General Meeting Minutes Saturday, August 23, 2025 11:00 AM

Welcome

Rachel James, chairperson, called the meeting to order at 11:07.

Approval of the Minutes

Tim Potts moved, Jim DiCrocco seconded, and the members approved the minutes from the May 31st General Membership meeting.

Treasurer’s Report

Tom DeWall reported that the current balance is $15,211.20. This included $3,230 raised from the Dining for Democrats event. Another $3,000 was raised through general donations, for $6,230 total. Excluding expenses, the net income for the year is $4,284.

Vision Priorities and General Election Focus

Rachel James introduced herself and discussed some of the priorities for the current year, including understanding community needs, grassroots politics, and building a coalition of like-minded individuals.

Judicial Retention, the Importance of Voting Yes, and Discussion

Tim Potts gave a presentation on the importance of the Judicial retention elections on Nov. 4th and the need to vote yes to retain the PA Supreme Court Justices. The speech will be recorded and put on the YouTube page. Carol Lindsay discussed creating billboards focused on this issue. This would cost around $5,000, and sponsors are sought for this expense. Liz Reilly mentioned that Cumberland County Dems will have literature to distribute and some signs.

Row Offices Discussion

Rachel discussed the importance of voting the down ballot races and how local county positions impact day-to-day life.

Committee Reports

- Fundraising and Events: Dining for Democracy will be on September 8, 2025 @ 6:00-8:30 pm.

- Volunteers: Staffing for HQ is sought. Contact Liz Reilly or Deb Jacobs if interested. Canvassers are also needed. Contact Deb or local PCPs if interested. Deb reminded everyone to check their email for volunteer needs.

- Community Outreach: Rachel encouraged people to fill out the Community Satisfaction and Priorities survey. Rachel Eng discussed CVR Immigration Services and Response Training on Aug. 23rd. Kelsey Dunkle discussed the United Way Day of Caring on Oct. 10. The fall clean-up day was also discussed (Sept. 12-13th).

CADC Vacancies

Rachel reminded attendees that there is a need for a Candidate Recruitment and Recommendations Chair. Ryan Thies was nominated as Vice Chair. TaWanda Stallworth moved, Rick Christie seconded, and the CADC membership unanimously approved.

Announcements

A possible book club was discussed.

Upcoming Events

Rally for Cumberland will be on Sept. 7, Dining for Democracy will be on Sept. 8, Coffee and Conversation will be on Aug. 30, Rise Up Rally will be on Sept 1 at 11AM, Julie reminded people to look at the Facebook page.

Adjournment

Rachel adjourned the meeting at 12:10 PM.