What a wonderful time in history. I know that we are all elated about the Florida Delegation being seated at the National Convention in Denver! I was in New Mexico when I heard the news. Speaking of news, what a wonderful time I had in New Mexico at the National Federation of Democratic Women’s Convention.

Thank you Democratic Women of Florida for affording me this privilege. I had an information experience. The pleasure of meeting women from all of these United States and to hear about the outstanding work that they are doing in their hometowns just makes me want to work even harder in Florida.

We had 11 delegates from the state of Florida attending this convention, (one of the largest delegations excluding New Mexico.) Kudos to our Southern Regional Director, Sarah Brown who conducted a most interesting meeting. The Southern Region had the highest number attending. Sarah will give us a full report at our Executive Committee meeting on July 12, 2008 at the Ocala Hilton.

We were spell bound when our scholarship recipient, Shannon Clark from DWIN in Jacksonville accepted the Rilla Moran Woods Internship Award. Shannon was eloquent in delivering but humble by the thought of being the honoree for such a prestigious award. Shannon is most deserving and we are grateful to Marie Varon, President of DWIN in Jacksonville for submitting her name. Thank you so very much, Marie!

We had the opportunity to visit Santa Fe. The tour was historical as well as educational! Unique shops, Art Galleries, restaurants and museums. The tour was about six hours long but we could have stayed longer. There was so much to see. The art work just takes your breath away! The event was concluded with a wine and cheese reception at the Green Gallery in Tesuque. What a remarkable time!

There were some delegates who rode in the hot air balloon. (That was a bit much for your president.)

Each day began with a breakfast and registration. The agenda was very similar to ours at the state convention. There were Officers Reports, Regional Reports and of course By-Laws. Thank goodness Justine Postal was with us! The keynote speakers were outstanding and of course there were workshops in the afternoon. Valerie Plame Wilson was the keynote speaker who told us about her life as a spy and how she was betrayed by the White House.

Our information consisted of material from Communication Skills to Lobbying. Friday, we were pleasantly surprised to have as our guest speaker for the Young Democrats, Chelsea Clinton. She was excellent and really knows her Mother’s platform. She was magnificent and kept us all on the edge of our chairs. The New Mexico State Treasurer, James B. Lewis introduced a special guest from the Obama campaign at the Saturday night Banquet. Again, she knows his platform. They were both dynamic speakers.

Our National President, Helen Knetzer won the beautiful turquoise necklace that was auctioned.

Thank you Democratic Women for such a marvelous time! Thank you delegates: Sarah Brown, Judy Craig, Danielle Neetz, Julia Heckendorn, Justine Postal, Alice Otis, Melba Seron, Rae Small, Marie Varon and Shannon Clarke.

"We know that when women vote, Democrats win!" One of our speakers, Sharon Grosfeld stated: Democratic Success Depends on Democratic Women."

Remembering these words, we left Albuquerque full of determination and pride. We know the importance of women voting.

President Jimmy Carter said: "The experience of democracy is like the experience of life itself. Always changing, infinite in its variety, sometimes turbulent and all the more valuable for having been tested by adversity."

I would like to congratulate Audrey Gore-Marcus and the DWC of Flagler County for inviting me to attend their 15th Anniversary celebration in Palm Coast on Saturday, June 7, 2008. This lovely event took place at the Palm Coast Yacht Club. Everything was so beautiful and I enjoyed conversing with Martha Doherty who said to tell everyone hello and she would see us at our state convention in September. Danielle Neetz, our Environmental chair accompanied me.

(Democratic Women’s Information Network: Jacksonville, FL) - The Democratic Women’s Information Network (DWIN), chartered in October 2003 by the Democratic Women’s Club of Florida, Inc., is proud to announce that one of its members, Shannon Clarke, is the 2008 winner of the Rilla Moran Woods Internship Award which will be presented by the National Federation of Democratic Women at their annual convention May 28-June 1, 2008 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This is the first time DWIN has submitted a candidate for this award. Marie Varon, President of DWIN cited Shannon as, "…a lovely young lady, energetic, bright, motivated, and a definite plus for the Democratic Party. She exemplifies the qualities we would like to encourage in all young Democrats today."

As the award recipient, Ms. Clarke will serve a month’s internship at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) Headquarters in Washington, D. C. and will receive a stipend of $3,000. The purpose of the internship is to reward a young woman who has already evidenced an interest in Democratic politics at her local and state levels.

A senior attending the University of North Florida and employee of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Ms. Clarke is also a contract consultant and member of the Duval County Democratic Executive Committee and an intern in Senator Bill Nelson’s office. Regional Director for Senator Nelson, Michelle Barth, stated in her letter of recommendation, "She is bright and capable, and has demonstrated a sincere passion for politics and government work." Shannon has previously volunteered on many local Democratic campaigns, is a volunteer for the Jay McGovern for Congress campaign, helped organize the event which brought Madeleine Albright, former Secretary of State, to speak in March at the Florida Theater, a member of the Jacksonville Young Democrats, and an active member of DWIN.