Texas HD-55 candidate Amelia Rabroker greets a packed house at BCTDW’s February Blue Hour Social at Blackbird Books & Spirits in Belton.
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tl;dr? Don’t miss these highlights.
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Scroll on for photos! This month we voted, we advocated, we partied, and more.
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Learn your protest rights with ACLU TX
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Get ready for No Kings Day, Mar. 28!
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KEEP READING FOR EVERYTHING ELSE:
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A word from BCTDW President Terris Goodwin
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Upcoming BCTDW, community, and election dates
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Updates from each BCTDW committee
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How to join, and what to do once you have!
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Photos and video of BCTDW’s recent activities and events.
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⚠️ Note: The newsletter is LONG! If your email provider clips it, click the link at the bottom of your email that says “View entire message.”
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Terris Goodwin
President, Bell County Texas Democratic Women
Above: BCTDW member and Texas HD-54 candidate Dawn Richardson with Terris in Killeen during early voting.
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Dear BCTDW members and friends,
During Women’s History Month, I want to recognize the importance of women having a seat at every table where decisions are made. It’s why I ran for office a few years ago. Although I lost that race, I continue to believe in the power and impact of women stepping forward to lead, and I’m proud to continue that work here alongside all of you through BCTDW.
Because of the work of BCTDW, our partners, and the candidates who stepped up to run, Democrats showed up in historic numbers in Bell County and beyond. That kind of progress happens when people organize, talk to their neighbors, and stay committed.
We also know that engagement starts with community. When people feel welcomed and connected, they’re more likely to step in and get involved. During early voting, our Blue Hour social had its largest turnout yet (85!!), bringing together longtime members and new faces and continuing to grow the community that powers this work.
As we continue to Activate, Inform, and Mobilize, I encourage members to learn more about the women who will be on the ballot this November and consider supporting their campaigns, including Dawn Richardson, Amelia Rabroker, and Stacey Wilson.
When women run, communities benefit—and our democracy grows stronger.
Ever Forward,
Terris
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March Blue Hour Social
When: Thurs., Mar. 12 // 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Where: K-Cafe // Harker Heights
What: Our monthly Blue Hour Socials are a great way to connect and bring new people into BCTDW. Invite friends!
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DEADLINE: Apply for the BCTDW Scholarship
When: Mon., Mar. 23
Where: Online, or by mail
What: BCTDW will award five $1000 scholarships this year. There’s still time to apply! Share the application link with the Bell County students in your life.
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BCTDW + ACLU: Know Your Protest Rights
When: Sat., Mar. 28 at 11 a.m. (right after our meeting)
Where: In person or virtual — learn more & RSVP
What: We’re honored to welcome a speaker from ACLU Texas who will give a training focused on protest rights. Join us, and then head downtown for No Kings Day!
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ELECTION DATES & DEADLINES
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2026 is chock-full of elections. Stay tuned for our voter guides in the coming weeks. For now, take note of the important dates.
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Bell County Municipal Elections
On our ballots: City councils, school boards and library boards. They may seem small, but they are critical!
Register to vote by: Apr. 2
Early voting: Apr. 20 – 28
Request vote by mail by: Apr. 21
Election Day: May 2
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Democratic Primary Runoff
On our ballots: Texas Attorney General, Lt. Governor, US Rep for District 17, and JP for District 4 Place 2
Register to vote by: Apr. 26
Early voting: May 18 – 22
Request vote by mail by: May. 15
Election Day: May 26
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ICTX Weekly Protests in Belton and Harker Heights
When: Every Monday // 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Belton location: Bell County Courthouse
Harker Heights location: Southwest corner of FM 2410 & Stillhouse Lake Rd.
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Play | Cabaret
When: Mar. 19 – 29
Where: Temple Civic Theatre
What: “Cabaret explores the dark, heady and tumultuous life of Berlin’s natives and expatriates as Germany slowly yields to the emerging Third Reich.” Timely!
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Killeen Democrats Monthly Meeting
When: Thurs., April. 2 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Where: Meno’s Mexican Grill (1100 E. Stan Schlueter Lp., Killeen)
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Salado Democrats Monthly Meeting
When: Mon., March. 16 at 7 p.m.
