About The Grand Rapids Democracy for America Meetup Group

051908

2008 Plan of Attack

Over the past 5 months, 4 of our regular 1st Wednesday meetings have been devoted to self-assessment, affirmation of mission, and consideration of 2008 priorities. Over that time, 30 individuals participated ? some just once, some twice, some each time.

On May 7, 11 dedicated people overwhelmingly supported 2 major emphases for the year, judged to be of high significance, appropriate to the characteristics of our Kent County group, and strategically relevant to our commitment to grow and develop skilled activists capable of effectively supporting progressive, fiscally responsible candidates for public office at all levels of government.

Our two major emphases, or themes, this election year are:
? Global Warming: Think Global, Act Local
? Replacement of Supreme Court Justice Cliff Taylor

Steve Kauffman will lead the Supreme Court Campaign DFA team, which will closely collaborate with the Justice Caucus of the MDP. Also serving on this team is Gwynne DeLongpre, Pete Rynders, Celia Said and Rich Bacans.

Tentative members of the Global Warming DFA team are: Harv Gendler, Chris Rehl, Bernis Rynders and Shirley Kallio.

Annie Tuck has volunteered to assist with an ?Activists: Meet Your Candidates? Event in July.

Because our membership is dispersed over Kent County and beyond, and because we recognize the value of thinking long-term for the cultivation of a broader, deeper progressive community, the workshop participants agreed that DFA would actively encourage its members to work for their own County Commissioner and State Representative candidates, supporting their candidates while simultaneously building district networks. Built into each monthly meeting will be space for sharing experience, plans and connections for facilitating this effort.

There is plenty of room on the Global Warming Task Force, and the Candidate/Activist Engagement team. And as plans develop in the Supreme Campaign, there is likely to be opportunity for sub-groups. Everyone?s energy and ideas are needed and welcomed. Please communicate your interest to me, shirleykallio@msn.com.

Details with specific dates will follow shortly.

In the meantime, I am delighted that the following individuals have joined a growing group of Justice Caucus Camp Millie alumni in our community: Harv Gendler, Celia Said, Brian McKay and Bob Synk. And there is another opportunity in Kalamazoo May 31 ? June 1. Go to www.JusticeCaucus.org for details and to register!

On June 7 and 8 in Lansing is another excellent opportunity, the DFA Training Academy. For details and to register, go to: http://democracyforam....