Mount Vernon, IL — This past weekend, DPI hosted several hundred downstate democrats for their inaugural training series and speaking event in Southern Illinois. The summit, which featured remarks from Democratic State Central Committeeman Glenn Poshard (IL-12), Democratic State Central Committeewoman Vivian Robinson (IL-12), IBEW 702 Representative Steve Hughart, and video remarks from DNC Chair Jaime Harrison, equipped Illinoisans with tools to build a campaign plan, manage resources effectively, run successful county parties, and ultimately, created a pipeline for downstate democrats to get involved–and stay invested in—DPI operations. Photos of the summit can be found at this link.

“The Democratic Party of Illinois is doing something unprecedented for our state party in years past: we’re directly investing in our local communities. Our inaugural Southern Illinois Democratic Summit was an opportunity to provide resources, tout our coordinated efforts, support down ballot candidates and build strong local party structures for the overall success of the party,” said DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez.

“It was important to start an annual DPI tradition of engaging specifically in southern Illinois to connect with community members, train local parties and hear their needs directly. Post-summit, I’ve talked to several Democrats who appreciated hearing from the leaders who trained, encouraged and rallied us all on Saturday,” said DPI Downstate Director Tyler Bontemps.

“Saturday was about Democratic unity, strengthening our Party and securing wins in November. This Summit was a very important tool in strengthening that unity and ensuring proud downstate Democrats continued to be heard and supported,” said Committeeman Poshard.

“Organizing this event and seeing nearly 400 like-minded Democrats come together in solidarity and unity was a real inspiration. The summit was motivational and informative. The speakers excelled in their role on Saturday. Women’s issues and getting out the vote are essential to the democracy of our country, and we must not allow our children and grandchildren to have less rights than we did,” said Committeewoman Robinson.