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| January 13, 2011, Vol. 1 No. 1 |
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INTRODUCTION AND WELCOME
Welcome to the inaugural edition of our new bi-weekly "Coffee Connect" newsletter!
Eric Byler and I started the Coffee Party almost a year ago out of frustration over the vitriolic politics around the healthcare reform debate and the incessant media coverage of the Tea Party as somehow representative of all Americans. Since then, we have had many exhilarating ,and challenging, moments. But the recent tragedy in Tucson, Arizona, whether the perpetrator was politically motivated or not, again strengthened our resolve that we must bring reason, truth and civility back into politics and government. This is a petition addressed to all Americans that reflects our resolve to begin a new era of civic engagement, a theme echoed in President Obama's speech in Tucson.
Since our national launch in March, we have discussed many issues. Some of you have met in local groups all across the country. We held our first national convention in September in Louisville, KY. And we keep coming back to one fundamental issue - money in politics. We must rein in undue corporate influence on our government and empower our citizens and communities in ongoing civic engagement. Join us in our effort to make our government accountable to the People, not big corporations. On Jan. 20-22, join us as we mark the one-year anniversary of the Supreme Court’s “Citizens United” decision. Call us on the Coffee Party Speak-out line at (301) 259-1869 and leave us a message. Tell us how you feel.
The Coffee Party is only just getting started. We are pulling together an great team of talented people, many of whom have been around the Coffee Party since the beginning, and we're excited to feel the growth and new energy in the air. We will keep you informed on our plans and actions. More importantly, get involved! We are an all-volunteer movement.
Thank you all for being part of the Coffee Party's journey!
Annabel Park
Coffee Party USA
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"Citizens United" Anniversary Sparks DC Summit, Rally, National Meetings
FOR THE PEOPLE Summit convenes in Washington D.C. Jan. 20 to 22
A year ago, on January 21, 2010, the Supreme Court's 5-4 decision on Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission opened the door to unlimited and often anonymous spending to influence our elections. We invite you to mark the anniversary by joining a call to action.
FOR THE PEOPLE SUMMIT in Washington DC, Jan 20-22, 2011 will bring together many of the nation's leading policy experts, grassroots organizers, and netroots innovators to collaborate on immediate and long-term strategies to protect our elections and policy-making from manipulation by multi-national corporations whose immense wealth is drowning out the voices of We the People.
Events will include:
Confirmed participants include Phil Aroneanu of 350.org, Dean Baker of the Center for Economic and Policy Studies, Marge Baker of People for the American Way, John Bonifaz of Free Speech for People, Heather Booth of Americans for Financial Reform, Ellen Hodgeson Brown, author of Web of Debt, Angelo Carusone of Media Matters, David Cobb of Move to Amend, veteran universal health care advocate Margaret Flowers, Judith Freeman of New Organizing Institute, Lisa Graves of the Center for Media and Democracy, Eric Hensal of Murray Hill, Inc., former Federal Reserve economist Arnold Kling, Lawrence Lessig of Fix Congress First, Michael Ostrolenk of Transpartisan Center, Steve Meacham of City Life Vida Urbana, former Pentagon Analyst and Military Reform Movement leader Chuck Spinney, Sanho Tree of the Institute for Policy Studies, Lori Wallach of Global Trade Watch, and Kevin Zeese of Voters for Peace, as well as representatives of the Sunlight Foundation, Common Cause, Public Citizen, Public Campaign, Alliance for Democracy, the Backbone Campaign, and the Coffee Party.
Bill Moyer of the Backbone Campaign and Annabel Park of the Coffee Party are two of the principal organizers.
Together, we can rein in corporate influence using legislative and institutional fixes, and initiate a new era of civic engagement, united as We the People. Please watch our video invitation, and go to www.MovementForThePeople.org to find out more about our new media, netroots, and grassroots initiatives, with exciting events being organized across the country.
Contact us for more details: summit@coffeepartyusa.com; (301) 259-1842.
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We the People Around the Nation - Organize Locally!
The upcoming For the People Summit Jan 20-22nd isn't just happening in D.C. In fact, people all over the country are organizing "satellite" actions and events! Local chapters of the Coffee Party, Move to Amend, Public Citizen and other organizations are planning film screenings, Free Speech Open Mics, and letter writing campaigns to name a few.
We need you or your local group to host an event in coordination with the For the People Summit. Without a strong citizen-led movement actively organizing around these issues, the concentration of money (which now equals speech according to Citizens United) in the hands of the few will continue to grow while regular people will find themselves more disconnected, not represented, and sold short on the so-called American Dream.
In March of 2010, when the Coffee Party was only a few weeks old, organizers called out for local groups to rally - and 450 events were held in ONE weekend alone! People met in coffee shops with perfect strangers and sat down and listened to their fellow neighbors who, despite different backgrounds and beliefs, found common ground with each other. We need this same energy and action again! Can you help us?
