Jerry & Joel Lachance, Mike Miles, Maritza Carrera and Frank Morris at a recent Meet-up.
What
is HR Dems?
HR Dems is a grass roots group whose purpose is to network the over 10,000 Highlands
Ranch Democrats and all other like-minded residents. Our moto: Networking, Informing,
Mobilizing. HR Dems offers its members a regular meeting place and many monthly
activities for those who can no longer passively watch our country drift away.
How is HR Dems related
to the Douglas County Democratic Party?
The leadership of HR Dems and many of its members are active members of the Douglas
County Democratic Party. HR Dems constitutes the local community group focused
on engaging Highlands Ranch Democrats and Progressives, without the formalities
of County Party meetings.
Why
should I get involved?
Mostly because this is a great group to meet and Network with
like minded people. We
keep our members Informed by bringing great speakers and candidates
to our Meetups. We encourage involvement in the Highlands Ranch
community life and we Mobilize our membership in support of
those that do. If nothing else this is the best Social circle
in Highlands Ranch.
Who started HR Dems?
Local residents that saw a need to network local Democrats and like-minded residents
started HR Dems. While there are more than 10,000 registered Democrats in Highlands
Ranch too many Democrats feel isolated. "I thought I was the only Democrat
in Highlands Ranch" is the most common comment heard from new members. Nothing
could be further from the truth! HR Dems is out to dispel the conservative image
of our community.
How
can your voice be heard?
First, by participating in our activities. As Woody Allen said "half of
life is just showing up". A growing membership will give us the strength
of numbers.
Second, by speaking out at our Meetups and in our community. Our meetups always
start with a "town hall" format where members are welcome to express
themselves and take leadership for any project or cause they believe in.
Third, for those who wish to do more, by leading some of our activities.
Finally by collectively organizing our participation in the life of our Highlands
Ranch community.
What
did HR Dems' accomplish in 2004?
For the first time ever, when they voted in November 2004, Highlands Ranch Democrats
had a choice in every race! HR Dems also made sure that these candidates got
strong exposure in our community!
But mostly we proved that "grassroots" is not just a buzzword. Our
meetups average over 40 participants and we have seen meetups of over 80. So
much for feeling isolated as a Democrat in Highlands Ranch!
What
did HR Dems' accomplish in 2005?
First and foremost we continued to network and organize progressive minded residents
of Highlands Ranch. We brought first class speakers such as Mike Miles, Morgan
Carroll, Andrew Romanoff and Bill Winter. But we also multiplied the avenues
for progressives to meet and connect. Our Book and Movie Clubs are successes.
We also had great socials. All in all we average four meetups a month. We also
participated in HRCA and HR Chamber of Commerce activities. Our signature event
of 2005 was the organization of a Katrina Relief Concert that raised over $5,000
for the Salvation Army. Our greatest accomplishment was our strong campaign for
Referendum C & D. While Douglas County voted "against" Referendum
C 49-51, Highlands Ranch voted "for" 54-46, thus scoring even better
than the whole State (52-48). In general we raised the profile of Democrats in
Highlands Ranch in order to create a friendly environment for progressives to
call Highlands Ranch "home".
We hope you can join us!
What are HR Dems' plans for the 2006
Elections?
This year we have a long time HR Dem at the top of the ticket. Bill Winter is
running in our Congressional District, CD6, against Tom Tancredo. We
again plan to have a candidate on each line of the ballot. But
mostly we are planning the most extensive outreach drive ever,
hoping to bring our active membership from 300 to 1,000.
Expect to hear from us soon!
