October 2023 Member Meeting Recap
Thank you to everyone who joined us last night for October's all-member meeting! Here is a recap of everything we covered.
Organizational business
Members voted unanimously to strengthen our membership model by adding completion of a membership form as a second step to becoming a member. This is something the Steering Committee has recognized as a need for several years, and it's exciting to see it finally become a reality! DC4D's bylaws are now updated to reflect this change (see Article 3 on page 2). This change will take effect on January 1, 2024, and current memberships remain valid until that date.
If you wish to remain a member of DC for Democracy — or become a member for the first time! — look for the new membership form in your inbox later this month.
At last night's meeting we also discussed DC4D's endorsement season calendar, which this year will include community listening sessions and endorsement criteria:
Are you a resident of Ward 2, 7, or 8 and interested in shaping this year's endorsement process? We plan hold a series of community listening sessions this fall that will inform our candidate questionnaires and forums. We are currently building the host committees for these community events. Email Kush K. to express your interest.
Upcoming Working Group Meetings
Community Safety Working Group
Wednesday, October 18 at 7:00 PM
DC4D's Community Safety Working Group organizes support for candidates and campaigns around community-led approaches to safety and alternatives to police. Join the next Community Safety Working Group meeting on Wednesday at 7:00 PM on Zoom.
Affordable Housing Working Group
Tuesday, October 17 at 7:00 PM
DC4D's Housing Working Group advocates for greater emphasis on housing development that is not driven by the market, including the Green New Deal for DC, rent control, and more. Join the next Affordable Housing Working Group meeting on Tuesday at 7:00 PM on Zoom.
Updates from endorsed coalitions
Hands Off DC: DC needs national action on gun safety – not local interference
The House held a hearing today about “violent crime” in DC — but the people of DC did not ask for this, and interfering in our local government will not make us safer. Send a letter to the House Judiciary Subcommittee TODAY demanding #HandsOffDC.
DC Jobs with Justice: Oppose deceptive service charges
Restaurants are increasingly using junk fees, described as "service charges," to mask their real prices and undermine tips. These fees are confusing to customers and often violate DC’s consumer protection laws. Sign the petition with DC Jobs with Justice opposing these deceptive fees and supporting steady wage increases.
