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Virginia State NewsVol. 1, No. 6--December 23, 2004Virginia Grassroots Coalition NewsWe've got our new meeting rhythm down - monthly gatherings on the second Tuesday. Workshops on the third Saturday. We're also going to throw in purely social events on a quarterly basis. The aim is to build a bigger community. We asked lots of folks what they thought before we settled on this. We had myriad problems working on the Democracy for America schedule of first Wednesday. Please provide feedback regarding community building opportunities and step up to host a VGC party at your home if you'd like. There has been some interest expressed in doing environmental advocacy (could include sustainability, growth, and transportation?) through VGC. We'll start an environmental outreach group if there are enough people willing to take a leadership role in terms of distilling the issues and identifying ways we can affect regional policy. Given the amount of data we all have to sort through, there's no substitute for experience and expertise. if you're interested. Young ProgressivesWe need to look toward developing the next generation of leaders(and voters). In our case, this probably requires that we reach out to young people, invite them to participate as equals, and provide them mentorship opportunities. Once again, if you're interested. A key point for VGC moving forward will be to focus on working at all levels of the community. That means working with groups of people who've never done anything political before and working with leaders of other groups to formulate strategy. It also means that we have to blend our approaches to outreach. Specifics are sketchy at the moment but we're busy asking two questions. First, what can we do that's not already being done? Second, are there things we're already doing that someone else is doing better? Those are Business 101 questions, but we find that they often aren't asked. We plan on programming a variety of tools/events that address different sections of the community:
We'll support and augment that with a redesigned website (look for changes in the new year) that includes:
The guiding principle behind all of this stuff is that we need to expand our potency inside the progressive and/or Democratic community and, more important, outside that community as well. We expect to achieve that by both becoming ruthlessly efficient about what we already do and carefully selecting new projects. We're also keenly aware that we need to blend eActivism with actual "face time." Trusted relationships are key to enabling much of what we need to do and those relationships are best built in person. We need to continue to build participation in regional activism. VGC Outreach Coordinator Ellen Faris has made the following observations about areas where we need help:
Legislative WatchThe Virginia General Assembly starts in 5 weeks (January 15th). Do you know what's on the table? Find out here. Read the bills and take responsibility for knowing what's coming down the pipeline. Raise a red flag if you spot anything that progressives need to fight to pass or kill. Keep in mind that the ugliest legislation will be filed at the last minute, so keep checking the site. Many hands (or eyeballs) make light work. We need to start getting the same advance intelligence about votes at the local level. We'd love to have individual volunteers to track issues in their own jurisdiction. Email us if you'd like to provide that service for your jurisdiction. Virginia Grassroots Coalition EventsTuesday, January 11th, 7:00-9:00pm, Virginia Grassroots Coalition Meeting at Capitol City Brewing in Shirlington--2700 South Quincy St, in Arlington. For those folks who've been too busy with elections stuff to come visit us at Cap City, it's a great location. We get easy freeway access, ample parking, a private room away from the noise of the bar, and good food. We have the ability to watch televised events and show DVDs. On that note, we'll be screening the new George Lakoff DVD at the January meeting. We might also have one of the fall 2005 candidates with us. Come out and enjoy dinner and a beer, meet some new friends, and help advance progressive politics in Virginia. Stay tuned for more details. No need to RSVP but do if you want to get on the agenda for the evening. Outreach and Events Around VirginiaCounter Inaugural Protests: I don't think anyone knows what form these will take yet, but they will happen. Progressive Democrats of America in DC January 21-23. Come early in the week for protests. Stay for this event to build a new future for progressive politics. Get your lodging now. The Summit site is Metro friendly. VGC Action AlertsThe Supreme Court Right Wing WatchVGC Labor Issues and OutreachA weekly e-zine on regional labor issues. Interesting Reads- WSJ thinks overturning Roe v Wade is a good thing for Dems?? Toolbox--A new department where we list sites that are tools and resources for information, education, and activism Nationwide Media and Legislative Database Capwiz is a great product that costs more than we can afford (which is $0 if we're to keep the freedom of being a community group). Progressive Democrats have just installed this tool and we've been encouraged to make use of it. Write your own words and make your subject line count. This is ruthless efficiency!! PR Watch Keep an eye on media inaccuracies and propaganda. AdministratumFor your friends and colleagues who want to be on the email list, go here. This list is announce-only but discussion is available for those who wish at forums. Our website will begin to grow now that we have some time.VGC Outreach teams are growing in number. This is a list of current groups. If you have an interest, contact them:
Wish ListLarge format printer (plotter) access - The ability to make a poster once in a while is great and copy shops are really expensive. If you've got access to one and don't mind printing stuff out for us occasionally, let us know. |
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