Progressive Democrat Issue 116: MIDWEST PROGRESSIVE GROUPS (IA, IN, WI, MI)

I apologize for lumping such diverse states together under "Midwest," but to date I don't have enough readers in any one Midwestern state to give any of them their own attention the way I do with Virginia, NYC and California. Get me more readers in YOUR state and I will happily put more effort into writing about that state. Until then, these are the four Midwestern region states that I get some readership from regularly.

IOWA GROUPS:

First I want to highlight some events going on in Iowa of interest to progressives:

# Aug 19, 2007 ABC News/Iowa Democratic Party Debate The Iowa Democratic Party will co-sponsor a forum for presidential candidates with ABC News and ABC5/WOI-TV. The forum will be held on Sunday, August 19, 2007 in Des Moines, Iowa and televised live on This Week with George Stephanopoulos.

Where: Des Moines

When: August 19, 2007
The Iowa Democratic Party will co-sponsor a forum for presidential candidates with ABC News and ABC5/WOI-TV. The forum will be held on Sunday, August 19, 2007 in Des Moines, Iowa and televised live on This Week with George Stephanopoulos.

Detailed information on the time, location and format of the forum will be forthcoming.


I naturally want to highlight Iowa's local Democracy for America group, Blog for Iowa. Joining this blog will help you connect with fellow progressives in Iowa and help establish a progressive infrastructure in Iowa.


Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement: ICCI has helped ordinary Iowans get to work on a variety of social, economic and environmental justice issues they care deeply about. Whether the issue is factory farms, housing or improving neighborhoods, ICCI is there organizing people to make a difference. Find out what you can do for Iowa here. For a calendar of qis all about COMMUNITY.


Drinking Liberally in Iowa: Promoting democracy one pint at a time! Drinking liberally is a social organization with chapters nationwide. There are four Iowa Drinking Liberally groups (see below). If there isn't one near you, you can set one up at the Drinking Liberally website. If you don't like bars, I have always thought non-drinkers could set up their own drinking liberally groups in coffee houses. Here are the current Iowa groups:

Davenport:
* Meets second and fourth Friday of each month, 6:00 pm onward
* Pat McQuire's Bar & Grill, 3333 N Harrison St (Set back form Harrison - Next door to the Citgo on the corner of 32nd and Harrison)
* We will also drink liberally in the AM on the 1st Saturday at 9:30am at Mojo's (corner of Main and 2nd St - downtown Davenport)
* Hosted by Alta Price and Caroline Vernon, quadcities (at) drinkingliberally.org

Ames:
* Every Friday, 5:00 pm onward
* Legends American Grill, 200 Stanton Ave, 7th Floor (in Campustown) (map)
* The group will meet in the large accessible party room left of the elevators unless it is booked by a larger group. We will then be in the Sky Box. Ask a waiter for our location.
* Hosted by Jan Bauer and Brent Wynja, ames (at) drinkingliberally.org

Des Moines:
* Every Thursday, 8:00 p.m. onward
* The Lift, 222 4th St (between Court Ave and Walnut) (map)
* Hosted by Amanda Mittlestadt, Tricia Kell, Dan Chibnall, Cassie Samspon and Matt Jesson, desmoines (at) drinkingliberally.org

Iowa City:
* Every Thursday, 8:00 pm onward
* The Mill Restaurant, 120 E Burlington St (map)
* Hosted by Nicholas Bergin, iowacity (at) drinkingliberally.org


WISCONSIN GROUPS:

First I naturally will highlight Winsconsin's local Democracy for America group, Democracy for Wisconsin. Democracy for Wisconsin grew from the seeds planted by Howard Dean's presidential campaign. We believe that strong values and grassroots participation are the key to successfully promoting progressive policies and rebuilding the Democratic Party. Please help us take our country back! Local chapters are listed on their website.


WISCONSIN FAIR TRADE COALITION: The Wisconsin Fair Trade Coalition is a statewide collaboration of labor, environmental, consumer, family farm and interfaith groups founded in 1994 during the fight over the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). They are united in a common belief that international trade and investment are not ends unto themselves, but instead must be viewed as a means for achieving other societal goals including economic justice, human rights, healthy communities and a sound environment. The economy exists to help people, not the other way around.

WFTC is the leading state advocacy vehicle to fight for trade policy that is not tilted in favor of multinational corporations and against the interests of Wisconsin ’s -- and the world's -- working people. If you want to join the coalition, sign up for the newsletter or find out more, contact them at 608.237.1659; Fax 608.442.1439;
Postal Address: 3129 Hermina Street , Madison WI 53714.


Drinking Liberally in Wisconsin: Promoting democracy one pint at a time! Drinking liberally is a social organization with chapters nationwide. There are surprisingly few Wisconsin drinking liberally groups! There are currently only two Wisconsin Drinking Liberally groups (see below). If there isn't one near you, you can set one up at the Drinking Liberally website. If you don't like bars, I have always thought non-drinkers could set up their own drinking liberally groups in coffee houses. Here are the current Wisconsin groups:

[Note: seems like Drinking Liberally has been declining in Wisconsin...I mean the MADISON group has died? There aren't enough liberals who want to hang out and drink in MADISON?? I hope to see some revival of Drinking Liberally in Wisconsin...for now it is only Milwaukee...)

