Democratic Nurses Caucus
About the Ohio Democratic Women’s Caucus
What is the Ohio Nurses Democratic Caucus?
The ONDC is a political action committee (PAC) affiliated with the Ohio Democratic Party.
Why was it formed?
The ONDC was formed to assure that nurses are aware of the Democratic candidates’ views and records about issues related to health care and nurses.
Is it a multi-purpose nursing organization?
No. The ONDC is a Democratic political organization for nurses.
Who can belong?
Membership is open to RNs, LPNs, and students of those programs who support the mission of the organization.
How does one join?
Individuals can join in one of two ways:
* By utilizing Paypal at the ONDC website www.ohdemnurses.org
* By sending a check made out to Ohio Nurses Democratic Caucus for at least $10.00 ($15.00 for non email) to:
Carol Roe
943 Beverly Rd.
Cleveland Hts., Ohio 44121 (Membership year Sept 1-Aug 31).
What are dues used for?
To finance attending events, to fund meeting expenses, to pay for expenses related to communication such as the web site, mailings, and conference calls.
What has the NDC accomplished thus far?
* Seen as visible presence in the 2006 elections:
Nurses phone bank nights were organized in Akron, Canton, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Lorain, Mentor, Portsmouth, Toledo and Youngstown.
Individual nurses were visible at the Ohio Women’s Democratic Caucus fund raiser for the Strickland-Fisher campaign.
Individual nurses helped organize a Health Care Professionals fund raiser for US Senate Candidate Sherrod Brown.
Candidate responses from Ted Strickland, Sherrod Brown, Marc Dann, Jenifer Bruner, Rich Cordray, Bill ONeill, and Sue Morano were posted on the NDC website.
* Seen as a visible presence In the 2008 elections:
Published responses from Democratic Presidential candidates on the web site.
Held political education events across the state.
Seen as a visible presence at Ohio Democratic Party events.
Organized nurses from around the state to canvas for Jan Lanier, Ohio House candidate.
Organized 4 fundraisers on behalf of Jan Lanier.
Facilitated 3 house parties for Bill O’Neill, candidate for US House.
What are the next major goals of the organization?
* To be visible in the 2010 races particularly the races in which Democratic nurses are candidates.
* To assure that nurses are knowledgeable about the Democratic candidates for Governor and US Senate.
* Increase the size of the membership.
What can I do as a member?
There are a number of things one can do. Your level of involvement depends upon the time you have available and the interest you have in participating in various events.
* Wear your NDC button to Democratic Party events and nursing meetings, talk about NDC. Pass out NDC business cards.
* Help us grow the organization.
* Help us identify other Democratic nurses who serve in elected office.
* Develop a communication network of other ONDC members in your local area.
Utilize the member roster provided to each member.
Plan a meeting with local Democratic party officials.
Inform them about the ONDC.
Offer to meet with candidates to talk with them about issues
of concern to nurses such as the shortage of nurses and the need for proper equipment to avoid work place injuries.
Ask them if they can identify activist Democrats who may be nurses.
* Identify a campaign for 2010 in which you would like to be involved.
Organize a phone bank of nurse volunteers or participate as phone bank volunteer.
Offer to help the candidate with developing health related positions or review positions developed.
Organize a canvas time for nurse volunteers or participate as a volunteer.
* Consider serving as a Regional Director for NDC. Talk to an officer for details.
Take pictures of Democratic nurses in action, write a description of the event and send for posting on the web site.
Chairperson: Carole Roe, Cuyahoga County, carol@ohdemnurses.org
Vice Chairperson: Karen Krause, Lucas County, karen@ohdemnurses.org
Secretary: Rita Luebke, rita@ohdemnurses.org
Treasurer: Paulette Sheeley, Ashtabula County, paulette@ohdemnurses.org
