Pre-Meeting Special Program
- “In Our Own Voices” on mental illness presented by Zoey Suarez and Melanie Estes, recorded here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCON7J56wtBveqzF0xVywhrg
- Learn more: https://nami.org/Home, https://namiseattle.org/, and https://www.namiwa.org/
7:35 – Call to Order by Carla Rogers, Chair
Chair’s Remarks
- MLK’s family requested that those wishing to celebration MLK Jr. instead exert influence on voting rights bills in Washington
- Call for participation in midterm elections
Opening Ceremonies
- Land & People Acknowledgement – First Vice Chair Rachel Glass
- VIP Recognition: Special Guests and Elected Officials are invited to speak:
- King County Conservation District Vice Chair Chris Porter – be on the lookout for information on the upcoming King Conservation District election
- Burien Mayor Sofia Aragon
- Burien Deputy Mayor Kevin Schilling – the new council is working to improve the lives of all people in Burien
- King County Executive Dow Constantine – building on an already strong team, including funding for behavioral health so everyone in King County can thrive, key to homelessness and re-envisioning justice; putting in new supportive housing
- Joe McDermott – banned fireworks in unincorporated King County going forward; focusing on allocating funds in equity and social justice, and focusing on supporting White Center after a series of fires
Approval of Tonight’s Agenda and Last Month’s Minutes
- Agenda: Ann Martin motioned to approve as amended; Chris Porter seconded. Approved with voice vote.
- Minutes: Ann Martin motioned to approve; Karen Richter seconded. Approved with voice vote.
Budget and Membership Reports
- Treasurer Julie Whitaker reported on two month’s budget reports
- Membership Consideration: We endorsed the 2 Seattle School levies in November. The membership was asked to consider a donation to the Schools First Capital Levy campaign.
- Chris Porter moved to donate $500, and Ann Martin seconded. Chris spoke on behalf of his motion. Unanimous voice vote in support of the motion. Motion passed, the chair will make the donation.
- Membership is at 148 as of today (including PCOs) – please remember to renew: https://34dems.org/contribute/. Questions? Contact membership@34dems.org for assistance.
- Change Makes $ense!:
Candidate Spotlight
3 Candidates spoke about their run for office.
- Judge Kulijinder Dhillon – District Court Judge
- Kirstin Haugen – King Conservation District #2
- Tripp Williams – King Conservation District #2
- Colleen Hinton motioned to nominate Tripp Williams, Annie Philipps seconded, and Colleen spoke for her nomination. No one spoke in opposition.
- Chris Porter nominated Kirstin Haugen and Roxanne Thayer seconded. Chris Porter spoke for his nomination. No one spoke in opposition.
- Members and PCOs used a zoom poll for the endorsement and Kirstin Haugen received the endorsement with 22 votes, versus 14 for Tripp Williams.
Recognizing our Rock Star members and residents of the 34th District
- PCO of the Year: Colleen Hinton
- Jackie Dupras Award for Member of the Year: Carla Rogers
- Outstanding Committee/Caucus of the Year: Environment, Energy and Land Use Caucus
- Executive Board Members of the Year: Rachel Glass & Bunny Hatcher
- Rising Star of the Year: Sam Mendez
- Cherisse Luxa Award for Lifetime Achievement: Annie Phillips
- Elected Official of the Year: Executive Dow Constantine
Resolution Regarding Non-discriminatory, Medically Comprehensive Healthcare in WA State
- Healthcare organizations are delaying and denying reproductive care, gender affirming surgeries, death with dignity care, and other discriminatory practices, putting them above Washington law. Resolution for all health care providers to provide all legal services in Washington state.
- Bunny moved to adopt this resolution, Chris Porter seconded. Roxanne Thayer spoke in support of the resolution.
- https://34dems.org/resolution-regarding-non-discriminatory-medically-comprehensive-healthcare-in-washington-state/
- Unanimous voice vote in support of the resolution.
State Party Representative Election
- Bunny Hatcher nominated Roxanne Thayer, and Sarah Koch seconded. Bunny spoke to her nomination, and yielded the rest of her time to Roxanne. Roxanne spoke for her nomination. No one spoke in opposition.
- Unanimous voice vote in favor of the election.
GOTO and Mark Your Calendar
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- Learning From the Past / Organizing for the Future offers strategies to resist against big fossil fuel and construction companies, especially in campaigns that displace communities of color. Thursday, January 13th at noon. Note: Film associated with workshop can be viewed beforehand.
- Organizing for Immigrant Justice by Centering Deportation Defense will explore how the institution of citizenship and the detention/deportation machine create racialized experiences, singling out immigrants. It will highlight resistance efforts and how we can create systemic change. Thursday, January 13th at 5 p.m.
- Assault on Dr. King’s Vision: The Rise of the Far-Right and the Attack on Democracy will explore recent trends and threats posed by anti-democratic movements, unpack the rhetoric and discuss new ways to defend democracy. Thursday, January 13th at 7 p.m.
- Lessons from Cuba – Reproductive Justice is a Human Right explores how reproductive rights have been key to advancing Cuban women’s rights. Friday, January 14th at 5 p.m.
Chicago Footwork: A Strategy for Education and Community Mental Health shares an approach to community healing developed by black youth in Chicago. Chicago Footwork uses dance, music and culture to foster black identity rooted in confidence and connection. Saturday, January 15th at 10 a.m.
- Many Fires This Time: We the 100 Million follows poet and activist, A Scribe Called Quess?, as he connects with activist poets and communities they represent, fighting for equity and justice, from Chicago, Kentucky and Oakland to his hometown of New Orleans. Saturday, January 15th at noon. Note: Please watch the film associated with the workshop beforehand.
- Abolish Auto-Decline references state laws that allow the juvenile system to decline its jurisdiction over children charged with serious offenses, who are then tried in adult court. This webinar discusses strategies and solutions to ending Auto-Decline. Saturday, January 15th at 2 p.m.
Adjourned at 9:16 by Carla Rogers, Chair