Where: Salado Public Library (1151 N. Main St., Salado)
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The real work happens in our committees. We need you! Check out the committee updates below, and think about which interest you.
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COMMUNICATIONS | Next meeting: Wed., Apr. 1 at 5 p.m. (virtual)
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DEVELOPMENT | Next meeting: Wed., Apr. 8 at 6 p.m. (virtual)
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Find your place in BCTDW: We’ve started reaching out one-on-one to members to talk about the ways you want to be involved with BCTDW! You can get a jump on that by completing the 2026 Member Survey.
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EMPOWERMENT | Next meeting: Wed., Apr. 1 at 6 p.m. (virtual)
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Get ready to learn your protest rights: Our Mar. 28 Know Your Rights training from ACLU Texas is coming up! Space in person will be limited, but you can also join virtually. Learn more & RSVP
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Take a quick action: Use our easy letter-writing tool to tell Cornyn, Cruz, and your rep: NO WAR WITH IRAN. Over 100 people have already sent letters — help us drive the message home.
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FINANCE | Next meeting: TBD
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We are ramping back up with new leadership: Treasurer Vanessa and committee cochair Sierra are looking for more members. Reach out if interested!
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GOVERNANCE | Next meeting: TBD
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We’ll be working on BCTDW’s bylaws.
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OUTREACH | Next meeting: Wed., Mar. 11 at 5 p.m. (virtual)
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Our Blue Hour Socials are going strong: We had 85 (!) attendees checked in last month at Blackbird. Our next social is THIS THURSDAY in Harker Heights at K-Cafe. Learn more and RSVP.
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Lege Watch is the independent project of Solange Hommel.
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L&J Texas Lege Watch
Follow for updates on Texas legislative news and specific actions you can take to engage with the political process.
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We’re thrilled to have 92 current members! We need all the help we can get for the work ahead.
Please welcome our 8 newest members, Sheila D., Kelly G., Cristin C., Lauren E., Susan E., Harley J. Cindy B., and Jazmin M. See y’all on GroupMe!
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Special shouts this month go to:
- Abbi O., who’s helped BCTDW’s email list grow. Email is one of the bet ways we’ve found to reach new members and ultimately new volunteers.
- Nancy P., whose letter to the editor was published in Temple and Killeen.
- Vanessa B., who stepped up as our new treasurer.
- Tracy U., who you might have spoken to! She’s been calling members with the Development Committee.
- Leah M. and Vicky F., who brought refreshments for our last meeting.
- Angela H., who is contributing decorations for the scholarship celebration in April.
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Members! You may be missing out! If you have any issues, please reach out by email or in person after a meeting. We have nerds on standby who love to help. 🤓 💙
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Have you joined us on GroupMe yet? We use this chat for real-time updates, organizing, and conversation.
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Never miss a meeting, event, or volunteer opportunity!
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Not a member yet? We can fix that!
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BENEFITS
Member privileges include voting at our meetings and access members-only spaces like GroupMe. Members also get priority access to BCTDW events.
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DUES ($30 / year)
Annual dues fund our events, our Scholarships Program, support for local candidates, and more. A portion also goes to our parent organization, TDW.
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Killeen turned out for Jasmine Crockett!
Above: Rep. Jasmine Crockett herself with BCTDW members Marta R. and Stacy Wilson, candidate for Bell County commissioner precinct 2.
Right: Liz J. registers voters with ICTX.
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February’s Blue Hour Social was our biggest yet!
Left: BCTDW Vice President Solange Hommel sells t-shirts
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BCTDW members, Salado Democrats, and ICTX members spoke against book banning at the Salado Library Board.
Speakers included Melanie C., Amy F., and Jose M.
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Several BCTDW members attended the TDW Convention in Austin.
Left: BCTDW was in charge of running the silent auction fundraiser.
Below: Terris was elected to the TDW Board!
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And finally… we voted! So many of us voted that we broke state and county records. 💙
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Follow BCTDW on Social Media!
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Find photos and videos of our activities, event invitations, Daily Actions, and more. Facebook is where we’re currently most active, but we’re expanding!
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Help us accomplish our goals! Donate directly through ActBlue, or shop for us on Amazon.
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Questions or ideas? Reach out!
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