A daily series, Connect! Unite! Act! seeks to create face-to-face networks in each congressional district. Groups regularly socialize but also get out the vote, support candidates and engage in other local political actions that help our progressive movement grow and exert influence on the powers-that-be. Visit us every morning at 7:30 A.M. Pacific Time to see how you can get involved. The comment thread is fun and light-hearted, but we're serious about moving the progressive political agenda forward.
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I know my State Senator's name. Do you know yours?
We've heard the phrase "all politics is local" for so long now that it's part of our concept of what politics means, here in America. I've heard that phrase as long as I've been interested politics, which came for me the summer of 1973 and the Watergate Hearings.
I was all of (nearly) 12 years old, having been born in August 1961, just a few weeks after one Barack Hussein Obama. I was a rather shy (nearly) 12, introverted as a result of my home life, and a book worm. I'm not sure what kept me in front of the television for so many days that summer, but I was hardly alone in my fascination.
From left to right: minority counsel Fred Thompson, ranking member Howard Baker, and chair Sam Ervin of the Senate Watergate Committee in 1973.
By the time Richard Milhous Nixon resigned from the Office of the President of the United States, I was a certified
political junkie, and it's an addiction I've had ever since.
So I know far more than I should about politics. I know details of arcane bits of US Senate rules which many staffers are likely in the dark about. But I'm confessing to you all today... I don't know for sure the name of my WA State Senator - but I think it's Ann Wallace? No, that's not right. Damn it, ok, Google says it's actually Annette Cleveland. Which of course I should know, I called her office and spoke with a staffer a month or two ago.
And I've been a political junkie since the age of (nearly) 12 which was forty years ago.
Is it any wonder we can't get Voters to the polls in this nation?
Which means that it's even more important than ever to get yourself and every single Democrat you know to participate this summer in #WalkUrPrecinctWeek along with me, and hopefully a whole lot of you. Which is about as local as you can get - and in my opinion is the most important event for the Democratic Base to participate in - bar none!.
Example of a canvassing precinct map
Walk your own neighborhood the 2nd week of July, August and then September. You can get a Precinct Map from your Precinct Captain/Precinct Committee Officer (PCO). It shows you residences where registered Democratic Party voters live - so you'll only be stopping at
friendly territory. You just knock on the door and when they open it say, "Hi, I'm a neighbor and I'm hoping I can take just two minutes of your time" AS YOU SMILE IN A FRIENDLY (and not a serial killer) fashion. Don't wait for them to say, "yes", because if you do, they will probably start stuttering as they try and think up some excuse to close the door on you.
Move right into the meat of your bit, "I'm just walking the Precinct and reminding Democrats how important voting this year is. My map (wave the map at them here) shows you are a registered Democrat, is that correct?" (watch for the head nod, if you get it, AGAIN DON'T WAIT for a response just finish up with) "Yes? That's great." (here is where you can offer any flyers or candidate literature you might have, if not, end with) "Well, thanks for your time, and be sure to watch for information from the County about the upcoming election later this summer, have a great day and remember Voting is on November 4th this year!"
That's all your FIRST go round consists of in canvassing. Just a friendly moment to remind your neighbors there is an election later this year, and that YOU are someone in the neighborhood whom they can reach out to about politics. Which will serve you well when you come back in August to see them again. Which I will cover next week. See ya then!
Latest Updates on Kossack Regional Meet-Up News Can Be Found Below the Orange Group Hug.
Let's Build Communities!
Our team is here to provide support and guidance to new and existing volunteer leaders of each regional and state group, helping them with recruiting, organizing and executing social and action events.
We invite you to join in this effort to build our community. There are many ways to pitch in.
If there isn't a group to join near you, please start one.
Instructions on HOW TO FORM A NEW DAILY KOS GROUP
List of All Existing Meatspace Groups
Where the Kogs Are: Index/Directory of the 130+ Localized Daily Kos Groups
THINK GLOBALLY, ACT LOCALLY
by John Crapper ♥ for Seattle and Puget Sound Kossacks
Organizer John Crapper completed another meet-up, from his agenda:
Next, I updated the group on our efforts to identify campaigns we would like to assist in the upcoming elections. There are three that have been under active discussion but nothing has been firmly decided. We all agreed it was important to pick races that would help Washington Democrats regain control of the Senate.
