Advocating for Democratic and progressive values
through inclusion, diversity and activism

Home | About | Events | Contact

JOIN  |  DONATE

Sign up for News & Alerts

Our History, Mission & Focus

The Newport Beach Women’s Democratic Club was formed in 2007 by a small group of like-minded Democratic women who wanted to create an environment for civil discussion of the political issues which impacted them and their communities. Their mission was to draw Democrats and like-minded people with progressive values together to raise awareness, educate and find solutions for political issues by emulating principles and values consistent with the Democratic Party’s goals.

Today, membership is open everyone, regardless of gender, who supports progressive and Democratic values. NBWDC has become a formidable presence in Orange County’s progressive communities with a diverse membership which grows each year.

NBWDC supports Democratic values through activism.  We do not sit by quietly when there is work to be done.

We work tirelessly to seat Democratic candidates in our local, state and federal governments. With the support of our members and friends, we launch major get-out-the-vote programs and promote voter education through our regular topical meetings and sponsorship of a variety of community events.  We are active and vocal on social media and participate in local marches and demonstrations which focus on inclusion and equality for all.    

The Newport Beach Women’s Democratic Club focuses its efforts within the cities of Newport Beach and in the surrounding cities of Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine and additional South County cities to support and advance the goals of the Democratic Party and progressive values in general.

Stop in and visit with us at one of our monthly meetings.  Once you do, we know you’ll want to be a part of this inclusive, dynamic, energetic and accomplished organization.

Our Accomplishments

The Newport Beach Women’s Democratic Club was chartered by the Democratic Party of Orange County in February 2008.  Since then, we have accomplished much.  Here are just a few of the highlights: 

Sustained our grassroots energy for the 2020 General Election achieving even more Blue victories at home and in Washington, D.C.
Energized voters through outreach efforts to make the 2018 Blue Wave a reality in Orange County
Energized voters through outreach efforts to make the 2018 Blue Wave a reality in Orange County
Hosted 2016 Candidate Forums for Federal, State, Local and City elections
Worked directly with local elected officials to help support important legislation
Worked as a founding member to create the California Alliance of Democratic Women’s Clubs
Supported our founding president’s campaign for 48th Congressional District in 2016 and 2014
Staffed the Democratic Party of Orange County’s voter registration booth at the Orange County Fair each year
Recognized by Planned Parenthood in 2015 as part of the OC Women’s Coalition for work against abortion bans
Participated as a partner in the OC Women’s Coalition against abortion bans at Hoag Hospital after its affiliation with St. Joseph’s Catholic Hospital
Joined women’s groups from around the county in 2014 to protest the U.S. Supreme Court’s Hobby Lobby decision
Honored as Coalition Partner of the Year in 2011 by Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties for our support of their organization.
 
Newport Beach Women’s Democratic Club

2021 Officers, Committees, Bylaws

Officers
President:  Cate Hardesty
Vice President: Kathleen Andrews
Treasurer: Phoebe Loos
Secretary:
….Corresponding Secretary: Deborrah Lugo
….Recording Secretary:  Karen Tringali
………Assistant Recording Secretary: Maureen Rust

Officer Positions Available for 2021-2022 Term 
Recording Secretary: 2-year Term
Corresponding Secretary: 2-year Term
Please apply here*

* Members in Good Standing only shall be considered for officer positions:  a registered Democrat who is a self-identified female, and a member for at least three months, and attended at least one meeting as a member during that time. For roles and responsibilities, please see Bylaws Article VIII below. 

Former NBWDC Presidents 
Immediate Past President: Laura Oatman 
Tara Steele
Rima Nashashibi
Mridula Udayagiri
Jean Hastings Ardell
Founding President: Dr. Suzanne Savary

Committees 
View our current Committee Listing here

We always welcome members who are willing to get more involved in NBWDC leadership, whether as an officer, committee chair or committee volunteer.  NBWDC is run entirely by our member volunteers, and we welcome members with a passion for supporting our goals of getting more Democratic and officials elected and promoting Democratic and progressive values not only in our neighborhoods but in our broader communities as well.  Join us!  You will have fun while making a positive impact.

Bylaws 
Ratified & Adopted March 24, 2021
Summary of Bylaws
Full copy of Bylaws

Privacy Policy
Available here