South Carolina Progressive Network

It is difficult being a progressive in a reactionary town...or city...or state. I encountered this when I lived in San Diego, CA back in the 1980's. Back then it was the kind of place where you might get called "communist" just because you were a Democrat.

But I also found that even in the most reactionary place there are still progressive people and organizations to work with for positive change and connecting with such people and organizations can be of great help for those who find themselves frustrated with the politics of their area.

For my South Carolina readers I would like to introduce you to the South Carolina Progressive Network:

South Carolina Progressive Network

PO Box 8325, Columbia, SC 29202
network@scpronet.com

The South Carolina Progressive Network is a coalition of grassroots activists who have joined forces to promote social and economic justice in the Palmetto State. Created in 1995 as a tool to engage South Carolinians in their communities and in their government, the Network connects people to each other and to resources designed to leverage the work of progressive organizations.

Meetings: The Network meets each month in Charleston, Greenville and Columbia to share information, coordinate projects and plan events. Meetings are informal and open to anyone interested in good government and improving the quality of life in South Carolina. See calendar listing for details.

Join us! While the Network is a member-driven organization, you don’t need to be a member to participate in meetings or other Network events. Our members are comprised of groups and individuals who support our mission statement and agree to pay annual dues based on a sliding scale. To join, download the appropriate form and mail to PO Box 8325, Columbia, SC 29202.

Among their current important projects are:

• Support Sanitation Workers:

Beginning on April 4, 2009, and continuing each Saturday morning through May, Charleston sanitation workers and their friends will be gathering signatures in support of their campaign to establish a democratically-elected organization to protect their safety and defend their rights on the job.

Supporters will gather at the International Longshoremen’s Association Hall at 1142 Morrison Dr. at 9am. After a brief orientation, canvassers will fan out across the city in assigned groups. The workers are especially interested in the support of friends from among the student, labor, and faith communities.

On this day 41 years ago, Dr. King gave his life to the struggle while working for dignity and equality for the Memphis sanitation workers. The situation in Charleston reminds us that there is so much left for us to do. Following the November election, this kind of grassroots activism represents the next phase in our struggle for fairness and democracy. Contact Mary Moultrie at 843-805-9697 or show up at the ILA Hall on Saturday for the canvass.

To sign the petition online, click here.

• Universal Internet Access in SC

Help us in our campaign to provide universal Internet access in South Carolina. Click here to find out how (PDF).

• Study Group:

Every 4th Tuesday, 7pm: Progressive Network Study Group, Network offices, 2025 Marion St. Free and open to anyone. Meetings are informal; bring snacks and drinks to share. We encourage participants to read the suggested material before each session. For details, call 803-808-3384 or email network@scpronet.com.

• Missing Voter Project:

Since 2004, the SC Progressive Network‘s Missing Voter Project has registered about 6,500 new voters. This year, we are being much more strategic, and want to leave organized community teams in place to continue to work on our ailing democracy after the elections are over. This is a non-partisan project. We will train organizers on registering in schools and jails, targeted neighborhoods and events. We will organize teams, who will determine their own schedules. The project focuses on historically under-represented citizens.

Democracy is not a spectator sport. Do your part! Contact the Network office to set up a FREE training for your organization by calling 803-808-3384. We will provide you with all the tools you need to do a registration drive in your community.

I hope my readers hook up with this organization because it is this kind of effort that will bring change to South Carolina and to America.