Next, I asked for ideas, suggestions and assistance identifying future guest speakers. In connection with that I urged all to invite their friends to become Kossacks and join us to enhance our clout.
Longtime Kossack
LarisaW, President of
Progressive Radio Northwest (PRNW), was in attendance. She is leading an effort to bring back progressive radio to the NW.
All photos courtesy of mlharges:
L-R: John Crapper - John Crapper, his SO & momomia - TBoneApollo - Piren
L-R: EagleKeeper - Flamingogrrl - doingbusinessas - momomia
Please visit John Crapper's diary for MORE photos and commentary! Enjoy! You can still REC it. You can join Seattle and Puget Sound Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to John Crapper.
by Avilyn ♥ for New Jersey Kossacks
The New Jersey Kossacks held their inaugural meet-up on June 14, 2014. Thanks so much to Avilyn for taking up the reins and leading this important group. She noticed in all of the Christy diaries that many New Jersey folk came out of lurking or signed up to comment. She was motivated by this to start this group. I'm glad because there's a lot of work to do in New Jersey. I also noticed in her start-up diaries that many people couldn't attend this event but wanted to be invited to the next event. She had 18 Kossacks sign up with her first announcement of the new group. This is excellent and I'm sure there are more New Jersey Kossacks out there.
Here's the group photo:
L-R: Christin, Mr. Christin, belinda ridgewood, zitherhamster
Please visit Avilyn's diary for many MORE photos plus food pr0n! Enjoy! You can still REC it. You can join New Jersey Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to Avilyn.
Event Organizers! Please contact wink from Netrootsradio.com by KosMail to schedule airtime with them to live broadcast your Event. Wink & Justice will then promote it on The After Show radio program!
Saturday, June 28th
LA Kossacks Meet-up To See the Space Shuttle Endeavour
TIME: 2:00 PM
LOCATION: California Science Center in Exposition Park
700 Exposition Park Drive • Los Angeles
ORGANIZER: Send susans a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. susans
2. Otoelbc
3. 714day
4. SanFernandoValleyMom
5. Richard
6. jakedog42
7. JustSaying
8. Gay CA Democrat
9. Moody Loner
10. mommyp00ka
11. Little Loner
12. Just Saying
13. Yoo-Hoo
14. Chiwere
15. Shockwave
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: Los Angeles Kossacks June 28th Meetup at the Space Shuttle
Sunday, June 29th
Koscadia Kossacks Meet-up at Catnip Manor with Ojibwa!
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Home of the Reed sisters
Address given by kosmail • Portland
ORGANIZER: Send Sara R a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. Ojibwa
2. Sara R
3. winglion
4. llbear
5. watercarrier4diogenes
6. Oregon Gal
7. loggersbrat
8. Arenosa
9. Kit RMP
10. rsmpdx
11. punkrockliberal
12. quill
13. pdxteacher
14. jgilenhousen
15. Angie in WA State
16. Kitsap River
17. Charles CurtisStanley
18. ozsea1
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Latest diary: Koscadia Meet Up, Sunday, June 29
Friday, July 4th
Mexican Kossacks Connect with San Miguel Democrats Abroad 10th Anniversary
Tickets (including both entry and buffet) are available at 200 pesos (about $16) each at La Conexion (Calle Aldama #3 office only); Solutions (Calle Mesones #57 office only) and at the door. Entire event covered against rainout.
Buffet will include hamburgers, “new and improved” veggie burgers, hot dogs, coleslaw, potato salad and carrot cake. The cash bar will feature various beers, wines, soft drinks and bottled water. Sponsored by San Miguel Democrats Abroad.
TIME: Noon - 3:00 PM
LOCATION: La Hacienda de San Miguel
On the street between Salida Celaya and the Libramiento • San Miguel de Allende
ORGANIZER: Send roberb7 a kosmail to make arrangements to connect with other Kossacks.
RSVPs:
1. roberb7
2.
3.
