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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Ever live someone else's dream?
Jack's rendition of his grandfather's boat from memory.
Are you chasing your own dream or someone else's dream? I've asked myself that on more than a few "occasions." Some folks don't need to ask themselves that question. They know what they are doing and why.
Jack, my housemate's boyfriend, is a dockworker in Oakland. It is a tough job. He has calluses on top of calluses. At six feet plus, he is kind of intimidating when you first meet him. He lives close by the docks on a sailboat he bought himself. He is only 20, but saved enough money working (since 16) to buy the boat. He didn't just buy the boat to live on. Nor did he buy it for fun. He is a man obsessed with a dream. He is going to reconquer his grandfather's dream.
Decades ago his deceased grandfather sailed another boat from Oakland, through the Panama Canal, up to New England. When Jack's grandfather died penniless the boat was auctioned off. Jack's plan is to recreate that voyage through the Panama Canal and arrive in New England. Once there he plans to buy his grandfather's boat back.
No thanks. I'm a LANDLUBBER.
Although he never knew his father, he was lucky enough to be raised by two great moms. Thus his grandfather was the seminal male character in his life. Growing up Jack lived with his moms on boats, and some of his best and foundational memories were while living on his grandfather's boat with them. So he has decided to take a year out of his life to do this expedition retracing his grandfather's steps.
He himself is a great sailor and possesses a great "can do" personality that is matched with the technical skills needed to make his dream come true. He has his sailing crew of five already chosen. Do not worry, this landlubber isn't one of them. He's too great a nascent captain to make a mistake such as that. Besides, I have my own dreams. Well, some of them are mine and some I've just inherited.
Whose dreams are you chasing, and why?
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
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.
by mikejay611 ♥ for North & Central Florida Kossacks
by Vetwife ♥ for North & Central Florida Kossacks
by SemDem ♥ for North & Central Florida Kossacks
65 Kossacks gathered at the home of Vetwife on August 9th to listen to four candidates in person and three other candidates skyped in. They each were allowed to speak for 10 minutes and then had five minutes to answer questions. Reverend Robert of NAACP AME Moral Mondays spoke along with veteran advocates, medical MJ leaders and an Occupier organizer. Gordon20024 deserves another Kossack Hero award for supplying ALL the food! Vetwife reports that several campaigns have been in touch with her for support since this meet-up.
Vetwife introducing Joe Murray who is running for Congress
L-R: Vetwife, SemDem & byardl
Please visit the diary links above for many MORE photos! Enjoy! You can still REC all those diaries. You can join North & Central Florida Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to Vetwife.
Also visit SemDem's diary for a great example of how to organize speakers and promote an event:
by SemDem ♥ for North & Central Florida Kossacks
by randallt ♥ for DKos Asheville
Asheville's second Mountain Moral Monday protest was [Monday, August 4th] and it was inspiring to say the least. The Reverend Barber delivered a beauty of a speech that kept most people on their feet the whole time. Kossacks from far and wide met up for the event with a few of us meeting ahead of time and a few of us meeting at the rally.
Here's one photo:
L-R: TexDem, Lamont Cranston, randallt, davehouck, new recruit
Please visit randallt's diary for many MORE photos! Enjoy! You can still REC it. You can join DKos Asheville by sending a Kosmail to randallt.
by Mother Mags ♥ for Phoenix Kossacks and Baja Arizona Kossacks
Kossacks attended the meet-up from around the state, helped out by strong recruitment from Azazello and other Baja Arizona friends south of the Gila River.
[...] A week before the meet-up fewer than 20 people had registered, and we anticipated a big table where we could discuss specific races and issues in our communities. Then something happened, and the RSVPs more than doubled in a week. Thanks, Markos, for the recruitment tool!
navajo: "I had a great time attending this meet-up. I chatted with almost everyone individually and then spoke to the whole group about what Daily Kos can do for them in terms of organizing and helping their ranks grow. Not one person wanted to rehash the online dispute. Everyone wanted to move forward. What a great group! The evening was extremely enjoyable and I look forward to working with Arizona Kossacks on ACTION items in their state going forward."
