Democratic Club
By Jane Brittingham
LW contributor
The LW Democratic Club hosted speaker Nikkisa Abdollahi at its membership meeting on May 27.
Speaking to a packed house, Abdollahi provided a firsthand look into the stark realities facing women living under the current regime in Iran.
Abdollahi grounded her personal narrative in the broader history of Iran, tracing its complex relationship with the United States over the last 75 years to show how shifting geopolitics have directly impacted human rights on the ground. She vividly depicted both the systemic oppression and the resilient spirit of Iranian people fighting for basic autonomy. Beyond these global perspectives, Abdollahi challenged people to foster deeper local connections by introducing “Jeffersonian dinners” which are a structured, single-tabled dialogue format that brings people of entirely different mindsets together to speak on a single, unifying topic to build empathy and break down local polarization.
The club also extends its thanks to the dedicated canvassers, who walked miles throughout Leisure World to chat with, and distribute literature to, Democratic neighbors. They have done a Herculean job, working straight from the heart with grace and a firm belief in the democratic process.
The Hospitality Booth will be open the third Thursday of the month, June 18, outside Clubhouse 6 from 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. People can register to vote, update an address, or change a party affiliation, with the help of LW Democratic Club volunteers at the booth. People can also stop by for campaign literature, lively discussions on current events, and a welcoming environment to share thoughts with likeminded neighbors. For more information, email Rachael Lehmberg at rlehmberg815@gmail.com.
The next Voter Education session will be June 10 at 10:30 a.m. in Clubhouse 3, Room 3. Bev Bender will screen the movie “Vigilante Inc.” and/or have a postcard writing session. For more information, email Bender at beverleybender@gmail.com.
The LW Democratic Club believes health care is a right, diversity is a strength, the economy should work for everyone and that facts and truth matter.
For more information about the club and upcoming elections at the local, state or national level, email lwsbdemocraticclub@ gmail. com. People can also visit the club’s Facebook page or website, where people can read past or current articles.
