Please come to Golden Corral 3035 23^rd Ave.  Greeley at 11:30 to get your lunch (if you are available).  The meeting begins at noon. 

This month you’ll hear Lesley Manring tell us about her experience living in Germany when Chernobyl had is catastrophic meltdown.  We’ll learn about the current state of nuclear power production, activities and programs people are involved in that promote green energy over costly and dangerous nuclear power. 

We will have a representative from Organizing for American give us a short presentation about what the group is currently doing and how we can become involved.

Debbie Pilch, Chairperson for the Weld County Democratic Party will give us an update of current activity and volunteer opportunities.

Dave Young, representative for CD 50, will give us an update of happenings in the Colorado legislature and his current projects.  

Other Ways to be Active

1.       Organize locally against Citizens United:  Go to www.PublicCitizen.org

The government should serve voters, not corporate special interests. Public Citizen works to empower ordinary citizens, reduce the influence of big corporations on government, open the government to public scrutiny, and hold public officials accountable for their misdeeds.

2.      Call your Cory Gardner now and ask him to support Tammy Baldwin’s Resolution 85 demanding that banks should not be granted immunity without a proper investigation.

The number to call is 202-225-4676.    Here’s what to say:

“Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME] from [CITY]. Can I please speak to someone who deals with banking?

[AFTER YOU'RE TRANSFERRED]

Hello, my name is [YOUR NAME] from [CITY]. I’m calling today about Tammy Baldwin’s resolution opposing the proposed Wall Street deal that would give big banks immunity — for crimes that haven’t even been investigated yet!

We don’t even know the extent of their criminal activity around foreclosures. And we won’t know unless they can be fully investigated. Will Rep. Gardner co-sponsor Tammy Baldwin’s resolution 85 to hold banks accountable?

[WAIT FOR RESPONSE]

To join as a co-sponsor, you can contact Carrie Solomon in Rep. Baldwin’s office. The number is x5-2906. Thank you for speaking with me! Have a nice day.”

3. Go to Movetoamend.org and learn how to Occupy the Courts on January 20. Print flier and    invite people to go to Denver for the National Day of Protest.   

Call to Action

Inspired by our friends at Occupy Wall Street, and Dr. Cornel West, Move To Amend is planning bold action to mark the second anniversary of the infamous Citizens United v. FEC decision!

Occupy the Courts will be a one day occupation of Federal courthouses across the country, including the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C., on Friday January 20, 2012.

Move to Amend volunteers across the USA will lead the charge on the judiciary which created — and continues to expand — corporate personhood rights.

Americans across the country are on the march, and they are marching OUR way. They carry signs that say, “Corporations are NOT people! Money is NOT Speech!” And they are chanting those truths at the top of their lungs! The time has come to make these truths evident to the courts.

➤➤ Join us Friday, January 20, 2012 at a Federal Court building near you!

Hope to see you all on Friday

Dems in Action at AFP Rally

We numbered 20 (including those who had to leave early).  AFP numbered 22,
including their staff.  Effectively, we actually outnumbered the tea partiers!

 The next Dems in Action Luncheon  is Friday September 2, 2011 at the Golden Corral  3035 23RD AVENUE

Speaker: Steve Moreno, Weld County Clerk and Recorder

 Arrive at 11:30 to get your lunch. Meeting will begin at 12:00 and conclude at 1:00. Stay until 1:30 if available to catch up with friends.

 Our Speaker this month is our County Clerk and Recorder, Steve Morino. Steve was elected November 5, 2002 and was re-elected in 2006 and 2010.

 The Weld County Clerk and Recorder has the responsibility for the Recording Department, Election Department, Motor Vehicle Department, The Southeast Weld Branch Office and the Southwest Branch Office.

 The election department is responsible for  voter registration,  compilation of ballots, absentee ballots, and early voting ballots for the regular primary, general and special county elections;  training of election judges, conduct of election day procedures; tabulation of election day results, and certification of the election with the County Canvass Board.  Registration as a voter may be made at either office of the Weld County Clerk and Recorder or any municipal clerk’s office of cities and towns in Weld County, or at any driver’s license office.  Forms to register by mail are also available at these locations.

For more information go to http://www.co.weld.co.us/Departments/ClerkRecorder/index.html

Come listen to Roy Wardell and learn about Common Cause and what the group is doing regarding Citizens United, the supreme court ruling that corporations are people, thereby allowing unlimited money in politics. 

We will  also welcome our new representative from CD 50, Dave Young  who will introduce himself with a few words about his new position.

