With so many offices on the ballot, from president and Congress to state and county positions, 2008 promises to be an exciting but exhausting year of politics.
However, the Indiana Democratic African-American Caucus (IDAAC) is here to ensure that no one has to navigate this complex election year alone.
Since 1990 IDAAC has served as a community service organization that informs members of important changes in local government and actively engages them in the political process, especially during elections.
IDAAC is described as the “premier grassroots Democratic organization for promoting positive public policy, creating broad alliances” and getting African-Americans elected.
Marshawn Wolley, president of IDAAC’s Indianapolis chapter, noted that the organization is not simply devoted to campaigning for Democrats, but providing information to all citizens who want to get involved in (and know more about) politics.
“What we’re doing this year is focusing on educating our members,” Wolley said. “We’ll be giving them information about what’s going on with the city.
Membership to IDAAC includes state and local elected officials as well as many concerned citizens, some of whom don’t know much about politics but wanted a way to get involved.
“We’re giving our members an opportunity to interact with people who have a lot of information,” Wolley added.
IDAAC holds monthly meetings that include group discussions and remarks from elected officials. The meetings are held every second Saturday at 10 a.m. on the seventh floor of the Julia Carson Government Center.
Each meeting begins with members sharing their opinions on an issue of great controversy in an effort to come to a resolution on how IDAAC should take action. The second part of meetings involve announcements and remarks from a keynote speaker who will provide updates in their area of expertise, and members will be able to ask that person questions.
Over the last few months IDAAC members have been active in getting citizens registered to vote, mostly through registration drives at churches.
IDAAC, along with WHHH-FM (96.3) and Motivated Hardworking Mothers, is also sponsoring the upcomng community forum What’s Up With My Support Check on Tuesday, Jan. 29 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Washington Park Community Center, 3130 E. 30th Street.
Wolley emphasized that the organization includes members of all ages and is actually open to individuals of all races. IDAAC operates in association with (but independently of) the state and county Democratic parties. Citizens pay a $25 membership fee, while elected officials are asked to pay $100, which helps to fund programs that benefit their campaigns.
“It is particularly important for everyone to get involved this year,” Wolley said. “For the first time in history we are able to chose between a Black man or a woman for president. We also have numerous local offices to vote for as well as state legislative seats, which influence the laws that govern our lives. We’re also concerned about elected judges who make decisions as to who goes to prison.”
Eddie DeAngelo Williams, a two-year member of IDAAC, has enjoyed being a part of its open forums and meeting political candidates from different areas of the state who court the organization for its support.
“The camaraderie we have is awesome,” Williams said. “I didn’t know too much about politics when I joined but it’s a good way to stay involved and I’m much more knowelegeable about politics as a result of joining.”
Next IDAAC meeting:
Agenda of next IDAAC meeting:
• Debate on whether mayor or sheriff should control police department.
• City-County Council Minority Leader Joanne Sanders will present Democratic legislative agenda.
• Discussion of upcoming congressional race.
Time and place: Saturday, Jan. 26, 10 a.m. on the seventh floor of the Julia Carson Government Center, 300 E. Fall Creek Parkway.
For more information, e-mail Marshawn Wolley at marshawnwolley@hotmail.com
