By Irena Raia, TCDC Vice Chair and Chair of Communications —
At noon on Jan. 20, all three branches of the U.S. government will come under Republican control for the first time since 2019. This shift of power in Washington does little to deter the Tioga County Democratic Committee (TCDC), an organization used to operating under the local Republican majority, from persisting in its mission to be an inclusive community contributor. However, the 2024 General Election has significantly changed how the TCDC communicates its efforts to the public.
Historically, the TCDC has quietly supported local service programs through volunteer work and financial contributions. However, given the unprecedented political divisiveness, TCDC leadership recognized that a more visible approach is critical.
As TCDC Vice Chair and Chair of Communications, I present the rationale behind this change.
TCDC members recently donated to TCRM. Photo provided.
The national narrative has characterized half of the country as “the enemy from within.” When you hear that rhetoric used by politicians, alarm bells go off. You realize you can only put the shopping cart back when nobody is watching only so many times.
We need to counter the negativity and make sure our community knows about the positive impact we have. So, the motivation behind this shift is serious, not self-congratulatory.
Recently, the TCDC presented a check to Sister Mary O’Brien, Executive Director of Tioga County Rural Ministries (TCRM), an organization dedicated to helping the poor, sick, and elderly in Tioga County.
Newly located at 146 Central Ave., Suite 2 in Owego, TCRM’s outreach extends throughout Tioga County, including people some might not expect to be in need of help.
The TCDC selected TCRM for its holistic approach to social services, which include not only food assistance but also financial aid for critical needs such as vehicle repairs and radon mitigation system installations. The donation funds were raised by TCDC members who collected and recycled wires from old election lawn signs and other scrap metal, showcasing the committee’s creativity and dedication to sustainability while keeping a community focus.
Last year, the TCDC and its members also distributed free hats, gloves, and mittens at their 4th annual “Letters to Santa” event during Owego’s Lights on the River festival. TCDC hosted a St. Patrick’s Day community brunch, “Green Eggs & Jam,” with free children’s admission, live music, face painting, story time and a themed breakfast. TCDC provided discounted student rates and member-sponsored admission at their summer fundraiser and supported local school musicals by purchasing playbill advertisements.
The recent donation to TCRM by TCDC members was made possible by collecting and recycling wires from old election lawn signs and other scrap metal. Photo provided.
Similar to Tioga County Rural Ministries, members of the Tioga County Democratic Committee believe in meeting people where they are. They have welcomed Independents and Republicans at their events, finding common ground in their desire to cultivate a caring community and a shared contempt for the chaos and cruelty often displayed in national headlines.
By highlighting these initiatives, Raia hopes to rebuild trust in civic engagement by publicly countering the divisive rhetoric dominating national discourse.
We’re not some faceless national organization; we’re your friends, neighbors, and family members. We know representation matters, and we want people to know they’re not alone and that they have a place here.
The Tioga County Democrats meet monthly, offering both in-person and hybrid options. Their next meeting is on Jan. 21 at 7 p.m. at 223 Front St. in Owego. For more information, visit tioganydemocrats.com.
Tioga County Rural Ministries can be found online at tcrm.org.
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