Dog Day Afternoon
L to R - Back row: Nelson (soon to be Kossack), Sarge in Seattle, Gemina13, bleeding blue, momomia,
Kneeling down, Yous truly John Crapper, Penny GC
Not in picture: LarissaW & John Crapper's SO
The group was somewhat smaller than anticipated due to some unforeseen last minute cancellations but it was not from lack of desire and it did not dampen the enthusiasm that has been a hallmark of our get togethers. Nine progressive Kossacks were there and what a progressive day it was!
Now familiar faces greeting each other and catching up. New ones being welcomed by all, soon comfortable, making friends and connections. Within minutes of my first conversation with Penny GC she said it best. "You know, I feel like I already know you from your posts and comments. Do you know what I mean?" And I immediately nodded my head feeling exactly the same way. That is the beauty of the Kossack experience!
That is what it's all about isn't it? Getting together with like-minded people, solving the world's problems over a cold one or just unplugging from it all for a short time with people from the same persuasion. Jumping out of our digital Kossack playground and experiencing the flesh and blood reality of each other. And of course having a great time!
Well, that all took place yesterday plus we actually managed to do a little Seattle & Puget Sound Kossack business.
Follow below the orange whatever you want to call it for a little more detail.
As is our custom the first part of our meet up was purely social, allowing all time to arrive, giving people a chance to settle in, catch up and relax with their favorite beverage and food choice.
After about an hour we transitioned into the more formal structured part. First off we all took time to wish Regina in a Sears Kit House all the best as she pulls up stakes and moves to France. There were nods of understanding and expressions of best wishes for a smooth transition from all around the table. Regina your energy will be missed!
We went around the room to allow each to introduce themselves. It was interesting how each person's passions and reasons for being in the room were expressed.
Next, I updated the group on our group's activities and plans going forward.
First, I advised that multiple alternative venues had been investigated since our last meet up and still the Pyramid seems to be the best fit (centrally located with free parking and descent food). Other venues have possibilities as we grow but for now all agreed to stick with the Pyramid.
Future dates for meet ups were set.
Where: Pyramid Alehouse, Brewery and Restaurant
1201 First Ave S. (across from the sports stadium)
Dates: Saturday, 10/4/14
Saturday, 11/8/14
Time: 1:00 - 3:00
Mark your calandars!
Booking for guest speakers for these upcoming dates are currently being worked on. Ksama Sawant, recently elected Seattle City Councilwoman who spearheaded the successful campaign passing the $15.00 per hour minimum wage for Seattle has been invited to address our group on 10/4. We'll know if she can make it no later than the fist week in September. If not I expect we'll hear from her at a later date. The group was asked to nominate persons they'd like have address our group in the future. If you were unable to attend please e-mail your suggestions to me.
Last meet up, you will recall, we were briefed by fellow Kossack LarisaW, President of Progressive Radio Northwest (PRNW) working towards bringing progressive talk radio back to Seattle, on their activities and a commitment was made to explore how we might work together. Since our last get together I met with their board of directors and we brainstormed and collaborated on how best to proceed. It was an excellent meeting. We decided what was critical at this juncture was legal advice.
At yesterday's gathering she brought Nelson, a member of their board with her and gave us an update. Our group was asked if they knew who might help connect them to pro bono legal advice. Immediately two suggestions were provided. You've gotta love the talent, energy and connections encompassed within our group. Larisa immediately started writing the names down and you could see the spark of new-found energy emanate from both her eyes and Nelson's. Progress being made right on the spot!
Next, I briefed all on the exciting plans being laid nationally for regional mini-conferences across the country . I indicated I'd been in discussions with navajo, who is leading up this effort, and have put our hat in the ring. They will be rightfully picking battleground states for the first ones but that does not mean it won't happen here sometime in the future. She indicated she's very impressed with what we're doing and promises to try and pay us a visit (along with MB I hope) in January or February. Don't worry I won't let her forget!
Since almost all of my personal activism efforts revolve around environmental issues I just had to put a plug in for the upcoming blogathon being planned by Climate Change SOS.
We are less than one month out from the historic People's Climate March. The September 21 March is being held two days before the UN Climate Summit, where government and corporate leaders will convene to discuss taking action to address climate change.
Tens of thousands are expected to march in New York City.
Let's make September a game-changer for the climate movement.
Sign up here!!! --> People's Climate March
We plan to make sure the march and the leaders attending the summit know the level of concern in this country and put pressure on world leaders to take meaningful steps to address climate change. I'll be intimately involved with this blogathon and encourage all Seattle & Puget Sound Kossacks to participate and support our efforts. The blogathon is slated to begin September 19th and end September 23rd. The line up of guest posters sharing their thoughts with us is shaping up to be very impressive.
Finally, I gave each an assignment. I am a teacher you know so it's in my DNA. I asked each person to recruit one person in their circle of friends to become a Kossack and join Seattle & Puget Sound Kossacks. It's this simple. Numbers attract attention.
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As the coordinator I must admit that when I saw the numbers were going to be less than expected I was a little deflated in the beginning of our get together. But it wasn't long before that feeling dissipated. Soon I started to feel the energy from the group and my spirits lifted to being totally positive about the day.
For anybody out there contemplating stepping up to the plate and organizing your own group I encourage you to act on it.
After the meeting I found myself reflecting on the amazing journey I've had so far since joining the KOS community back in 2010. It is really hard for me to imagine not having all of you in my life. When I sit down for breakfast in the morning the first thing I do is click the DailyKOS icon to scan my stream. I'm searching to see what my blogging friends have shared. It's the way I want to start my day! It's where I learn. It's where I commensurate. It's where I vent. It's where I recharge my batteries. And it's where I get my hope.
DailyKOS provides me with real "Hope I can believe in."
I continue to get much more from Daily KOS than what I put in. That is proving to be the case as the Coordinator of Seattle & Puget Sound Kossacks. Yesterday, you each gave me the energy to work harder for you. Working together I am confident we can gain the voice we deserve to shape and improve our communal future. Thanks!
Connect! Unite! Act!: A daily series seeking 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.