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Working with organizations like PDA gives me hope for the Democratic Party and a chance to work with some energized and dedicated activists. A fine example of this was during the DNC Conference in Phoenix, AZ. Several local volunteers worked tirelessly volunteering their time and skills to host a Progressive Reception for DNC members and activists alike. During the conference PDA members participated and educated Democrats from all over the nation on progressive issues such as verified voting rights, actions needed to stop the war in Iraq and universal healthcare. It is rewarding to work with such a variety of folks during these large events. I had a chance during our wrap-up meeting to ask some of the fellow grassroots activists who attended to write down their impressions and what it meant to attend the DNC Conference. I hope this gives you an insight into the community these events build and the importance of coming together, working for the issues of the underserved in our country.
"The DNC holding a meeting outside of 'the beltway' for the first time and PDA members coming to the meeting from numerous states, meeting together in a cordial atmosphere provided a viable face to 'progressives' and the force that 'progressives' actually are." – David Keeler
"I really felt it was an honor to participate in the DNC Convention as a Progressive Caucus (Charter Member), Veterans Caucus Member from California and as a PDLA member. I was able to present interrogatives to the DNC members regarding their personal path to being a DNC representative and to get some light on the weekly and monthly mail surveys." – William Crain
"This weekend was my first experience dealing with the DNC. The experience helped me along the learning curve (by) understanding more about how the DNC works – extremely impressed by PDA's leadership & Code Pink's tenacity. Talking and meeting with like-minded people and the contacts I made with the AEA, NEA and Vets were and will be important for future organizing" – Dan O'Neal
"Coming to Phoenix from Denver for the DNC meeting was an awesome experience. I was able to meet lots of PDA folks and DNC folks, even from my home state. People were accessible and I had many good, substantive conversations about peace, sustainable living, a just economy, alternative energy, etc. These are not fringe issues, these are common ground issues for everyone." – Evi
If you do anything this coming year, consider plugging yourself into a local or national PDA event. There is nothing more rewarding than being a part of the change progressives are creating inside and outside the Democratic Party.
"It is not the function of the government to keep the citizen from falling into error; it is the function of the citizen to keep the government from falling into error. " - Robert JacksonIn peace and progress,
Bryan Buchan
Phoenix PDA Coordinator
