We held another exciting MBDC General Membership meeting this past Monday, July 18, 2022! It was packed with elected officials, candidates and surrogates alike. A special thank you to our guests: Congressperson Frederica Wilson, Dem candidate for FL CFO (State Treasurer) Adam Hattersley and FDP Organizing Director Antonio Camejo! If you missed it, no worries! Feel free to read on for a quick recap of the meeting, read the full minutes, or watch the replay on YouTube. A big thank you to everyone who attended, including our new members!

The meeting was held on Zoom and featured a Q&A with our special guests! Congressperson Frederica Wilson announced that Miami Beach is now included in her district, which she called "the little United Nations." She also declared her commitment to working on many issues, ranging from protecting our reproductive rights, addressing climate change, tackling gun violence, etc. She also answered questions from the audience ranging from the situation for Democrats in Congress, to what we can do to encourage people to vote!

Next up was Adam Hattersley, the Democratic candidate for FL CFO (State Treasurer). Adam Hattersley, a former FL representative and a former Navy Officer, spoke passionately about his goals of addressing the property insurance crisis by lowering rates and improving overall service. He also answered many questions from the audience. He can be reached at www.adamforflorida.com.

Next was Club member Natalie Kaufman, who spoke about registering young voters and encouraging them to vote. She has T-shirts that make this easy (see the photo) and you can get one by sending a DM / message to Blue For The Win on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram

Next up were the Executive Board reports. President David Geller gave his President’s report, and moved onto the upcoming events. He also gave the Secretary’s report and announced that we currently have 125 members.

Next up were the Committee Reports. Communications Co-Chair Steve Hawes reported that we have been very active in text-banking. We have sent out about 12,000 texts over 4 text banks and have spent $350. He mentioned that text banking will occur every Saturday until the primary on August 23, 2022! Organizing Chair Aaron Bos-Lun spoke about future events such as the next Neighborhood Conversation (its like a "house party") July 26 at 7:00 that will be on the overturning of Roe v. Wade, held at the Mirador on West Ave.

Next up were other guest speakers who also answered Q&A! First was Joseph Geller, who spoke about promoting Charlie Crist for governor. Gustavo Ortega, a candidate for State Rep in HD 106 spoke about important issues such as education. Rolando Bosch spoke about being a new organizer for the FL Democrats with a focus on Miami Beach. Antonio Camejo, the Coordinated Campaign-Regional Organizing Director spoke about organizing and coordinating with the Miami Beach Dems, and spoke about giving access to VAN. He can be reached at 786-817-4104 or [email protected]. Next was Rachel Prestipino, Val Demings’ South Florida political director. She can be reached at 804-925-5894 or [email protected]. Lastly, James Cueva, a candidate for State Rep in HD 119 spoke about why he is running and the issues he is passionate about (women’s rights, voting rights, etc.) He can be reached at Vote4jamescueva.com.

Our next meeting will be on Monday, August 15 at 7:00 p.m, held at The Marseilles Hotel (1741 Collins Ave) and available virtually via Zoom. Click here to register for the Zoom.

Upcoming Events / Important Dates

• Florida LGBTQ+ Dems Summer Conference, July 22-24, lgbtqdems.org/2022-summer-conference
• Sat, July 23, 1-3pm - Text bank (every Saturday until the primary)
• Mon, July 25, 6-8pm - Text banking / postcards / happy hour at Barceloneta
• Tue, July 26, 7pm - Neighborhood Conversation (Overturning of Roe V. Wade) at The Mirador on West Ave
• Mon, August 15, 7pm - General Meeting at The Marseilles Hotel with Mayor Daniela Levine Cava
• Tue, August 23, 7pm - Primary watch party at Whitman's
• Thu, October 27 - Halloween Party / Fundraiser at The Marseilles Hotel