The beginning of the First Amendment- called the Establishment Clause reads: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion”. This has always been interpreted as a requirement that there be a separation between Church and State. But just how tall is that wall that is believed to separate Church and State?

 JOIN THE DEMOCRATIC WOMEN OF CLIFTON AND NORTHERN VIRGINIA

ON

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2023 FROM 3 – 5 PM

AT

POHICK REGIONAL LIBRARY

6450 SYDENSTRICKER ROAD

BURKE, VA 22015

Come take part in a lively discussion about what separation of Church and State really means.

How separate are Church and State?

What did the Founders intend?

How has the Supreme Court interpreted the Establishment Clause?

Can places of worship maintain their tax-exempt status if they engage in politics? …and much more!

 TWO SPECIAL INVITED GUESTS 

We will also hear from two local candidates – Albert Vega for Springfield District Supervisor and Sandy Anderson for Springfield School Board.

Questions?  Email cliftonwomendems@aol.com

The DWCNV along with the Springfield District Democratic Committee held the annual Democratic Candidate Forum on Sunday, May 7, at the Clifton Town Hall. The program was a great success with many attendees–all interested in hearing from our 2023 candidates.

Candidates in contested races for Springfield Board of Supervisors, Commonwealth Attorney, State Senate, and House of Delegates all had an opportunity to introduce themselves. The floor was then opened to questions that had been previously submitted by members of the DWCNV and the Springfield District Democratic Committee and were chosen by a panel of three members from each group.  We then heard a little from some candidates in uncontested races. The forum moderator was DWCNV Co-Chair Barbara Levine, and member Barbara Miller was the timekeeper.

18 years ago, the DWCNV was formed and our “Action Committee” set to work helping make this organization a huge, and long-lasting success.  Every year we celebrate our Anniversary and this Sunday, Feb. 19th we will host an online (Zoom) event where we will gather together to “Raise a Glass” to the DWCNV and hear from our Special Guest Speaker,  the Honorable Elaine Luria!  Members  have received information on how to sign up to attend…another good reason for you to become a member of this dynamic organization!  Go here for more info and to sign up to become a member or subscriber: http://www.democraticwomenofclifton.org/joinus/membersubscriber/

It’s time for our Annual Holiday Giving Projects for two very worthy local charities:  Fairfax County Firefighters & Friends to the Rescue Toy and Coat Drive, and Britepaths.  The Firefighters hold coat and toy distributions where many needy local children may select a holiday gift and a new warm winter coat.  Britepaths uses our checks and grocery store gift cards to give to local needy families for food purchases in mid- January to early February, when the need is great and holiday giving has ended.

You do not need to be a member of the DWCNV to donate – all you need is a generous heart!

We will be hosting our Annual Holiday Giving Projects Meeting via Zoom on Sunday, November 20th from 5-7 P.M. 

How You May Donate and Make a Difference 

Fairfax Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue Toy and Coat Drive 

To donate to the Firefighter’s Toy and Coat Drive, you may drop off toys, checks and gift cards at two locations in Clifton and one in Herndon by Dec. 6th – contact us for exact drop off locations.  Toys will be given to pre-school and elementary aged school children, and gift cards to stores like Best Buy, WalMart, Target, Amazon, etc., will be given to older children to pick out their own gifts. You may also mail checks – made payable to Fairfax County Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue- to DWCNV, P.O. Box 143, Clifton, VA 20124.  

If you prefer, monetary donations may be made directly online to Firefighters & Friends to the Rescue on their website. Let them know you are donating through the DWCNV.

Deadline for donating to the Fairfax Co. Firefighters & Friends to the Rescue Toy and Coat Drive is December 6th.

Britepaths Donations

Please mail your grocery store gift cards of any amount, or checks made payable to Britepaths to DWCNV, P.O. Box 143, Clifton, VA 20124.   Donations of grocery store gift cards or checks for Britepaths will be accepted until Dec. 31st. 

For questions about our Holiday Giving Projects, please contact  cliftonwomendems@aol.com

We thank you in advance for giving!  You make the world a better place!

Spread the news with our Annual Holiday Giving 2022 flyer.

Happy Holidays!

We will be hosting a Zoom General Meeting this Sunday, Oct. 23rd,  from 3-5 P.M.  The topic will be The Supreme Court Decisions 2021- 2022 and Separation of Church and State.  Members and subscribers have received information on how to sign up for this Zoom meeting.  If you have questions, contact us at cliftonwomendems@aol.com

Last night DWCNV members met for dinner at Red’s Table in Reston!  Those there enjoyed a great meal, lively conversations, and were happy to meet in person.

We hope to be meeting again in person (and virtually – hybrid)  sometime in September…more reasons for you to become a DWCNV member!