SPECIAL THANKS AND SUMMARY, Marginalized Communities Forum

Last week, the 23rd LD Democrats hosted a panel discussion to learn about our local marginalized communities.  We are appreciative that State Sen. Christine Rolfes and State Rep. Drew Hansen joined us for the event.

Everyone learned something new as a great deal of information was presented by our panelists: Robert Harris, Pres., NAACP-

Bremerton Chapter; Marsha Cutting, an advocate for disability awareness (be aware of your language and accessibility to all necessary areas of your space, as well as accommodations for those hard of hearing and/or with poor eyesight); and Jerry Hebert, a member of the LGBTQ community (accept and respect people for who they are, not how you think they should be). The parentheses are mine, sharing just a little bit of what I learned last Thursday.  We are appreciative of the panelists' time, graciousness, and knowledge!

Events like this do not just happen.  They are the result of several people working together.  The idea came out of our retreat in February.  Shannon Turner did an amazing job of coordinating, finding the speakers, teaching me the ropes, and moderating the discussion.  Our fearless leader Val Torrens, committee members Michell Turley, Ginger Sommerhauser, Laurie Kadet, Ginny Bell, and Doug MacKenzie, Colleen Hogan-Taylor as well as Kathy Canderle all helped to create a successful event.  If I've left someone off the list please forgive me.  We are also grateful to Jerry Hebert for stepping in to do the challenging computer duties for the night.  Of course, credit goes to Danielle Turner and Lee Leader for support and assistance, including the food.

At the end of the evening those present, both in-person and on Zoom, voted to make a panel discussion with local minority representatives an annual event.  We need to stay in touch with what the needs of our communities are so that we can address them and assist the communities achieve their goals.

Finally, a big thanks to all those who attended the event.  You made the work worth doing!

Judi Leader

Event Chair