Progressive Democrats of America / Director’s Report
Tim Carpenter, PDA National Director
Washington, D.C. – The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) unveiled their core principles and priorities at a reception on June 28 on Capitol Hill. Billed as an alternative to the Bush administration's "Ownership Society," the CPC's "Progressive Promise" outlines an action agenda under the broad principles of "fighting for economic justice and security in the U.S. and global economies," "protecting and preserving civil rights and civil liberties," and "promoting global peace and security." Read the Progressive Promise. And Progressive Democrats of America helped make it happen.
There we were, on this wonderful night, standing beside Congressional Progressive Caucus co-chairs Rep. Lynn Woolsey and Rep. Barbara Lee before a gathering of 25 Congressional Members. PDA shared the stage with dozens of nationally recognized activists and advocates, many of them long-time friends. These passionate and devoted individuals, leaders of our nation’s most dedicated and effective political action groups, had been called upon to give voice to your wishes. PDA Board members Rev. Lennox Yearwood (Hip Hop Caucus), Vice Chair Joel Segal (Conyers' staffer), David Swanson (co-founder of AfterDowningStreet.org), and PDA Board Member and author Joe Libertelli were in attendance. PDA Senior Political Advisor Steve Cobble (co-founder AfterDowningStreet.org), PDA Maryland Coordinator Mike Hersch, Gael Murphy and Medea Benjamin (United for Peace and Justice, Code Pink) and a number of local activists were present as well.
To read more about this event, click here.
How PDA is Working
I’ve been asked numerous times how PDA differentiates itself from other groups. I would argue that the number one difference is the priority we place on relationship building. PDA’s efforts all happen within the framework of what we call an inside/outside strategy. Heat in the streets, media campaigns, demonstrations, petitions, and other shows of public intent are linked to decision-makers on the inside. This strategy is having an impact.
Too often, elected officials fail to connect their own actions to the public’s sentiments. PDA is helping to fill this void by carrying our messages directly to the individuals in power, opening channels of communication and forging bonds that span decades. Since its birth, PDA has worked hard to build new alliances. This effort first began in Ohio when PDA helped connect Rep. John Conyers with the Green Party. It continued when we helped organize with Reverend Jesse Jackson and Rainbow/PUSH in the streets, and with Rep. John Conyers in the Halls of Congress. Today, PDA is helping develop an inside/outside strategy within United for Peace and Justice. For the first time, UFPJ will organize a Lobby Day in Congress following the major mobilization on September 24 (details below). To read more about what we are doing, click here.
We need your help – nobody can take your place
The CAFTA vote happens July 18!
PDA members, led by Political Director Kevin Spidel, are working to block CAFTA. We think we can beat it with your help. PDA is organizing a huge phone and email campaign. Please: TAKE ACTION ON CAFTA NOW!
July 23 “Downing Street Memo” Anniversary Events
Saturday, July 23, is the three-year anniversary of the Downing Street Memo. Amazingly, millions of Americans still haven’t heard about it! We must insist that our Congressional representatives and the U.S. media investigate and report the truth about the Downing Street Memo and hold the Bush administration accountable. Click here for local and national events you can attend.
September 24-26 “Three Days of Action for Peace and Justice” in Washington, D.C.
Organized by PDA and United for Peace and JusticeMore than two years after the illegal and immoral U.S. invasion of Iraq, the nightmare continues. We believe it’s high time Bush and Congress are held accountable for the deaths, the destruction, the lies, and the toll on our communities. Mark your calendars and plan on attending this massive mobilization in Washington, D.C.
End the War on Iraq! Bring the Troops Home Now!
Click here for more information about this event!
Sat. 9/24 – Massive March, Rally & Festival
Sun. 9/25 – Interfaith Service, Grassroots Training
Mon. 9/26 – Lobbying Day, Mass Nonviolent Direct Action and Civil Disobedience
Thank you for all you have given – and continue to give – to PDA. In less than two weeks we will begin to celebrate the one-year birthday of PDA. We could not have done it without you.
To read the entire Director's Report, click here.
Thank you.