Milwaukee, Wisconsin
* Second and fourth Wednesday of each month (next meeting October 11), 7:00 pm onward
* Club Garibaldi, 2501 S Superior St
* Hosted by Stacie Rosenzweig, Scott Feldstein and Jason Haas, milwaukee (at) drinkingliberally.org


INDIANA GROUPS:

First, I will highlight the very, VERY important Indiana Progressives PAC. Indiana Progressives believe to win nationally we must first win locally. Their message is positive, practical and progressive! And hopefully will be popular as well! Be a part of Indiana Progressives by registering with their site today. This is exactly the kind of organization we need in Indiana to deliver a populist progressive message right to the voters.


Evolution Education Institute (EEI) is a national professional development program that had it's origins in the Michigan Scientific Evolution Education Initiative (MSEEI). The MSEEI was administered by the Michigan Science Teacher's Association and was funded by an Eisenhower Higher Education Competitive Grant through the Michigan Department of Education (MDOE) from 1999-2002. The mission of the MSEEI was to provide Michigan teachers and pre-service teacher education students with the necessary content, pedagogy and support system to effectively teach scientific evolution. The Evolution Education Institute expands upon the MSEEI model and brings it to a national audience. he mission of the Evolution Education Institute (EEI) is to promote the understanding of evolution and natural selection theory within the educational community and society at-large and to advocate for its inclusion in science curricula in a manner commensurate with its importance to modern scientific thought. This issue is particularly important to me (I'm a biologist myself!). So please, help out EEI.


Drinking Liberally in Indiana: Promoting democracy one pint at a time! Drinking liberally is a social organization with chapters nationwide. There are six Indiana Drinking Liberally groups (see below). I should note that means Indiana has more than some much larger states like Virginia. Makes Indiana sound like fun! If there isn't one near you, you can set one up at the Drinking Liberally website. If you don't like bars, I have always thought non-drinkers could set up their own drinking liberally groups in coffee houses. Here are the current Indiana groups:

Bloomington
* Every Tuesday, 7:00 pm onward
* Upland Brewery, 350 W 11th St (map)
* Hosted by Eric Foster and Chris Herlihy, bloomington (at) drinkingliberally.org

Indianapolis
* Every Thursday, 7:00-10:00 pm
* Spencer's Stadium Tavern, 802 S West St (SW corner of West & McCarty streets)
* map: http://tinyurl.com/ann6t
* Hosted by Jason Borneman, indianapolis (at) drinkingliberally.org

Noblesville
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Ram Brewery, 12750 Parkside Dr (near the corner of 126th St and Hwy 37)
* Hosted by Keith Clock and Molly Martin, noblesville (at) drinkingliberally.org

Lafayette
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Lafayette Brewing Company - UPSTAIRS, 622 Main St
* Hosted by Amy Clinton-Corbett, Mary Nauman, Curtis Parker, Jon Neal, Susan Schechter and Gavin Steiger, lafayette (at) drinkingliberally.org

New Albany:
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* "The Red Room" of Rich-O's Public House, 3312 Plaza Dr (Near the Kroger on Grant Line Rd; and next to Sportstime Pizza)
* Rich-Os is 21+ and "The Red Room" is in the smoking section, though we are able to meet in alternative areas of the Rich-O's/Sportstime Pizza complex to accomodate under-age attendants and those who are sensitive to cigarette smoke.
* We will now be meeting on THURSDAYS instead of Wednesdays to accomodate the academic work week.
* Hosted by Lacy Davis, newalbany (at) drinkingliberally.org

South Bend
* First and third Thursday of each month (next meeting October 5), 7:00 pm onward
* Oaken Bucket, 1212 S Ironwood Dr (map)
* Hosted by Chris Wilson, Thomas Winegar and Ben Runkle, southbend (at) drinkingliberally.org


MICHIGAN GROUPS:

Here are some events in Michigan that might interest progressives:

Tuesday, 3-13-07
State Senator Mike Prusi is hosting a "St. Urho's Day Reception" Fundraiser at the Governor's Room, Karoub Building, 121 W. Allegan, Lansing, MI. Paid for by and please make checks payable to: Friends of Mike Prusi, 75 North Shore Drive, Ishpeming, MI 49849.
TIME: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
DONATION: $150.00 per person (Please, no corporate checks)

Wednesday, 3-14-07
State Senator John J. Gleason is hosting his "Annual St. Patrick's Day 'Hooligans' Party" Fundraiser at the Governor's Room, Karoub Building, 121 W. Allegan, Lansing, MI. Serving Irish Stew and Soda Bread!
TIME: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
DONATION: $175.00 per person
CONTACT: Please RSVP to 517/882-2420 (Ext. 4)

