The Longest Night is Past ~
Taking a pause ~
Dear Fellow Democrat,
Hanukkah and Winter Solstice are behind us, Christmas and Kwanzaa are coming quick. All of these traditions have deep meaning related to darkness and light. This year feels like it's been so dark, so chaotic, and yet our community and our purpose persevere. We started this year with the theme of Hope as Action and we end this year, I hope for you as well as us, with Hope still alive. Hope is that light at the end of the tunnel and though it may be just a sliver at this point, we still move towards it. As a political body, we hope that 2026 will swing the balance of power to Democrats, both state-wide and nationally, so that we can begin to right the ship and chart a new course. As earthlings, we hope that we can correct the damage that's being done to our home. As a community, we hope that our light provides comfort and joy to those around us who are struggling. Take a pause to consciously hope and then we'll take action towards the things we want to see.
January is going to be a big kickoff for an urgent year. We have a LOT going on! Please mark your calendars and lace up your tennies, stretch those muscles and let's get ready!
January 8th is our second-Thursday RAD Book Discussion. We have a hybrid meeting - in person with a Zoom option - to discuss the selection of the month and we're going to kick off the new year with "Giving Up is Unforgiveable: A Manual for Keeping our Democracy" by Joyce Vance. The title says it all! It's a short book at only 224 pages, so pick it up and join us! If you aren't on Facebook, reply to this email and I'll get you the information to join!
January 11 is our Kindred Table gathering. We started this in November as a way to acknowledge the individual and collective weight we carry and find tools to manage it. This is a woman-centric gathering and while we know that women aren't the only ones experiencing this, we are starting here. In January, we'll be welcoming Heather Anderson of Radiance Soul Wellness to lead us in a sound bath experience. If this sounds like something you'd like to share, join us.
January 13th, RAD is joining DFW clubs in hosting a Statewide Meet & Greet on ZOOM! We expect to hear from candidates for every office from Governor to Comptroller and all the great in-betweens! Please register to get all the details and join!
January 15th is our first RAD Happy Hour of 2026! Shockingly, I don't know exactly who is going to be speaking with us yet! I've invited some big names, and getting them to respond and commit is like pulling teeth! But we haven't let you down yet - expect big things and put it on your calendar now!! 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.... I'll get you more details next week! (I promise!!)
January 22nd is our BIG Attorney General Debate! We will be co-hosting with the Student Government Association at the Richland branch of Dallas College on January 22, from 6:30 to 9:00. We expect to have all three candidates for Attorney General on stage and James Barragan of Capitol Tonight as the moderator. The hall will hold 500, and we'll be livestreaming on our YouTube channel as well as broadcasting live with Progress Texas!! This is a really great opportunity to see whom you want to support in the primary for this very WINnable race! The stakes are so high - this office is arguably the most powerful AG in the country and will have enormous impact, either for good or evil. The event invitation will go out soon!
As usual, we continue to show up loudly, ROARing on the bridge and with our signs! We are now three months into our weekly protests, and they continue to be a fun and effective way to be inspiring to others and to lift our spirits in community. You can join the ROAR Bridge Brigade on Thursday evenings from 3:30 - 5:30 and Saturday mornings from 9-10 on the Collins Blvd Bridge over I-75 (park at Cafe Max and walk up!) - they are always happy to have more hands to hold the banners and flags and wave at the honking cars on Central! We also meet every Saturday morning from 10-11 on the southeast corner of Campbell & 75 to let our community know that there is a resistance in Richardson! Join Us!
We wish a quiet and restful holiday season and look forward to ~
~ Seeing You Soon ~
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Once again, if you haven't done so yet, we invite you to join or renew your membership in Richardson Area Democrats. Your suggested donation of $10/month will help us continue to build this inclusive community! Thanks for all you do.