In gratitude,
Tim
Washington, D.C. – The Congressional Progressive Caucus (CPC) unveiled their core principles and priorities at a reception on June 28 on Capitol Hill. Billed as an alternative to the Bush administration's "Ownership Society," the CPC's "Progressive Promise" outlines an action agenda under the broad principles of "fighting for economic justice and security in the U.S. and global economies," "protecting and preserving civil rights and civil liberties," and "promoting global peace and security." Read the Progressive Promise. And Progressive Democrats of America helped make it happen.
There we were, on this wonderful night, standing beside Congressional Progressive Caucus co-chairs Rep. Lynn Woolsey and Rep. Barbara Lee before a gathering of 25 Congressional Members. PDA shared the stage with dozens of nationally recognized activists and advocates, many of them long-time friends. These passionate and devoted individuals, leaders of our nation’s most dedicated and effective political action groups, had been called upon to give voice to your wishes. PDA Board members Rev. Lennox Yearwood (Hip Hop Caucus), Vice Chair Joel Segal (Conyers' staffer), David Swanson (co-founder of AfterDowningStreet.org), and PDA Board Member and author Joe Libertelli were in attendance. PDA Senior Political Advisor Steve Cobble (co-founder AfterDowningStreet.org), PDA Maryland Coordinator Mike Hersch, Gael Murphy and Medea Benjamin (United for Peace and Justice, Code Pink) and a number of local activists were present as well.
To read more about this event, click here.
How PDA is Working
I’ve been asked numerous times how PDA differentiates itself from other groups. I would argue that the number one difference is the priority we place on relationship building. PDA’s efforts all happen within the framework of what we call an inside/outside strategy. Heat in the streets, media campaigns, demonstrations, petitions, and other shows of public intent are linked to decision-makers on the inside. This strategy is having an impact.
Too often, elected officials fail to connect their own actions to the public’s sentiments. PDA is helping to fill this void by carrying our messages directly to the individuals in power, opening channels of communication and forging bonds that span decades. Since its birth, PDA has worked hard to build new alliances. This effort first began in Ohio when PDA helped connect Rep. John Conyers with the Green Party. It continued when we helped organize with Reverend Jesse Jackson and Rainbow/PUSH in the streets, and with Rep. John Conyers in the Halls of Congress. Today, PDA is helping develop an inside/outside strategy within United for Peace and Justice. For the first time, UFPJ will organize a Lobby Day in Congress following the major mobilization on September 24 (details below). To read more about what we are doing, click here.
We need your help – nobody can take your place
The CAFTA vote happens July 18!
PDA members, led by Political Director Kevin Spidel, are working to block CAFTA. We think we can beat it with your help. PDA is organizing a huge phone and email campaign. Please: TAKE ACTION ON CAFTA NOW!
July 23 “Downing Street Memo” Anniversary Events
Saturday, July 23, is the three-year anniversary of the Downing Street Memo. Amazingly, millions of Americans still haven’t heard about it! We must insist that our Congressional representatives and the U.S. media investigate and report the truth about the Downing Street Memo and hold the Bush administration accountable. Click here for local and national events you can attend.
September 24-26 “Three Days of Action for Peace and Justice” in Washington, D.C.
Organized by PDA and United for Peace and JusticeMore than two years after the illegal and immoral U.S. invasion of Iraq, the nightmare continues. We believe it’s high time Bush and Congress are held accountable for the deaths, the destruction, the lies, and the toll on our communities. Mark your calendars and plan on attending this massive mobilization in Washington, D.C.
End the War on Iraq! Bring the Troops Home Now!
Click here for more information about this event!
Sat. 9/24 – Massive March, Rally & Festival
Sun. 9/25 – Interfaith Service, Grassroots Training
Mon. 9/26 – Lobbying Day, Mass Nonviolent Direct Action and Civil Disobedience
Thank you for all you have given – and continue to give – to PDA. In less than two weeks we will begin to celebrate the one-year birthday of PDA. We could not have done it without you.
To read the entire Director's Report, click here.
Thank you.
In gratitude,
Tim
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