Since last week’s election results the question of “what can I do now?” has been at the front of many people’s minds.
At Thursday night’s monthly meeting of the Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, we saw a full room of people taking that first step. Over 80 people gathered at the Park Slope United Methodist Church to learn and engage in conversation about the importance of local politics and the effect we can have on national policy.
Tom Bergdall spoke about the upcoming referendum in 2017 for a State Constitutional Convention, an issue that will effect the future of all New Yorkers. Kings County Democratic County Committee Chair Frank Seddio spoke about the importance of being active locally, and how Brooklyn can effect change on a statewide and national level. Frequent club visitor City Council Member Brad Lander spoke about the upcoming progressive legislative agenda and the importance of identifying strong progressive political candidates for the 2017 City elections. Newly elected State Assembly Member, and former CBID President, Robert Carroll spoke to ways the NYS Legislature can prepare for and defend the rights of communities around the state who may come under attack from the proposals and ideology of the President-elect.
Many first time attendees engaged in discussions about how they can connect on issues locally and nationally.
“The most important first step”, one attendee commented, “is to make sure to be in the room for these meetings.”
There are many fights ahead in the coming months and years for our neighbors and friends, and last night over 80 people gathered and took the first step, and made their voices heard.
The next general meeting of CBID is scheduled for 7 p.m., December 15 at the Park Slope United Methodist Church, 6th Avenue at 8th Street in Park Slope.
