I’m very proud to announce that I have been given a scholarship by Democracy for America to Netroots Nation in Austin, TX, July 17-20th. One of the reasons I applied for the scholarship is that I’m excited to bring more online grassroots efforts back to Idaho. But to do so, I need a little help from bloggers. Would you think about buying me a beer?
Read Diana's DFA Scholarship Profile
This is the flattering message DFA sent out about the competition winners, like myself.
From Democracy For America. Read More>>
It was an impressive group of applicants and the cream of the crop made the winners list. We have people who are hard working DFA activists to people who have constructively criticized DFA. We have people who have been active and accomplished in politics to people just getting started this cycle. .....
I have to say, the scholarship is great; it includes registration, food, and lodging. But it doesn’t pay for travel. I have raised some already, but I need must raise another $200. This is why I'm reaching out to you bloggers who understand that this conference can help Idaho. I’m committed to bring what I learn back to share with Idahoans and across the state through other networks I belong to.
If you can help me out by just donating the cost of a beer, it will make a huge difference for me getting to Netroots. I’m serious about raising this money. If you live in Pocatello, Idaho, I'll mow your lawn or wash your car. I've already sold my car to pay for the trip. The plane ticket from SLC is $308, and I'll need taxi fare to and from the airport. Everything else is paid for by the scholarship.
So, would you help a Blue girl out?
I can take money on paypal to just e-mail me at dianamarie13 @ yahoo.com and I'll get back to you right away with a secure way to donate. Make sure you let me know if you are buying a beer or a pitcher. I prefer Belligerent Ass (how appropriate) from the local Portneuf Brewery. Beers are $3 and pitchers are $11. If you'd buy more then one, I really am that thirsty; I'm in college so I have magical drinking skills.
But if that isn't enough, here is more of how your investment will pay off for Idaho.
I’m currently working on many projects (outside of my campaign work) that will help Democrats and progressives all over Idaho.
This summer and fall I will be facilitating and co-teaching a series of Voter Night School classes through the Bannock County Democrats and the ISU College Democrats. These are classes to teach regular people, new Democrats, and current volunteers the skills of how we elect Democrats in Idaho.
While this education is edifying and will be fun, one of the goals of these training are to farm some new leaders. In 2010 we will have state positions opening up and we will need our more experienced democrats to move up in office, and we will need prepared local people to step up to our local and state positions. For this to be successful, my attendance at Netroots would be a great component. We need to get these people connected online as well as offline.
Also immediately when I get back in July, Chris Cooke, the President of the Idaho Young Democrats (IDYD), and I are doing a tour of Idaho to educated and help Young Democrats, especially the high school chapters, get started and trained in the most current technologies for sustaining their organizations. We'll be from up in Sandpoint (in the panhandle of ID) all the way down to Soda Springs. Online blogs and social networking is one of the ways we can do this. But I need to get to Netroots to improve my skills and network with experienced people from around the U.S. and bring those contacts back to the people in Idaho. And I can't get there without help from people like you.
Please think of donating. It is only from the support of the other grassroots organizers like you that anything gets done in this world. I hope I hear from you soon.
Peace,
Diana M. Painter