, June 14 at Dickinson County Courthouse
Question & Answer meeting with Ryan Melton, Wednesday, June 25, 7:00pm, Garys on the River, Spencer
Setting up committees for Social Security, Women’s Rights, and Education
Get out to Vote with a voter registration drive. Kaylene will bring map to show the precincts.
In collaboration with the Dallas County Democrats, they will be holding a raffle for a weekend at a Bridges Bay private residential lakefront condo. The Dallas County Democrats will give to the Dickinson County Democrats half of the proceeds.
Motion to dismiss made by Patty and seconded by Louise.
Submitted by Kaylene Kinlen, Acting Secretary
Next meeting, Monday, June 16, 2025, 7:00pm, Place TBA
March 2025 Meeting and County Caucus
Unofficial until approved at May 19, 2025 meeting.
2025 DICKINSON COUNTY CAUCUS
The 2025 Dickinson County Caucus was held on Saturday, March 22, starting at 9:00am in the Arnolds Park Library/City Hall Community Room.
The caucus was called to order by President Terry Yarns with the Pledge of Allegiance with 12 people in attendance.
Kaylene Kinlen nominated Terry Yarns to be the Convention Chair and Elaine Franklin seconded the motion.
There was a discussion about the county platform. No amendments to the platform were presented. Motion to adopt the current county platform by Kaylene Kinlen; seconded by Elaine Franklin. All ayes.
Motion to close the 2025 Caucus by Elaine Franklin, seconded by Kaylene Kinlen. All ayes. The Caucus closed at 9:30am.
DICKINSON COUNTY DEMOCRATS MONTHLY MEETING
The session continued with the monthly meeting. President Terry Yarns opened with comments on our constitutional crisis. A thorough discussion ensued.
A written survey was taken of the attendees’ top three issues. They were: (1) Social Security, (2) Women's Rights, and (3) Education.
Elaine Franklin read the Treasurer’s Report with a balance of $2,835.21. Accepted by Patrick Kelly and seconded by Don Breuker. All ayes.The group unanimously voted to give a gift of $100.00 for the Joyce Prior Memorial.
Motion to adjourn by Patrick Kelly, seconded by Kaylene Kinlen approved. All ayes.
Next meeting Monday, May 19, 7:00pm, Arnolds Park Library/City Hall Community Room.
Submitted by Kaylene Kinlen, Vice Chair
February 2025
10 attendees
Unofficial until approved at March 22, 2025 meeting
Opening / Pledge of Allegiance Terry/Al
Summary January Minutes - Accept Pat/Marti; approved
Treasurer’s Report - Balance of $3,197.76 Elaine
Motion to approve Pat/Marti. All ayes.
Upcoming bills: insurance, website domain name renewal
Discussions
County Caucus will be Saturday, March 22, 2025, 9:00am. Location: Arnolds Park Public Library/City Hall Meeting Room. Publicity ads through Lakes News Shopper.
March meeting
Discussion about the possibility of a Zoom option. Most want to continue meeting in person. Perhaps Facebook Live could be used for attracting younger people.
It was voted to hold the meeting following the County Caucus. Marti motioned with Kaylene seconding. All aye.
Kaylene reported that there will be an “Eggs & Issues” meeting with local lawmakers at Spencer City Hall on Saturday, March 29. All were encouraged to attend. She distributed a handout with contact information of federal and state lawmakers. All are encouraged to contact them with issues/topics not agreed with.
County Windmills: An active discussion ensued relative to the county windmill issue.
Secretary position open for Dickinson County Democrats. For information, contact dickinsondemsia@gmail.com
Motion to adjourn by Kaylene; seconded by Pat; approved.
Next meeting: Saturday, March 22, 2025, 9:00am at the Arnolds Park Library/City Hall Community Room following the County Caucus. Caucus will begin at 9:00 am with the monthly meeting immediately following. Should be all completed by noon.