State Rep. Lee Gonzales is hosting a Fundraiser at the Governor's Room, Karoub Building, 121 W. Allegan, Lansing, MI. Please make checks payable to: Lee Gonzales Team.
TIME: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
DONATION: $150.00 per person
CONTACT: Vicki, 517/402-5742 for additional information

Saturday, 3-17-07
John Edwards for President St.Patrick’s Day Breakfasts
Coco’s Coney Island 79 North Main Street, Mt. Clemens MI 48043 (586)493-9956
Coco’s Coney Island 940 Joslyn, Pontiac MI 48340 (248)745-3866
Dimo’s Restaurant 2030 West Stadium Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI (734) 662-7944
Zef’s Coney Island 1249 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI (Corner of Grand River & Washington Blvd. in the Book Building Lobby) (313)963-4113
Choose from any Breakfast Special at all 4 locations$30 per person
Make Checks Payable to: Edwards for President
For More Information or Directions Call (586)468-5512

Tuesday, 3-20-07
The Senate Democratic Caucus is hosting their annual "March Madness" Fundraiser at the Nut House Sports Grill, 420 E. Michigan, Lansing, MI. Paid for by and please make checks payable to: Senate Democratic Fund, P.O. Box 1111, Lansing, MI 48901.
TIME: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
DONATION: Sponsorships
$10,000 Champion (Name posted at event and 20 tickets)
$ 5,000 Final Four VIP's (Name posted at event and 10 tickets)
$ 2,500 Elite Eight Winners (Name posted at event and 5 tickets)
$ 1,000 Tournament Team (Name posted at event and 2 tickets)
$ 500 Supporter (1 ticket)

CONTACT: Lisa Williams, 517/763-8609
"Global warming - an inconvenient truth" presentation by Dr. Kathryn Savoie, one of Al Gore's personally trained ambassadors. Novi Souvlaki Restaurant, Novi Rd & 14 Mile Rd, Novi 48377, 7 PM. Free. This is a regular meeting of Democrats of West Oakland County. For info contact Chairman Jim Gualdoni, 248-624-7228, gualdoni23@aol.com.

Wednesday, 3-21-07
State Senator Raymond E. Basham is hosting a "Spring Luncheon" Fundraiser at the Michigan Beer and Wine Wholesalers Association, 1933 Room, 332 Townsend, Lansing, MI.
TIME: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
DONATION: $150.00 per person
CONTACT: Please RSVP to 734/946-5202

State Senator Deb Cherry is hosting an "Evening Reception" Fundraiser at the Governor's Room, Karoub Building, 121 W. Allegan, Lansing, MI.
TIME: 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
DONATION: $150.00 per person
CONTACT: 810/701-2492 or pjanderson64@hotmail.com for additional information.

State Senator Gretchen Whitmer is hosting a "Spring Fling Luncheon" Fundraiser at the Governor's Room, Karoub Building, 121 W. Allegan, Lansing, MI. Paid for by and please make checks payable to: Committee to Elect Gretchen Whitmer, P.O. Box 11063, Lansing, MI 48901.
TIME: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
DONATION: $150.00 per person (Please, no corporate checks)

Wednesday, 3-28-07
State Rep. Marie Donigan is hosting a "Lunch Reception" Fundraiser at the Michigan Health & Hospital Association, 110 W. Michigan Avenue, 12th Floor Conference Room, Lansing, MI.
TIME: 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
DONATION: $150.00 per person
CONTACT: Christine Riley, 248/819-1449


Now I naturally will highlight Michigan's local Democracy for America group, Democracy for Michigan. Joining this blog will help you connect with fellow progressives in Iowa and help establish a progressive infrastructure in Michigan.


Michigan Young Democrats: The next generation of Democrats in Michigan. For information on how to get involved at the local level, please contact Jody Weissler at jweissler@mi-democrats or (517) 371-5410. To get involved with the MYD Executive Board, please contact our President Isaac Robinson at williamisaacrobinson@yahoo.com.


Drinking Liberally in Michigan: Promoting democracy one pint at a time! Drinking liberally is a social organization with chapters nationwide. There are three Michigan Drinking Liberally groups (see below). If there isn't one near you, you can set one up at the Drinking Liberally website. If you don't like bars, I have always thought non-drinkers could set up their own drinking liberally groups in coffee houses. Here are the current Michigan groups:

Ann Arbor, Michigan
* First and third Thursday of each month 8pm
* Leopold Bros., 523 S Main St
* Hosted by John Redmond and Jenay Karlson, annarbor (at) drinkingliberally.org

Detroit, Michigan
* Every Tuesday, 7:00 pm onward
* Honest? John's, 488 Selden St (at 2nd (lighted, secure parking))
* Hosted by Pete Coseo, detroit (at) drinkingliberally.org

Oakland County, Michigan
* Every other Thursday 7:00 pm onward
* Bo's Brewery & Bistro, 51 N Saginaw St, Pontiac (Corner of Huron and Saginaw inside the Woodward Loop)
* We need co-hosts in Oakland County south, east and west for our Road Trips, please contact me for details.
* Hosted by Ron Wasczenski, oaklandcounty (at) drinkingliberally.org


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