To help you out we have created several online tools to give you ideas and resources to organize the best event possible. If you need more support to get started and/or have any questions, just e-mail us at summit@coffeepartyusa.com or call (301) 259-1842 and we will connect with you ASAP!
Please feel free to use this organizer tool-kit when planning your event. Use this link to find or create an event in your area.
If you are a fan of using Facebook, help us spread the word here and RSVP for this event.
So we hope you are able to organize and event between Jan 20-22nd. If that weekend doesn't work, don't worry - plan something as soon as you can. Once you have organized your event make sure you have someone there to take pictures or video!!! The more we share, the more we know and the more we grow!
See you @ the Summit!
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Special Series
Coffee Party Blog Talk Radio
Building on the success of the Blog Talk Radio interviews that Annabel Park has been conducting, we are launching a special series of co-hosted interviews with frequent Coffee Party collaborator Jeffrey Abelson. It's called the "Serious Citizen Series" and will feature some of the fascinating thinkers that Jeffrey has been filming for his "Song of a Citizen" project, exploring various takes on active citizenship.
First up was Maya Enista, CEO of Mobilize.org, America's leading youth-oriented civic engagement organization. Click here to hear the show.
Episode two featured N.Y. Times best-selling author Rick Shenkman ("Just How Stupid Are We?"). Listen here.
Stay tuned for announcements of upcoming guests, and find dates and times at Coffee Party Blog Talk Radio. All shows can be heard as downloads anytime.
And watch the Video Op-Eds that Jeffrey has produced.
DONATE!
The Coffee Party USA is a 100% grassroots movement. No lobbyists, pundits, or hyper-partisan billionaires calling the shots in this movement. Please contribute what you can. There is no amount that is too small. We need your financial support to grow the movement.
Click here to donate.
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Coffee Party Members Speak Out
CAT CARMUND
“The Coffee Party made me want to know the facts of issues behind the political rhetoric. Knowledge is power. I think it's important to hear different viewpoints on the issues facing us. It's also been a place to look for solutions for the issues facing us. I've changed my viewpoint on many topics due to discussions we've had at the CPM. The journey is difficult at times, but worth it. It's hard to disagree with another person in a civil manner; however, it's a process well worth pursuing. I think it's well worth continuing on this journey. I have also begun contacting my representatives with my opinions for the first time in my life and it feels good!”
ANSEN GRAY
“I would say the Coffee Party earned my respect. CPM does a good job of remaining focused. Judging by the moves in DC currently, the aspects of fair elections and money in politics will have to be covered extensively, and CPM is in the perfect place to make waves. I say this because of its general refusal to accept corporate cash. That screams substance to me.”
ERICK WHINERY
“In the fall convention that was held in Louisville, a broad coalition of people from all walks of life attended and agreed almost unanimously that the effects of corporate personhood must be fought and that our democracy depends on mitigating them. Dr. Lawrence Lessig made a fantastic presentation on the impact that lobbyists have had on protecting certain industries and impacting regulations. In another enlightening exercise, a mock Constitutional Convention was held. Everyone attending acted as delegates. Small groups were given topics to address and invited to create lists of potential changes. When the group reunited, a long, civil and informative discussion was had about the changes which were then boiled down into a smaller list of action items that were voted on individually to amend the Constitution. Issues including voter protections, corporations as people, and environmental concerns were addressed and corrected in what I viewed as one of the most rewarding events at the convention.”
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Advertisement
We the Corporations
Experience a new beginning as a corporation of near-unlimited rights and privileges. Join Murray Hill Inc. at the "We the Corporations Rally" at the U.S. Capitol on January 21st and seize the exciting opportunities incorporation provides.
The U.S. Supreme Court rightfully said in its Citizens United decision last year that corporations are people too, and, in fact, superior to bodied people. At Murray Hill Inc., we know this is difficult for bodied people to accept. To break down barriers between corporations and bodied people, we urge bodied people to join together to form domestic corporations.
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Murray Hill Inc. sponsors  this rally as a celebration of the new day for corporations the Supreme Court made possible. Citizens United opened the door for corporate rights. We need to join together and walk through that door towards a better corporate future.
Sing along to our Corporate Person Anthem!
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Meet a National Team Member
David Overcash, Managing Director
Greetings, fellow Coffee Partiers!
Like many of you I first heard about the Coffee Party in March 2010 on CNN and decided to go to a meeting to see what was going on.
As I like to tell people, I was "sick and tired of being sick and tired" about the depths to which political discourse had sunk in our country. There just wasn't anything vaguely resembling civil discussions about health care reform, financial reform, campaign finance reform, and the corrosive effect of money on the political process.
So I went to a Coffee Party meeting and found out that I was not alone about being disgusted with the way the debates about the issues were being framed, and being very concerned about the future of our nation if we did not reach common ground on solving key issues affecting our society.