Terry Yarns, Chair
January 2025
6 attendees
Unofficial until approved at February 17, 2025 meeting
Opening / Pledge of Allegiance Terry/All
Summary Minutes, November - Accept Elaine/Pat; approved
Treasurer’s Report - Balance of $3,173.78 Elaine
Motion to approve Pat/Elaine. All ayes.
Elaine reported the ethics report was submitted and accepted by the state.
Discussions
The off-year date for the County Caucus was set for March 22, 2025. Location yet to be determined. Ads will be run prior.
Dallas County raffle idea was discussed and more information was needed as to the dates that Lakes Area rooms would be required. Terry said he would get further information prior to the next meeting.
Much discussion ensued relative to the county windmill issue.
Motion to adjourn made by Pat; seconded by Nick and all approved.
Next meeting: Monday, February 17, 2025, at the Arnolds Park Library/City Hall Community Room.
Terry Yarns, Chair
DECEMBER 2024 - NO MEETING
November 2024
8 attendees
Unofficial until approved at January 20, 2025 meeting
Opening / Pledge of Allegiance Terry/All
Summary Minutes, August Julie
Julie F. read her minutes from the October meeting submitted because of discrepancies & inaccuracies of the minutes published on the Dems site for review.
Motion to approve Kaylene K, 2nd Elaine F. All ayes.
Treasurer’s Report - Balance of $2,652.70 Elaine
Motion to approve Caroline T., 2nd Don B. All ayes.
Discussions
Election talk: Terry Y. thanked all people for their efforts before the election - for the door knocking, yard signs, phone calls made, ect. Lots of incorrect information for the voter rolls were observed... ie phone numbers. This needs correction going forward.
Where do we go from here given county, state, and national results of the election? Lots of different ideas were talked about by those present including making our feelings known by perhaps getting involved in different existing groups & organizations. It was suggested we take a very short pause and go forward after the 1st of the year.
State legislature begins January 13.
*There will be no December 2024 meeting.
Adjournment motion 8:17pm; after much discussion and ideas.
Next meeting: Monday, January 20, 2025, at the Arnolds Park Library/City Hall
Julie F., Co-Secretary
October 2024
APPROVED at November 18, 2024 meeting
19 attendees
Opening / Pledge of Allegiance Kaylene/All
Summary Minutes, October Linda
Read for review
Motion to approve Patrick K, 2nd Karen S. All ayes.
Treasurer’s Report - Balance of $2,076.76 Elaine
Elaine F reported that the Ethics Report had been filed and we are current.
Motion to approve John A., 2nd Marti N. All ayes.
Discussions
Don Breuker talked about a couple of topics he plans to advertise in the LNS – inflation & cost of living.
Karen Sterk talked about the packets distributed at doors to targeted Dickinson County residents and shared what was in the packets. There are still more packets to distribute for those interested in finishing up this important work! The brochure insert will be advertised in the LNS again next week with approval from attendance present. There are still a minimum # of yard signs for sale. Yard sign sales have actually turned into a fundraiser for the Dickinson Dems. Karen went through and summarized the two amendments that appear on the ballot this year.
Patrick Kelly talked about the # of phone calls he made to Dickinson residents 65+. Going forward we need to pay for accurate phone data. Marti N. and he attended a climate change meeting at IA Lakeside Lab. Next meeting will be held there on Nov. 9th.
.General discussion ensued. Make phone calls to get out and vote!
Adjournment motion 8:03pm
Next meeting: Monday, November 18, 2024, at the Arnolds Park Library/City Hall
September 2024
Unofficial until approved at October 21, 2024 meetins
23 attendees
Opening / Pledge of Allegiance Terry/All
Summary Minutes, August Linda
Read for review
Motion to approve Marti Nodland. 2nd Dennis Hasenwinkel. All ayes.
Treasurer’s Report - Balance of $1,782.29 Elaine
Motion to approve Patrick Kelly. 2nd Linda Moore. All ayes.
Discussions
Karen Sterk interviewed Pat Kelly about the Democratic National Convention held in Chicago. Patrick was an Iowa Delegate at the convention and spoke about his takeaway from the week spent with other delegates. He gave a well-informed summary. Important to raise money and get the public registered to vote.
