Elaine Clegg and Many More

Councilwomen Elaine Clegg

The 2021 Fall Idaho Democratic Women’s Caucus Breakfast was a wonderful event with Elaine Clegg as our primary speaker as she spoke about the need for better transportation options for people across the state. She discussed her work with the City of Boise in terms of climate change and how the city is working towards being more sustainable with its resources. She also touched upon the future of rail including Amtrak and her efforts to bring more passenger rail to our state. With the recent federal focus on infrastructure, the timeliness of her speech cannot be overlooked.

Mayor Shelby Rognstad and Terri Pickens Manweiler

We also heard from two candidates as well at our breakfast. Shelby Rognstad is running to become the next Governor of Idaho on the Democratic ticket. He is currently the mayor of Sandpoint and recently announced his candidacy. Terri Pickens Manweiler is running to become the next Lt. Governor of Idaho on the Democratic ticket. She announced her candidacy back in August of 2021 and has been traveling across the state to learn more about the needs of all Idahoans. Each candidate spoke about their respective campaign and why we need better leadership in the Statehouse.

Finally, we want to thank everyone who attended the breakfast in person or on Zoom. We understand that these are uncertain times for people across the state and we appreciate your support. Our first hybrid event was not without technical glitches but it certainly was one for the books.

Democratic Women Are Thankful

As the President of the Idaho Democratic Women’s Caucus, a chapter of the National Federation of Democratic Women, I am very excited to be reaching out to you today. Thank you so much for your dedicated, selfless work. 

The National Federation of Democratic Women (NFDW) is a strong, national organization of Democratic Women that actively supports the Democratic Party, Democratic Women, and Democratic values. Since the 1976 Democratic National Committee (DNC) Convention, NFDW has held 3 seats, in addition to the President of the NFDW being granted a seat on the DNC Executive Committee.

The continued health threat caused by the COVID 19 pandemic, and the violent and disturbing U.S. Capitol Insurrection remain disconcerting. Vaccines to combat the virus, along with the President’s roll-out and response to it have done a lot of good, but until the pandemic is clearly in our rear-view mirrors, the virus remains an invisible and very dangerous enemy.

During this holiday season, we are reflecting on those who have been on the front lines of healthcare, education, eldercare, food services, customer service, childcare, and so many other public and private industries. With this in our minds and hearts, we are reaching out to you to give our thanks.

Thank you for all that you have done to support us through these challenging times.

To help us thank others, please share what and/or who you are thankful for on social media and tag it “#DemocratsAreThankful” this November 2021.

We appreciate your leadership, and for thanking others who merit recognition and thanks for
their contributions. 

In Democratic Solidarity,

Gini Ballou, IDWC President

2021 Fall Breakfast

The Idaho Democratic Women’s Caucus wholeheartedly invite Democratic Women throughout Idaho to our 2021 Fall Breakfast. This year’s meeting will be held on November 14, 2021, at 8am at the Riverside Hotel in Boise. Tickets to the in-person breakfast option are $35.00 per person and $10 per person for the virtual option.

Our speaker will be Boise City Council President Elaine Clegg. She is a nonprofit leader, and advocate who brings together diverse stakeholders and viewpoints. She is a Program Director at Idaho Smart Growth where she specializes in providing community assistance by working directly with over two dozen Idaho communities. She is Past President of the Association of Idaho Cities and serves on the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho.

We encourage all Idahoans to join our organization and to work together in electing more Democratic Women into public office. To become a member or renew your existing membership, you must pay the annual membership dues. Annual membership dues are $20. Seniors (65 and older) and students can join for $10.

For more information about this event, please contact our organization via email at idahodwc@gmail.com or find us on Facebook.

2021 Blaine County Blue BBQ

Representative Sally Toone (left) and IDWC President Gini Ballou (right) at the 2021 Blaine County Blue BBQ.

On Wednesday, July 21, 2021, the Blaine County Democrats and the Idaho Democratic Party hosted the Blue Barbecue. It was a celebration that we can meet together in person despite the pandemic and a fundraiser to raise money for local candidates in upcoming elections.

Gini Ballou, the President of the Idaho Democratic Women’s Caucus, was one of the main speakers. She was able to present the 2021 National Federation of Democratic Women’s Oustanding Elected Woman Holding Public Office Award to Representative Sally Toone as well.