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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What (small) Thing Would Make Your Life Better?
Nobody's life is perfect. I realize for a lot of people there are big things that might go a long way toward improving their lives: Finding a job that pays a living wage, removing a crushing debt burden, overcoming a health crisis, holding on to one's home.
One of the things about those sorts of life altering options, however, is that the control for them does not always lie directly in our own hands.
There are other kinds of changes, however, the small stuff that every one tells you not to sweat, that can make your day to day life better. Those are the ones I've been thinking about lately.
The stuff that would make my life better changes from season to season, I'm forever mulling over whether or not I should move (a smaller, cheaper apartment versus the shared one with a roommate), if I should apply for other jobs (something more intellectually challenging versus the easy tedium I now face), or how I can engage in more creative endeavors (could I kick my roommate out and use the extra room as a studio or is that simply self-indulgent?)
Lately however, my what-would-make-my-life-better decision circus has been car-focused. I lost my car in 2006, at the beginning of what marked the worst 14 months of my life. Being sick, unemployed and more deeply depressed than even my caregivers knew what to do about, replacing the vehicle was neither a high priority or a realistic possibility. So I learned to live without it. And I've managed (not always) for 8 years without a privately owned vehicle. I rely on a combination of public transportation, the kindness of colleagues, cabs and the occasional rental car when work demands that I attend events that aren't reasonably accessed via public transportation. But living without a car does mean that I am not free to act as I might always like: seeing my son is made more difficult because of the added transit times, and as his schedule is made tighter, the commute times make quick dinners together nearly impossible. The scope of my life outside of work is also greatly reduced because travel in general requires more forethought and planning, and one is often at the mercy of other people's kindness. People are often kind and experiencing that is quite uplifting, but as a way of life it can wear on a person's sense of worth and her conscience after a while.
So for the last few weeks my brain has been saying to me, "maybe your life would be better if you had a car". And at least three of every five days I say back to my brain, "maybe you are right, my life WOULD be better if I had a car". But then I start thinking about how much it would cost, how much extra paperwork it entails, the fact that I would have to interact with the DMV more regularly (my one great phobia) and I'm no longer sure it would be better. But I know it would be different.
Is there any small difference that would make your life better?
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
Meetup Success! C+J/NE Kossacks Sept 6th
by nhox42 ♥ for New England Kossacks
The New England Kossacks got together at the home brillig and mik north of Boston. Kossacks drove from all over New England to attend. Looks like a great time was had by all.
Folks in attendance were: brillig, mik, K1, K2, Simple, nhox42, Ed Tracey, GreyHawk, Kathy, TrueBlueMajority, theKgirls, Bill in Portland Maine, Common Sense Mainer, mayim, dtheo, RubDMC, AnotherMassachusettsLiberal, Debbie in ME, ialonelady, CwV, sardonyx, Noor B, Andy, James and Alex.
New England Kossacks
Please visit nhox42's diary for MORE photos! Including yummy food pr0n. Enjoy! You can still REC it. You can join New England Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to nhox42.
by ZenTrainer ♥ for Nashville KosKats
August 16th, the KosKats met up at the lake at Shipwreck Cove; Patrick is Lucky, Zen Trainer, Mr. and Ms. Sow Hat and 2 red county anonymous dems.
From Zen Trainer:
The Democrats aren’t even trying here. We talked about how to get someone with some sense in here running our state party. I had a name in mind - Mary Mancini.
[...] The other thing we talked about is Moral Mondays. I’d like to really concentrate on getting our legislature to force our Governor to accept expanded Medicaid for our state. I need big time help for that. Most of the KosKats who came to this meet-up don’t live in Nashville, they are on the outskirts. So we need some more local KosKats to step up.
L-R: Photo 1 - Mr. Sow Hat, Patrick is Lucky & Sow Hat Photo 2 - Patrick is Lucky & Zentrainer
Please visit ZenTrainer's diary for photos plus food pr0n! Enjoy! You can still REC it. You can join Nashville KosKats by sending a Kosmail to ZenTrainer.
by mimi ♥ for Maryland Kos
A joint meet-up of the Kossacks from Virginia, Maryland and DC happened on August 23rd. What a nice turn-out with great political discussion. Thanks to team leaders JamieG from Md and NinthElegy for organizing.
Here's one photo:
Back row: STI (JamieG's husband), Sturunner, jhutson, Uncle Cosmo, TRsCousin
Midde row: VeenaS1, Diana in NoVa, Aximill, mollyd, mdmslle, JamieG from Md, JG in MD, a gilas girl
Front row: louisev, patbahn, Laura Wnderer, BDA in VA
Please visit mimi's diary for many MORE photos! Enjoy! You can still REC it.
You can join Maryland Kos by sending a Kosmail to JamieG from Md.
You can join VIRGINIA KOS by sending a Kosmail to JamieG from Md.
