Not happy with the state of Florida right now? Neither are the Florida Netroots - a network of online activists and bloggers who are working on building up the Democratic Party all across the state. Think of it as our 67 county strategy. We believe Florida will shift Democratic, but in order to do so its going to need a little push. We're willing to give it a shove, but we need your help. Here's 8 reasons to support the Florida Netroots:
8. We're building a network.
In June of this year, we worked with the Florida Democratic Party to host the first ever Netroots Luncheon at the Jefferson-Jackson Weekend.
We had over 50 people in attendence excitedly discussing how we can streamline, modernize, and make more effective the efforts of the grassroots and the netroots by working together.
7. The media here is learning of our existence.
At the aforementioned Jefferson-Jackson Weekend, bloggers were given press credentials to cover Nancy Pelosi's speech at the event. The media wasn't entirely happy to see us.
We also garnered quite a bit of media attention when, for example, The Florida Progressive Coalition noticed that Lt. Governor Kottkamp edited their Wiki to remove some unflattering facts about himself, when the Putnam Report reported that Congressman Adam Putnam's staff had been editing his page on Wikipedia, or when the Florida Netroots blog interviewed FDP Chair Karen Thurman.
You can help us continue to make the press grumble. We want draw attention to important stories that might get overlooked otherwise.
6. We're marketing our efforts
We launched the Blog Florida Blue initiative as a way of drawing attention to our efforts. Gatordem of Florida Kossacks was instrumental in coming up with the concept and working with fellow Kossacks to get the design.
Now, doesn't that just remind you of an old Florida postcard, you know, back when Florida was more solidly Democratic and we had governors like Bob Graham and Lawton Chiles?
5. We're generating talk.
Talk radio, that is, in the form of Florida Progressive Radio. The audience is growing with every broadcast.
4. Putting pressure on the Republicans
A WatchBlog network was established to keep an eye on Florida's congressional Republicans plus the state house, senate and cabinet.
We need more Floridians to volunteer to write for these blogs - so if you're interested, please contact T Rex.
3. Establishing an official Coaltion within the Party
The Netroots Coalition, modeled after a constituency caucus, has been added to the Florida Democratic Party structure.
It will work with local party organizations throughout the state to help them make better use of technology and find ways to bridge any gaps between the netroots and the grassroots so we can more effectively work together.
2. Pooties
Now, you're probably thinking, what the heck do pooties have to do with the Florida Netroots.
When I first came to Daily Kos, I lurked here for months before I started posting anything here. When I stumbled upon "Cheers and Jeers" and saw all the pootie pics - that's when I knew without a doubt that you all were my peeps.
I followed all the National news here and all the various congressional races in 2006. Seeing the things that bloggers did in places like Connecticut, Virginia and Montana - I thought that there should be a stronger network among the netroots here in Florida.
Daily Kos converted me from a lurker to an activist.
Here's my Missy:
Do you really want her to have to spend the rest of her life in a state controlled by Republicans?
1. Netroots Conference at the State Convention
Bloggers and online activists have been invited to attend the Florida Democratic Party's 2007 State Convention held October 26-28 at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort in Lake Buena Vista, FL.
We'll be presenting three panels: Netroots 101, Netroots Tools, and Working with the Netroots. The purpose is to introduce the blogosphere to Democratic activists in the state, show them how they can use the technologies in their own work, and provide examples of how we can work together.
Our event takes place on Saturday October 27th from 1:30-5:00 PM. There will be opening and closing keynote speakers and a party later that evening. You don't have to be a delegate at the convention to attend, but you will need to purchase a guest pass.
I've given you 8 reasons to support the Florida Netroots. If you have $8 to spare, could you please help us continue to build on the work that we've done.
Donate via Actblue
I just donated $20.08 to show that I'm willing to put my money where my mou--, er, keyboard is.
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Special thanks to T Rex, gatordem, Susan S, and countless other Florida activists for all your hard work. All I did was come up with an idea, you've worked to make it a reality.