A Letter Writing and Training Party

Eyes On Congress is hosting a Letter to the Editor training/writing party August 9th.

Who: YOU!

Where: Centennial Public Library 2227 23rd Ave. Greeley, CO in the meeting room.

When: Aug. 9th from 5:30-7:30pm

Writing a letter to the editor on various issues can have a big impact on swaying public opinion. Find out the strategy behind writing letters to the editor and learn how writing a letter to the editor is much easier than you may think!

To RSVP email Mark Evans at oureyesoncongress@gmail.com

Please come to Food Stamped Friday August 26.  See full info below.

Please come and invite your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers.

From Mark Evans:  The State Legislature Redistricting Commission is coming to Greeley, August 29,  6pm  UNC  University Center Columbine B.

Representative Cory Gardner is at it again. He’s recently advertised that he will be attending the opening of the new Salud Medical Center at 729 E. Railroad Ave. in Fort Morgan on July 18th at 1pm.

Salud Family Health Centers are dedicated to providing quality comprehensive health services with attention to the low-income and vulnerable populations. They get a great deal of their funding from both the State and Federal government.

Cory Gardner has voted on three separate occasions to cut Salud’s funding and yet he has the gall to show up for an opening at one of their new offices. At Eyes on Congress we wonder about his motives. Is he trying to claim credit for something he and his party strongly oppose, even as a concept? Eyes On Congress can only assume that Gardner is hoping that no one will notice this outrageous, hypocritical behavior; but of course we have.

No doubt the press will be there when Cory shows up to for the opening of a building and program he’s worked to cut, and we intend to show up and ask a simple question:

“Cory, Why are you here?”

729 E. Railroad Ave. in Fort Morgan on July 18th at 1pm is a little bit of a drive for some of us, so we are arranging car pools and making a lot of phone calls. If you can make it, or would like to help with calls please reply to this email. You can also make a donation to help pay for the gas for folks that are carpooling to Fort Morgan.

Sincerely,
-Mark Evans
Executive Director, Eyes On Congress
oureyesoncongress@gmail.com

A Letter Writing and Training Party

Eyes On Congress is hosting a Letter to the Editor training/writing party August 9th.

Who: YOU!

Where: Centennial public library 2227 23rd Ave. Greeley, CO in the meeting room

When: Aug. 9th from 5:30-7:30pm

Writing a letter to the editor on various issues can have a big impact on swaying public opinion. Find out the strategy behind writing letters to the editor and learn how writing a letter to the editor is much easier than you may think!

To RSVP email Mark Evans at oureyesoncongress@gmail.com

.

Our next meeting

Our next meeting will be  Friday August 5, 2011 at the Golden Corral. 

Come listen to Roy Wardell and learn about Common Cause and what the group is doing regarding Citizens United, the supreme court ruling that corporations are people, thereby allowing unlimited money in politics. 

Please come to Food Stamped August 26.  See full info below.

Food Stamped

 Let’s Have Some Fun Together

Good Food, Music, Fun and Games

Sunday June 12, 2011, 2:00p.m. to 5:00p.m.

Staub Residence  3007 Grandview Drive Greeley, CO  80631

 $13 with RSVP   $15 at the Door  Children Welcome at no charge

Soft drinks provided.  Please bring a side dish if possible

Please RSVP 970.351.7047 or office@weldcountydems.org

See you at Hannah and Erik’s!

Here are some links of action items you may wish to take.

Current Campaigns at Working for Change:  www.workingforchange.com/

Tell Orbitz: Stop sponsoring FOX News climate lies

Orbitz says it is committed to protecting the planet and raising environmental awareness. So why does Orbitz advertise on Fox News, the #1 source for climate denial misinformation? Orbitz has a choice: stand by its commitment or continue to support FOX News anti-climate agenda. Take action now.

Tell President Obama: End the war in Afghanistan

Osama bin Laden’s death has radically changed the political environment we’re in and given President Obama significant political cover to bring the war in Afghanistan to an end. Now, more than ever, we need to speak out to make sure he does so.

Tell Congress: End government handouts to rich oil companies

As gas prices and oil company profits soar, it makes no sense that our government continues to reward Big Oil with an additional $4 billion a year in subsidies and tax breaks. Those who have defended this policy are starting to feel the pressure. Let’s turn it up, and finally end oil subsidies.

Tell Speaker Boehner: Don’t defend the unconstitutional Defense of Marriage Act with our money.

