More than 80 new WDC members attended our annual New Member Welcome event on July 21. Our membership has doubled in the past two years, with this year’s addition of well over 300 new members—a number that exceeded all expectations—necessitating a new venue and format for this annual event. Held at the Oakville Grille in Bethesda, the delicious breakfast buffet was followed by a comprehensive program filled with useful information designed to fire up our new members to charge ahead to ensure that Democrats win in November!

WDC President Fran Rothstein opened the program by welcoming all attendees, stating that the meeting had four goals:

To have everyone learn more about WDC—who we are, what we do, and what difference we can make for the County and the Democratic Party.

To introduce Board members who will talk about the purpose of their committees and how new members can get involved, based on their interests, talents, and skills. 

To provide information about WDC’s plans and those of the Democratic Party in defeating Governor Hogan in November and electing Democrats up and down the ticket. She also emphasized the need for assistance from all members to ensure success.

To make sure new members are familiar with our Board and have a chance to get acquainted with at least a few of the other new members. People form the basis of politics; thus the friendships among our members sustain our Club as much as our politics and policies.

President Rothstein stressed that WDC exists to help elect Democrats to office, to support Democratic programs, to support and advocate for Democratic issues and values, and to educate all voters on local, state, and national issues. 

What WDC does to make this happen:

Keeps members informed through timely speaker events, panel discussions, field trips, and educational programs. Additionally, newsletters and weekly updates keep members up to date on WDC activities and those of other Democratic organizations.

Connects members with political leaders and with one another through committee work, volunteer opportunities, monthly happy hours, and other gatherings, often in partnership with other Democratic organizations.

Ensures political effectiveness through WDC’s state and local advocacy program, political activism, and civic engagement activities. 

Eva Lewis, Maryland State Party Political Director (and a new WDC member) explained Maryland’s Coordinated Campaign and invited people to sign on:  https://www.mddems.org/volunteer

Committee chairs each had the opportunity to describe the purpose and functions of her Committee. Following the presentations, members met with the Chairs to learn more about how they can make a difference through volunteering. Two time slots were allotted for breakouts, affording members ample opportunity to meet with two different committees and identify which ones best suit their interests and talents.

At the end of the event President Rothstein introduced the WDC Board, offering a special thanks to Membership and Outreach Co-Chairs Enid Light and Andrea Grossman and Past President Linda Kolko, who together organized the New Member Breakfast. 

The new format and venue for the annual new member gathering was pronounced a resounding success by all involved. It was a hands-on learning opportunity and an excellent networking gathering, supplemented by a delicious breakfast!

If you missed the New Member Breakfast, it’s not too late to sign up for a WDC Committee.  You can do so here.