Help Fresno, CA become more progressive 9/24- Solidarity Summit

[annm4peace]

Progressive Democrats will have an opportunity RIGHT HERE IN FRESNO THIS WEEKEND to meet California Democratic Party leaders and activists from around the state who are working within the Democratic Party to make it more progressive. They are members of the Progressive Caucus of the Party – but, wait, are they? Their “bold” action at the most recent meeting of the CDP (California Democratic Party) caused the Progressive Caucus to fail to be recertified – for now they have lost their standing as an official group within the Party and the fate of the caucus will be determined at the November CDP executive board meeting.

Here is back story:

At the executive board meeting of the CDP on July 30, 2011, on the eve of the Debt Ceiling compromise, the caucus passed a resolution listing actions of President Obama incompatible with a progressive agenda and called for debate on the issues of concern within the Party base. The resolution ended with the statement:

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, to make our views heard, the Progressive Caucus of the California Democratic Party will begin the process of contacting other Democratic organizations, Democratic Party members and public organizations that share our views on the issues and which seek to alter the course of history by exploring other steps to effect a necessary change, including a possible primary challenge to President Obama.

That resolution was passed on Saturday afternoon and on Sunday the African American Caucus of the CDP challenged the recertification of the Progressive Caucus. The issue of recertification was tabled, leaving the Progressive Caucus in limbo.

Solidarity Summit III: Organizing Truth to Power! here in Fresno tomorrow is the third annual meeting of the Progressive Caucus and will focus mostly on issues of importance to all Democrats, but you can expect to hear more about the relationship of the caucus to the CDP and the very real concerns about the future of both. The Progressive Caucus is the largest caucus within the CDP. See the calendar below for registration and details on the Summit.

=============================================================


Saturday, September 24 • 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sunday, September 25 • 9 a.m. – noon
Solidarity Summit III: Organizing Truth to Power! The most progressive leaders and members of the California Democratic Party will meet in Fresno to strategize and create a strong progressive agenda within the Party and in our state and country. All progressive Democrats are invited to this statewide conference.

McLane High School, 2727 N. Cedar, Fresno, CA, Suggested Donation $20 (No one turned away for lack of funds.), Includes breakfast and lunch on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday.

Registration ASAP requested at www.progressivecaucusca.org.

********************************************************************************************************************************
Here are some more upcoming events.


Wednesday, September 28, 6:30
“Death of our Cities: Benton Harbor to Fresno,” is a presentation by Benton Harbor, Michigan community leader, Rev. Edward Pinkney, who stood up to corporate giant, Whirlpool and served almost a year in prison for criticism of a judge. Rev. Pinkney brings the story of a massive corporate land grab, successful local resistance, ongoing personal and political attacks on him as leader of the resistance, and a recent law that allows the governor to replace elected municipal officials with his appointee. Pinkney warns that other states and cities are vulnerable to similar attacks. New Light for New Life Church, 1106 Woodward Ave. (corner of Woodward and Channing), Fresno, sponsored by The People’s Tribune, National Network in Action, Peace Fresno. Endorsements: Brown Berets, Community Alliance, CA Central Valley Journey for Justice. Info: Floyd Harris 559-803-0286 or Ed Castro 559-389-4494.

Thursday, September 29, 6:00 p.m. dinner, 7:00 p.m.
Progressive Democrats of America meeting, [e-mail] for details.

Saturday, October 1, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Jim Hightower will be the keynote speaker in Fresno at a forum addressing the topic “Strengthening Our Voice-Bringing Valley Progressives Together.” Following Hightower’s address, there will be a facilitated dialogue laying the groundwork for more effective collaboration and a greater progressive voice in the Valley. This event will be held the Unitarian Universalist Church, 2672 E. Alluvial, Clovis. Tickets are required and are available for a suggested donation of $10.00. Following this event, there will be a $50 fundraising dinner with Hightower to help defray the cost of his visit. For more information contact: Connie Peterson [e-mail] .

Thursday, October 6 (Beginning of open ended event)
The October2011 protest and occupation begins at Freedom Plaza in Washington, DC.
Details at www.october2011.org. Peace Fresno hosts local solidarity demonstrations.

October 2011 will mark the start of the 11th year of the invasion of Afghanistan and the onset of the 2012 US federal budget, which provides unlimited funds for war and corporate welfare, yet withholds essential funds for services that meet human needs.

Starting on October 6, 2011, thousands of concerned Americans will assemble in Freedom Plaza, in Washington DC to take control of our country and our lives. We will occupy the plaza and hold a People's Assembly where we come up with just and sustainable solutions to the crises we face and demand that these solutions be presented and that the people's needs be addressed. We will plan and engage in creative acts of civil resistance and demand that our inherent rights and freedoms be protected, and that our children have a chance to live in peace, to breathe clean air, and to grow edible natural food.

Will you stand with us and denounce the systems and institutions that support endless war and unrestrained corporate greed? Together we can create the future we envision of peace, justice and equality.

Will you stand here in solidarity with the demonstrators and their demands in Washington, DC? Locally there will be daily one-hour demonstrations in Fresno.

Thursday, October 6, 4:30 – 5:30, Day One, Federal Building 2500 Tulare St. at O St.
Friday, October 7, 4:30 – 5:30, Day Two, Federal Building 2500 Tulare St. at O St.
Saturday, October 8, 1:00 -2:00, Day Three, River Park Shopping, N. Blackstone & El Paso Ave.
Sunday, October 9, 1:00 – 2:00, Day Four, River Park Shopping, N. Blackstone & El Paso Ave.
Join one or more of the four local, one-hour demonstrations organized by Peace Fresno in solidarity the Washington, DC 2011 action at the times and locations listed above. The purpose is to call attention to the national action and its goal of ending militarism and corporatism. Dan Yaseen 251-3361 [e-mail]

Saturday, October 8, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Note the revised ending time.)
FUNDRAISING BOOK SALE to benefit the Fresno Center for Nonviolence. They have been repeatedly told by shoppers that theirs is the best book sale in town! Think Christmas or birthday gifts! SW corner of Van Ness and Olive. Volunteers are needed on the day of the sale to load/unload books before and at the end of the sale and put the books out on the tables by category early in the morning. Call the center Mon-Fri 11:00 - 3:00 to volunteer. 237-3223 (23PEACE)

This calendar is distributed by Peace Fresno. www.peacefresno.org 559-487-2515

[EFerrari]

1. Kick