The DWMC History
The Democratic Women's Club of Monterey County was originally the Carmel Area Democratic Women's Luncheon Club. It had its roots in the 2004 presidential campaign. Two active Carmel Democratic women, Barbara Livingston and Melanie Billig attended a major Democratic event that year honoring Teresa Heinz Kerry. They were amazed by the number of Democratic women who attended but were unknown to them as local Democratic Party activists. They were inspired by Teresa Heinz Kerry and decided then and there that there needed to be a women's organization. Thus was born the idea of the Carmel Area Democratic Women's Luncheon Club that included the known women activists, those attending the Kerry event, Democratic friends, and new Democratic women converts.
The mission was to involve local Democratic women in the issues relevant to the times and consistent with Democratic values. They wanted to create an opportunity for camaraderie and a social venue where women could come together on a regular basis. They conceived the idea of a monthly luncheon where women could enjoy delicious lunches and be inspired by speakers on a broad range of subjects such as women's issues, politics, health, education, the environment, public art and foreign policy.
They wanted to create an action oriented group of informed women who would run for elected offices, work with the Democratic Party of Monterey County on campaigns and be involved in local issues.
Melanie Billig and Barbara Livingston thus began the process in 2004 to create the first CADWLC Board of Directors finding active Democratic women to serve. A list of potential members was prepared and invitations were sent out for the first luncheon.
By-Laws were written to lay out the framework for the new organization. Early on the La Playa Hotel was chosen as the venue for the luncheon meetings. Invitations were mailed out for the first luncheon program and as they say, the rest is history.
The founders held office until 2008, leading the local campaigns to elect Barak Obama in 2008. In January 2009 the leadership of the successful organization passed on to a new President, Priscilla Walton and Vice President Mary Ann Teed. The organization has continued to evolve and expanded fulfilling the dreams of the earlier founders. CADWLC has attractedt many prominent local, state and national speakers to address the membership.
There is also an annual signature fund raising event related to the politics of healthy food in a healthy environment at the Heller Estate Organic Vineyards.
In March of 2011 the organization became the Democratic Women of Monterey County which more accurately reflects the broad base of the membership from Monterey, Salinas, Marina, Seaside, Carmel Valley, Salinas, Greenfield and Soledad. There are 175 members and the organization is growing. Speaker luncheons are held 10 times a year and draw from 60 to 70 members at each luncheon. Over the past few years, speakers have included individuals such as current California State Attorney Kamala Harris, Secretary of State Debra Bowen, Former US Secretary of Agriculture, Richard Romminger and former California Superintendent of Public Schools, Delaine Eastin. Local elected officials such as Congressman Sam Farr, Jason Burnett, Jane Parker, Dave Potter, Bill Monning, John Laird, Mark Stone, and Fred Keeley keep us current on political issues on a regular basis. Our current focus is on electing more women to office, broadening our strength as women throughout the county and addressing pressing women's issues of poverty, health and reproductive rights.