Submit Your Events & Graphics
All Democrats are invited to submit event info and high resolution graphics to us by 8:00 PM Sunday each week. Please email your materials directly to info@westsidedems.org.
WSD Speakers Bureau is Off to a Good Start |
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WSD is creating a Speakers Bureau by training WSD members to be comfortable engaging with voters, both friendly and not. Twelve members have already signed up for the training, but you can still sign up (see below). “The Speakers Bureau is one of the initiatives that came from our strategic planning earlier this year; strategic planning ideas that came directly from members. This is one of the ways WSD can offer programs to help you become more involved while learning new skills. I think we all could benefit from learning how to effectively communicate our Democratic beliefs with voters who may not agree with us. We will learn how to respect those who disagree with us while sharing facts they may not know,” said Dorothy Wilkinson, WSD Chair. “I hope that this will be a group of Joyful Warriors and that we will serve to take back this country and have fun doing it,” said training coordinator Lynn Sarkany, who is a relatively new WSD member. You must be a WSD member to participate. If you are not a member, sign up and pay your dues now. “Our goal is to educate the public on Democratic viewpoints in the greater Albuquerque area and beyond. Through this education, we hope to help the public realize that electing Democratic officials is in their best interest,” Sarkany said. “Each meeting will have training exercises that will help you to develop your speaking skills, whether you are a novice public speaker, or you have had years of experience in front of a microphone and podium. We will also be discussing pertinent speaking topics and how to make the most of your subject matter expertise in your speaking topics,” she explained in the email that went to those who have already signed up. Here are the dates of the first three training sessions. These sessions will be held at the Taylor Ranch Library. All will be held from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. Future sessions will try to accommodate Speakers Bureau trainees’ schedules. Thursday, June 11 Monday, June 29 Want to join the Speakers Bureau training? It’s not too late! Send your name and contact information to info@westsidedems.org. |
New Sound System Arrives
At last—we have our new sound system.
We’ve been hearing about it for about a year – the limitations of the undersized current system, Executive Committee approval of an initial $1,000 to pay for a new one, the early attempts of small-change fundraising, updated needs analysis and cost, more serious fundraising, and some major donations.
“I’m thrilled we have the new sound system,” said Paul Evans, WSD volunteer A/V coordinator who did the needs analysis for the new system. “It will help WSD to continue our fight for our values on the West Side of town – at venues large and small. For small events, we can use the small speaker we already had. For big events, we can use the new, larger speakers.” He also recommended that WSD buy a cart to haul the system and bags to protect the speakers.
It all adds up to $2392.45 with two large speakers and two beefy microphones that will incorporate some components of our old system. Here’s how we paid for it:
- We budgeted $1,000 from our budget.
- We collected $1,100 from the DPBC and some area legislators, and we have $300 promised from area legislators. We will collect the remainder now that the 2026 Legislative Session has ended.
Audio/Visual Volunteers Needed Now
Paul Evans with the new sound system.
“Now that we have a larger sound system, we need help to run it... We also need someone to help me with the visual side by editing video footage,” Evans explained.
Contact Paul Evans at info@westsidedem.org to apply. Your “pay” is our gratitude and helping elect candidates who reflect our values!
Audio Technician
- Set up, operate, and troubleshoot sound equipment.
- Handle and transport heavy equipment.
- Team player supporting WSD’s mission.
Video Technician
- Edit short-form video for social media.
- Collaborate on footage needs and deadlines.
- Support WSD's digital messaging goals.
Paul Evans — Our A/V Mastermind
How did WSD lure an A/V expert with 40 years of experience?
The answer is simple: Recruit an expert who aligns with your values.
“I feel our democracy is at stake. Each of us needs to step up. We hold the keys. If we don’t do it, nobody will.”
5 Things About Paul Evans
- Roots: Raised in St. Paul, MN. He is deeply concerned about civil rights and believes we must protect our community locally.
- NM Journey: Came to NM in 1984. Amassed ~40 years in professional TV news and government videography.
- History Maker: Covered state government under four governors and visits from the Dalai Lama and various Presidents.
- Producer: Produced "Wild New Mexico" and the popular "Dance! Dance! Dance!" teen program.
- At the Meeting: See him behind the camera at WSD meetings and be sure to thank him for all he does!
Our Mission
To Serve the 88,000 Democrats
Living on the West Side
Democrats Care!
We encourage and support candidates who will work for the good of everyone in our community. We believe in a government that is truly “of the people, by the people, and for the people”…not just for corporations, Wall Street, or the rich.
United By A Common Goal…
Social justice and human rights are more important than corporate profits. We seek to improve the quality of life for all of our residents through grass-roots support of candidates who listen and work to implement liberal programs and legislation.
Get Involved…
Your candidates can’t win without your help. Canvassing, phone banking, word-of-mouth, volunteering, and donating are all ways to work together to achieve our common goals.