The Executive Board passed a resolution drafted by Club member and CADEM AD 15 delegate Rochelle Pardue Okimoto in support of Loving Day (which was June 12) commemorating Loving v. the Commonwealth of Virginia Supreme Court decision allowing interracial marriage. The ECDC joined a number of organizations that signed on to support the resolution. Rochelle worked to get the resolution passed by the California Democratic Party Resolutions Committee, CDP Region 5 Democratic Party of Contra Costa County, the El Cerrito City Council and the El Cerrito Human Relations Commission. Way to go Rochelle!
Proposed By-Law Changes
By Greg Lyman
The Central Committee bylaws were changed in November 2014 and now require all club’s to include the definition of a member in good standing. Suggested type changes to by-laws would be in the section that defines a member to insert a phrase or a sentence that states something like “Members whose dues are current shall be members in good standing.”
The membership and dues portion of the ECDC bylaws are currently:
III. Membership: Any registered Democrat becomes a member upon payment of annual dues. Dues may be waived by the Executive Board for good cause, such as inability to pay. ECDC administrative information about members (e.g., name, address, phone number, e-mail address) is confidential except when disclosure would serve or promote ECDC activities or administration.
- Annual Dues: Dues shall be determined by the membership and shall be at least $5/year.
We currently allow members to renew on their anniversary date. We will be discussing a change to make it clearer that dues are to be paid by a date certain, however, that proposal was challenged as requires discussion by the members.
Therefore, to satisfy the Central Committee, the membership and dues portion of the bylaws is proposed to be:
III. Membership: Any person becomes a “member in good standing” (hereafter “member” or “members”) upon verified payment of annual dues and proof of registration in the Democratic Party. ECDC administrative information about members (e.g., name, address, phone number, e-mail address) is confidential except when disclosure would serve or promote ECDC activities or administration.
- Annual Dues: The members shall determine the amount of the annual dues at the September meeting and shall be at least $5/year. Dues may be waived by the Executive Board for good cause, such as inability to pay.
Medicare’s 50th Birthday Bash
by Jonee Grassi
Thursday, July 30, 2015, will be the 50th anniversary of the signing of the MediCare Act by President Lyndon Johnson. MediCare is the nation’s largest and most successful health insurance system serving the health needs of almost 50 million older and disabled Americans. Therefore, there will be a National Day of Action for MediCare’s 50th birthday.
The theme of the celebration can be summarized by “P.I.E.” protect it, improve it, and expand it. A coalition of organizations has been formed to organize celebrations throughout the country.
In nortern California, a rally and march are being planned for Thursday, July 30th, 2015, at Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland, CA from 11a.m. to 2p.m. The Plaza is near the 12th Street BART station. Buses will be bringing many people from throughout northern California. The event will begin at 11am with a rally, including booths, raffles, story boards, bands, etc. in the Plaza.
At noon, emcee Tom Ammiano will begin the program of speakers, including State Controller Betty Yee, Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, and others. This will be followed by a short march to the Ron Dellums Federal Building. Congresswoman Barbara Lee is scheduled tentatively to speak at this site. There will be a drawing for the raffle and further birthday celebration before concluding at 2pm.
We need everyone to come to make this a successful event and show the continued support for the MediCare program. The El Cerrito Democratic Club has endorsed this event and promised to mobilize its members to support it. If you have any questions about the event, please feel free to contact Jonee Grassi at 510-681-6021 or joneemg@aol.com.