Calling all Boston DUers - can we get a little more organized?

[arendt]

I'm tired of going to demos and missing the other DUers because
we haven't pre-arranged anything. Heck, I don't even know who
really is an MA (or a Boston-centric) DUer.

So, I know that organizing liberals is like herding cats, but...
I propose to do two things:

1) create a list of Boston-centric DUers
2) create an email-tree to organize those people


ITEM 1
---------

Here is my list of DUers that I think are Boston-centric.
Some of them live in CT, RI, NH, and ME; but they
have indicated a willingness to travel to Boston.

I would appreciate it if the people on this list would
confirm their Boston-centric-ness, and their ability
to attend demos (basically - have a job, so limited;
don't have a job or have a flexible job, so more
available).

I would also appreciate it if DUers I have missed,
who are interested in attending demos, could please
either post on this thread or send me a PM.

Here's my list:

MASSACHUSETTS DUers (28)

1. WENT TO ASHCROFT DEMO (8)

Atlant
arendt
jonnyblitz
matcom
RationalRose

stoptheinsandity
TNOE

WilliamPitt

----

2. OTHER MA DUers (17)

blm
DS1
foxglove1
jmm
Larkspur

Maired
masslib
meegbear
mreilly
MUAD_DIB

peabody71
polmaven
robbob
seventhson
Starpass

toolfan
welshTerrier2

----

3. NEW TO DU (3)

Betty
joeunderdog
RedSox02



ITEM 2
---------

If we use a "one person notifies four people" tree, and start with
four notifiers, we only need two levels to reach as many as 84 DUers
(4 + 16 + 64 = 84)

So, I'm looking for three other volunteers, besides myself, to be
the four initiators, and 16 other people to be first level people in
the tree. The 16 first level people are strictly reactive - if they get an
email, they send out four emails. The 64 second level folks are
totally passive, they just receive emails.

I am proposing a tree, instead of just one email, in the hopes that
people related in the tree will come to trust each other enough to
exchange less anonymous contact info. I respect everyone's privacy,
but I am trying to create a little community spirit here.

Finally, we need a mechanism to propose and confirm demonstrations.
I suppose that we could set up a numbered threads in DU Activism/Events.
Since we are "cats", we can't *require* people to come to the demo. Best I
can figure, people would propose demos in the Activism threads (one
numbered thread per demo), and if we got, say 10% of the Boston-centric
DUers to say "yes", we would

A) have someone familiar with the venue pick a meetup location; and
B) activate the email tree.

----------------------

Well, that's my proposal. I will kick it from time to time today, and
study the responses this evening.

Let's get organized, huh?

arendt

on edit - clarified roles of 1st and 2nd level people

[StopTheMorans]

1. you missed 2 at the Boston Ashcroft Demo

Jmm and Meegbear were there. As far as availability goes, I have a job. Good idea.

[arendt]

2. You just proved my point, thanks.

I suppose I could edit my list, now; but I expect it will need
major revision after I get all the responses.

Thanks for your response.

arendt

[Atlant]

3. Confirming me, and kicking this up.

(Contact info sent via PM)

[WilliamPitt]

4. Fine by me

There were three different threads about the Ashcroft visit, one from me on Friday...but nothing beats emails and phone numbers.

[jonnyblitz]

5. you also left off my good pal SiobhanClancy! she was with us!

I hope I spelled her screenname right!! I will PM you also

[StopTheMorans]

6. DOH!

I completely forgot to add her too, and she was standing right next to me! Sorry Siobhan:) Thanks for getting that right Jonny.

[jonnyblitz]

13. no worries! you named two that were missing from the list..

and you were distracted that day worrying about being so late for work so its understandable to forget somebody !! :hi:

[bicentennial_baby]

7. Where am I?

I'm a MA DUer! :bounce:

[StopTheMorans]

8. I pm'd Arendt to add you a few mins ago

aren't you the poster f.k.a. toolfan, or am I confused?

[bicentennial_baby]

10. Hell yeah

That's me!

And thanks! :hi:

[jonnyblitz]

9. wow I didnt know matcom went to the Ashcroft welcome wagon thingy !!

shit i missed him!

[meegbear]

12. me too ...

maybe he was that clown.

[meegbear]

11. I was with RationalRose, jonnyblitz and WillPitt ...

at the Ashcroft protest. Where were you?

[Kathy in Cambridge]

14. Miss Millie and Mass Liberal and marshallplan

also Boston DUers

Papau
JohnnyAmerica

i'll think of more

[matcom]

15. I'm here

good idea

[Kathy in Cambridge]

16. We thought you were the 'Ass-Clown' at the Protest

there was this hilarious clown walking around with his fake butt hanging out. Just wanted to let you know we were thinking of you!

:hi:

[StopTheMorans]

17. just thought of another two who were at the DU gathering in August

Squeech and Curse10.

on edit: Three: Radiclib

another one: notmyprez

[StopTheMorans]

18. also missed another one from yesterday's thread

the poster said that their housemate went too. It was a new poster, I'll see if I can find the thread and get their name.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

19. Maxanne in NH

I know I'll think of others!

