Two progressive groups to meet in Boston in July. Interesting stuff.

[madfloridian]

Progressives to join in Boston near convention time. Supporters of
Kucinich, Dean, and others are going to gather there. Democracy Fest
(previously known as Dean Fest) welcomes members of Progressive Vote.
Democracy Fest July 24, 25 Governor Dean to speak. Also Zephyr Teachout,
Eugene Hedlund of Truth and Hope, and several Dean Dozen, including
Florida's Rob McKenna of Tampa. Many entertainers are listed, and more to
come.
http://www.myvoteismyvoice.com/

Kevin Spidel of Progressive Vote, mostly Kucinich supporters, with a Dean
supporter or two, will be speaking as well.
http://progressivevote.org/news.php
SNIP.."Progressive Vote to Speak at Democracy Fest
July 11, 2004
Supporters of Howard Dean’s presidential bid will converge in Massachusetts
to celebrate the historic campaign that was the "Dean for America" campaign.
These supporters will not only celebrate their achievements but also speak
on behalf of the new movement to preserve America’s Democracy. Kevin Spidel,
National Political Director for Progressive Vote, has been asked to share
the stage with well known Progressive Leaders to discuss unity amongst
progressive activists. Howard Dean will keynote the two day festival, and
members of Progressive Vote are encouraged to attend."

[Cha]

1. This is interesting stuff...

Boston will be one hoppin' place in July..


Especially in light of the bushco sending out "trial balloons" to cancel(postpone)the elections.

[madfloridian]

2. You are right about a hoppin place.

It does look interesting. Here is a partial list of speakers and entertainers so far.
SNIP..."Gov. Howard Dean, MD; Cathy Bao Bean, author of The Chopsticks-Fork Principle: A Memoir and Manual; Massachusetts State Senator Jarrett Barrios, Massachusetts candidates and Grassroots Activists.

Workshop presenters from: Latinos for America, Grassroots for America, Progressive Vote, Youth for America, Cathy Bao Bean, Robert Winkler, and Charles Grapski. (I think Kevin Spidel will do a workshop for Progressive Vote)

An ever growing list of entertainers is available at www.myvoteismyvoice.com; but here's a sample: Sara Lee Guthrie and Johnny Irion, The Burn Sisters, Eliza Gilkyson, Amsterdam, Deerfrance with Extra Virgin Mary, Curtis Eller, Flying Other Brothers, Chicken McHead, Pete B., Zohar Tobi, and Laramie Crocker

[DFLforever]

4. madfla - have you considered posting this you know where?

We need an infusion of Dean energy.

[DFLforever]

3. This is great and maybe the beginning of what we've been hoping for -

A joining together of progressives in the Dem party divided by primary allegiances.

I know some of the bloggers at BFA were disappointed that the name had changed from Dean Fest because they had wanted to get together and celebrate the bonds formed among Deaniacs over the last several months.

But it seems to me Democracy Fest intends to be much more forward looking.

If I were younger and up for the struggle, I'd be there.

[madfloridian]

5. I think it has to be an inclusive thing.

Too far to travel for us right now, but I would love to be there.

[no name no slogan]

9. Yeah, I almost went myself....

I almost ran for national delegate this year, but I'm unemployed and can't afford it :(. I had also planned on attending the Boston Social Forum, too, because I wanted to hear Howard Zinn and Noam Chomsky speak.

Too bad the party doesn't have "sponsorships" for broke-ass individuals like myself to be delegates to the national convention. $2000 may not be much to many people, but it sure is if you're not working (or are a wage-slave).

[madfloridian]

6. Oops, was changed to Great Barrington, MA

DemocracyFest!
July 24 and 25
Great Barrington, MA

Join us as we engage in politics in a fun and beautiful environment. DemocracyFest is a progressive two day festival to be held at the Butternut Basin Ski resort in Great Barrington, Massachusetts (camping is available onsite). The event is timed to unite us, carry momentum into the National Democratic Convention, and carry forward the fight of Taking Our Country Back by getting GWB out of the White House. The festival is designed to:

1. Speak to political, social, economic and environmental justice through the following participants: Gov. Howard Dean, MD; Cathy Bao Bean, author of The Chopsticks-Fork Principle: A Memoir and Manual; Massachusetts State Senator Jarrett Barrios; Kevin Spidel, Founder of Progressive Vote; Activists from the Grassroots; Candidates from the Dean Dozen.

[eridani]

7. Great to see!

What a lovely efflorescence of ongoing progressive activism.

[no name no slogan]

8. This really IS a convergence!

...and it's happening all over the country!

Here in MN, we've got our progressive caucus together (www.progressivecaucus.net) and we're working on the legalities. Our steering group is made up of progressives from ALL the active campaigns in the state (Kerry, Kucinich, Dean and Edwards) who are concerned about the future of the party, and want it to be a more progressive voice in our country.

Although I've not watched presidential politics for too long (1984 was the first race I paid attention to in high school), this year is truly different in many respects. The primaries may be over, but the energy from the campaigns lives on in the new progressive organizations.

This is truly the start of a progressive renaissance! :toast:

[madfloridian]

10. Another group to be at the convention.

I agree there is a difference now. The enthusiasm is continuing past the primaries, and it is good to see different groups joining in.

http://www.blogforamerica.com/archives/004770.html

APA for Progress Training
Hey, fellow Deaniacs. Asian Pacific Americans for Progress (a merger of AAPIforDean and AAPI4Clark) will be invading Boston during the Democratic National Convention! Please help us spread the word! If you are going to DemocracyFest and are looking for something to do afterward, please come by our Monday conference. The topics will concentrate on issues directly related to mobilizing the Asian American community and will build off the things you learn at DemocracyFest! Due to the generosity of some key donors, most of your costs will be covered (including food, housing and training). For more info on the conference and other activities we have planned, please go to our website at APAforProgress.org!

-Curtis Chin
Posted by Guest Writer at 05:43 PM
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Here is a link to their website, a well-organized group throughout the country.
http://www.apaforprogress.org/?q=node/view/308&PHPSESSI...