You can join DC KOSSACKS by sending a Kosmail to NinthElegy.
by Sara R ♥ for Koscadia
The Kosacadia Kossacks (rsmpdx, winglion, loggersbrat & Sara R) got together at their local Food Truck pod. They stamped money to support the Stamp Stampede which was organized by Ben Cohen of Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream as a citizen effort to promote a Constitutional amendment to undo the pernicious effects of the Citizens United decision. Sara R has set up a Daily Kos group to rally others to this cause, please send them a Kosmail if you'd like to join in.
Please visit Sara R's diary for details. You can still REC it. You can join Koscadia by sending a Kosmail to Sara R.
by John Crapper ♥ for Seattle and Puget Sound Kossacks
Excerpts from John Crapper:
[...] 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!
[...] 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. [...]
Thanks, Mr. Crapper for this excellent organizing of Seattle. We have big hopes for mobilizing all of Washington. So great of you to be on board here in the beginning with such an important metropolitan area.
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
Please visit John Crapper's diary for many MORE details! You can still REC it. You can join
Seattle and Puget Sound Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to
John Crapper.
by remembrance ♥ for Silicon Valley Kossacks
Last Sunday, Silicon Valley Kossacks had their first meet up right in the hub of Downtown San Jose, where plutocrats, technocrats, and college students gather over local brew. The patio of Gordon Biersch was the setting of our open air meeting that would give cause to our newly formed group and inspire us to reach out to voters about progressive candidates and policies.
[...] If you live in the 17th, 18th, or 19th district, please join Silicon Valley Kossacks. If you are not a Daily Kos user but would like to work with us, please make a user account and leave us a comment below. You can follow our group by clicking on the ♥ at the top of the page.
L-R: Back Row: fiercefilms, Senor Unoball, esquimaux, madhause, navajo, Glen The Plumber, Lusty Front Row: Mrs. Senor Unoball, slowbutsure, norm, remembrance, TLO™
Please visit remembrance's diary for more information. You can still REC it. You can join Silicon Valley Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to Glen The Plumber.
Four Corners Kossacks Welcome Entourage from New Mexico
by Thinking Fella ♥ for Four Corners Kossacks
A last minute call went out to anyone interested in welcoming Land of Enchantment and jnhobbs to Durango. LucyTooners and Mr. LucyTooners rose to the occasion. A fantastic evening was reported to me by texts and lots of food pr0n as evidence.
Here's the group photo!
L-R: Mr. LucyTooners, LucyTooners, Thinking Fella, Land of Enchantment & jnhobbs
You can join Four Corners Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to Thinking Fella.
by susans ♥ for Los Angeles Kossacks
More than 30 Kossacks from Southern California met in Los Angeles to strategize on organizing. California is going to be our first roll-out of organizing an entire state. navajo talked about the importance of having a group in each congressional district and how important it is for everyone in attendance to help by looking for potential members in the comments of each diary at Dkos. navajo also talked about using the latest tools available from HQ such as Chris Bower's Action Team's email list and Faith Gardner and Jen Hayden's facebook interface to send invites to potential members in So Cal to join in. navajo will coordinate this. Google groups for email list servs were recommended along with facebook pages set up for each district as an organizing strategy.
Meteor Blades, a precinct captain for more than two decades, reinforced the effectiveness of old-fashioned, low-budget, face-to-face, boots on the ground local organizing as a time honored way to make things happen.
Vyan spoke about how politics is personal and one has to take on that mantle to engage and influence others.
by benamery21 ♥ for Los Angeles Kossacks
After attending the 8/9 L.A. Kossacks meetup in Los Angeles, I wish to extend my sincere thanks to navajo, Meteor Blades, Vyan, susans, Shockwave, and everyone else who played a part in making the meetup a success. I am excited to be a small part of efforts to build Kossack groups in greater Los Angeles, and in all 435 congressional districts.
[...] If we vote, we win. Sometimes asking is all it takes.
[...] but don't forget there is also a lot of other electoral territory in SoCal where your help might mean the difference between a Democrat and a Republican.
L-R: Meteor Blades, navajo and Vyan addressing the LA Kossacks
Please visit susans's diary for many MORE photos! Enjoy! You can still REC it. You can join Los Angeles Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to susans.
Event Organizers! Please contact wink from Netrootsradio.com by KosMail to schedule airtime with them to live broadcast the date of your Event. Wink & Justice will then promote it on The After Show radio program!
Announcing Mojave Kossacks!
Saturday, September 20th
Mojave Kossacks Inaugural Meet-up
Subtitled: Us Poor Bastards what Gotta Live in Teabagger Districts
Moody is looking for Kossacks in the CA-23 area, Antelope/Aerospace Valley, Bakersfield, Mojave, Barstow, Victorville/Apple Valley, and any other Red State SoCal Kossack willing to make the trip to Lancaster.
It's a potluck and if enough people sign up Moody will BBQ some New England style pulled pork.
TIME: 2:00 PM
LOCATION: Lancaster City Park
43063 N. 10th Street West • Lancaster
ORGANIZER: Send Moody Loner a kosmail to attend.
Latest diary: Okay, Let's Do This: Mojave Kossacks Meetup 9/20 2PM
Announcing Coachella Kossacks!
