New Work Group
Civil Rights Now Work Group
This group was formed in January, spurred by strong negative responses to a racist opinion column in the Mountain Democrat. After meeting and laying out actions to take, the group decided to form the work group to support education in EDC about diversity, white privilege, to help businesses welcome tourists of all backgrounds, and more. So far the group has participated in a meeting with the staff of the Mountain Democrat, held weekly picketing near the MD offices, and mounted a march down Placerville Drive to the MD offices. In addition, the members are working to remove racial exclusions from CCRs and are dealing with an incident between two local high schools.
Here is just some of what our many work groups accomplished in 2017.
(Apologies if a group has been omitted.)
Protest Art/Sign Making Work Group
Over 100 signs made and collected for events throughout the year. Topics include: Woman’s March, Environment, Health Care, McClintock’s office protests, Pride Parade, Solidarity with Charlottesville
Health Care Work Group
Held regular calling campaigns to prevent ACA repeal. Held six rallies in Placerville. Held Community Conversations on Health Care in California event, open to the public. Produced and distributed wallet cards to promote access for young people to birth control services.
In 2018: Hold at least two more speaker series sessions; continue advocacy at local, state, and federal levels; support register to vote and Get Out the Vote efforts.
Communications Workgroup
Created the following: EDP website, EDP Newsletter, numerous special mailings. In 2018, we want to expand the EDP membership of young people, strengthen our online presence in select formats such as Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and to continue improving the newsletter so that it meets EDP members’ needs.
Social Organizing Work Group
Held regular social meetings to discuss the political situation we are facing and provide support to each other; coordinated the summer picnic in Coloma; Coordinated EDP’s Charlottesville Response with vigil, march and non-violence training.
Workers Solidarity Network Work Group
Worked on campaigns to support striking union members, shared information on increasing the power of workers, attended Diversity Training, and put together an ongoing Driscoll Boycott campaign. Worked on organizing the memorial part of the “We Still Have a Dream” march. The group has attended marches at State Capitol for immigration rights and labor rights.
Organizer Training Work Group
Held a number educational events on diversity, community organizing, privilege and merit; held two trainings by Imigrant Watch and Know Your Rights in English and with immigrant workers in Spanish. Have also met with vineyard managers about their rights to protect their workers.
