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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Have you ever done Walk-n-Knock in Your Precinct? Tell me about it.
After the Great Depression and WWII, the Democratic Party held (what seemed at the time) like a permanent majority in the US Congress. It lasted for about 40 years. But eventually, the Republicans learned something which turned those tables and has kept their Party in the ascendancy since the Reagan era. What was it? They organized right down to the Precinct all across the country, starting in the mid-to-late 1970s. They got their voters to the polls. Darned near all of them, and not just in the quadrennial Presidential cycles, either. Because the thing they learned was that politics is a bottom up process.
If you want to win on the big issues and capture the Presidency, then you start at the bottom and build a machine guaranteed to turn out your Base. Election after Election. So they did. It's the only thing which keeps that crazy car of clowns moving on down the road today, I think.
But we have a Voter advantage now (with a Gallop Poll from 2012 showing registered Democrats at 31% and Republicans at 27% of all registered voters) and if we can do now what they did then - and ramp up our GOTV activities this year to reach out to Every Single Precinct in America - then this Mid-term Election in the tail end of a lame-duck presidency could upset the political applecart and astound the pundit class: we could turn a obstructed, do-nothing Congress into a Force for Good with a Democratic Majority which would work with President Obama to move our nation #Forward.
All it takes is some time. My version of this is #WalkUrPrecinctWeek. The 2nd week of July, August and September we're all going to walk our very own precinct (which is about 1,100 voters on the average across the nation), and knock on doors and speak with our neighbors about:
Are you registered to vote?
Do you mind telling me which Party you are registered with?
Did you vote in the last election?
Do you intend to vote in the next election?
Do you need help getting to the polls?
Can I leave you some information?
It takes less than five minutes to touch base with those who live near you. You can carry Voter Registration cards to hand out. I'll take my tablet and a portable hotspot and register them RIGHT THERE at their front door! Because my state allows online registration. Does yours?
Because this year, unlike most mid-terms, is looking like it could be something special. The Tea Party is IMPLODING the Republicans, did you notice number 2 man in the GOP House, Eric Cantor lost his primary last week. What if we could do that to Republicans across the board this fall? It could happen.
Will you do your part to help make that happen? I know that I will.
So please, tell me if you have ever done a Walk-n-Knock GOTV canvass. Tell me what worked, what didn't. Tell me your best 'elevator speech' to motivate a could-be voter. Share your stories, your experiences. Let's work together to make some history this fall! Are you with me?
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
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 21st
Seattle & Puget Sound Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Pyramid Alehouse, Brewery & Restaurant
1201 First Avenue South • Seattle
ORGANIZER: Send John Crapper a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. John Crapper
2. John Crapper's SO
3. T-BoneApollo
4. dougiemac
5. Regina in a Sears Kit House
6. Regina's SO
7. doingbusinessas
8. Eagle Keeper
9. Piren
10. SilverWillow
11. Sarge in Seattle
12. LarisaW
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Maybees:
Assof
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Latest diary: Seattle Kossacks Dare to Dream 6/21/14
Sunday, June 22nd
March for Democracy Arrival Rally
Call for a national Constitutional Convention for the sole purpose of proposing an amendment to end big money's corruption of our democracy.
If you can't be there in person please sign this petition.
TIME: 2:00 PM ↞ NOTE TIME CHANGE!!
LOCATION: California State Capitol
1315 10th St • Sacramento
ORGANIZER: Send navajo a kosmail to connect with other Kossacks there.
RSVPs:
1. Shockwave
2. navajo
3. Meteor Blades
4. Glen The Plumber
5. remembrance
6. TLO™
7. Lusty
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Maybees:
USHomeopath
dharmasyd (needs a caretaker, please kosmail her)
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Latest diary: Something big is brewing in California
Tuesday, June 24th
NYC Kossacks Roll Out the Red Carpet for Dave in Northridge
TIME: 6:00 PM
LOCATION: Donburiya
137 East 47th Street (Lex & 3rd) • New York
(Not wheelchair accessible, entrance is 2 steps down)
ORGANIZER: Send sidnora a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. sidnora
2. Dave in Northridge
3. Avilyn
4. plf515
5. followyourbliss
6. MBNYC
7. cohenzee
8. joanbrooker
9. waterstreet2013
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Maybees:
Laura Clawson
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Latest diary: NYC Meetup 6/24: Come Meet Dave in Northridge
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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Maybees: |
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. texasmom
25. texasdad
26. a gilas girl
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. winifred3
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.
Cheers & Jeers Table:
1. Common Sense Mainer
2. Bill in Portland Maine
3. brillig
4. mik
5. K1
6. vicki
7.
8.
9.
10.
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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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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.
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.
8.
9.
10.
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Seattle & Portland Table:
1. Lefty Coaster
2. Sara R
3. loggersbrat
4. N in Seattle
5. Cedwyn
6. linkage
7.
8.
9.
10.
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Texas/Oklahoma/New Mexico Table:
1. texasmom
2. texasdad
3. TexMex
4. nomandates
5.
6.
7.
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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Maybees: |
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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Maybees: |
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.