Maine:
OldAndInTheWay
izzie
MaineDem
MaineMary

[SpaceCatMeetsMars]

20. I'm in Maine

My husband and I would come to future protests on weekends.

[papau]

21. How could the list not have Squeech - it must be that MIT thing

The list - if for meet-ups - is cool -

but many have jobs that pre-clude protest attending.

[Squeech]

22. I shoulda been there, I just screwed up

And I've been real sporadic in my evil DUing this year too. (Can you imagine, they want me to *work*!)

But yeah, put me on the list!

[StopTheMorans]

24. Squeech,

sorry I missed your show a few weeks back, I ended up getting out of work late. How did it turn out? And are you playing anywhere soon?

[Squeech]

25. Ha ha, nobody showed up!

There were three performers on the bill, and even one of them was a no-show! I played to Mrs. Squeech and three other musician friends, and even did an impromptu second set. The big hit was my new anti-Smirk song, "Pay No Attention to the Man Behind the Curtain," which is downright punk rock-- and strains my voice to where I was audibly off for the rest of the set. I'd also rehearsed "I Ain't Marching Any More" for the occasion.

And about the time I was wrapping up, the headliner waltzed in, with *her* fan base. So she missed my set, and hers was lame enough that I had no trouble walking out on it.

I only have one more gig booked, and that's in December, out in the suburbs. I'll keep you posted. Anyway, I need to write more songs before I play out more.

[StopTheMorans]

26. that sucks!

I really liked the song that you have on that demo tape (Welcome to Kyoto), O'Briens doesn't tend to draw too many tho if that's any consolation, which I'm sure you knew:) (I walk past there every tuesday and thursday night on my way to band practice, and even on thursdays, there usually aren't many in there). Definitely let me know if you book a show before December, and if not, let me know when it gets closer, and I'll do my best to show up.

[arendt]

23. 1 PM progress report and KICK

This is going well.

I don't have time to issue an updated list, but thanks to all who
wrote so far. Special thanks to Rational Rose for all the people
she knows. (Now if those people would check in, I won't have
to track them down with PMs.)

As to the question, where was I (arendt) at the demo -

I was carrying the yellow "Deport Ashcroft before he deports you"
sign, wearing a black jacket and Matrix-style sunglases. I barely
said two words to anyone, but I chanted a lot.

I'll check back later.

arendt

[Kathy in Cambridge]

27. Kick for the afternoon crowd

:-)

[arendt]

28. 42 named, 12 confirmed as of 2:30 PM

B.oston A.rea D.Uers -- We BAD! (feedback on this slogan, please)

NAME...................CONFIRM
Atlant Y
arendt Y
beautiful_baby (was toolfan) Y
Betty
blm
Calamity Jane Y
Curse 10
DS1
foxglove1
izzie

jmm
joeunderdog
jonnyblitz Y
Larkspur
MaineDem
MaineMary
Maired
marshallplan
masslib
Mass Liberal

matcom Y
meegbear
MissMillie Y
mreilly
MUAD_DIB
notmyprez
oldandintheway
papau Y
peabody71
polmaven

Radiclib
RationalRose Y
RedSox02
robbob
seventhson
SiobhanClancey
Squeech Y
Starpass
stoptheinsandity Y
TNOE


welshTerrier2
WilliamPitt Y

-----------------

No one new since about 1 PM. May have to wait until this evening
for people who can't read DU in the daytime.

arendt

[Kathy in Cambridge]

29. Kick for the after work crowd

[morstyranni]

30. Why don't we meet at teh Eire pub in Dorchester

It was good enough for Clinton in 92.

[StopTheMorans]

31. we just met at

the People's Republik in Cambridge in mid-August, where you there (there were a lot of people I didn't meet)? It was a good time, a lot of people showed up.

[StopTheMorans]

32. we just met at

the People's Republik in Cambridge in mid-August, where you there (there were a lot of people I didn't meet)? It was a good time, a lot of people showed up.

[StopTheMorans]

33. we just met at

the People's Republik in Cambridge in mid-August, were you there (there were a lot of people I didn't meet)? It was a good time, a lot of people showed up.
on edit: my damn comp just locked up, sorry for the multiple posts, I'm not schizophrenic (or so the voices in my head keep telling me;)

[Kathy in Cambridge]

34. and Reagan in the '80s

I think meeting in Cambridge or central Boston is better for most people because of proximity to highways and parking. Dorchester is off the beaten path if you don't live South of Boston or have access to the Red Line. I personally would love to venture out to Dawchesta but I think it's tough to get to for most people. And that DAMNED expressway!

[jmm]

35. This thread is a great idea.

I live in the North Shore. I'll be starting a new job on Monday but my hours will be flexible, of course advanced notice will help, so I shouldn't have much of a problem attending demos in Boston.

[Kathy in Cambridge]

36. Kicky-Poo

:kick:

[seventhson]

37. Hi Arendt

I am close enought to come to a Boston DU event or side event or a Dean meetup (for now I am going with Dean) but keep the kerry guys away dfrom me. I am afraid of their bones.

Just kidding. It would be an honor to meet even those DUers I heartily diagree with.