Not only is Speaker John Boehner using your taxpayer dollars to defend discrimination against gay and lesbian couples, he’s hired Bush’s former solicitor general to work the case. Tell Boehner that if he wants to stand on the wrong side of history, he should do so on his own dime.

Make BP pay

As gulf residents cope with the catastrophe that began 1 year ago, BP just scored a $10 billion dollar tax windfall by writing their cleanup and restoration costs off their 2010 taxes. As our government implements massive budget cuts, BP shouldn’t be writing off its destruction of our Gulf.

Nuclear Information and Resource Service    http://www.nirs.org/

NIRS/WISE is the information and networking center for citizens and environmental organizations concerned about nuclear power, radioactive waste, radiation, and sustainable energy issues.  Click on actions link for  latest initiative.

If you have information you would like added to this blog, please let me know.

Sincerely,

Hollis Berendt

April 4

On Monday, April 4, over 1,000 events were held nationwide to commemorate the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. In 1968, King went to Memphis to support sanitation workers in their quest to bargain collectively for a voice at work and a better life. We continued that fight april 4 in solidarity.  The event was sponsored by the Northern Colorado Labor Council and the AFL-CIO.  The Greeley “WE ARE ONE” event  featured  music, King’s Riverside Church speech, and speakers from all walks of life reflecting on King’s contributions to America’s workers.  Speakers included Solomon Little Owl,  Paul Hodapp, and Anita Fleming Rife from UNC, Dave Delgado, Pres. Teachers’ Union, District 6,  Kathleen Milligan, President  League of Women Voters,  Kevin Caffrey, from the Northern Colorado Labor Council,  Tim Caffrey,  Ed Humbolt,  Electricians Union, Johnstown,   and Rick Lopez.  From the faith communities speakers included Nate and Jenn Soule-Hill Fam. of Christ Presby., Silvia Falconer Minister Emeritus from the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greeley, Erik Karas 1st Congregational Church, and Dr. Denise Hall. 

Saturday April 30

Please come to Sowing the Seeds of a Healthy Community

When: April 30  4:00  See the film FRESH.  After the film Claire Boyles of Boyles Family Farms will talk with us about the importance of small family farms vs Agribusiness. 

We will then share a meal of local foods

At 7:00 we will see the film Gasland.  After will be  a short discussion about fracking and an opportunity to sign a petition to support the FRAC ACT.

Come to all or part.  There is no charge for the event.  If you would like to donate any fresh local foods or preserved foods from last years garden please do so.  The donations are gratefully accepted but not required.  Please come and invite your friends.

Friday May 6

Dems in Action meeting.  11:30 Come have Lunch.  12:00 Meeting begins.  1:00 Meeting is over, but we have the room until 1:30 to socialize.

Please come, meet and listen to Scott Glaser from United Way.  He will be giving a presentation  about the many programs that United Way provides, partnerships with,  as well as addressing the many misconceptions people have about United Way.  Please come and learn more about United Way.

Saturday May 14         From last month’s speaker  Micah Parkin

Sign up today to march with us!!!

Youth-led ‘iMatter’ Marches Worldwide will Culminate in Denver Mega-March on May 14^th

Motivated by government inaction, kids are launching a grassroots movement, mobilizing the largest number of youth ever to demand concrete actions against climate change!

WHO:  Colorado youth, concerned adults, local leaders, national celebrities, dozens of partnering organizations and YOU!  Sign up at www.imattercolorado.com.

WHAT:  Youth-led march to urge government action to reduce fossil fuel emissions and halt climate change

WHEN:  May 14^th, at 12:00 Noon

WHERE:  The march will begin at noon at Cuernavaca Park (20th and Platte Street, near REI) and proceed 2 miles before ending at Civic Center Park (across from the Capital) followed by speakers, music and entertainment. (Please visit www.imattercolorado.com/ for most current details.)  

WHY:  With their future at stake, and frustrated with inaction to curb climate change, youth leaders are announcing plans for ‘iMatter Marches’ the week of Mother’s Day – the largest ever mobilization of youth against climate change. Youth leaders across the globe are preparing to march in the streets and appeal to the courts in a series of soon-to-be filed legal and administrative actions against the 50 states and federal government.

The week of marches will culminate in a mega-march in Denver on May 14^th, where thousands are expected to participate. A mix of celebrities, local leaders and national figures will join the Denver march, including the 16-year-old founder of iMatter, Alec Loorz.

“Young people will be affected most by decisions that are made today and yet we can’t vote, and we don’t have money to compete with lobbyists,” said Loorz, who has been tirelessly working on the issue of climate change and global sustainability for the past three years. “We do, however, have the moral authority and the legal right to insist that our future be protected.”

