The Coffee Party USA, which has 335,659 supporters on Facebook, not only produces original content and calls for action, highlights news stories about issues important to the movement, and posts at least one quote relevant to democracy in America every day, it also hosts a regular series on Blog Talk Radio.
Join me, the maintainer of the Coffee Party USA community on LiveJournal, over the fold for summaries of and links to the past week's programs.
Original Air Date: December 14, 2010
Coffee Party FL Chapter Organizers
Length: 1 hr 1 min
Description: Lessons in organizing from this Florida Chapter organizers. Featured speakers include Ray Hudkins and William Ramos. Other FL organizers will join the discussion. http://www.coffeepartyofflorida.com/
A view from the local grassroots. If you are interested in participating in Coffee Party USA meetings and activities in real life, listen.
Original Air Date: December 16, 2010
John Steiner, Acting Chair of the Transpartisan Center
Length: 53 min
Description: How do we achieve institutional impact as a grassroots movement given the obstructionism, gridlock and corruption in Washington? Discussion w/ John Steiner, Acting Chair of the Transpartisan Center, visionary thinker, organizer and philanthropist. http://www.transpartisancenter.org/
Coffee Party USA has a progressive agenda, but it's is officially a non-partisan organization.
ETA: In comments, Fisch Fry noted:
I was one of the first 1,000 Facebook fans, following the first WaPo story. I'm a progressive myself. I expect that most members are, because of its origins as a counter to Tea Party extreme partisan rhetoric and activities. However, I wonder If Anabel Park would agree with your observation, much less endorse your proclaiming it. I think her vision was not prom0te a political agenda so much as promote a more rational, civil dialogue about our politics and issues.
Fair enough, I'm crossing the part about the agenda. As set out in the tip jar, the agenda is for "reason and civility in public affairs, a government accountable to the People, and Liberty & Justice for All." That's an American agenda, not a progressive one.
Original Air Date: December 17, 2010
John Bonifaz: An Amendment to Put People Ahead of Corporations
Length: 59 min
Description: John Bonifaz of Free Speech for the People on Citizens United and what needs to be done to reverse the ruling: "To restore the First Amendment to its original purpose, we need to enact a constitutional amendment that puts people ahead of corporations." http://www.freespeechforpeople.org/
If you want to reverse Citizens United, listen to this program.
Original Air Date: December 17, 2010
Why Isn't Congress listening? Elisa Batista of Momsrising.org
Length: 1 hr
Description: Have coffee with Annabel and Elisa Batista, mother, blogger and activist. We'll discuss the dysfunctions of Congress to address the devastating economic crisis and what we need to do about it.
Elisa Batista is Markos' wife.
Original Air Date: December 18, 2010
Sabina Virgo & the Coffee Party Interim Board
Length: 1 hr
Description: Have coffee with Sabina Virgo, Chris Rigopulos and other Interim Board members to discuss their work and the future of the Coffee Party movement. What does it take to go from a popular facebook page to a sustainable nonprofit organization?
Coffee Party USA, more than a Facebook page.
Original Air Date: December 23, 2010
Jeffrey Abelson and the Serious Citizen Campaign
Length: 1 hr 1 min
Description: Have coffee with filmmaker, writer and citizen journalist, Jeffrey Abelson. http://www.songofacitizen.com/... The Coffee Party began collaboration with Jeffrey and his Song of Citizen project starting with the convention and he's produced some stunning videos from the convention. http://www.youtube.com/... We will discuss his passion for serious citizenship and the upcoming Serious Citizen video contest. Hope you join us.
This episode was recorded today. Abelson wonders why American politics is so stupid and what can be done about it.