What is the Frances Perkins Club?
The Frances Perkins Club is composed of midcoast Maine Democrats who annually pledge their financial support of $100 or $250 to the cause of building a professional, effective and broadly-based Democratic Party in Lincoln County. In recent years we have received 100 memberships. Our 2008 goal is to surpass that benchmark!

Who was Frances Perkins?
Perhaps the most famous resident of Newcastle, Maine, Frances Perkins was the first woman to serve in a President's Cabinet. She was the Secretary of Labor and initiated some of the greatest achievements of the New Deal, including Workers' Compensation, the first Minimum Wage Laws and Social Security. Born into a wealthy family, she devoted her life to social justice and, like FDR, was condemned as a "socialist" and a "class traitor" by many Republicans. She worked to lay the foundations of the modern American middle class by exposing and fighting both poverty and unbridled greed.

Why Should We Commemorate Her?
Since the New Deal began, Democrats have fought to support basic decency and fairness in the workplace and among the generations. As we move forward into the 21st Century, we are challenged by Republicans who seek to turn the clock back to the 19th Century and the Gilded Age. The ideal that every civilized nation should provide for its children, its elderly, the sick and the disabled is being challenged here at home. The philosophy of greed that Frances Perkins and FDR defeated once – the selfish creed that says individuals have no responsibility other than to enrich themselves - is back with a vengeance. In commemorating Frances Perkins' achievements, we strengthen her legacy against those who would diminish it.

What Does the Club do?
In addition to a commitment to democratic and Democratic ideals, the Club exists to provide financial support for the Lincoln County Democrats. Think of the annual pledge of $100 as $25 a quarter, or $8 a month or $2 a week. The contributions of the Club members are used to underwrite the work of the Lincoln County Democratic Committee – the maintenance of our County voter lists and street address records, the rental of election headquarters, the cost of our telephone canvassing, and contributions to local candidates. With this financial support, we can build upon the major gains we have made over the years. The best place to first fight for our democratic and Democratic principles is right here at home, in Lincoln County.

How Can I Join?
Send a check for $100 or $250 to the Treasurer of the Lincoln County Democrats, Sandie O'Farrell, PO Box 336, Waldoboro 04572.