Karen Sterk informed the group that a number of members met and addressed and sent postcards to Dickinson County democrat residents who had not voted in the last election for Ryan Melton support. In September they will receive phone calls to impress upon them to have a plan on how they are going to vote. This next step could include texting. Will have talking points!
A voter outreach meeting is scheduled for Sept. 23rd for those interested in helping with this. Meeting place TBD. Rich N had helpful input about this and also the process to obtain Harris/Walz signs.
Tim Fairchild spoke on his bid for District 5 County Supervisor. Jeff Thee (fellow supervisor) also spoke briefly.
There will be a Regional Hall of Fame Event to be held at the Spencer Community Theatre on Sept. 22 from 1-3pm. Phone 630-819-9340 for registration/info.
Kaylene Kinlen will chair the next meeting to be held October 21.
ITEMS OF NOTE
Early voting begins October 16th.
Signs are available for those in high visibility areas. Ccontact via email dickinsondemsia@gmail.com or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DickinsonDemsIA
Adjournment motion, Linda Moore and 2nd by Elaine Franklin.
Next meeting: Monday, November 18, 2024, at the Arnolds Park Library/City Hall
August 2024
Unofficial until approved at September 16, 2024 meeting
20 attendees
Opening / Pledge of Allegiance (Terry/All)
Summary Minutes, June (Linda)
Read for review
Motion to approve by John; 2nd, Kaylene; motion carried
Reminder of donations needed - -$ accepted and recorded
Treasurer’s Report of $950.06 (Elaine)
Motion to approve by Bob; 2nd, Linda; motion carried
New Business
Current events trivia quiz (Karen)
Sign availability for Harris campaign - contact via email dickinsondemsia@gmail.com or Facebook https://www.facebook.com/DickinsonDemsIA (Karen)
Clay County Fair coverage discussion (Karen)
Clay County event—Sunday, Aug 25; Oneota Park Lodge, Spencer (Karen)
Discussed upcoming need to connect with voters-postcards, phone calls etc.
Postcard session – Melton--Library, (Aug 28, 3:30 pm) (Karen/Linda)
Targeting non-voting Democrats, independents, etc.
Phone calling sessions to be discussed at September mtg
Open discussion – local elections; current events
Adjournment motion, Karen; 2nd, John, carried
Next meeting: Monday, September 16, 2024, at the Arnolds Park Library/City Hall
June 2024
Unofficial until approved at August 19, 2024 meeting
Opening – The meeting was called to order by Terry Yarns at 7:00 pm. Attendance: approximately 10. Pledge of Allegiance.
The Secretary's summary of May minutes were read.
Treasurer’s report – Elaine F. Balance of $1,568.02.
New Business
State Convention Summary Report – Kaylene, Terry, Pat, Karen. Dickinson County Democrats had above average representation.
U.S. House Iowa District 4 candidate Ryan Melton was in attendance. Discussion on relevant issues.
Motion to fund Patrick K $500 to attend the National Democratic Convention, August 19-22, 2024, in Chicago. Attending as state delegate. Karen/Kaylene. Passed.
Discussions
All future DCD meetings through December will be held at the Arnolds Park Public Library. Usage fee of $25 per meeting has been paid.
Motion adjourned - unanimous approval.
Next meeting will be held Monday, August 19, 2024 at Arnolds Park Public Library
May 2024
Unofficial until approved at June 17, 2024 meeting
Opening – The meeting was called to order by Terry Yarns at 7:00 pm. Attendance: 9 people signed in. Pledge of Allegiance.
Icebreaker was led by Karen in a Q/A game on current events/concerns/ideas. Karen
The Secretary's summary of April minutes were read by Julie. Motion to approve Linda. 2nd - Karen. All ayes.
Treasurer’s report – Elaine F. Balance of $1,866.32. Motion to approve Julie. 2nd Kaylene. All ayes.
