Kucinich meetup report.

[LWolf]

I attended my 2nd DK meetup tonight. The first consisted of 3 people, including me. Tonight I stopped counting at 24, and people kept showing up.

Our hostess was the Los Angeles campaign coordinator. She was just full of useful info, as well as some teasers. We're setting up an email list, and discussing a websight. We're organizing a presence at as many community events as possible, starting with a farmer's market this sunday, and connecting to a peace and justice group that already has an organized presence at some of these events.

We're planning a booth at the L.A. county fair in Sept; Willie will be there, Dennis will be there, and I will be there!

We were a very eclectic group. Being californians, it's not surprising that we had come from all over the country. We had some lifelong dems, some 3rd party members, and some independents who had never registered with a party, and we registered them all as dems; they couldn't wait to sign up to vote for Dennis.

There were a few people who, like me, started out watching Dean, but on closer evaluation switched over. There were the usual stories about his incredible effect on those who had met him personally, including one woman who heard him speak at her church in conjunction with a peace function almost 2 years ago, and has supported him ever since.

The surprise story of the evening was our waitress; as she was delivering drinks, she glanced down and saw all the campaign materials. "Dennis Kucinich?!" she says..."What is Dennis doing? Is he running for something?" I replied (deadpan), "He's running for the presidency." She stared. "Of the United States." Her jaw dropped. She then proceeded to tell us that she grew up in a town in Ohio, and she remembers when he was a council member. She remembers that he was well-liked among the neighbors. She can't believe she hadn't heard he was running for president.

We left plenty of stuff to catch her up with her tip.

The campaign is well-organized, enthusiastic, and bursting with ideas and planned activities. We're off to a great start!

Oh...those teasers? A list of new endorsements. Not yet announced, but in the works.

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[msanger]

1. keep on going...

While I'm a dean fan myself, I hope that the Kucinich supporters get meet ups rolling -- and that they focus their attacks on Bush as much as possible.

And the kerry and graham and edwards and all the other folks as well. What we need between now and the end of the primaries are 9 groups of concerned americans all aiming their guns (literally of course, Mr. Aschcroft) at the president.

He needs to be hit from 9 different sides form now till he drops out of the race.

As we used to say about my sister "when the going gets tough, the tough go shopping."

[Gingersnap]

2. I attended a different DK meetup in LA tonight

About 20 people showed up. But no one there seemed to be in charge or to even know who had signed up on Meetup as the coordinator. So we could sure have used some of the organization and "planned activities" of your group.

Nonetheless, the group was enthusiastic and people came up with many ideas for getting out Dennis' message. We will have people doing upcoming Farmer's Markets as well as the Silverlake Festival (the meetup was in Los Feliz). Some people who had attended "to learn more" ended up volunteering in leadership roles by the time the evening was through. I was really impressed with the demographic range: we had many students, a doctor, several writers, a teacher, a retiree and a librarian among others. We all discussed which issues attracted us to Dennis and it was great to see that nearly everyone had a different favorite issue and area of activism or interest. We're having another meeting next week.

[LWolf]

5. Mine was in the San Fernando Valley.

Which is not exactly local; it's an hour away if traffic is moving. I'm holding out hope for a group in my local community; the dems have to come out of hiding eventually. Right now the locals are focused on the recall, not the primary.

The valley group is hoping to grow enough to split off into several groups...north, south, east, & west.

Here's another interesting point I forgot to mention...the source of campaign materials:

I knew that Dennis did not take contributions from corporations. I didn't know that he will only use campaign materials produced by union labor or small, independently owned business. This came from the Los Angeles campaign coordinator last night, discussing how to get tshirts made.

In other words, the campaign has to walk the talk, too.

[JohnKleeb]

3. keeping up the hope thanks wolf

:bounce: time to show the nation what we Kucinichites are made of
:) cant wait to win

[Darranar]

8. Yep, it's time!

I already have one person converted!

:)

[Desertrose]

4. N AZ Meetup...

I have been doing double duty lately.... setting up meetings in my town and also attending the meetings for the Flag group...tonite was the Flag Meetup...the first one.

We had a famous DUer ...ok, actually 2 famous DUers...Coffee Coyote & Kade Carrion came by to say a quick hello...theya re now living in Flag...(well OK , Kade is my daughter & I treated them to dinner & they stopped in to say hello to my DK friends :hi:

we picked up a few...maybe ten total....we were at a campus coffee shop & there was a singer & guitarist playing who saw the DK bumperstickers and came over & asked for one- we gave them a bunch & some literature too. The young man said he is in the "ABB" club but really really likes Dennis...so they will take their bumperstickers home to Kentucky ..... :thumbsup:

A few others stopped by our table as well & asked for info & BS....we have scheduled meetings and get a large number there but this is a great way for new folks & folks who feel they are in this alone to meet & get info.

Dennis' meetups are definitely growing....

So hey...if you don't see me on the DK threads as much...its cause I'm busy working on the campaign.....and if you ever need specific fliers or anything...let me know & perhaps I can help...send 'em PDF & you could make copies...

So much to do to get DK in the WH!
Can't wait to find out more about the endorsements!!

Peace
DR

[revcarol]

6. Did you know that Jim Hightower ENDORSED DK?

LOTS OF PEOPLE WHO SEE THE RAVAGES OF BIG BUSINESS WILL BE COMING HIS WAY!!

Sounds like you are busy, busy.Here: Sat, register voters, and DK table at the Farmers' Market!!

Monday, a big rally to send the labor negotiator of AFSCME off to Santa Fe, to negotiate their contract with the state. And she "invited" us to distribute DK brochures at "her" rally.

Tuesday:HUGE RALLY in Santa Fe, press called, to support the AFSCME union labor negotiators!!

[Name removed]

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[hippywife]

9. Tulsa, OK DK meet-up

We were only six people last night but watch us grow!! Our venue wasn't even open thru no fault of their own. There seem to be a few glitches with the Meet-up system. We did however move the meeting to a local pub just a block away. I think we have our work cut out for us in Oklahoma but all the more sweet this will make the victory, I say!