Grassroots training at DemFest 2005: Register NOW!

I just received an email from the organizers of Democracy Fest 2005 and wondered if y'all were aware that this is coming up - June 17-19 (Fri, Sat, and Sun) at Huston-Tillotson University in Austin, the capitol of Texas.

What is DemFest? From their flyer, " . . . a gathering of progressives from all over the country who will meet . . . to hear nationally known speakers, receive grassroots training, and enjoy an evening of entertainment with stellar musical and political guests."

Here are some of the people who will be there:

Saturday night speakers include Gov. Howard Dean, Jim Hightower, and Molly Ivins.

Workshops include:

* Progressive/Alternative Media: Taking on the corporate media machine at both national and local levels. Panel will include Jerome Armstrong (mydd.com), Markos Moulitsas Zuniga (dailykos.com), Dr. Federico Subervi, scholar and media consultant who directs the Latinos and Media Project, and Cody Garrett, managing editor of La Prensa.

Got your attention yet?

There's more . . .

* Framing for Democracy: Dr. Jeffrey Feldman, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Frameshop, on ways we can use language more effectively to convey our positions and vision to voters.

How about

* The DeLay Factor: Former Dean Dozen candidate and DeLay challenger Richard Morrison will be joined by author Lou DuBose (The Hammer) and Chris Bell, the former Democratic U.S. congressman for the pre-redistricting Texas District 25 who filed ethics charges against DeLay, and who is considering a run for governor.

and

* Veterans of Texas Political Wars: Jim Hightower, Molly Ivins, and Glen Maxey will be joined by others, as requested by our young supporters who want to hear the voices of experience.

(For non-Texans who don't know who Glen Maxey is, see Capitol Chronicle: A Profile in Courage and Lines in the Sand.)

There will also be workshops on Balancing Activism with the Rest of Life: (You know what we mean), Campaign Training 101,  Campaign Training 201, Civic Action Network, Electoral Reform and IRV,  Engaging Communities through Civic Environmentalism, House Parties, Political Scavenger Hunt,  Religion, Democracy, and the Common Good,  Students for Democracy,  Turning Red States Blue,  Websites and Blogs, and What It Means to Be a Progressive.

More details about these workshops at the Democracy Fest program page.

Why am I telling you this now? Because, to quote from the email, "If you haven't yet paid for your registration, please do so as soon as possible. Until you pay, you are not ensured a spot, and we are rapidly approaching capacity. All registrations must be paid for in advance--there will be no payments taken at the door."

And from the website, "So far, over 600 people have already registered! While more than 75% of the registrants are from Texas, we have people coming from 25 states and 3 foreign countries. Keep in mind--space is limited." For more information and to register, click here.

Democracy Fest is co-sponsored by Democracy for Texas (our DFA) and My Vote Is My Voice. Tickets are $55, and that includes all kinds of stuff besides the workshops, like two meals, a CD from the workshops, and a t-shirt (of course).

So - y'all come. If you're from out of town, give me a shout. Love to meet you.

•  That sounds like fun!

  Way to go, Texas.

  by ablington on Mon Apr 04, 2005 at 08:26:28 AM PDT

•  A lot of us

  have been wondering how to use our experience in the last election and what we've learned here at dKos and turn it into action. This looks like a great opportunity for those of us who have no experience in grassroots organizing - and for those who do as well.

  by Janet Strange on Mon Apr 04, 2005 at 08:32:38 AM PDT

•  I'm Jealous!

  This sounds like just the type of training I have been looking for.  The only problem is I live in Massachusetts.

  Maybe we can get these folks to tour? :-)

  by Mariposa on Mon Apr 04, 2005 at 08:44:02 AM PDT

•  Geez...

  ...I SO wish I could afford to go to this. :(

  by OrdinaryVanity on Mon Apr 04, 2005 at 08:51:34 AM PDT

•  If you can't make Texas

  there will be more trainings, it's the word all over..but this one does look mighty nice, and my sister is in Austin and I do training on turning red counties blue..how do I contact the organizers?

  by philinmaine on Mon Apr 04, 2005 at 10:00:35 AM PDT

  •  Click on the Democracy for Texas link

    in the diary. There's a link to info about Democracy Fest 2005. There are also several email addresses for DFT folks (ie executive director, political director, etc) llisted. Scroll down the page - look on the right - for the contact info. Teri Sperry, Director of Training and Public Service Development, might be the person you're looking for.

    by Janet Strange on Mon Apr 04, 2005 at 06:01:56 PM PDT