Saturday, September 20th
Coachella Kossacks Inaugural Meet-up
Calling all Kossacks in Morongo Basin and Coachella Valley
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Westfield Mall Food Court
Monterey and 111 • Palm Desert
ORGANIZER: Send Susan from 29 a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. blue drop
2. ruscle
3. Susan from 29
4. susans
5. TheNinoThomad
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Maybees: |
Latest diaries: Coachella Kossacks Sept 20 Meet Up
SERIOUSLY SEEKING Morongo Basin and Coachella Valley Kossacks
Sunday, September 21st
Voter Outreach & Registration + Kansas Kossacks Meet-up
Jean Schodorf (DailyKos endorsed), Jim Sherow (CD1), Dennis Anderson (State Insurance Commissioner) and more in tandem with LULAC - the League of United Latin American Citizens in an effort to reach out to a large and growing portion of the Kansas Community that has been left out by Republicans.
IF YOU ARE A KOSSACK IN AN UNORGANIZED KANSAS COUNTY, please attend!
TIME: TBD
LOCATION: TBD
[Address] • Dodge City
ORGANIZER: Send tmservo433 a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. tmservo433
2.
3.
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: Uniting a State: Kossack Meeting Dodge City, KS Sept. 21
Attribution: Jetsonorama
Sunday, September 21st
People's Climate March
TIME: Midday, TBD
LOCATION: Columbus Circle
Central Park West and 59th • New York City
Join hundreds of environmental and climate justice groups and tens of thousands of individuals on the streets of New York City on Sunday, September 21, 2014, for the People's Climate March. The march is being held two days before the UN Climate Summit, where political and corporate leaders are meeting prior to the December 2015 UNFCCC COP21 in Paris. It also precedes Climate Week NYC.
The links below provide information on transportation to New York, volunteer opportunities, events in New York, and other ways you can become involved in your local communities.
• Getting There: Links to available buses, trains, ride boards and creative group transit ideas near you to get the NYC for September 21st
• How to Get Involved
• RSVP and volunteer/donation opportunities
Latest diary: UN Climate Summit: What To Expect and Why it Matters
Sunday, September 21st
NYC Kossacks Meet-up with boatsie & WarrenS!
TIME: 5:00 PM
LOCATION: Spitzer's Corner
101 Rivington Street (Ludlow) • NYC
ORGANIZER: Send kathny a kosmail to RSVP
RSVPs:
1. boatsie
2. kathny
3. sidnora
4 rubyr
5. joanbrooker
6. WarrenS
7. NancyWH
8. Sean Robertson
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Maybees:
mimi
raines
MizC
MizC's brother
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Latest diary: NYC Post-march meetup 9/21 - w/special out-of-town GUESTS!
Saturday, September 27th
LA Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: TBD
LOCATION: Guild Restaurant
611 W 7th St • Los Angeles
ORGANIZER: Send susans a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. susans
2. Shockwave
3.
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: [Waiting for linked diary]
Seattle City Council member
Kshama Sawan
Saturday, October 4th
Seattle & Puget Sound Kossacks Meet-up
SPECIAL SPEAKER: Seattle City Council member Kshama Sawant who gained national attention in her successful campaign to get $15.00 min. wage passed in Seattle
TIME: 12:30 PM
LOCATION: Pyramid Alehouse, Brewery & Restaurant
1201 First Avenue South • Seattle
SET MENU COST: $25.00 per person (includes non-alcoholic beverage, gratuity, tax and your choice of entree from a limited-choice menu)
Space will be limited to the first thirty who RSVP for this event and I'm working to have the room filled to capacity, so don't delay.
Please note: A larger group, in a private room, bringing in a guest speaker requires more formality than our past meet ups. Please refer to the google group announcement for more details.
ORGANIZER: Send John Crapper a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. John Crapper
2. John Crapper's SO
3. bleeding blue
4. momomia
5. doingbusinessas
6. cinnamon68
7. Piren
8. Eagle Keeper
9. LarisaW
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: Seattle & Puget Sound Kossacks - Meet Kshama Sawant - Oct. 4
Saturday, October 4th
Dkos Asheville Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: The Cantina at Historic Biltmore Village
10 Biltmore Plaza • Asheville
ORGANIZER: Send randallt a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. randallt
2. davehouck
3. Joieau
4. Lamont Cranston
5. DawnN
6. SteelerGrrl
7. SteelerGuy
8. swhelden
9. Ottery Scribe
10. Burns Lass
11. Family guest
12. smiley7
13. people power granny
14. Gordon20024
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Maybees:
munchkin
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Latest diary: DKos Asheville: Weekly Open Thread
Sunday, October 19th
NYC Kossacks Meet-up with navajo
TIME: Noon
LOCATION: Spitzer's Corner
101 Rivington Street (Ludlow) • NYC
ORGANIZER: Send kathny a kosmail to RSVP
RSVPs:
1. navajo
2. ericlewis0
3. belinda ridgewood
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Maybees:
mconvente
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Saturday, November 8th
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.
3.
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: Seattle Meet Up - Dog Day Activities
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.