Thursday, May 27, 2021
5:30 p.m. Zoom Room opens for socializing
6:00 p.m. Speakers & Business Program

NBWDC Virtual Meeting – Members’ Spotlight

Thanks to our members and friends who nominated NBWDC members for our Member Spotlight feature at our May 27 meeting.  Now that nominations are closed, we have the difficult challenge of selecting nominees who will be given 3-5 minutes to share their stories.  We look forward to showcasing just a few of our amazing members.  Our selection included nominees who are local officials, community activists who work tirelessly on behalf of others or important issues, small business owners and more.  It will be quite and interesting and inspiring evening.  Please plan to join us.

YOUR HELP IS VITAL

The recall is powered by a partisan, Republican coalition of national Republicans, anti-vaxxers, QAnon conspiracy theorists, anti-immigrant activists and Trump supporters. They want to overturn Governor Newsom’s election, and their victory could threaten California’s efforts to fight COVID-19.

Instead of fighting COVID-19, Republicans are pulling a page from the Trump playbook and attacking Californians. In fact, a Republican recall will cost the state $100 million – money that could be used to help vaccinate our communities.

Don’t delay.  Join Democrats from Orange County and all over California in their efforts to STOP THE REPUBLICAN RECALL.

NBWDC 2021 Earth Day Kayak Adventure – Newport Beach Back Bay

With the amazing help of Heather Ceislak, Operations Director of the Newport Bay Conservancy, several “fleets” of NBWDC kayaks enjoyed a beautiful Earth Day celebration on Newport’s own treasure … the Back Bay.  Weather cooperated, spirits were high and plenty of photos were taken.  You can share in the experience regardless of whether you were there.  This won’t be our first adventure!

A Call to Action
Protect Women’s Healthcare Choices

BACKGROUND: NBWDC’s Founding President Dr. Suzanne Savary and founding member Beryl Smith were both been active during the protests against Hoag Hospital after they banned abortion services several years ago.  They are active again in seeing protections to health care services which are limited due to Hoag’s affiliation with the Providence/St. Joseph Catholic hospital group.

Hoag doctors have complained about difficulty in getting authorizations when prescribing IUD’s and other contraceptive and obstetric services, and efforts to steer their decisions about care that are not always aligned with Hoag’s best practices, including those involving end-of-life care.

We have an entire page dedicated to this important issue.  To read more and find out what you can do to help, visit our Healthcare Choices page.

The Newport Beach Women’s Democratic Club stands in solidarity with 

Selected resources for anti-racism and social justice information, donations and actions.

• Black Lives Matter:  https://blacklivesmatter.com/  
• The Bail Project: https://bailproject.org/  
• NAAPC Legal Defense Fund (NAACPLDF): https://www.naacpldf.org/  
• Communities United Against Police Brutality (CUAPB): https://www.cuapb.org/ 

Lend a Helping Hand

COVID has exacerbated the alarming growth of underserved individuals and families in our communities. We ask that you consider a donation to one of these important organizations. 

WISEPlace is a leader in ending homelessness for unaccompanied women through housing solutions and empowering wrap-around services that provide a path toward personal self-reliance.  

Due to COVID-19, they are not accepting drop-off items.  However, they have posted several different Wish List options, and accept financial donations as well. Please visit WISEPlace.org for details.

Thousands of people in Orange County are for the first time receiving food assistance due to the pandemic. This new demographic of people in need has created an unprecedented demand for food here and across the country. Stepping up to meet this need locally, Second Harvest has been creating in meeting these new demands.  There are many ways you can help support their efforts.  Visit their website FeedOC.org to select one or more options.

Local Press Contacts

• Daily Pilot
• Newport Beach Independent
• StuNewsNewport 
• OC Register

Elected Officials – Federal and State

• A current listing of our federal and state elected officials is available here.

#StandwithPP Campaign (Planned Parenthood)

• Here are all the ways you can help

A Powerful Video – Marginalized Voters on a Global Scale

“Why Labour lost the election” by George Monbiot

George Monbiot is a British writer known for his environmental and political activism. Though he was born to privilege he is known for his writing on the effects of corporate greed on the environment and the political process. In this video he shares his opinion regarding why all over the world peoples appear to be voting for marginal and autocratic individuals rather than competent leaders. His analysis really gives the viewer pause to think about what is the cause of democracies behaving in an inexplicable way. It is his opinion and not everyone will agree with what he has to say, but it is an interesting perspective.  Our thanks to long-time NBWDC Member Saboohi Currim for sharing this powerful video with us.