General Meeting Minutes—Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 7:00pm at HQ

Welcome -- Julie called the meeting to order at 7:03pm and welcomed attendees. In response to the election outcomes, she encouraged attendees to process, grieve, create community, prepare to protect marginalized community members, focus on the things we can control, and get involved locally/in neighborhoods/ with school board.

Minutes – There were no questions about or edits to the minutes from the previous meeting.

Financial Report – Donna reported that we have $11000 in the bank, raised $25000 ($15000 was the goal), and spent $18000. Major expenses included:

·      Postage for mailings/doorhangers in the spring and fall, and postcards in the spring and fall.

·      Social media advertising

·      Contributions to candidates—Rick Christie’s campaign

·      HBCU Fair

With $11,000, we’re in a good position to start next year.

Candidate Recruitment

·      We have enough candidates for School Board.

·      Contact Paula if interested in Borough Council and Township Supervisors races.

·      County Row office positions available (there’s a link with information on carlislepadems.org). Carole mentioned that the Dems haven’t had a candidate in 46 years.

Election Analysis – Tom reported that voter turnout was greater than in 2020. Other data:

·      3-1 had a much higher turnout due to students.

·      Carlisle’s nine precincts had a 69% turnout; Mt. Holly was 79%. Dems in Carlisle generally didn’t turn out.

·      Cumberland County was one of the only counties in PA to increase by over 1%.

·      1 in 20 people came to doors during canvassing.

·      Rachel mentioned the importance of finding out why we’re missing people and how to reach them.

·      Trump was on more podcasts than Harris

·      John Sigle commented that we lost the working class whose priorities were economic and culture issues; we need to figure out new messaging and engage with people about politics.

·      Duffy mentioned that the ballot measures won—voters like Dems’ policies, just not Democrats.

·      Jenifer suggested reading and digesting analyses from credible sources.

Resources – Rachel advised being able to provide resources to marginalized community members. Half of her resources list is on carlislepadems.org. For questions, her email is Rachellynn0924@gmail.com.

Area Leaders’ Report

·      Harris campaigned for 100 days; CCDC rented HQ space to the campaign for $400/mo. + chairs, computers

o   $59,000 plumbing bill—bathroom

·      Wendy asked attendees to mention:

o   “Highs” from the campaign, responses included: “High energy here,” “Tech,” “Never Too Late!” “Kamala,” “Non local volunteers,” More local volunteers,””Students,” “Canvassing is new again,” “Rs & Is,” “Booker here.”

o   “Ways of Coping,” responses included: “Don’t isolate,” “Letters to the Editor,” “Pod Save America—Hysteria,” “Reading; esp. history,” “Getting involved—CVR, Indivisible, Volunteer.”

§  The next CVR meeting is Thursday, Dec. 5th at 5:30pm at Bosler. CVR needs new leadership.

o   “Community—Those to engage with” and “Possible ways to engage.”

§  Carole mentioned that challenges to provisional ballots were taking place on Nov. 14 at 1:30 – see the Bureau of Elections website.

§  The Sharing Circle group is meeting at the Carlisle Theatre office on Tues., Nov. 19 from 5:30-7:30pm.

CADC 2025

·      The next General Membership meeting will be held in January.

·      Petitioning will take place in March, then the Primary will be in May.

·      CADC committees can use more help.

·      Re: Citizens for Carlisle Schools –

o   Rick Galena mentioned that the school board race will launch in January with “Paula’s Birthday Bash” fundraiser, suggested donations = $25 and up. Citizens will have a bipartisan slate. Borough Council and Mayoral races will also happen.

Julie adjourned the meeting at 8:19pm.