Restoring What Matters: Marco Democratic Women’s Club Champions Water, Rights, and Resilience

On April 8, the Democratic Women’s Club of Marco Island (DWCMarco) gathered for one of its most dynamic meetings yet, welcoming a record 95 attendees. Held at the Mackle Park Community Center, the evening brought together neighbors, advocates, and change-makers who share a common belief: that protecting our natural resources, defending human dignity, and building stronger communities is work that starts right here, with each of us.

A Conversation About Water: Protecting Our Future

The highlight of the meeting was a powerful presentation by Charlette Roman, U.S. Army Colonel (Ret.) and Chair of the Big Cypress Basin for the South Florida Water Management District. Appointed in 2019, Charlette has become a passionate advocate for restoring America’s Everglades, advancing water quality, and preparing South Florida for a sustainable future.

Charlette took the audience through a compelling history of Florida’s water infrastructure - from 1947 flood mitigation efforts to the present-day roadmap for Everglades restoration. The engineered canal system that once seemed like a triumph now chokes natural water flow and accelerates ecological harm. With nine million people now depending on the system designed for just two million, the urgency for action is clear.

Thanks to the roadmap adopted in 2019, 19 out of 68 major projects are either completed or underway. These include reservoir improvements near the St. Lucie Estuary, modifications to the Tamiami Trail, and the restoration of the Kissimmee River. "It’s expensive to fix," Charlette acknowledged, "but it will only get more expensive the longer we wait."

Local engagement, she emphasized, is critical. DWCMarco members were encouraged to remind elected officials that clean water and flood protection aren’t luxuries - they’re necessities. There’s a clear opportunity for Marco Island City Council and the Collier Board of County Commissioners to partner with the South Florida Water Management District and accelerate local progress.

A Month of Action, Advocacy, and Outreach

April is Volunteer Appreciation Month, and DWCMarco members have risen to the occasion in every way:

• Habitat for Humanity: Members continue to swing hammers and raise walls at local builds, answering the call for affordable housing.
• Food Justice: With 580 lbs. of food donated to Our Daily Bread Food Pantry through March alone, the club is making a tangible difference for families in need.
• Support for Women and Children: An outpouring of donations flowed in for Manatee Elementary's Mother's Day Drive and the Abused Women and Children’s Shelter.
• Environmental Stewardship: DWCMarco cosponsored the March 15 Beach Cleanup, earning praise from both the community and the Coastal Breeze.

Advocacy in the Streets: DWCMarco remains a bold and visible presence at rallies and public forums:

• Support for Ukraine: Nearly 400 gathered on March 8, with DWCMarco members among the crowd, showing solidarity and hope.
• Social Security Town Hall and Protest at Byron Donalds' Office: Members voiced opposition to policies that threaten public welfare.
• Naples Hands Off Rally (April 5): With over 2,000 attendees, this powerful event highlighted bodily autonomy and the protection of women’s rights. DWCMarco members made 75 signs and turned heads with their signature t-shirts bearing the phrase: “Democracy is not a spectator sport.”

Building Connections, Growing the Movement

The club’s momentum is undeniable:

• A successful March social at The Speakeasy brought 49 members together.
• The Little Free Library continues to thrive, driven by tremendous community engagement and a steady flow of donated books.
• Over 3,200 followers on Blue Sky and 1,000+ on Facebook now keep up with DWCMarco efforts.
• New website launched! Featuring streamlined navigation and online membership/donation processing through Square.

Looking Ahead: What You Can Do – Contact us at info@dwcmarco.org

• May 10: Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive – Leave donations by your mailbox or sign up for a two-hour volunteer shift (closed-toe shoes required!).
• Know Your Rights Campaign: Contact Kendra Maxwell to learn how to distribute immigrant rights materials in your community.
• Host a Gated Community Gathering: Chris Chase is offering training to help members organize events in their neighborhoods.
• Get Involved: New volunteers are always welcome across all committees. More hands mean more impact.
• May 13 Meeting:  Featuring Mary Domack from the Shelter for Abused Women and Children.

Be the Change

From clean water and housing to food justice and democratic advocacy, the Democratic Women’s Club of Marco Island continues to meet the moment. 

For more information about meetings, membership, or supporting our charitable efforts, go to dwcmarco.org or contact us at info@dwcmarco.org. 

Let’s stand together. Let’s use our voices. And let’s make a difference.

Democracy is not a spectator sport. Do something.