The marches will take place May 7 – 14 across the U.S. and in countries around the world. Both the marches and the lawsuits are focused on getting governments to stop caving into the demands of oil and coal lobbyists and to create “Climate Recovery Plans.” These Plans, based on the best science, will establish peak global carbon dioxide emissions by 2012, reduce carbon dioxide emissions on a global scale by at least 6 percent every year and commit to widespread global reforestation.

Young people will become plaintiffs in soon-to-be-announced legal and administrative actions against all 50 states and the federal government to force action to reduce global warming. Xiuhtezcatl Roske-Martinez, a 10-year-old leader with the Colorado-based Earth Guardian youth group overseeing the Denver march planning efforts, is one of the plaintiffs.  “Our future is in jeopardy, and our Earth won’t even be worth inheriting because of the decisions that the leaders of our country are making,” said Roske-Martinez. “We are in a planetary crisis, and it’s time for them to wake up and help us fight for our future.”

Want to help?  Great!  An effort this big needs all hands on deck, so thank you!

***iMatter March Volunteer Checklist***

Sign up online to march today:http://www.imattercolorado.com/register.html.

Email your friends, family, and groups you’re involved with and encourage them to sign up to march with you!  (Sample info email, flyers, posters and more here.  Please bring flyers to any events you attend or places you frequent.)

Sign up to volunteer for the march.  (We still have many important volunteer roles to fill!)

Consider making a donation.  To make a march this big work costs $.  Every little bit helps, so please contribute what you can.  Secure online donations can be made through Paypal or send a check to

Help build the buzz through social media.  Please “like” our Facebook page and suggest it to friends and follow/tweet about iMatter on Twitter!)

***

A letter from the Earth Guardians and iMatter Organizers…

iMatter weMatter – Live as if our Future Matters!
A Youth and Adult Led Campaign

We believe that if enough of us show up here in Denver, and in marches around the world, that we can make a difference. Our leaders will listen, and they will begin working together with us and with those who share our vision. We can shift from a fossil fuel, pollution-emitting society to one that is clean, green, and respects future generations.

The climate crisis is an issue of intergenerational justice, and we see ourselves in the tradition of Martin Luther King, Jr. fighting for civil rights, Gandhi resisting British Colonialism, women demanding their right to vote, and students rising up against the Vietnam War. We will march for our future. We will send a Wake-Up Call so loud, so powerful, and so unquestioning that we will be impossible to ignore. We have a right to inherit a planet that we can inhabit!

Join us and thousands of people on May 14th, 2011 at Cuernavaca Park in Denver, Colorado at 12:00 noon. We will join with other youth, our parents, grandparents, schools, teachers, organizations, green businesses, churches, and friends in cities and communities all across the country and all around the world.

We will unite – we will march – and our message will be heard, as we of the youngest generation insist that our leaders and those in power consider our future with every decision they make. We are calling on them to live, lead, and govern as if our future matters!

Sign-up to march in Colorado and get detailed information at: www.iMatterColorado.com
Sign-up to march anywhere else in the world at:  www.iMatterMarch.org
Presented by:  www.EarthGuardians.org and an awesome coalition of local organizations and individuals.

***

350.org is an iMatter March partner.  Our goal is to have at least 100 supporters at the Denver march.  Please reply if you plan to march with us.  Thanks!

For a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable planet for future generations,

Micah
Micah Parkin
350.org Colorado/SW Regional Organizer
504-258-1247
www.350.org

Hope you had a good month. 

● Last month Dick Barkey spoke about the Colorado Health Care Cooperative.  He brought with him a clear description of SB 11-0611 and a lively question, answer and discussion session.

●This Friday March 4, Hazel Gibson will tell us about redistricting.  I’ve included information from The Colorado Progressive Coalition about redistricting, after the announcements in this blog post.

●This Friday, sign a letter to Cory Gardner informing him about the need for clean air, water, and green jobs.

●This Friday, learn about current action items you might like to be involved in.

●Plan to attend the 2011 Roosevelt Reception and Dinner from 6-10 pm on Saturday, April 9th. This will be a gala event with food and music. Meet local and statewide candidates. Enjoy both a live and silent auction. Contact Weld Headquarters with your RSVP:  970-351-7047 or office@weldcountydems.org.  The cost of the reception includes delectable hors d’oeuvres and a drink ticket. After that, it’s a cash bar. Funds raised will help to get local candidates elected. Please think about what you’d like to donate for the silent auction.  We will have forms to fill out on Friday.  You can donate services such as dog walking, plant or pet sitting, piano  or painting lessons or quilting, etc.  You can donate objects of art, bottles of wine, home décor, gift cards to local businesses, homemade lasagna to be delivered on a date mutually agreed upon, cookies or other baked goods available that evening.  Remember please that this is not a garage sale.  Maybe we’ll have one of those at another time.

