Greetings, Club Members:

October marks the final stretch of the campaign season before the November 5 elections. It also marks the beginning of our Club’s annual membership drive which will be starting soon. You’ll see more about that in this newsletter, including a special treat for those who join or renew in October. 

A successful month of encouraging folks to renew or join is easy when the Club is led by inspiring leaders and filled with welcoming members. So, I feel a bit badly for our Club because although we have wonderfully welcoming and friendly members, your president (me) is not a particularly astute political leader. I’m not fishing for compliments, I really mean this. As many of you have discovered, I didn’t come to you with past political or advocacy experience, and aside from joining local and national marches and being a sign holder in the back rows of protests, I’ve been a very quiet Democrat.

I’ve had to be. As a pastor for the last 30 years, it’s been important for each of my congregants to know that their pastor would be fully present for them in their times of need and life celebrations, unrelated to political leanings. Through these years, I’ve been alongside Republicans and Democrats, straight and LGBTQI+. I’ve celebrated their life achievements (weddings, births, baptisms) and mourned their devastating losses and challenges (death of children, spouses, cancer battles won and lost). So in the arena of human experiences, compassion, understanding and acceptance, I have much to bring from my experiences. 

Politics. Not so much.

This wouldn’t sound so critical except this is a political club (my first clue is our name — Coronado Democratic Club!). And my lack of prior political involvement means that I must rely on the advice of others more experienced in the political machinery. I have been fortunate to have some very solid and wise councel. But my lack of political acuity assures I’m likely to continue to have missteps. I feel badly for our Club if those missteps impact the likelihood of our members renewing or new folks being interested in joining us. 

So I must return to the real strength of our Club…our members and volunteer leaders. It is such a privilege to serve at your side. Your tireless work on the Club’s behalf (okay, sometimes we do get exhausted!) includes organizing our gathering celebrations such as the amazing Web Affair, the equally fun Red, White and Blue Wave Brunch, the behind-the-scenes work that connects us with the wider State, County and City Democratic parties, research that educates us as to ballot Propositions, organizing community involvement around local issues, and attention to detail, ensuring our meetings have refreshments to encourage socializing. Your participation is the bedrock of this amazing Club. Your willingness to be present and participate in the work of our Club, while having a great time and welcoming others, is critical. You are valued. Not just for what you do for the Club and our community, but because of who you are. Your clear democratic values create an atmosphere of welcome for our neighbors and friends to find a safe space with other like-minded people.

Thank you for who you are. I truly hope you’ll consider continuing to support our Club with your membership and your involvement.

Wishing you all the best,

Lori