Civic Engagement Takes Center Stage

The Democratic Women’s Club of Marco (DWCMarco) gathered this month with a clear message: democracy requires participation. Sixty members and guests attended the meeting, where the focus centered on civic responsibility, informed advocacy, and continued community service.

President Karen Tessel-Blum opened the evening by challenging members to move beyond observation and into action, whether by volunteering, writing letters to the editor, canvassing, phone banking, donating, or supporting candidates who reflect their values. “Strong democratic leadership doesn’t happen by accident,” she emphasized. “It requires people willing to engage.”

A Candidate’s Vision for FL-19

One of the evening’s featured presentations was from Victor Arias, Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress in Florida’s 19th District, the seat being vacated in 2026 by Congressman Byron Donalds.

Arias brings more than 36 years of legal experience as the owner and managing attorney of a Southwest Florida law firm, where he has represented families and individuals across a range of civil matters, including immigration. Arias emphasized unity, accountability, and legislative guardrails as priorities in what he described as a time of federal overreach and political division

His platform centers on justice, advocating for equal access to the legal system, strengthened worker protections, and fair treatment under the law, particularly for those who have historically been underserved. He also supports expanded access to affordable healthcare, meaningful investment in public education, environmental stewardship and climate resilience.

Arias’ deep community roots are reflected in his decades of volunteer leadership on boards including the Children’s Network of Southwest Florida, United Way of Southwest Florida, and the Suncoast Credit Union, underscoring his long-standing commitment to local service and civic engagement. You can learn more about candidate Arias and his platform by visiting www.votearias.us

Protecting Public Health: Mosquito Control in Southwest Florida

The meeting also featured a presentation from a representative of the Collier Mosquito Control District (CMCD), a reminder that civic engagement doesn’t begin and end at the ballot box.

Created by the Florida Legislature in 1950, CMCD protects public health in a region uniquely suited for mosquito breeding. Through science-based Integrated Mosquito Management strategies, the district works to suppress disease-carrying and nuisance mosquitoes while minimizing impact on the environment, wildlife, and residents. Governed by an elected, non-partisan board and funded by local taxpayers, the district represents a model of accountable, community-focused public service.

Education and public outreach are core components of CMCD’s mission. Residents play a role by staying informed, participating in community events, and supporting evidence-based public health initiatives. The presentation reinforced a broader theme of the evening: effective democracy requires informed citizens who understand how local institutions function and who remain engaged in protecting the wellbeing of their community.

Advocacy Updates and Legislative Watch

Legislative Liaison Linda Scherzinger provided a comprehensive update on developments in Tallahassee and Washington. Members discussed the Federal SAVE Act and Florida Bill SB1334, both of which make voter registration and access significantly more difficult. Attendees were encouraged to stay alert for legislative updates and to communicate with elected officials.

A reminder was also issued regarding Vote-by-Mail ballots: voters must resubmit their requests each cycle to remain enrolled.

Community Service Continues

DWCMarco’s impact extends beyond policy discussions. The club continues monthly food collections for Our Daily Bread Food Pantry, helping to offset gaps created by Florida’s rejection of certain federal food assistance funds.

Recent activities included mailing 750 letters to young non-voting democrats in south Collier County to encourage civic participation, sponsoring a beach clean-up at South Beach, hosting a neighborhood meet-and-greet at Winding Cypress and continued stocking the Free Little Library at Veterans’ Community Park with children’s books.

A Call to Be “The Conscience of the Nation”

Building on a previous discussion titled “We Are the Wealth of the Nation,” member Lee Spector Willer encouraged attendees to see themselves as “the conscience of the nation.” Democracy, she noted, does not sustain itself; it requires attention, accountability, and informed citizens willing to participate at every level, from city council meetings to national elections.

The club also participated in the national “Majority Project” postcard campaign, sending messages to elected officials affirming that most Americans support common-sense policies such as universal background checks, reproductive freedom, transgender protections and pathways to citizenship.

Get Involved

With growing membership, active committees, and volunteer opportunities both within DWCMarco and at the new Collier Democratic headquarters, members are encouraged to find roles that match their strengths. Upcoming events include rallies, social gatherings, beach clean-ups, and the next general meeting featuring Collier Supervisor of Elections Melissa Blazier on Tuesday, March 24.

As the meeting concluded, the underlying theme remained clear: civic engagement is not seasonal, and it is not optional. Whether through service, advocacy, education, or organizing, DWCMarco continues to demonstrate that meaningful change begins at the local level.

To learn more, get involved, or join, visit DWCMarco.org.

Democracy is not a spectator sport.