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: Democrats Abroad - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico Chapter
Wednesday, July 16th
Annual Cheers & Jeers Dinner to Kick-Off NN14, Kossacks Only
TIME: 5:00 PM
LOCATION: Vicente's Cuban Cuisine
1250 Library St • Detroit
ORGANIZER: Send navajo a kosmail to RSVP.
RSVPs:
1. Common Sense Mainer
2. Bill in Portland Maine
3. smileycreek
4. paradise50
5. side pocket
6. Mrs. side pocket
7. norm
8. maggiejean
9. Shockwave
10. a gilas girl
11. susans
12. Sara R
13. belinda ridgewood
14. sidnora
15. Mr. sidnora
16. thankgodforairamerica
17. brillig
18. mik
19. K1
20. loggersbrat
21. Dave in Northridge
22. 714day
23. NormAl1792
24. winifred3
25. texasdad
26. texasmom
27. peregrine kate
28. provokingmeaning
29. justiceputnam
30. tmservo433
31. Mark E Andersen
32. Son of Mark E Andersen
33. winkk
34. theRoaringGirl
35. shermanesq
36. Doggie269
37. shanikka
38. jakedog42
39. ramara
40. skohayes
41. DebtorsPrison
42. gmats
43. Adam Blomeke
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Daily Kos Staff:
1. Markos Moulitsas
2. Susan Gardner
3. Will Rockafellow
4. Meteor Blades
5. Joan McCarter
6. Faith Gardner
7. Laura Clawson
8. Chris Bowers
9. navajo
10. Jen Hayden
11. Elisa Batista
12. Denise Oliver-Velez
44. LuLu
45. Chicklette
46. PerfectStormer
47. 4Freedom
48. DemSign
49. vicki
50. Cedwyn
51. jotter
52. aha aha
53. Dennis Shreefer
54. ohmydem
55. Brainwrap
56. Mrs. Brainwrap
57. Eclectablog aka Chris Savage
58. Anne Savage
59. BlueBarnStormer
60. sandiegodem
61. Pam Miles
62. TexMex
63. linkage
64. 2thanks
65. bunnygirl60
66. binkaroni
67. zenbassoon
68. nomandates
69. thepegster
70. Ooooh
71. figbash
72. TrueBlueMajority
73. tgypsy
74.
Maybees: N in Seattle, Turbonerd
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Latest diary: Connect! Unite! Act! ATTN: DC, Tucson & Seattle Meet-up Info! +Q: Roll Call, Are You Attending NN14?
Friday, July 18th
Daily Kos Detroit VA Hospital Service Project
Sara R delivers 65 quilts, hand knit scarves and hats, books, 65 teddy bears, hand made greeting cards, and phone cards from the DK Quilt Guild, WAYWO, the Readers & Book Lovers, IGTNT and individual Kossacks to the nursing home at the Detroit VA Hospital. This is a wonderful project that many people can be involved with even if they don't attend the convention. If you care about veterans in a nursing home this is your project. Please volunteer to help.
DELIVERY TIME: Noon
LOCATION: Volunteer Office of the Detroit VA Hospital
4646 John R St. • Detroit
ORGANIZER: Send Sara R a Kosmail to participate in making the gifts and/or deliver them.
RSVPs to help deliver gifts:
1. Sara R
2. NormAl1792
3. Winifred
4. linkage (videographer)
5.
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: DK Quilt Guild: What Inspires You?
Plenary Session Tables during the rest of the Convention
ORGANIZER: Send navajo a kosmail to have a seat reserved for you in the main ballroom of the convention center for the big events. These table will be there so we can all find each other as a group. The seating is not assigned. You can float from table to table. I'm only counting to see how many tables I need to reserve.
Motor City Kossacks:
1. peregrine kate
2. provokingmeaning
3. 4Freedom
4. Brainwrap
5. Mrs. Brainwrap
6. Eclectablog aka Chris Savage
7. 2thanks
8. Sydneyluv
9. DoReMI
10. Mideedah
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Motor City Kossacks:
1. GwenM
2. dkmich
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
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SFKossacks Table:
1. navajo
2. Meteor Blades
3. smileycreek
4. paradise50
5. side pocket
6. Mrs. side pocket
7. Tim Delaney
8. maggiejean
9. Jeff in CA
10. Mrs. Jeff in CA
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SFKossacks Table II:
1. a gilas girl
2. justiceputnam
3. Dragon5616
4. DebtorsPrison
5. tmservo433
6. shanikka
7. aha aha
8. jotter
9. norm
10. figbash
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Los Angeles Table:
1. Shockwave
2. susans
3. Dave in Northridge
4. gmats
5. 714day
6. jakedog42
7. tgypsy (honorary)
8.