I am way cooler than I act on this board.

Kinda.

Maybe.

Anyway, I lOVE Hannah. She was a badass.

Peace

[arendt]

38. 6 PM update - 44 named; 15 confirmed

Three comments:

First, the Boston Metro area is at least 3 million people, or about
1% of the US. So, just by averages, we ought to be 1% of DU or
about 300 people. Where are the other 250? Lurkers?

Second, if someone wants to just have a meetup without a
demo, feel free to use the list. Just number the thread in activism.

Third, so far I have one volunteer to be a first level emailer. No
other offers.

----

Thanks for everyone's responses. (How come I didn't hear about
the People's Republik meeting in August? Where was it posted?)

I'll let this run through this evening; and then post a followup
either tomorrow or Saturday.

arendt

[arendt]

39. 8 PM UPDATE - no change since 6 PM

Well, this is surprisingly low; but you can't argue with reality.

A grand total of 15 DUers in Boston have made the effort to
acknowledge that, indeed, they live here; and that they would
like to be notified of upcoming demonstrations. Now, perhaps,
I miscounted. Perhaps, when people mentioned other people,
they were actually confirming that those people wanted to be
on the list.

My request was that each individual who wants to be on the
list should send me an email or PM or post in this thread.

I will wait a little longer. But, it looks like together we could
barely make up a soccer team.

Oh, well. The truth shall make you free.

arendt

[DrBB]

40. Somerville contingent reporting in

Just pm'd you, Arendt. And here's a

:kick:

[arendt]

41. 8 AM FRIDAY - FINAL COUNT: 17 confirmed out of 44 named

Here's the list:

1 Atlant Y
2 arendt Y
3 beautiful_baby (was toolfan) Y
Betty
blm
4 Calamity Jane Y
Curse 10
5 DrBB Y
DS1
foxglove1
izzie

6 jmm Y
joeunderdog
JohnnyAmerica
7 jonnyblitz Y
Larkspur
MaineDem
MaineMary
Maired
marshallplan
masslib

Mass Liberal
8 matcom Y
meegbear
9 MissMillie Y
10 morstyranni Y
mreilly
MUAD_DIB
notmyprez
oldandintheway
11 papau Y

peabody71
polmaven
Radiclib
12 RationalRose Y
RedSox02
robbob
13 seventhson Y
14 SiobhanClancy Y
15 Squeech Y
Starpass

16 stoptheinsandity Y
TNOE
welshTerrier2
17 WilliamPitt Y

-------------------------------

This thread has run for about 24 hours. So, rather than kicking it;
I will start a new thread later. Over the weekend, I might send
some PMs to those named but not confirmed; but we have
houseguests, so I won't be online much.

Thanks to the nice binary number (16) of folks who have responded.
I was hoping for 9+11 = 20, but 16+1 is just as good for a
number nut like me.

arendt

[StopTheMorans]

42. Arendt, here's a suggestion

you may want to post a similar thread in the Lounge too. I've seen a lot of these posters around in the past 24, they may just not have seen this b/c a lot of people can't stand the heat in GD, it's a distinct possibility:)

DrBB, I'm Somerville too, Porter Sq.

on edit: Just checked the Lounge, the thread from RationalRose has a lot of New Englanders who aren't on this thread, so you may want to check there too:)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=182778

[arendt]

43. Wow! Thanks for pointing me to the RR's thread n/t

n/t

[StopTheMorans]

44. no problem, and nice post count by the way (666);)

n/t

[Kathy in Cambridge]

45. kick

:kick:

[arendt]

46. 11:30 AM FRIDAY - 32 confirmed; 59 named

Thanks to the thread in the DU Lounge, I have:

32 confirmed; 59 named

1 Amaya
2 Atlant
3 arendt
4 beautiful_baby (was toolfan)
Betty
5 BigMcLargehuge
blm
Braden
6 Calamity Jane
7 chefgirl

8 Curse 10
9 DrBB Y
DS1
foxglove1
izzie
10 jmm Y
joeunderdog
JohnnyAmerica
11 jonnyblitz
Larkspur

12 LevensonK
13 MaineDem
MaineMary
Maired
marshallplan
masslib
Mass Liberal
14 matcom
15 maxanne
meegbear

16 midnight armadillo
17 MissMillie
18 morstyranni
mreilly
MUAD_DIB
19 NightTrain
notmyprez
oldandintheway
20 papau
peabody71

21 peasfreak
polmaven
22 populistmom
Radiclib
23 RationalRose
24Raven
RedSox02
robbob
25 seventhson
26 SiobhanClancy

27 skippysmom
28 Squeech
Starpass
29 stoptheinsandity
TNOE
30 Umbram
welshTerrier2
31 WilliamPitt
32 zanana

----

arendt

[bicentennial_baby]

48. Pssst

It's bicentennial_baby, not beautiful_baby....I wish, but alas, beautiful is something I am not...actually, I'm not a baby either, but I was born in 1976!

:hi:

[arendt]

49. Oops - been listening to too much old jazz. Sorry n/t

n/t

[StopTheMorans]

47. kick

n/t