Redistricting and Reapportionment FAQs

The census has taken place and the people of Colorado have been counted! Now what? The results of the census are used for many things, but one of them is using the data collected to make sure that the districts for congress and the state legislature are drawn in a way that makes sense for the state and accurately reflects the population and communities within that district.

What is redistricting and reapportionment?

Redistricting happens every ten years and refers to the drawing of the lines to create Colorado’s congressional districts for the U.S. House of Representatives.

Reapportionment also happens every ten years and refers to the drawing of the lines that create Colorado state senate and Colorado state house districts.

What is the process for redistricting and reapportionment?

Redistricting is done by the state legislature. This year, a bipartisan committee of three Republicans and three Democrats has been appointed to examine the congressional districts as they exist now. This committee will submit their recommendations to the state legislature sometime in March. The entire state legislature will vote on the committee’s recommendations and then the proposed plan will be sent to the governor for his approval. If this process sounds familiar, it’s because it very closely resembles the process a bill goes through to become a law.

Reapportionment is a more complicated process and involves people inside and outside of the state legislature. There are eleven people appointed to this committee. Four members are selected by the state house and the state senate, three members are selected by Governor Hickenlooper, and the remaining four members are selected by the Colorado Supreme Court. The Reapportionment Committee has not yet been appointed, but is expected to be soon. Once the members of the committee are appointed, they will meet to discuss the way districts are currently drawn and will submit a plan to the members of the Colorado Supreme Court, who give final approval to the plan.

Can I be involved in the process? Why should I be involved in the process?

Yes, you can and should be involved in the process! How districts are drawn and what neighborhoods are included in the boundaries of both congressional and state legislative districts has a direct impact on how you are represented in both state and federal government. It is in the best interest of voters for communities of common interest to be kept together to insure that their state and national representatives most accurately reflect the values of the people living in each district. A community of common interest can be geographical (a neighborhood) or based on income level, language, or cultural identity.

How do I become involved in the process?

Both the Redistricting Committee and the Reapportionment Committee will be holding hearings across the state to get input on proposed plans. It’s important to attend these meetings and make sure your voice is heard, so you have a say in who you share your state and congressional district with! Stay tuned to Colorado Progressive Coalition for the latest new and updates on hearings in your area!

The Democrats in Action meetings will be scheduled from 11:30-1:00.  Get your lunch between 11:30-12:00.  At 12:00 we will begin with announcements.  Our speakers will begin at about 12:10 and will speak 20-30 minutes.  We should have time for Q&A with our speaker, discussing action items or chatting about current issues and events.

Here are notes from last month:

●Last month we wished  Shigeko Yamaguchi a Happy 94^th Birthday! See her picture below!

●We discussed the vacancy for City Council.  (Since then 17 people have applied, including Ken Storck).  http://www.greeleytribune.com/article/20110121/NEWS/701219994&parentprofile=search

●Pat Bruner informed us of a phone bank in Joe’s Garage to call Cory Gardener to tell him not to vote to repeal  healthcare reform.

●Jim Riesberg’s forum for the next day was announced.

●A rally was announced for Library Park in Ft Collins to Protect Our Progress on healthcare.  See photos.

●We had general announcements about MLK march and program at UCCC.

●For our program Carol Burkhart explained the organization for the State and County Democratic Party.  She also explained what would happen at the re-organization meeting.  This reorganization is required by state law.  We will be electing new officers at this meeting on February 12, 2011 at UNC University Centers

●The Environmental  Stewardship Advisory Committee with the city of Greeley is presenting monthly brown bag lunches that will help the community save money, save resources and live a healthier more productive life. 

See photo of MLK march below.

Next  meeting:  February 4, 2011

●  Dick Barkey, our (Weld County Democrats second Vice Chair) will talk about Healthcare for All Colorado.

● Announcements of various action items will be provided.  If you have a special announcement of an action item, you may bring handouts to pass along, or you may  have two minutes to describe the action. 

Click this link to sign a petition to create jobs now.  You will see total signatures by state and congressional district.  http://www.democrats.com/create-jobs-now

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Greeley marching on MLK day.