2008 Jackie Brown Democratic Woman

Activist Award Winner

MARCH 13, 2008/JACKSONVILLE, FL/The Democratic Women’s Information Network (DWIN) announced a

new award, named for Democratic activist Jackie Brown, which was established by DWIN and will be given each

year during Women’s History month to a Democratic

woman exemplifying Jackie Brown’s political activism

and leadership. DWIN president Marie Varon stated,

“Jackie was a unique person who was the voice for all

those underrepresented by local government. DWIN is

proud to honor her spirit and encourage others who

follow in her path with this award.”

The 2008 Jackie Brown Democratic Woman Activist

award will be presented to Diane Melendez on March 18,

2008 at 6:30 p.m. at DWIN’s General meeting at the

Duval Democratic Party Headquarters, 4811 Beach Blvd.,

Suite 103, Jacksonville FL 32207. The award is presented

to Diane Melendez for her political activism as a strong, dynamic, and courageous woman who stands up, leads,

and fights for what is right, for truth, and for Democratic principles for the purpose of making a positive difference

in Jacksonville. Diane Melendez was also a mayoral

candidate, a friend and supporter of Jackie Brown, a

founder of the www.jaxoutloud.com website, and a

watch dog of City Hall sunshine law, ethics, and illegal contracts violations. 


 

Local Young Woman Honored

with National Award

MAY 5, 2008/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.