Idea to take back our country: Democratic Underground local salons?

[HamdenRice]

Here is an idea to get over our depression about the election and get active in new and creative ways. I remember that sinking helpless feeling many people had around the time of the first gulf war. The Utne Reader, however, invited readers to form "salons" -- just groups to meet and talk.

Since everyone is talking about redoubling our efforts to build a Democratic Party -- or the democratic wing of the Democratic Party -- why not form groups or salons where we can work together to plot activist strategies? The shout out on the New York local activism boards gave me this idea.

Whadddya think?

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. It is one of many steps that peoople need to take

[HamdenRice]

3. Well, let's get started!!$%^!!

Maybe through the local state activism boards we could start sign ups and discuss where to meet.

[LightTheMatch]

2. DFA...

Just join a local DFA chapter.

[HamdenRice]

5. I respect DFA, but

but it is basically a re-launch of Dean for America. I would have voted for Dean, but I think DU discussion/activism groups would be somewhat broader.

For example, DFA has absolutely no presence in Queens, NYC, but a lot of DUers seem to live in Queens.

[Bluzmann57]

4. Might be ok for a larger city

where there is a larger population base, but out here in the sticks,Quad-Cities USA, I think there are about three DUers. How much influence can three people have? And who's to say that our schedules will mesh? Not a bad idea, but a lot of us are in somewhat rural areas and there aren't enough of us.

[HamdenRice]

You'd be amazed ...

I realize it is very different for rural or even deep suburban areas, but if, for example, two people or three people show up at say a county election board meeting with the same agenda, they can have a big influence.

BTW that is how the evangicals took over a lot of county level republicans organization.

[Cleita]

6. Not enough DUers where I live to do that, but

I'm already active in my local Democratic Party club.

[HamdenRice]

7. Advantage of salon/discussion group over party ...

is that it is more general. You can plot how to take over the local party structure, or get involved in activities that the local party organization ordinarily would not get involved in -- like national anti-war letter writing campaigns or coordinated LTTE writing.

[Parche]

8. CLUB

Anyone in Portland Oregon?

[smirkymonkey]

9. I have always loved that idea...and I hope the concept makes

a comeback. Not only would it help us to organize locally, but it would be a great way to meet like minded people to socialize with as well.

[HamdenRice]

10. Here's how to proceed ...

We should try to generate discussion and interest about this on this general board. If there is interest, then we should launch "signup" threads on the state and local boards. Does that make sense?

[smirkymonkey]

18. Sounds good to me!

Maybe we could get the mods to open a forum for it under Activism/Events or something.

[atommom]

11. I think it's a great idea. I know there are at least a few DU people

in my area ... probably more than I realize. :hi:

[HamdenRice]

12. Yeah, let's quit griping and get organized!!!

I remember how good it felt when Utne did this almost 15 years ago.

I should not have posted this at work, when fewer people are on board, so keep it kicked for the evening rush!

In the meantime, I have suggested it in the NY state and local board.

[Larkspur]

13. Isn't this what Meetups are about?

:shrug:

[HamdenRice]

14. Not sure

never heard of meetups. But it sounds like a one-off meeting. I was thinking more along the lines of a more continuous activism/discussion alliance. Allowing part of the virtual community to develop into a realtime one.

[DireStrike]

15. Sure. eom

[Eloriel]

16. I love it, and why not

consider hooking up with Democracy for America, with their monthly meet-ups already in place?

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/

[snippy]

17. I think doing this through Democracy for America is a good idea. n/t

[HamdenRice]

21. I couldn't find DFA in my area, but there are other DUers in my area n/t

[atommom]

19. kick!

[HamdenRice]

20. I just discovered another DUer right in my neighborhood!

He identified himself on the NYC DU check-in. Maybe that's how we can get the ball rolling.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=169&topic_id=178&mesg_id=178

See posts 101-104.