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“Men” dropped from Democratic group’s name

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Illinois

* The Illinois Democratic County Chairmen’s Association has changed its name…

In a sense, the Illinois Democratic County Chairmen’s Association no longer exists. The statewide grassroots coalition today announced a name change to better reflect the composition of their membership. The organization is now the Illinois Democratic County Chairs’ Association.

“The reference to ‘men’ in our name is a leftover of the past that inaccurately reflects who we are,” said Doug House, president of the IDCCA. “The Democratic Party has long engaged in the battles for equality, fairness and justice for all people – regardless of their gender. In Illinois women have served as chairs of county Democratic Party organizations for decades and, as simple as it may appear to some, our outdated name is in conflict with these facts.”

The new name requires adjustments to association material such as logo branding, websites and other social media. Additionally, legal documentation with state and federal election authorities must be adjusted. More than any other consideration, the effort is a modernization reflecting the women who currently serve as chairs of county Democratic party organizations and are members of the association. In total, 21 women serve as chairs of Illinois county Democratic Party organizations.

State law is also outdated, according to Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) who serves on the IDCCA’s recently-established Sexual Harassment Task Force. Bush is introducing legislation this year to change state statutes regarding political party references of ‘men’ to gender-neutral terminology.

“The Trump presidency and the candidacy of people like Roy Moore have propelled scores of women to get active in politics at all levels,” said Bush. “If women are elected to represent the Democratic Party in their local precinct, Illinois law still references their role as a precinct committeeman. Changing these references to committee person is as logical as ensuring equal pay for equal work.”

In 2017, IDCCA formed a Sexual Harassment Policy Task Force to address how the Association should approach training and responses to incidences of harassment. The group’s name change aims to be a meaningful symbolic reinforcement of the values of County Democratic Parties throughout Illinois.

posted by Rich Miller
Monday, Jan 22, 18 @ 3:28 pm

Comments

I like this. Language choices matter, and when we can do better, we should.

Comment by Emily Miller Monday, Jan 22, 18 @ 3:36 pm
It’s a little thing, but it’s nice.

Comment by Precinct Captain Monday, Jan 22, 18 @ 3:36 pm
Good.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jan 22, 18 @ 3:37 pm
Makes sense. Right step.

Comment by Just Observing Monday, Jan 22, 18 @ 3:57 pm
And in 3-2-1 …ILGOPies change to IL Republican Chairman’s Assoc.

Comment by Annonin' Monday, Jan 22, 18 @ 4:03 pm
Smart move. Gender inclusive language is correct.

We’ve got police officers and fire fighters. Not policemen and firemen.

Comment by Scott Cross for President Monday, Jan 22, 18 @ 4:05 pm
Until the next name change….

Comment by Steve Monday, Jan 22, 18 @ 5:03 pm
Great

Comment by Anon Monday, Jan 22, 18 @ 5:16 pm
State law also requires each congressional district to have a Democratic state central committeeman and committeewoman. What if you don’t identify as either one of those?

Comment by Wellbag Monday, Jan 22, 18 @ 5:38 pm
What would John G say?

Comment by west wing Monday, Jan 22, 18 @ 5:50 pm
Sad

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jan 22, 18 @ 6:51 pm
self appointed wingman keeping her crown, or pass it to harold

Comment by Rabid Monday, Jan 22, 18 @ 7:41 pm
Facepalm.

Comment by Saluki Monday, Jan 22, 18 @ 7:55 pm
Does there really need to be a press release? Why not just do it and leave it at that.

Comment by Anonymous Monday, Jan 22, 18 @ 8:46 pm
It’s nice to see a proactive rather than a reactive move like this, well done Dem Chair’s Association.

Comment by Concerned Dem Monday, Jan 22, 18 @ 10:29 pm
what does govenor girly man think

Comment by Rabid Tuesday, Jan 23, 18 @ 7:02 am
A couple more gop controlled terms in congress and women won’t be allowed to vote so they can change it back

Comment by Discouraged Tuesday, Jan 23, 18 @ 8:52 am
Maybe they should also drop the “MEN” from

Comment by Jolly1 Tuesday, Jan 23, 18 @ 9:30 am
They’ve taken the “men” out of their name, but Democrats still don’t have a female candidate for governor, despite 5 people running…..

What’s more important?

Comment by Soapbox Derby Tuesday, Jan 23, 18 @ 9:40 am
===what’s more important?===

Both things are important.

Comment by Baloneymous Tuesday, Jan 23, 18 @ 9:56 am
Gotta be political correct…..why did it take so long.

Comment by Anonymous Tuesday, Jan 23, 18 @ 10:12 am
A name change is easy,

running a female candidate for the State’s highest office is more important.

Comment by Soapbox Derby Tuesday, Jan 23, 18 @ 10:12 am