During the course of the spring and summer of 2010 I became the Local Coordinator in Houston. After more meetings (and a lot more nationwide teleconferences), I was asked to become the Managing Director for Coffee Party USA in November 2010. All of our Interim Board and National Team members also started off with the Coffee Party the same way you and I did - by walking in off of the street to attend a local chapter meeting. Many still go to local chapter meetings, and more than a few of us are still Local Coordinators. So I can assure you that your opinions and concerns about the organization and direction of the Coffee Party are being heard at the national level.
Now as we enter the second year of the Coffee Party's existence, I am excited about what we can accomplish as we move forward. The Interim Board is working diligently on getting a formal organizational structure in place that will insure the long term viability of our movement.
We have a talented National Team in place that is working on ways to provide more support at the local level so that our chapter members have the means and guidance to make their voices heard in a civil and constructive manner by our elected leaders. By becoming more involved in the political process both as individuals and as members of the Coffee Party, I am convinced that we can make a difference in finding solutions to challenges that face our country and making sure that our government works for the people.
The challenges are great, and they will not be solved overnight. However, through our hard work and commitment to our founding principles of civil discourse, and searching for common ground amongst all of the stakeholders, I am convinced that the Coffee Party can play a vital role in insuring that our democracy will continue to be just that - "Our" democracy. I want to encourage all members to stay involved with your local chapters through meetings, teleconferences, or online discussions. If there is no local chapter, then you can start one. We are here to help.
David Overcash
National Team Managing Director
national@coffeeparytusa.com
Volunteer!
We are an all-volunteer movement. David is volunteering to serve as the Managing Director. Our movement would not exist without all the volunteers. We need your knowledge, skills and dedication. Everyone has something to contribute.
To volunteer, sign up here on Shared Purpose and let us know of your skills.
Some of the Convention participants after a breakout session
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From the Board
Overview of the Coffee Party's First Year
This has been a tumultuous, exciting, frustrating and exhilarating first year.
A video, motivated by exasperation and hope, shot on a snowy day in January of 2010, resonated in hearts and minds across the country, and brought forth a response from hundreds of thousands. The message was clear: people were sick and tired of the grid-lock and the hate, and wanted to do something about it.
Fledgling Coffee Party chapters sprang up all over the nation. People met together in coffee shops, photos appeared on Facebook, and Coffee Party supporters everywhere met, and talked, and worked together to focus the energy we shared. We wanted to find fact-based solutions to the challenges we faced. We wanted to find ways to end the toxicity and the division that was paralyzing our nation. We wanted to make it clear that we believed that America belonged to all of us. People clicked their computers to follow our progress and to join in the dialogue.
From that rather unique beginning, we have experienced the growing pains of a new organization in which most of us have never met each other, and in which we hold a range of political beliefs.
The Coffee Party has been our experiment in people's democracy. We have struggled to find our identity, to understand each other, to learn how to communicate with each other, and to coalesce around political goals. And we struggled to do that through an open interchange of ideas, not through a top-down imposition of ideas.
Our goals were big: restore democracy to a country whose government was not working very well; a country where one- person-one-vote had been eclipsed by one-dollar-one-vote. A country where the open and honest interchange of ideas had been hijacked by division; a culture where scapegoating, disrespect, and name-calling had been substituted for discussion and debate.
This national exercise of nastiness was not happening at a ‘business as usual’ time in America. It was, and is, happening in a time of crisis.
The economy was, and is, in free-fall. People are hurting. The loss of jobs and homes and hope are destroying lives. When Wall Street was bailed out, and Main Street was sent to the poor-house, it became clear (if it wasn’t already) that the influx of big-money into our political system was hijacking our democracy, and taking decisions out of the hands of the people.
It was clear that we needed to deal with the real problems we faced in our political system and in our culture.
It was equally clear that we needed to transition from an unstructured national grouping of people into an organization that could help to focus and amplify our voices.
Because of the size of our country and the ‘virtual’ quality of a part of the Coffee Party, it took a while for us to get to know each other. In fact, it wasn’t until last October that an Interim Board of the Coffee Party was formed.
Our process has not been perfect. It has always felt to me as if the Coffee Party was born at the age of 35, and then took our first year to back up a little and learn how to walk. It has been a year filled with both promise and problems.
The Coffee Party existed for nine months with no structure of any kind in place. But that has changed. The Interim Board first met on October 31, 2010, and is currently working on:
1) providing ongoing political and organizational support;
2) formalizing relationships and communication among local chapters, the national team, and the board;
3) organizing a membership drive; and
4) fundraising.
See minutes to Interim Board conference calls at CoffeePartyUSA.com.
Being part of the Coffee Party has been both an honor and a challenge to me. I have tried, in my first two months as Chair of the Interim Board, to help us become more cohesive, more focused, and better able to respond to the needs of our members.
It is the beginning of our second year. I think we have just about learned how to walk now, and are on a path to becoming a powerful, grass-roots, pro-democracy force in our country.
I am truly thrilled to be a part of this process. I believe we can make a difference - and I am looking forward to being part of a movement to get money out of politics - and democracy back in the hands of the people!
Sabina Virgo
Chair, Interim Board, Coffee Party USA
board@coffeepartyusa.com
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