New Business
Discussed future meeting location – agreement for use of Arnolds Park Public Library, $25 fee per meeting. Terry
State Convention – Saturday, June 15 at Prairie Meadow, Altoona; Kaylene, Terry, Pat, and Karen to attend.
Support for candidate Melton; motion to send $366.32 by Karen, 2nd by Lou; motion carried
Discussions
Discussed upcoming need to connect with voters-postcards, phone calls etc.
Open discussion – local elections; local, state and national issues
Motion adjourn at 7:55pm by Dennis; 2nd by Karen, carried
Next meeting will be held Monday, June 17, 2024 at Arnolds Park Public Library
Linda Moore, Co-Secretary
April 2024
Unofficial until approved at May 20, 2024 meeting
Opening – The meeting was called to order by Terry Yarns at 7:10 pm. Attendance: 10 people. Pledge of Allegiance.
Secretary’s report. Julie read. Motion to approve Kaylene K. 2nd - Marti N. All ayes.
Treasurer’s report – Elaine F. Balance of $1,155.09. Motion to approve Harold P. 2nd Tim F. All ayes. Other donations may come in soon.
Discussion
An alternate monthly meeting place was discussed. Terry Y. will investigate and get back to everyone.
District/State Convention will be held Saturday, May 4th in Ft. Dodge at Iowa Central Community College. The $30 attendance fee will be paid with treasury money.
Dallas County fundraiser proposal - Terry Y. will check into and get back to Rich with possible proposition.
Ryan Melton support for the U.S. House of Representatives 4th District. We will look at possibly supporting next month https://www.meltonforiowa.com/
Everyone needs to work on getting the word out to VOTE!
Since there will be no summer sizzler, we will look at possibly hosting a smaller event sometime this summer. Terry Y. will make some contacts about political attendees and a venue to host. Possible ideas and general discussion followed.
Motion to adjourn at 7:55pm by Harold P. – 2nd Marti N. – All ayes.
Next meeting will be held Monday, May 20, 2024.
Julie Fairchild, Co-Secretary
March 2024
Unofficial until approved at April 15, 2024 meeting
Opening – The meeting was called to order by Terry Yarns at 7:00 pm. Attendance: 26 people. Pledge of Allegiance. All attendees introduced themselves.
Secretary’s report. Online minutes. Motion to approve – Mary C. 2nd – Marti N. All ayes.
Treasurer’s report – Elaine F. Balance of $1,006.43. Motion to approve by Kathy M.; 2nd by Mary C.; All ayes.
Discussion
The County Convention will be held this coming Saturday, March 23 at 9:00 am at the Milford Community Building.
Various topics were brought up for discussion including democratic ideal promotions and where/how to continue. Some members will move forward and pursue this discussion.
Motion made by Julie F. to hold off a year or two for another summer sizzler. 2nd – Linda M. All ayes.
Election events/activities may include door to door and phone banks towards fall. We need to work on getting as many people registered as possible. Discussion continued as to how social media is the major platform younger people retrieve information from and pay attention to.
The meeting was adjourned.
Next meeting will be held Monday, April 15, 2024.
