Friday, January 6, 2012
10 STEPS TO ABUNDANCE
Before we jump back into the business of
Electing More Democrats in 2012
than ever in DuPage History...
Let's take a few moments to assess our worlds and take care of ourselves first.
10 STEPS TO ABUNDANCE
paraphrased from an article by Carolyn Blakeslee
1) Make a list of what you desire (then see # 3!)
2) Remember a situation of abundance when you felt rich, attractive, capable, amazed or appreciated and make a snapshot in your head to look at when things seems hard
3) Align with your passions-start by taking just 45 minutes a week to start learning about, planning or doing something you have ALWAYS dreamed of
4) Look Forward and create small things to look forward to whether a live music concert or a drive out to somewhere dark to see the winter stars
5) Streamline your life continually but constantly asking yourself, "Do I need this, do I love it, can I live without it?"
6) Spend time with positive people, those who juice up your energy
7) Select news sources carefully and set a time limit for viewing and ask others to help you keep it
8) Have that proverbial attitude of gratitude by setting aside time to recount your blessings at the end of each day and writing the top three down in a notebook
9) Express gratitude to others with words, cards or deeds as often as possible; set aside an hour a week designated just for that
10) SMILE (even when talking on the phone)
Electing More Democrats in 2012
than ever in DuPage History...
Let's take a few moments to assess our worlds and take care of ourselves first.
10 STEPS TO ABUNDANCE
paraphrased from an article by Carolyn Blakeslee
1) Make a list of what you desire (then see # 3!)
2) Remember a situation of abundance when you felt rich, attractive, capable, amazed or appreciated and make a snapshot in your head to look at when things seems hard
3) Align with your passions-start by taking just 45 minutes a week to start learning about, planning or doing something you have ALWAYS dreamed of
4) Look Forward and create small things to look forward to whether a live music concert or a drive out to somewhere dark to see the winter stars
5) Streamline your life continually but constantly asking yourself, "Do I need this, do I love it, can I live without it?"
6) Spend time with positive people, those who juice up your energy
7) Select news sources carefully and set a time limit for viewing and ask others to help you keep it
8) Have that proverbial attitude of gratitude by setting aside time to recount your blessings at the end of each day and writing the top three down in a notebook
9) Express gratitude to others with words, cards or deeds as often as possible; set aside an hour a week designated just for that
10) SMILE (even when talking on the phone)
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Thom Hartmann At DPDC Presidents' Day Gala: Make Your Reservation Today!
PRESIDENTS' DAY GALA, Saturday February 18, 2012
As we move forward in DuPage toward a bluer, and by that I mean, a more just, more people-centered governmental aegis, the Democratic Party of DuPage County has to keep humane ideas ever in the forefront.
I am proud to say that we will be doing that again this year by having as our guest speaker Thom Hartmann. A favorite of listeners to our local progressive station, WCPT, Thom (a man who actually has made it to the top 1% bracket) is a voice of distinct intelligence and reason supporting the rights and needs of the 99%. Please support our efforts at DPDC and hear a voice of compassion and reason who wrestles with the idiocy of the main stream media every day to bring the story behind the story.
Make your reservation for the DPDC Presidents' Day Gala today! Here's the link: https://secure.actblue.com/page/2012presgala
As we move forward in DuPage toward a bluer, and by that I mean, a more just, more people-centered governmental aegis, the Democratic Party of DuPage County has to keep humane ideas ever in the forefront.
I am proud to say that we will be doing that again this year by having as our guest speaker Thom Hartmann. A favorite of listeners to our local progressive station, WCPT, Thom (a man who actually has made it to the top 1% bracket) is a voice of distinct intelligence and reason supporting the rights and needs of the 99%. Please support our efforts at DPDC and hear a voice of compassion and reason who wrestles with the idiocy of the main stream media every day to bring the story behind the story.
Make your reservation for the DPDC Presidents' Day Gala today! Here's the link: https://secure.actblue.com/page/2012presgala
New Year's Resolution: Fight for Basic Needs for All
Sometimes we forget that the word "politics" is derived from the same root as the word "people". As we begin the new year, let's remember who the people are in our lives for whom we engage in our political work. People dear to us who need good jobs, quality education, equal opportunities and fairly-priced healthcare to have the best lives this great country can offer--that it promises to offer. Not just people, but our own children, nieces, brothers and grandparents, the person who serves us at the Jewel, the teacher who has taught pre-school in our community for 20 years, the autistic teenager who lives next door---all deserve the peace of knowing their basic needs are met and we need to commend ourselves for fighting for that.
