Upcoming Events

SML Democrats Activities

• Racism Focus Group – Wednesday, May 4, 10 am
• Book Club – Tuesday, May 10, 10 am
  We are now reading Four Hundred Souls by Ibram X. Kendi and Keisha N. Blain; the book is long and will be discussed over several months. The May discussion will cover Section 1.
• SML Democrats Steering Committee – Tuesday, May 10, 1 pm
• Fundraising & Events Committee – Wednesday, May 11, 1 pm
• New Members Welcome Event – Wednesday, May 18, 4 pm
• Election Support Committee – Thursday, May 19, 1 pm
• General Membership Meeting – Monday, May 23, 1 pm
  Topic: The Bedford and Franklin County Directors of Elections will talk about how to work the polls on Election Days (both June and November this year). Speakers include Barbara Gunter from Bedford County and Jody Brown (speaking on behalf of Kay Chitwood, Franklin County). Club members will share experiences and talk about why this is important to protect the vote.
• Pints & Politics: Cancun Restaurant, Westlake — Monday, May 2, 5 pm
• Pints & Politics: Salem Red Sox Baseball Game – Friday, June 17; tickets available at the SML Democrats Office
• Public Relations Committee – Monday, June 20, 1 pm
• Road Cleanup – June, date and time to be decided

Members can view details in the Members Portal.

Community Events

• Chamber of Commerce Business Expo – Friday, May 6, 4 pm, Eastlake Community Church 
• County School Board Meetings
  Bedford County: Thursday, May 12, at 5 pm, SGSTC Auditorium, 600 Edmund St., Bedford
  Franklin County: Monday, May 9, at 7 pm, 25 Bernard Road, Rocky Mount
  Here are some reasons why you should attend or speak at your county’s School Board meeting.
• For book lovers, the Friends of the (Franklin) County Library Book Sale occurs May 12, 13 and 14 at the Rocky Mount location, 355 Franklin Street.
• Good Neighbors Day Benefit Concert – Friday, May 20, 7 pm, Trinity Ecumenical Parish, 40 Ecumenical Drive, Moneta. The organization is celebrating its 15th anniversary with this fundraising concert event featuring the local SML Boomer Band. Use the link for more information.

Democratic Activities Further Afield

• Democratic Party of Virginia Events
  • Blue Commonwealth Gala – Friday, May 13; use the link for more information and to purchase tickets.
  • DNC T3 Program – DNC Best Practices Institute is offering Train the Trainer (T3) Program, a free, six-week, 12-part course that covers grassroots campaigning. T3 trainings are targeted towards volunteers and activists, and will be held every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00-8:00 p.m. ET, beginning on May 24 and concluding on June 30. Participants must register by Sunday, May 22. Use the link for more information.
• The States Project: Focus for Democracy Zoom – Sunday, May 1, 8 pm Eastern; use the link to register for the program. Use this link to find our more about The States Project.
• United Today, Stronger Tomorrow Webinar – Wednesday, May 11, 8 pm Eastern
  At the teach-in, you’ll learn what the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill does, what it funds, how we can use it to improve communities, and how it can bring in good paying jobs. Most importantly, you’ll learn how you can get involved. For more information about the organization itself, use this link.