Here's one photo:
See Mother Mag's diary for individual headshots and usernames ~Photo Courtesy of Richard
Please visit Mother Mags diary for many MORE photos! Enjoy! You can still REC it.
You can join Phoenix Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to Mother Mags.
You can join Baja Arizona Kossacks by sending a Kosmail to Azazello.
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!
Saturday, August 30th
Colorado COmmunity Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 9:00 AM
LOCATION: Common Grounds Coffee House
44th & Vallejo • Denver
Adjacent Feed Denver's farmers market which will be open then.
ORGANIZER: Send Leftcandid a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. Leftcandid
2. acpa
3.
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: Denver Kossacks: Let's Caffeinate Liberally, on Saturday 8/30
Saturday, August 30th
Houston Area Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Simply Pho
2929 Milam Street • Houston
ORGANIZER: Send Chrislove a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. Chrislove
2. nomandates
3. scott5js
4. Blood
5. cosette
6. doraphasia
7. TDDVandy
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Maybees:
Mr. cosette
Mr. doraphasia
Mary
Alan
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Latest diary: Houston Area Kossacks: Meet-Up Scheduled for Saturday, August 30
Saturday, September 6th
New England Kossacks Potluck & BBQ
TIME: TBD
LOCATION: brillig & mik's home
Address given privately to RSVPs • north of Boston
ORGANIZER: Send nhox42 a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. nhox42
2. brillig
3. mik
4. Common Sense Mainer
5. Bill in Portland Maine
6. mayim
7. Jane in Maine
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Maybees:
northerntier
TrueBlueMajority
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Latest diary: C+J/NE Kossacks Meetup September 6th!
Saturday, September 6th
Sacramento Kossacks Meet-up
Potluck with BYOB
Special Guest: Derek Cressman
TIME: 4:00 - 7:00 PM
LOCATION: Kestrel's home
Address given privately to RSVPs • Sacramento
ORGANIZER: Send cooper888 a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. tgypsy
2. cooper888
3. gotmooned
4. Kestrel
5. shigeru
6. TrevizOlga
7. paradise50
8. smileycreek
9. merelyfearless7
10. Sycotic1
11. side pocket
12. Mrs. side pocket
13. navajo
14. Meteor Blades
15. aransdell
16. ushomeopath
17. Barbara Leary
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Maybees:
Laurel in CA
LinSea
timethief
DrPlacebo
Anthony Page aka SecondComing
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Latest diary: Sacramento (area) Kossacks Meetup With Featured Guest!
Join the Sacramento Kossacks Google Group to receive invites for future events.
Saturday, September 6th
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
Monday, September 8th
SFKossacks In-District Meeting with Senator Dianne Feinstein Re: Net Neutrality
TIME: 2:00 PM
LOCATION: San Francisco Office
One Post Street, Suite 2450 • San Francisco
ORGANIZER: Send navajo a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. navajo
2. kimoconnor
3. dharmasyd
4. linkage
5. EagleOfFreedom
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: [Waiting for linked diary]
Saturday, September 13th
Pikes Peak Region Kossacks Inaugural Meet-up!
TIME: 6:30 PM
LOCATION: Panera Bread
7344 North Academy Boulevard (general address) or 7351 Atlas Walk Way (mall address) • Colorado Springs
ORGANIZER: Send thanatokephaloides a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. thanatokephaloides
2. tmservo433 (visiting from Kansas)
3. AmberChaos
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Maybees: |
Latest diary: Our First Meeting: An Announcement
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!
TIME: TBD, sometime after the march
LOCATION: TBD
TBD • NYC
ORGANIZER: Send kathny a kosmail to RSVP
RSVPs:
1. boatsie
2.
3.
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Maybees: |
Saturday, October 4th
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
Saturday, October 4th
Dkos Asheville Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: The Bywater
796 Riverside Dr. • Asheville
ORGANIZER: Send randallt a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. randallt
2. davehouck
3. Joieau
4. Lamont Cranston
5. DawnN
6. SteelerGrrl
7. SteelerGuy
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Maybees:
munchkin
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Latest diary: [Waiting for linked diary]
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: |
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.