About
Join our vibrant and welcoming club for residents who share democratic values and a passion for community engagement. Since its founding, the club has grown steadily, becoming a respected voice in Heritage Ranch and the surrounding communities of Fairview, Lucas, and Collin County.
The 2026 Board Members
The Democratic Club is led by an elected board, with members and sponsors volunteering on a variety of committees to support the club’s activities and initiatives. If you are interested in getting involved, please reach out to us through our Contact Us page.
Committee Chairs
Officers
- Social – Carolyn Schultz & Linda Watson
- Political Activity – Shari Shaw
- Membership – Juley Welch & Jo Thompson-Hes
- Events – Tina Maher
- Education – Juley Welch & Lisanne Glew
- Community Outreach – John Kalb
- Communication – Launa Fackrell & Becky Price
- President – Vickie Echols
- Vice President – Shari Shaw
- Treasurer – Norm Udovich
- Secretary – Denise Darab
- Past President – John Bolt
We have a choice between a future rooted in fear, scarcity and division, OR one built on hope, dignity and civic strength.
Standing Committees
- Communications
- The Communications Committee keeps members, stakeholders and the community informed about activities, events and issues using multiple communication channels.
- A member manages this website, email and social media – Facebook and Bluesky.
- This committee also helps promote club activities through the Ranch Reporter and lobby sign.
- The Communications Committee keeps members, stakeholders and the community informed about activities, events and issues using multiple communication channels.
- Community Outreach
- The Community Outreach Committee helps expand the Democratic volunteer base in our community and offering financial and volunteer support.
- Guided by the belief that engaged citizens working alongside government and local organizations can create meaningful change, this committee backs initiatives that address food insecurity, homelessness, and access to essential services.
- The Community Outreach Committee helps expand the Democratic volunteer base in our community and offering financial and volunteer support.
- Education
- The Education committee oversees two main activities – scheduling quality speakers for bi-monthly meetings: Progressive Book Club and Speakers for Meetings and Events.
- Book Club and Speakers are featured on alternating months. In even-numbered years, we focus more on political topics to align with major elections.
- Speaker Meetings include forums, meet and greets and speakers on various topics.
- The Education committee oversees two main activities – scheduling quality speakers for bi-monthly meetings: Progressive Book Club and Speakers for Meetings and Events.
- Events
- The Events Committee ensures that all on-site venues are set up thoughtfully and efficiently to support the goals of the Education, Political Activities, and Social Committees. This newly formed committee was created to streamline event logistics and improve the overall experience for members and guests.
- The Year-End Gala is led by the Club President and serves as our signature event to close out the year. During the evening, we hold officer elections (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer), share committee highlights and year-end reports, and begin recruiting for next year’s committees.
- The Events Committee ensures that all on-site venues are set up thoughtfully and efficiently to support the goals of the Education, Political Activities, and Social Committees. This newly formed committee was created to streamline event logistics and improve the overall experience for members and guests.
- Membership
- The Membership Committee is dedicated to welcoming new members, engaging current ones, and fostering a strong sense of belonging within our club. The chair manages the member directory and coordinating renewals, this committee plays a vital role in building and sustaining our vibrant community.
- They also help connect members with committees, events, and opportunities to get involved—ensuring that everyone feels informed, included, and valued.
- The Membership Committee is dedicated to welcoming new members, engaging current ones, and fostering a strong sense of belonging within our club. The chair manages the member directory and coordinating renewals, this committee plays a vital role in building and sustaining our vibrant community.
- Political Activities
- The Political Activities Committee leads our club’s efforts to promote civic engagement and political action at the local, state, and national levels. The committee organizes a range of activities to help members stay informed and take meaningful action—including coordinated letter-writing campaigns, calls to representatives, participation in rallies and protests, and voter education initiatives.
- A key projects is the RESIST newsletter, which shares upcoming political events in Collin County and offers resources to help members advocate effectively.
- The Political Activities Committee leads our club’s efforts to promote civic engagement and political action at the local, state, and national levels. The committee organizes a range of activities to help members stay informed and take meaningful action—including coordinated letter-writing campaigns, calls to representatives, participation in rallies and protests, and voter education initiatives.
- Social
- The Social Committee plans and hosts a variety of events designed to bring our community together in fun and meaningful ways.
- From monthly happy hours and seasonal patio parties to backyard BBQs and special celebrations, the committee works to create opportunities for members to connect, relax, and enjoy each other’s company.
- The Social Committee plans and hosts a variety of events designed to bring our community together in fun and meaningful ways.
Past Presidents:
- 2013-2015: Juley Welch, Founder
- 2016-2017: Cathy Mangarelli
- 2018-2019: Shari Shaw
- 2020-2021: Launa Fackrell
- 2022-2023: Sheila Levatino
- 2023-2024: Launa Fackrell
- 2024-2025: John Bolt
Bylaws of the Democratic Club at Heritage Ranch
We believe in the importance of open dialogue and respect for diverse perspectives.
Our club warmly welcomes those who vote as Democrats, Independents, Republicans – any political affiliation which supports responsible government. We recognize that collaboration and respect are key to a thriving and informed community. Whether you are a lifelong Democrat or simply interested in learning more about democratic values and initiatives, you are invited to join us at our events, engage in thoughtful discussions, and be part of our mission to create a positive impact in our community.