All DPDC modes of communication will be back up and running January 9th. Until then, may blessings flow abundantly around you, and through you!
The Staff and Officers of the Democratic Party of DuPage County
All DPDC modes of communication will be back up and running January 9th. Until then, may blessings flow abundantly around you, and through you!
The Staff and Officers of the Democratic Party of DuPage County
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Free 99% sticker from Moveon.org
I just signed up to get a free 99% sticker from Rebuild the Dream. Do
you want one too? The more of us who sign up, the more we can show the
1% that our movement is only growing stronger. Follow the link below and
sign up:
I just signed up to get a free 99% sticker from Rebuild the Dream. Do you want one too? The more of us who sign up, the more we can show the 1% that our movement is only growing stronger. Follow the link below and sign up:
http://civic.moveon.org/99-sticker-offer/
Dan Stafford
Precinct Committeeman, York 112
I just signed up to get a free 99% sticker from Rebuild the Dream. Do you want one too? The more of us who sign up, the more we can show the 1% that our movement is only growing stronger. Follow the link below and sign up:
http://civic.moveon.org/99-sticker-offer/
Dan Stafford
Precinct Committeeman, York 112
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
What To Do Now
The signatures are gathered. Now what?
One of our very active Precinct representatives is using our Votebuilder tool to send holiday letters to the Dems and could-be-Dems in his precinct. If you are a Precinct Committeeman and don't yet have access to Votebuilder, or the "VAN" as it is often called, please contact us at info@dupagedemocrats.com and we will get you set up for your precinct. We can also walk you through how to use it to find the right people to contact and draw up lists and labels to do so.
By the way,
Happy Holidays to all of you!!
Amy Rohrer
Executive Director
One of our very active Precinct representatives is using our Votebuilder tool to send holiday letters to the Dems and could-be-Dems in his precinct. If you are a Precinct Committeeman and don't yet have access to Votebuilder, or the "VAN" as it is often called, please contact us at info@dupagedemocrats.com and we will get you set up for your precinct. We can also walk you through how to use it to find the right people to contact and draw up lists and labels to do so.
By the way,
Happy Holidays to all of you!!
Amy Rohrer
Executive Director
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Congrats and Thanks To All Who Gathered Signatures
Congrats to all the candidates--from Precinct Committeemen to Congressional candidates!
Gathering signatures can be both a fulfilling and draining task but it is truly the bedrock of constituent contact. In this day of electronic-everything, showing up at someone's door to ask them a small favor in the name of Democracy is, if I dare go out on a limb here, a sacred activity. Every year, I hear someone say that they were the first political person, according to the occupant, who had ever knocked on their door. Those "first knocks" help change our political climate and our country.
Congratulations again to every one who knocked these last 3 months!
Amy Rohrer
Executive Director
Gathering signatures can be both a fulfilling and draining task but it is truly the bedrock of constituent contact. In this day of electronic-everything, showing up at someone's door to ask them a small favor in the name of Democracy is, if I dare go out on a limb here, a sacred activity. Every year, I hear someone say that they were the first political person, according to the occupant, who had ever knocked on their door. Those "first knocks" help change our political climate and our country.
Congratulations again to every one who knocked these last 3 months!
Amy Rohrer
Executive Director
Monday, December 12, 2011
News and Jobs: From the Governor's desk
For those of you interested in the goings-on in Illinois state government (or maybe you'd like to get a job or commission!), please check out the Governor's e-newsletter here
http://www.illinois.gov/Newsletter/
Also, if you'd like to wish the Governor Happy Birthday in person, come to the DPDC Holiday Party on Friday, Dec 16th. Click the link for tickets: https://secure.actblue.com/page/4thannualholidayparty
http://www.illinois.gov/Newsletter/
Also, if you'd like to wish the Governor Happy Birthday in person, come to the DPDC Holiday Party on Friday, Dec 16th. Click the link for tickets: https://secure.actblue.com/page/4thannualholidayparty
Friday, December 9, 2011
THANKS CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES! Dec. 16, 7-10 p.m. in Carol Stream
On Dec 16th, 7-10 at the Holiday in Carol Stream, we will be celebrating the end of another great year of growth for the Democratic Party of DuPage County.