Julie Fairchild, Co-Secretary
January 2024 Caucus
The 2024 Iowa Caucus in Dickinson County
SUMMARY
Monday, January 15, 2024, 7pm - Milford Community Center, Milford, IA - 18 in attendance
1. Opening/ Pledge of Allegiance Terry/All
Caucus Agenda:
Check-in & Registration
Caucus called to Order
IDP Presentation
County Party Platform
Elect Officials & Candidates Presentation
Election of Permanent Caucus Chair & Secretary
Election of Precinct Committee Members
Election of Delegates & Alternatives to County Convention
Election of County Convention Committee Representatives
Ratification of Slate of Delegates, Alternatives & Precinct Committee members
Resolution discussion & adoption of submission to County Platform
New Business
Reminder to request Presidential Preference Cards
Caucus Adjourns
2. Caucus Chair elected, Terry Y; Caucus Co-Secretaries elected, Kaylene & Linda
3. Moment of Silence for Patriots lost this year
4. Envelope passed to collect donations
5. Caucus guidelines read and followed as appropriate
6. Delegates elected- Name, Precinct/ratified
Karen Sterk, #1
kaylene Kinlen, #2
Pat Kelly, #2
Terry Yarns, #10
Aidan McKeever, #10
Alternatives, Linda Moore, #2; Deb McKeever,#10
7. Dickinson County Platform discussed; resolutions presented, discussed and adoption of submission- women’s health choices, wind & solar local control, guns out of school systems, federal food assistance
8. Platform Committee elected/ratified
Terry Yarns
Kaylene Kinlen
Scott Chambers
Linda Moore
9. Reminder of request Presidential Preference Card………………info available on registration table
10. Caucus adjourns
Linda Moore, Kaylene Kinlen
December 2023
Unofficial until approved at January 15, 2024 meeting
Opening/ Pledge of Allegiance Terry/All
November meeting summary and October correction re caucus yr-2024 Linda Motion to approve by Harold; 2nd by Kaylene; motion carried.
Treasurer’s Report Elaine
Balance of $1,491.72
Motion to approve by Linda; 2nd by Kaylene; motion carried.
New Business
Presidential Preference for Iowa Terry/All
This is a major change from previous years. There will be no Presidential preference counting taken at the in-person county precinct caucuses on Mon Jan 15, 2024. A voter’s presidential preference will be submitted via a mail-in card.
Request for Presidential Preference Card is open until 2/19/24.
Preference Cards will be mailed out starting on January 12, 2024.
Cards must be put back in the mail and postmarked by March 5.
Voters must request a card via one of these means.
Fill out this online form <This is the most efficient.>
Download the preference card request and mail or email the request. Instructions are at the bottom of the request.
Phone Request 515-216-3893
County Caucus, Monday, January 15, 2024, Milford Community Center
Delegate Selection
Information distributed via Print ads (12/26, 1/9) and MailChimp, FB, website
MiniVan capability discussed; Terry and Kaylene to download
Volunteers needed – greeters, sign in station, room setup
Platform: 20 copies of the 2020 platform to be printed by Linda
County Convention, Saturday, March 23, 2024
January & February Monthly Meetings: no regular meetings to be held
PAC discussion
Adjournment: motion to adjourn by Marty; 2nd by Kaylene; carried
Next meeting: January 15, 2024, County Caucus
Linda Moore, Co-Secretary
November 2023
Unofficial until approved at December 18, 2023 meeting
Opening – The meeting was called to order by Terry Yarns. Seven people were in attendance. Pledge of Allegiance
Summary of the October meeting reviewed - Linda. With the change of “3/24/23- County Convention” to 3/24/24-County Convention, the summary was approved; motion by Karen 2nd, Kaylene; carried. A new sign-in spreadsheet will help us keep better records.
Treasurer’s report – Elaine F. Balance of $1,641.72. Motion to approve by Linda; 2nd by Karen; motion carried.
New Business
Vice Chair Discussion: Kaylene nominated to VC by Linda; 2nd by Karen; motion carried
“The Iowa we want” update and discussion:
PAC history reviewed; intent, development, current status*
TIWW Goal: Identify new leaders with centrist views; issue-based.
Regrouping ideas as we go forward; *Phil, Chair & Elaine, Treasurer
Financial balance: @ $3,000
Terry to discuss with Phil
State Presidential Preference
Mail-in only to request a card
Call 515-216-3893
Request open until 2/19/24
Results released 3/5/24
Jan 15, 2024, County Caucus – Delegate selection
Mar 24, 2024, County Convention. Need to schedule room
Local – need Committee Chairs
Membership – Kaylene volunteered.
Communication - include design/coordination of website, FB etc.; Anitra has assisted & Jen & Rich
“Social” Discussion
Messaging focus, go–forward, maybe via PAC as well as local Dem group & other
Example of issue and progress ongoing such as “The Infrastructure bill work”
Part of our regrouping
Progress Iowa reviewed by Elaine and Karen. Friday zoom meetings are held weekly at 1:30pm.
