In this Issue: Today is Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom ● A Great Evening at Democrats Defending Democracy Reception ● June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month ● Join Lake Dems to Win Over Wisconsin (WOW!) for Joe Biden ● Lake Dems Sends Father’s Day Wishes ● Lake Dems and Tenth Dems Host Presidential Debate Watch Party ● Volunteers for the Democratic National Convention — Application Deadline July 1 ● Lake Dems Out and About ● Volunteer Spotlight ● Lake Dems Needs 4th of July Parade Volunteer Coordinators ● ICYMI (In Case You Missed It) ● Upcoming Events
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Today is Juneteenth: A Celebration of Freedom
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Juneteenth National Independence Day, our newest federal holiday, was signed into law by President Joe Biden in 2021. It is a celebration of the day in 1865 when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, to inform enslaved people that the Civil War had ended and they were free.
Even though the Emancipation Proclamation took effect on January 1, 1863, many Confederate slaveholders withheld the news from those they enslaved. Lake Dems honors Juneteenth by pledging our continued commitment to diversity, equality, and inclusion.
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A Great Evening at Democrats Defending Democracy Reception
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Thanks to everyone who attended and supported our 3rd Annual Lake Dems Democrats Defending Democracy Reception last Thursday in Mundelein. (We have photos, too — more than we could fit in this newsletter but you will find more here.)
It’s astounding that we even need to talk about defending democracy, but Democrats will absolutely not back down regardless of how much Republican extremists trash democracy, trample our rights, and fly the flag upside down.
Thanks to all the candidates and elected officials who energized the crowd with their words and enthusiasm. Listen here as an amazing Democratic intern takes the podium and rallies us to action.
We were so happy to have DR Smith, community activist and founder of Highwood Pride, address the crowd and remind us of what is at stake for our LGBTQIA+ community. The alarming statistics he shared regarding Republican anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation pending across the country remind us that we must do all we can to reelect our Democratic leaders.
Keynote Speaker J.D. Van Slyke was introduced by State Senator Adriane Johnson, who represents the area where the reception was held. J.D. fired up the crowd as he described the upcoming Democratic National Convention and answered audience questions.
We’re moving forward united and strong as Democrats in Lake County. That’s due in no small part to the dedication of our volunteers, interns, and contributors who make events like Thursday’s run so smoothly. We heard from elected officials in countywide offices, the state legislature, at the precinct committeeperson level, and more, who reflect our values.
Thanks again to everyone who supported Thursday night’s reception. But here’s the hard truth: defending democracy is about more than one night. We need all hands on deck this time around. So, let’s keep working hard to elect Democrats up and down the ballot in Lake County. There really is so much at stake.
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June is Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
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Worldwide, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. A bill sent to Gov. JB Pritzker’s desk on Friday would improve access to Alzheimer’s treatment in Illinois.
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Sponsored by Lake County Democratic Senators Julie Morrison, Adriane Johnson, and Mary Edly-Allen and Lake County Democratic Representatives Nabeela Syed, Joyce Mason, and Tracy Katz Muhl, the bill requires the State Employees Group Insurance Program to cover medically necessary FDA-approved treatments or medications to slow the progression of the disease. Senate Bill 3318 would also require coverage for diagnostic testing from doctors to determine the best treatment or medication.
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“Thousands of Illinois families have experienced the emotional toll brought on by Alzheimer’s or dementia,” said State Senator Mary Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “I am proud to be an advocate in the fight to end Alzheimer’s and will continue to prioritize improvements in support of these Illinois families.”
Lake Dems hopes that awareness will be raised during June. To join the fight: Alzheimer’s Association.
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Join Lake Dems to Win Over Wisconsin (WOW!) for Joe Biden
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Want to make a real difference this fall? In addition to our important work to elect Democrats in our area, we all know that the crucial 2024 presidential election ultimately will come down to a handful of states—and Wisconsin is one of them. That’s why Lake Dems is working with the Democratic Party of Wisconsin (WisDems) to help win the state for Joe Biden. Will you join us?
Our first Zoom session and training with Wisconsin Democrats will be on Thursday evening, June 20, at 8 pm. We’ll do it again on Wednesday evening, June 26, at 6 pm. Sign up here for one (or both) of these sessions. Our first day of action is Saturday, June 29, when we can head to Wisconsin together and spend the afternoon speaking with voters. It will be fun!
WOW! This is your chance to make a real difference! Come to one of our virtual trainings, meet us, and find out what you can do. The voters you speak with may be the very ones who put Wisconsin in Biden’s column on November 5th and keep Trump out of the White House! With so much at stake in November, we can’t afford to leave a single task undone!
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Lake Dems Sends Father’s Day Wishes
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Lake Dems hopes all the incredible dads and father figures out there enjoyed a Happy Father’s Day! Congressman Brad Schneider, a proud member of the Congressional Dads Caucus, is busy breaking down the stereotypes of fatherhood and advocating for what families need most: paid family leave, affordable childcare, and an end to childhood poverty.
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Lake Dems and Tenth Dems Host Presidential Debate Watch Party
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When: Thursday, June 27, 2024. The debate begins at 8:00pm. Join us for dinner (available for purchase) before the debate if you’d like! Doors open at 6:30pm.