Added to our line up of events this year was a tremendously well-received Unity Reception held Nov 20. At the reception, our congressional candidates vowed to support whomever the primary winners were and they had a chance to speak about why they are Democrats.
Thanks to Leslie Coolidge, Geof Petzel, Maureen Yates and John Ruckstaetter (CD6), Raja Krishnamoorthi and Tammy Duckworth (CD8), Juan Thomas and Bill Foster (CD11) and Dennis Anderson (CD14) for being in attendance.
Our next big gathering is the Holiday Party where well celebrating the birthday of Governor Pat Quinn so please join us. Purchase tickets HERE.
See you on the 16th!
Amy Rohrer
Executive Director
Added to our line up of events this year was a tremendously well-received Unity Reception held Nov 20. At the reception, our congressional candidates vowed to support whomever the primary winners were and they had a chance to speak about why they are Democrats.
Thanks to Leslie Coolidge, Geof Petzel, Maureen Yates and John Ruckstaetter (CD6), Raja Krishnamoorthi and Tammy Duckworth (CD8), Juan Thomas and Bill Foster (CD11) and Dennis Anderson (CD14) for being in attendance.
Our next big gathering is the Holiday Party where well celebrating the birthday of Governor Pat Quinn so please join us. Purchase tickets HERE.
See you on the 16th!
Amy Rohrer
Executive Director
8 Ways to a Better Holiday Season
I know how crazy people feel right now and the last thing you want to hear about is how productive people do what they do. Well, I skimmed a Yahoo Shine article online and thought I could condense it into something digestible that wouldn't make anyone feel like ONE MORE "should" had been piled on their plate!
Here is the Readers' Digest version of the 8 things that will help you feel more productive and, likely, more sane this season.
Whether you work from home, have a desk or are running around in your car:
1) Take breaks. The article recommends a book called "The Power of Slow" by Christine Hohlbaum.
2) Reset your mood. If the day is starting out rough, take 5 minutes to reset yourself with a small ritual or breathing technique.
3) Eat light, healthy foods at several intervals instead of a heavy lunch.
4) Have a flexible To-Do list; accept that plans get changed (even an airplane en route is off course much of the time).
5) Use technology with intent: set personal email and surfing limits.
6) Balance workload doing minor organizational tasks in small chunks in between intensive work blocks.
7) Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
8) Say no to whiners, complainers and distracting people (wear headphones if you have to!). As a matter of fact, when my kids wanted to whine on and on about something, that is exactly what I did while singing full volume to my favorite tune (probably can't do that in your cubicle, but the theory is sound).
Happy Productive Holidays!
Amy Rohrer
Executive Director
Here is the Readers' Digest version of the 8 things that will help you feel more productive and, likely, more sane this season.
Whether you work from home, have a desk or are running around in your car:
1) Take breaks. The article recommends a book called "The Power of Slow" by Christine Hohlbaum.
2) Reset your mood. If the day is starting out rough, take 5 minutes to reset yourself with a small ritual or breathing technique.
3) Eat light, healthy foods at several intervals instead of a heavy lunch.
4) Have a flexible To-Do list; accept that plans get changed (even an airplane en route is off course much of the time).
5) Use technology with intent: set personal email and surfing limits.
6) Balance workload doing minor organizational tasks in small chunks in between intensive work blocks.
7) Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good.
8) Say no to whiners, complainers and distracting people (wear headphones if you have to!). As a matter of fact, when my kids wanted to whine on and on about something, that is exactly what I did while singing full volume to my favorite tune (probably can't do that in your cubicle, but the theory is sound).
Happy Productive Holidays!
Amy Rohrer
Executive Director
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Thank Dick Durbin for Co-Signing Merkley Amendment to Drawdown Sooner in Afghanistan
Please call his office to thank him.
Dick Durbin Washington (202) 224-2152
Chicago (312) 353-4952
The Amendment could save 1000+ lives and 200 Billion Dollars.
If Senator Jeff Merkley's "expedite the drawdown from Afghanistan" amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act makes a strong showing, that could tip the Obama administration towards a faster drawdown.
