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DNC Launches Service-Based Initiative “Dems For You”

WASHINGTON — Today, the DNC is launching a program called “Dems For You” as part of our continued work to create action-oriented opportunities for Democrats to lead with our values, support our communities, and win elections from the school board to the Oval Office. Led by DNC Associate Chair Jaime Harrison, the service-based initiative will help state and local Democratic parties build organizing capacity and recruit volunteers.

When a hurricane hits in Texas, Florida, the Virgin Islands, or Puerto Rico; when wildfires ravage California or Colorado; when families need food, clothing, or toys during the holiday season; when young adults are looking for help on job interviews and crafting a resume; when families want to purchase their first home or need assistance signing up for a health care plan, the Democratic Party through “Dems For You” will be there to support all of our communities – because Every ZIP Code Counts.

“As a party, we know that we can no longer be just a political organization that asks for votes every two or four years, we have to get back to our origins as a grassroots organization,” said DNC Associate Chair Jaime Harrison. “In order to achieve our mission of electing Democratic leaders at every level, we must focus on demonstrating to Americans our core values every day, all across the country in a visible, action-oriented manner. I look forward to working with Democrats across the country to help address the issues Americans in need face every day.”

To kick off “Dems For You” this holiday season, Democrats across the country are leading service projects on behalf of families in need to make sure that our neighbors have the food, toys, clothes, and community they need. Next month, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy, “Dems For You” will hold a National Day of Action to follow Dr. King’s example and his call to all of us to serve through action to achieve justice, compassion, and dignity for all.

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Tom Perez on Hanukkah

DNC Chair Tom Perez released the following statement:

“I want to wish Jewish families in America, Israel, and around the world a Happy Hanukkah. The story of Hanukkah is more than 2,000 years old, but its message – that light drives out darkness, that hope outlasts hardship, and that hatred and prejudice should never be allowed to extinguish the flames of freedom and justice – is as important today as it has ever been.

“The triumph of the Maccabees reminds us to find strength in faith and community in the face of fear and persecution. As millions light their menorahs over the next eight days to celebrate the miracle of Hanukkah, let us continue to be inspired by the resilience of the Jewish people and work together to light the way forward. Chag Sameach.”

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DNC Chair on Recent Sexual Harassment Allegations

DNC Chair Tom Perez released the following statement:

“Sexual misconduct, harassment, and assault have no place in the Democratic Party, the United States Congress, the White House, or anywhere. That’s why earlier today I called on Senator Franken to resign.

“For far too long, our society has looked the other way and allowed men to continue this behavior in virtually every industry. We must do better. We must step up and fix this immediately. Regardless of party, we must live up to our values by holding ourselves accountable and leading by example.

“Together, we all must share the responsibility of building a culture of trust and respect for women in every industry and workplace. In the House and Senate, the processes for responding to allegations of misconduct don’t work and must be dramatically reformed. But fixing these broken processes is just one part of the culture change we need today. It’s long past time for this era of silence to end.

“There are big differences between Democrats and Republicans and this is just one of them. Instead of standing up for women and confronting the problems of misconduct within their own ranks, the Republican Party has chosen to pursue power and push their radical far-right agenda at any cost. And they’ve continued to champion a president who has a long and disturbing history of misconduct with women.

“The Democratic Party will stand up for women and for what is right. Public service is a public trust. If you are a candidate for office or an elected official who has engaged in sexual misconduct, you should step aside – whether you sit in the U.S. House of Representatives, the U.S. Senate, or the Oval Office.”

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