Where: Half Day Brewing, 200 Village Green, Lincolnshire
What: The first presidential debate is scheduled for Thursday, June 27. Join the Lake Dems and Tenth Dems Presidential Debate Watch Party (and optional dinner) as we cheer on President Biden. Hope to see you there! Register here.
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Volunteers for the Democratic National Convention — Application Deadline July 1
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This is an exciting time for Democrats across America, especially in the Chicago area. The last time the Democratic National Convention came to Chicago was 1996! The convention is a pivotal moment in the 2024 election cycle when Democrats get even more energized and let others know what’s at stake when they vote.
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We were excited to have featured speaker J.D. Van Slyke, Deputy Director of Civic and Community Engagement for the Chicago 2024 Host Committee, give us a closer look at the inner workings of the Democratic National Convention at our event last Thursday.
You can be a part of history by volunteering at the Democratic National Convention. When you sign up, you’ll see a dropdown menu. You can write in “Lauren Beth Gash” under “Neighborhood Ambassador” and “Lake County Democrats” for the “Organization.” Sign up here by July 1: https://chicago2024.com/volunteer.
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We love to include event photos in our newsletter! To be considered for inclusion, please send yours to info@lakedems.org with a brief description of the event. Have an event coming up? To submit future events for consideration for our website and emails go to lakedems.org/submit-an-event.
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Lake Dems Walk with Libertyville Township Dems in Libertyville Days Parade
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It was a beautiful day for a parade in Libertyville and Lake County Democrats were well represented by our elected officials, candidates, and volunteers.
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Libertyville Township Dems Booth at Libertyville Days Festival
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Democratic elected officials at the booth met and chatted with those who stopped by.
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Fundraiser Screening of Documentary, “Memorial,” in Honor of Gun Violence Awareness Month
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Lake County Board Member Sara Knizhnik, (pictured above left with Lake County Board Member Carissa Casbon) and Lake County Coroner Jennifer Banek (above right) hosted a fundraiser for SAFE Illinois, a new, nonprofit advocacy organization focused on addressing the root causes of violence. The event featured a screening of the documentary, “Memorial,” in honor of June’s Gun Violence Awareness Month.
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Lake Dems is grateful for our many active volunteers. Click here if you’re interested in helping.
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Thank you to all the Lake Dems volunteers and Democratic interns who assisted us with our Democrats Defending Democracy reception on June 13. All of our volunteers were amazing.
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Lake Dems Needs 4th of July Parade Volunteer Coordinators
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July 4th parades are almost here, and we’d love for you to join us! Each parade needs Lake Dems parade coordinators to direct our volunteers to their positions and assign participants to carry banners, pass out pencils and literature, and candy!! Wear your blue Lake Dems t-shirt if you can. If you can help, or want a t-shirt or hat, email info@lakedems.org. Or order your Lake Dems t-shirt here: lakedems.org/shirts. Thanks to those who walked with us in parades over the past many weeks.
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ICYMI (In Case You Missed It)
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WEDNESDAY, JUN. 19
Juneteenth Celebration at England Manor African American Museum. 2:00pm, Waukegan. More.
Wauconda Township Democrats June Meeting. 7:00pm, online via Zoom. More.
THURSDAY, JUN. 20
Celebrate with Community Partners for Affordable Housing (CPAH). 5:00pm, Highwood. More.
CYN Counseling Center Donor Appreciation Event. 5:30pm, Libertyville. More.
Fundraiser for Maria Peterson, Candidate for State Representative. 7:00pm, address provided upon RSVP. More.
Zoom Meeting and Training to Win Over Wisconsin for Joe Biden. 8:00pm, online via Zoom. More.
FRIDAY, JUN. 21
McHenry County Board Candidate Kelli Wegener’s Summer Solstice Fundraiser. 6:30pm, Cary. More.
SATURDAY, JUN. 22
Coffee & Talk with Antioch and Grant Township Democrats. 9:00am, Fox Lake. More.
County Board Member John Wasik at Grayslake AuthorFest. 11:00am, Grayslake. More.
SUNDAY, JUN. 23
Summer Solstice Celebration Benefiting Jennifer Clark & Jennifer Banek. 1:00pm, Libertyville. More.
Indivisible of Western Lake County (IWLC) Annual BBQ Fundraiser. 1:00pm, Lake Villa. More.
MONDAY, JUN. 24
An Evening in Support of Rep. Bob Morgan. 5:30pm, address in Highland Park provided upon RSVP. More.
Illinois Democratic County Chairs Association (IDCCA) Summer Brews 2024. 5:30pm, Chicago. More.
TUESDAY, JUN. 25
United for Eric Rinehart with Speaker Chris Welch. 5:30pm, Chicago. More.
WEDNESDAY, JUN. 26
Zoom Meeting and Training to Win Over Wisconsin for Joe Biden. 6:00pm, online via Zoom. More.
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How Do I Join Lake County Democrats?
Lake County Democrats is made up of people like you, people who are passionate about building better communities and a better world. We’re a grassroots political organization, working with Democrats in all parts of Lake County – from Antioch to Highland Park, Libertyville to Waukegan, Barrington to Zion. Become a member online now (individual: $35/couples $60 – though more is always appreciated), or send a check payable to Lake County Democrats to P.O. Box 671, Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Questions? Contact info@lakedems.org.
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