(It would be wonderful if you would share your thoughts in the comments section below.)

(From Victoria)

Of all the words of wisdom left behind by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the ones that struck a deep and resonating chord with me were those in the passage in which he used the words “flotsam and jetsam.”

With “flotsam” being the wreckage of a ship or its cargo drifting on the sea or washed ashore, worthless things, and making the association to unemployed people ... and with “jetsam” being that part of the cargo thrown overboard to lighten a ship in danger, the famous quote in which these words were used said much about how society and our rulers viewed us then...as now.

“I refuse to accept the idea that man is mere flotsam and jetsam in the river of life, unable to influence the unfolding events which surround him. I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.”

Those words capture our struggles against tyranny and injustices of all kinds. This is why I fight for fairness, because I refuse to accept the view that any humans should be seen as mere flotsam and jetsam. #iRefuse

(from Jeanene)

My “political life” was launched in the 60s as I watched Dr. King stand for the dignity and the decency of humanity. He pointed to cultural habits that denied equality and equity to too many and he spoke of a road to a future about which I, too, could only dream.

I admired those who were inspired by his words (and their own moral compasses) to actually live the words that end the Declaration of Independence to “mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our Sacred Honor.” Many of them did in fact sacrifice their lives and fortunes in service to the dream.

It is no accident that all these years later I find myself engaged with Coffee Party, an all volunteer band of folks who serve a commitment that Dr. King would recognise.

Coffee Party USA envisions a nation of diverse communities sharing a culture of informed public engagement where our sacred right to vote is the only currency of our representative democracy.

Today and every day I stand in awe of and live in tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

(from Debilyn)

How often do you think about serving others?  Your partner? Kids? Parents?  What about the wider community? For me, turning MLK Day into a day of service makes sense. We can serve others with kindness in our hearts -- not obligation.  We can choose to listen a few minutes longer and make eye contact to renew our connections.  For me, MLK represents this spirit of service to a cause larger than ourselves and the courage to do what is difficult or seemingly impossible.

How has the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. impacted your life? What still needs to be done?  Please respond (briefly) by commenting below.

President's Column

Debilyn Molineaux, Coffee Party USA President

Victim Identity, Heros and Villains

Last month, I created a Facebook post asking for feedback to prep for this article. I had hundreds of very thoughtful comments and idea exchanges.  Thank you all for participating! [more]

A Message To Our Members

Tim Danahey, Coffee Party USA Director of Public and Member Relations

For all the altruistic efforts of many organizations, there is always the underlying issue of business administration.  There is the business of faith, the business of giving, and the business of being a non-profit organization.  The Coffee Party USA is no different.

Coffee Party USA under our current administration has built a foundation upon which we can continue to promote civil discussions and issue-based government activism across the country and in many communities.  We are glad that you share this vision.

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Volunteer of the Month

Marianne Castiglia, Newsroom Workgroup Chairperson

Meet this month’s featured volunteer - Marianne Castiglia, who leads the Newsroom Workgroup for the Coffee Party.  A native of Albany, NY (where her family lives), Marianne currently resides in the Tampa, FL area where she pet sits when she is not working on Coffee Party activities..   ... [more]

YES! Membership is power

Jeanene Louden, Coffee Party USA Director & Treasurer

Coffee Party will be sharing more about two upcoming events on Facebook, Twitter, blogtalk radio and future newsletters. I hope to see you there!... [Learn more]

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Board Development Group Report

 Leah Spitzer, Board Development Work Group Chair

Coffee Party USA is a volunteer driven organization and our leaders come out of the volunteer workforce.  If you would like to be a part of our work, consider volunteering!   Please join us at www.coffeepartyusa.com/volunteer.

Tell us what story or subject you want us to cover or research

Egberto Willies Coffee Party Director, Newsroom

Coffee Party USA has been bringing on new volunteers to our Newsroom team. Our goal is to cover news that is important to you but not covered, correct misinformation, or research stories and issues that the mainstream media have left behind. If there is a story or issue you want covered, drop me a line at [email protected] and we will do our best to get it covered.

Campaigns and Actions Report 2016-02

It's a new year and a big election year...so things are heating up with our Campaigns and Actions Workgroup. First off (as may be mentioned elsewhere in this newsletter), the Coffee Party USA is pleased to be a part of a coalition of over 80 organizations called Democracy Spring. [more]

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