HUNDREDS GATHER FOR RI DEMOCRATIC PARTY WOMEN’S CAUCUS 1st FUNDRAISER
Gov. Raimondo, Secy. of State Gorbea & Dozens of Elected Women Headline Event; Urge Political Engagement
WARWICK, R.I. – More than 200 Democrats joined Rhode Island Democratic Governor Gina Raimondo and Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea Tuesday evening, at the 1st fundraising event of the emerging Rhode Island Democratic Women’s Caucus. The event – held at Roger Williams Park Casino – featured speeches by leading Democrats championing achievements by women activists and urging them to remain politically engaged. Caucus co-chairs Rep. Lauren Carson, Rep. Shelby Maldonado and Rep. Grace Diaz led the two-hour program.
“This came about in a groundswell of support in the aftermath of the election just about a year ago. We all woke up deeply depressed… and we committed to resist but we also we committed to action,” Governor Gina Raimondo said in her remarks. She went on to list some of the achievements made by Rhode Island women’s group since that time, including taking on the NRA (National Rifle Association) and domestic violence, and urged their continued involvement in the Party.
“The Women’s Caucus is bringing welcome change to the Democratic Party and to Rhode Island. The best public policy solutions are generated when we have a diversity of perspectives and backgrounds around the table. Last night, we saw huge support for diversity in our Democratic Party,” said Secretary of State Nellie Gorbea.
“The inaugural fundraising event of the caucus was a complete success. That success was a demonstration of the commitment of the caucus members, the resolve of the fundraising committee and the intent of Rhode Island Democratic women to make life a better place for every Rhode Islander,” said Caucus Co-chair Carson.
“The Caucus brought together women to address important issues that will strengthen our Party and build a strong platform for young people to follow in the years ahead,” said Co-Chair Maldonado.
State Party Chair Joseph M. McNamara noted Tuesday evening’s success and the growth of the caucus: “We applaud the efforts of the Caucus to engage voters and to help build the base of our Democratic Party.”
The Caucus was revitalized in the aftermath of the 2016 presidential election, with hundreds of women from across the state joining the group. In their monthly meetings, participants have tackled issues such as political organizing, fundraising, and voter registration. They have been holding monthly meetings across the state since January 2017, and the next meeting is planned for Tuesday, December 5, at the Party’s Warwick office, at 200 Metro Center Blvd. Suite 2, Warwick, at 6:30 pm.