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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Where is the moments of zen for you? That place where you find bliss and tranquility?
Coffee and cloves are a daily ritual for me that summon forth bursts of creative activity from me, but they are not my moments of Zen. Rather, they are moments of great unzenlike activities.
"I am a fly...."
It is easier to recognize being close to moments of Zen than it is to actually be in one. In a moment of zen one doesn't seek to change anything: one is in the zen of change.
Yesterday I was caught in several moments of Zen while being up in Wildcat Canyon. I stopped in my tracks when I saw a rabbit furtively jump out fromt he bushes and stop in the middle of the trial to gaze at me. I was transfixed by the rabbit's stare. The longer I stared the more managed to convince myself that the rabbit wanted me to move towards him. Of course he did not, and I knew that on an intellectual level. That did little though to repress my desire to transcend the distance between us by stepping closing. When I did move to make a step the rabbit darted away.
I had lost my moment of Zen.
I am not attuned now to moments of Zen as I once was. Back in the last century I spent hours playing with a howler monkeyin the wilds of the Guatemalan rainforest. I maintained the same distance between us. The only movement I did were movements of imitation in response to gestures by the monkey himself. That episode proved to be, and remains, perhaps the most intimate connection I've ever had to an animal in the wild. For me personally perfect moments of Zen are those that we can enjoy if we do not destroy them by seeking to capture them.
What are those perfect Zen-like moments that you can enjoy daily or weekly?
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 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 16th
Motor City Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: Noon
LOCATION: Roadside B&G
1727 S. Telegraph Road • Bloomfield Township
ORGANIZER: Send peregrine kate a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. peregrine kate
2. sydneyluv
3. DoReMI
4. 2thanks
5. Dr Arcadia
6. Estraven
7.
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Maybees:
ProvokingMeaning
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Latest diary: Motor City Kossacks: Meet-up Sat 8/16, noon, Roadside B&G, Bloomf'd Twn
Saturday, August 16th
Nashville KosKats Meet-up
TIME: 2:00 PM
LOCATION: Shipwreck Cove at the Elm Hill Marina
3361 Bell Road • Nashville
ORGANIZER: Send ZenTrainer a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. ZenTrainer
2. Jon Sitzman
3. Sow Hat 1
4. Sow Hat 2
5. oh4thelove
6. Red Country anonymous 1
7. Red Country anonymous 2
8. Meg
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Maybees:
Patrick is Lucky |
Latest diary: Nashville KosKats Meet-up. THIS Saturday!
Sunday, August 17th
Four Corner Kossacks Welcome LOE & jnhobbs to Durango
TIME: 5:30 PM
LOCATION: The Office Spiritorium
699 Main • Durango
TIME: 6:30 PM
LOCATION: Season's
734 Main • Durango
ORGANIZER: Send Thinking Fella a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. Thinking Fella
2. Land of Enchantment
3. jnhobbs
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Maybees: |
Sunday, August 17th
Silicon Valley Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 1:00 PM
LOCATION: Gordon Biersch
33 East San Fernando Street • San Jose
ORGANIZER: Send Glen The Plumber a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. Glen The Plumber
2. remembrance
3. TheLittleOne
4. Lusty
5. madhaus
9. norm
7. slowbutsure
8. Ahmad (Honda campaign)
9. Honda campaign staffer
10. Honda campaign staffer
11. Senor Unoball
12. Mrs. Senor Unoball
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Maybees:
Cali Scribe
Mr. Scribe
navajo
esquimaux
fiercefilms
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Latest diary: Silicon Valley Kossacks: Meet Up This Sunday
Saturday, August 23rd
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. John Crapper SO
3. doingbusinessas
4. cinnamon68
5. bleedingblue
6. momomia
7. CaptainSnagger
8. Smrichmond
9. LarisaW
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Maybees:
mlharges
N in Seattle
Penny GC
EagleofFreedom
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Latest diary: Seattle & Puget Sound Kossacks "Dog Day Afternoon" Meet-up
Saturday, August 23rd
VA/DC/MD Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: 12:30 - 4:40 PM
LOCATION: Union Station
Food Court • Washington, DC
ORGANIZER: Send JamieG from Md a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. JamieG from Md
2. mollyd
3. Diana in NoVa
4. NinthElegy
5. mimi
6. STI
7. VeenaS1
8. JanetT in MD
9. webgenie
10. Edward Adams
11. Axmill
12. Laura Wnderer
13. Nolan
14. pademocrat
15. mdmslle
16. Deep Harm
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Maybees:
BDA in VA
dadadata
Uncle Cosmo
Tamar
stevenwag
JG in MD
TheOtherMaven
cobart
Elizabeth Amy Miller
BillinLaurel and partner
RenaRF
restondem
VirginiaJeff
memofromturner
rb608
horse dave
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Latest diary: MD/DC/VA Kossacks - Meetup August 23rd!
Sunday, August 24th
Portland Kossacks Meet-up to Stamp Big Money Out of Politics
ACTION planned: Join the Stampede of tens of thousands of Americans legally stamping messages on our Nation’s currency to #GetMoneyOut of Politics. As more and more stamped money spreads, so will the movement to amend the Constitution. The Koscadia Kossacks will be bringing Ben & Jerry's stamps to the event so bring your cash to help spread the message about reversing Citizen's United.
TIME: 12:30 PM
LOCATION: à la carts Food Pavilion
SE 50th and Division Street • Portland
ORGANIZER: Send Sara R a kosmail to attend.
RSVPs:
1. Sara R (2 stamps)
2. winglion
3. llbear
4. rexymeteorite (1 stamp)
5. James Allen
6. Damnit Janet
7. Wesley
8. loggersbrat
9. Angie in WA State (birthday girl!)
10. 6412093
11. ozsea1 (1 stamp)
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Maybees:
watercarrier4diogenes
Danni
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Latest diary: Koscadia Meet Up, Sunday, August 24 - Stamp Stampede!
Sunday, August 24th
NYC Kossacks Meet-up
TIME: Noon
LOCATION: Spitzer's Corner
101 Rivington Street (Ludlow) • NYC
ORGANIZER: Send kathny a kosmail to RSVP
RSVPs:
1. kathny
2. belinda ridgewood
3. rubyr
4. joanbrooker
5. mconvente
6. ericlewis0
7. No Exit
8. sidnora
9. gchaucer2
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Maybees:
BaritoneWoman
jfdunphy
David Nir
Lysis
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Latest diary: NYC Meetup Sunday August 24 at Spitzer's
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
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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 with Yes on 49 - Money Out Voters In
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
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Maybees:
navajo
Meteor Blades
Laurel in CA
LinSea
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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.
3.
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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
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: |
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.