9.
10.
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New York Table:
1. sidnora
2. Mr. sidnora
3. belinda ridgewood
4. thankgodforairamerica
5. Denise Oliver-Velez
6. hayden
7. TrueBlueMajority
8.
9.
10.
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Seattle, Portland & Texas Table:
1. Lefty Coaster
2. Sara R
3. loggersbrat
4. N in Seattle
5. Cedwyn
6. linkage
7. texasmom
8. texasdad
9. TexMex
10. nomandates
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Cheers & Jeers Table:
1. Common Sense Mainer
2. Bill in Portland Maine
3. brillig
4. mik
5. K1
6. vicki
7. NormAl1792
8.
9.
10.
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Maybees:
kjoftherock, angry marmot, boran2, Turbonerd, northerntier, northerntier's SO,
Sunday, July 20th
Kansas Missouri Kossacks Meet-up with Lyon County Democrats & Governor Candidate Paul Davis
Paul Davis (D-KS) who is running against Sam Brownback will be present. Potluck Dinner format and short meeting for Kossacks/Democrats afterwards. There will also be several other candidates and a full meeting of the county party.
POTLUCK!
TIME: 5:00 PM
LOCATION: Emporia Senior Center
603 E 12th Ave • Emporia, Kansas
ORGANIZER: Send tmservo433 a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. tmservo433
2.
3.
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Latest diary: Tim Huelskamp Asserts Benghazi is a Bipartisan Conspiracy.. And the Man who Could Beat him this year
Saturday, July 26th
Meet the Candidates in Hutchinson, Kansas!
• Jean Shodorf (Candidate for Secretary of State)
• Brian E Davis (Candidate for State House of Representatives)
• Jim Sherow (Candidate for 1st District US House of Representatives)
• Jill Docking (Candidate, Lt. Governor)
• Various County Party Leadership
TIME: 11:00-3:00 PM
LOCATION: Pyle Park
100 E. Ave. B • Hutchinson
BBQ, watermelon and other food provided. Bring a lawn chair.
ORGANIZER: Send tmservo433 a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. tmservo433
2.
3.
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: Major Kansas Events: Your Chance to Change a State
Sunday, July 27th
Phoenix Kossacks Roll Out the Red Carpet for navajo
Event will be potluck, so please sign up here with food, beverages or booze
TIME: 4:00 PM
LOCATION: Mother Mag's Rooftop Terrace
(address given privately to RSVPs) • Downtown Phoenix
ORGANIZER: Send Mother Mags a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. Mother Mags
2. navajo
3. Azazello
4. Mrs. Azazello
5. arizonablue
6. Mr. arizonablue
7. Kane in CA
8. puzzled
9. Late Again
10. Mr. Late Again
11. rasbobbo
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Maybees:
DaNang65
drnatrl
dewey of the desert
Mr. dewey of the desert
PSzymeczek
Skippah
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Latest diary: Arizona meet-up: Summer potluck with Navajo!
Saturday, August 9th
Kansas Missouri Kossacks Picnic - Local Candidate Speaks
Meet at the Hays city park to enjoy a free hamburger/hotdog/watermelon feed. Jim Sherow along with other local candidates will be speaking.
TIME: NOON
LOCATION: Municipal Park
1st and Main • Hays, Kansas
ORGANIZER: Send tmservo433 a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. tmservo433
2. Skohays
3.
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Latest diary: Major Kansas Events: Your Chance to Change a State
navajo maintains the above event list. Kosmail her if you have any diaries
about your event or if you have changes or additions.
EVERYONE is welcome, tell us what you're working on,
share your show and tell, vent, whatever you want.
This is an open thread. Nothing is off topic.