Current co-sponsors of Merkley's amendment include:
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT)
Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM)
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
*******Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL)
Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA)
Merkley's amendment (#1174) states:
1) the President should expedite the transition of security responsibility to the government of Afghanistan;
2) the President shall devise a plan for expediting the drawdown of U.S. combat troops in Afghanistan and accelerating the transfer of security authority to Afghan authorities prior to December 2014; and
3) within 90 days, the President shall transmit to Congress a plan with a timetable and completion date for the accelerated transition of all military and security operations in Afghanistan to the Government of Afghanistan.
Amy Rohrer
Executive Director
Dick Durbin Washington (202) 224-2152
Chicago (312) 353-4952
The Amendment could save 1000+ lives and 200 Billion Dollars.
If Senator Jeff Merkley's "expedite the drawdown from Afghanistan" amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act makes a strong showing, that could tip the Obama administration towards a faster drawdown.
Current co-sponsors of Merkley's amendment include:
Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)
Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT)
Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM)
Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
*******Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL)
Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA)
Merkley's amendment (#1174) states:
1) the President should expedite the transition of security responsibility to the government of Afghanistan;
2) the President shall devise a plan for expediting the drawdown of U.S. combat troops in Afghanistan and accelerating the transfer of security authority to Afghan authorities prior to December 2014; and
3) within 90 days, the President shall transmit to Congress a plan with a timetable and completion date for the accelerated transition of all military and security operations in Afghanistan to the Government of Afghanistan.
Amy Rohrer
Executive Director
Monday, November 28, 2011
Maggie Daley: In Memoriam by Robert Peickert
Too often do we fail to recognize or acknowledge the accomplishments of people until that person leaves us. For 22 years as the First Lady of the City of Chicago, Maggie Daley devoted her time and energy to the disadvantaged, the disabled and the less fortunate. From her work with after-school programs for kids in Chicago to her recent work with those who suffer from cancer, Maggie spent those 22 years as an individual who wanted to make a difference in the lives of those who needed help.
After a day of work, Maggie didn't go home to think of her accomplishments that day, she thought about what more needed to be done. She avoided having the spotlight on herself so that it could be focused on those who needed help. We may never know the poignant details of her life as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother but that was Maggie. That's the way she wanted it.
Thanks Maggie. Our thoughts and thanks go out to the Daley family for sharing Maggie with the rest of the fortunate world!
Robert Peickert
Chairman Democratic Party of DuPage County
After a day of work, Maggie didn't go home to think of her accomplishments that day, she thought about what more needed to be done. She avoided having the spotlight on herself so that it could be focused on those who needed help. We may never know the poignant details of her life as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother but that was Maggie. That's the way she wanted it.
Thanks Maggie. Our thoughts and thanks go out to the Daley family for sharing Maggie with the rest of the fortunate world!
Robert Peickert
Chairman Democratic Party of DuPage County
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Picture This! Photos from Unity Event
Photos from the Unity event held Nov. 20 are starting to appear on the DuPage Dems Facebook site. Here's a link to some of them: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.245122925548467.58693.100001522832175&type=1
Game Time! Have Some Fun with NPR's Occupy Interactive Game
NPR has an online interactive game based on the Occupy America movement. It's fun! Here's the link:
http://www.npr.org/2011/11/22/142476663/occupy-america-the-commemorative-game
http://www.npr.org/2011/11/22/142476663/occupy-america-the-commemorative-game
Monday, November 21, 2011
Save The Date; 4th Annual Holiday Event Dember 16
Plan on joining us for the 4th Annual Holiday event on December 16th. We'll celebrate Governor Quinn's birthday. Details soon!
Unity Event A Huge Success; Covered by Channel 7
Last night, Novemeber 20th, the Democratic Party of DuPage County stuffed nearly 300 people into Monty's Banquet Hall in Bensenville to celebrate Democratic Unity.
The pre-primary event was exciting and novel enough to be covered by Channel 7 News. New members of the organization who had never attended a DPDC event were enticed by the unity theme. A highlight of the evening was the opportunity to hear from the tremendous panel of candidates we have in the five congressional districts that are now part of DuPage County (IL 5, 6, 8, 11 and 14). Each of the congressional candidates had three minutes to speak about why it is important for Democrats to stand together.
Thanks to all who attended. Keep an eye on our Facebook wall for photos appearing this week.