Reminder: Annual Dickinson County Iowa Democrats Dues
Reviewed need for maintaining an annual financial base support
At the October 2023 meeting, a motion was approved to have a suggested minimum $20/person annual voluntary dues beginning in January 2024.
Dues/contributions may be made through ActBlue https://secure.actblue.com/donate/ddia2021 or mailing check to: Dickinson County Iowa Democrats, PO Box 203, Okoboji, IA 51355
Adjournment: motion, Kaylene; 2nd ,Linda; carried
The next meeting will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023 at the Nature Trails Clubhouse.
Linda Moore, Co-Secretary
October 2023
Unofficial until approved at November 20, 2023 meeting
Opening – The meeting was called to order by Terry Yarns at 7:00 pm. Eleven people were in attendance. Pledge of Allegiance
Summary of the September meeting was read and approved; motion by Phil; 2nd, Bob; motion carried
Treasurer’s report – Elaine F. Balance of $1671.97, less outstanding payment of $80.25, nets: $1591.72. Motion to approve by Dennis; 2nd by Sharon; motion carried.
New Business
“The Iowa We Want” update and discussion (Phil)
School Board Forum, upcoming Oct 17 & 18 summarized
Help get out the vote
Over 1000 people not registered
Good response to web site, social media
Community Polarization (Terry)
Messaging
Goal: Identify new leaders with centrist views; issue-based (Phil)
State Presidential Preferences (Terry) Mail in only; request cards after 11/1/23
Jan 15—Caucuses for delegate selection only. Possible Milford event center location.
3/24/24- County Convention. Terry will visit with Harold to review requirements.
Younger voters – passed out a list of registered Democrat voters, age 18-35
About 400
Need to contact them personally
Annual County Party Dues – Discussion
Reviewed need for financial base support, annually
Motion made by Karen for suggesting minimum $20/year/person/yr voluntary dues. Targeted to begin January 2024. 2nd Dennis, motion carried. Other opportunities throughout the year for donations
Mention of good podcasts: Exhausted Majority, Tim Ryan; Julie Gammack podcasts
Motion to adjourn by Kayleen; 2nd by Bob
The next meeting will be held on Monday, November 20, 2023 at the Nature Trails Clubhouse. Linda Moore, Co-Secretary
September 2023
Unofficial until approved at October 16, 2023 meeting
Opening – The meeting was called to order by Terry Yarns at 7:00 pm. Nine people were in attendance. Pledge of Allegiance
Secretary’s report from the August meeting was reviewed. Motion to approve – Tim F,. 2nd – Phil S. Carried
Treasurer’s report – Elaine F. reported a balance of $2171.97. Motion to approve – Harold P., 2nd - Louise H. Carried.
DISCUSSION
“The Iowa We Want” PAC update – Phil reported on the meetings and progress this group is achieving. Short term and longer term focus goals were talked about. A motion was made by Louise H. to donate $500 to The Iowa We Want PAC, 2nd by Harold P. Carried. Consider becoming involved! We will be kept updated at each meeting. Website: https://theiowawewant.org/ Click for Facebook link.
Terry Y. reported that the Democrat Caucus will be held January 15th. Location to be determined. Terry will be in attendance at a meeting this coming Saturday pertaining to the workings of this event. More to report next month.
Press Release Sep 16.2023 -Iowa Democratic Party Announces In-person Caucus Date ….The Iowa Democratic Party State Central Committee met today to officially approve January 15, 2024, the national holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as the date for our in-person precinct caucuses. Click here for full press release and statements by Iowa Democratic Party Chair Rita Hart, Iowa Democratic Black Caucus Chair Al Womble and Iowa Legislative Black Caucus Chair Rep. Ruth Ann Gaines.
Other discussions took place.
Motion to adjourn at 7:42pm by Louise H., 2nd – Tim F.
The next meeting will be held on Monday, October 16, 2023 at the Nature Trails Clubhouse.
Julie Fairchild, Co-Secretary