Our next opportunity to party together? The 4th Annual Holiday event on December 16th, where we will celebrate Governor Quinn's birthday.
Amy Rohrer
Executive Director
The pre-primary event was exciting and novel enough to be covered by Channel 7 News. New members of the organization who had never attended a DPDC event were enticed by the unity theme. A highlight of the evening was the opportunity to hear from the tremendous panel of candidates we have in the five congressional districts that are now part of DuPage County (IL 5, 6, 8, 11 and 14). Each of the congressional candidates had three minutes to speak about why it is important for Democrats to stand together.
Thanks to all who attended. Keep an eye on our Facebook wall for photos appearing this week.
Our next opportunity to party together? The 4th Annual Holiday event on December 16th, where we will celebrate Governor Quinn's birthday.
Amy Rohrer
Executive Director
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Where does the Occupy movement move to now?
With Occupy occupations being shut down across the country, where do the protestors move? Check out this story by NPR.
Three Reasons To Support Small Business Saturday
This Saturday, November 26, the day after Black Friday, is Small Business Saturday, a day devoted to building awareness of small and local business. http://www.facebook.com/SmallBusinessSaturday.
Here are three reasons to shop small this Saturday:
1. The money you spend supports small businesses, one of the greatest job creation engines in America.
2. Spending local means your money stays in the community.
3. Small businesses bring you personalized service and unique merchandise you just can't find in the Big Box stores.
This Saturday, think small, not mall.
Here are three reasons to shop small this Saturday:
1. The money you spend supports small businesses, one of the greatest job creation engines in America.
2. Spending local means your money stays in the community.
3. Small businesses bring you personalized service and unique merchandise you just can't find in the Big Box stores.
This Saturday, think small, not mall.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Occupy Chicago Protestors Are Unhappy With Obama, Local Survey Says
Occupy Chicago protestors don't blame the President for the current economic situation but also don't believe he is doing all he can to fix it. This is among findings of a recent survey of Occupy Chicago protestors conducted by Benedictine University. The survey also revealed that protestors may not have a formal agenda, but do indeed have a concrete list of grievances. Read the rest as reported in the Daily Herald: http://dailyherald.com/article/20111114/news/711149921/
Friday, November 11, 2011
Get your check in the mail for the Unity Reception and get 20% off
Get your check in the mail today and save 20%
at the
Unity Reception
The Democratic Party of DuPage is proud to bring together ALL of our Democratic Congressional candidates in DuPage County. Negative rhetoric and hyperbolic TV commercials attempt to drive a wedge between us as the primary nears. Let's innoculate ourselves now by getting to know and respect and support one another.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Where: Monty's Banquets
703 York Rd Bensenville
Time: 6:30 p.m. Registration and Cash Bar
7:30 p.m. Introductions and Guest Speakers
8:00 p.m. Congressional Candidates
8:30 p.m. Networking
Cost: $20 Appetizers and coffee will be served
(Walk-ins $25 night of the event)
Invited guests include Senator Dick Durbin and Governor Pat Quinn
Please send your check made out to DPDC to:
DPDC, Unity Reception
P.O. Box 185
Lombard IL 60148
**Please postmark checks by November 16th to assure smooth registration. Call 630-629-1125 if you have any questions. Thanks. We look forward to seeing a very buoyant and UNITED crowd at Monty's!
at the
Unity Reception
The Democratic Party of DuPage is proud to bring together ALL of our Democratic Congressional candidates in DuPage County. Negative rhetoric and hyperbolic TV commercials attempt to drive a wedge between us as the primary nears. Let's innoculate ourselves now by getting to know and respect and support one another.
Sunday, November 20, 2011
Where: Monty's Banquets
703 York Rd Bensenville
Time: 6:30 p.m. Registration and Cash Bar
7:30 p.m. Introductions and Guest Speakers
8:00 p.m. Congressional Candidates
8:30 p.m. Networking
Cost: $20 Appetizers and coffee will be served
(Walk-ins $25 night of the event)
Invited guests include Senator Dick Durbin and Governor Pat Quinn
Please send your check made out to DPDC to:
DPDC, Unity Reception
P.O. Box 185
Lombard IL 60148
**Please postmark checks by November 16th to assure smooth registration. Call 630-629-1125 if you have any questions. Thanks. We look forward to seeing a very buoyant and UNITED crowd at Monty's!
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