Why It Matters

Written by: Franco Caliz-Aguilar on Aug 15, 2008 12:30 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for America Miami-Dade (DFAM), Coral Park Young Democrats, GenDFA Student Leaders, DFA-Link Organizers, Florida Trained Activists, DFA Interns, FIU Campus Corps, Democracy for America Miami-Dade (DFAM)

For those who received Democracy For America's email on Wednesday, with the subject line: "Whose side are they on?," and thought "why does this matter?", take a look at this youtube video of Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart at a fundraiser talking about his "dear friends" Democratic congresspeople Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and Kendrick Meek:

That's right, the "Democrats" that have not publicly backed DFA-list candidates Joe Garcia or Annette Taddeo.

Why does this matter? I've seen Mario claim that it's his ability to draw bipartisan support, such as these two congressional folks, for his policies of "centrism and realism" that makes him such an effective representative. Mario-Diaz Balart is a right wing thug, who voted against S-CHIP and then lied about it when his office told constituents that he voted for it.

He's the very definition of a Republican Rubber Stamp Congressman. He follows the party line blindly -- right off the cliff.   Mario regularly calls in to Spanish talk radio and spews discredited right-wing talking points bashing and demonizing Democrats. Here's someone who drank up all the Bush/Cheney/McCain kool-aid and asked for seconds.  Mario still believes that terrorism sponsored by Saddam Hussein was the reason we went into Iraq and, no matter the facts on the ground, we must stay the course.

If the activist base, the DFA members, don't put pressure on shameful "Democrats" like Debbie Wasserman-Schultz and Kendrick Meek, who will? It's time for Democrats to act like Democrats and grow a backbone. It's time for us to knock out of Congress fools who are beholden to special interests like Mario Diaz-Balart, and to elect people of true good character and integrity, like Joe Garcia and Annette Taddeo. And, it's also time for us to hold Democrats accountable  when they fail to assume their duties or mistakingly align themselves with knuckle-dragging, reactionary Republicans.

I have no hope for either of the Diaz-Balart brothers or Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, but Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Kendrick Meek should know better.  They should know who their friends are...and it ain't Mario, Lincoln, and Ileana.

DFA Reunion

Written by: Tara Liloia on Apr 20, 2007 10:01 AM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Interns

Have you ever been an intern, staff member or volunteer for Democracy for America? We're gathering for a DFA2.0 reunion this summer and we would love to see you again! If you would like more information about the weekend-long event we're planning, just call the office at 802-651-3200 and speak to Kyle for the details. We hope to see you there!

How to Apply for an Internship with DFA

Written by: Julia Silbergeld on Oct 29, 2006 3:19 PM EST

Linked to groups: DFA Interns

Internships at DFA

Democracy for America (DFA) is looking for creative, motivated college students who want to help give a new energy to the Democratic movement. Together with local grassroots communities, we are focusing on local races and building the farm team of potential candidates for the future. We are actively seeking interns and volunteers--from across the country--to help us build the future of the Democratic Party. We have internships available on many of the teams at DFA, including:

Field/Political

Field/Political Interns help expand DFA's grassroots network by working directly with over 400 local DFA groups around the country. Interns lead DFA's endorsement process by conducting Internet research and working with DFA activists to identify fiscally responsible, socially progressive candidates that have broad grassroots support. Finally, interns help support endorsed candidates by working with local DFA groups and activists to build grassroots involvement in the campaign.

Communications

Communications Interns support the Communications Director by assisting with research, writing, editing, media tracking, and e-mail correspondence. Writing ability, attention to detail and the ability to multi-task are required.

Technology

There are many roles to fill within the Web Team at DFA; you can work as a blogger, assist our systems administrator, code PHP applications or manage our online community. All tasks require you to work quickly and independently.

Some of the skills we can put to good use:

* Good writing skills and a clear, casual blogging style
* Proficiency with online search tools (Google, Lexis-Nexis)
* Political news junkie
* Proofreading/editing
* HTML
* PHP/MySQL
* Web/Graphic Design
* Previous experience managing a forum or message board
* Database administration and desktop support

Finance

Assist finance director in fundraising programs. Following up with donors, analyzing and tracking data, and other administrative support. Excellent opportunity to learn about fundraising, budgeting, and building a strong foundation of supporters through direct mail, phone, and e-mail.

Training Academy

DFA recognizes that the enormous enthusiasm of our grassroots is a powerful political force. To better harness the power of the grassroots, DFA has been organizing training weekends to teach people the skills needed to effectively organize and run campaigns in their communities. Training academy interns work with grassroots organizing teams on the ground to make sure these weekends run smoothly. Responsibilities include: connecting our trainers to the grassroots, editing the training manual, communicating with grassroots leaders in each training city, assisting on-site with the trainings whenever possible and working with the training coordinator to develop the program's curriculum.

If you are interested in interning with Democracy for America please contact:
Kyle Duggan
Democracy for America
PO Box 1717
Burlington, VT 05402
operations@democracyforamerica.com
phone: 802-651-3200 ext. 163
fax: 802-651-3299

Not an intern, but interested in working with DFA

Written by: Jeremy Karafin on Jul 11, 2006 11:25 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Interns

So i'm not an intern with DFA, but have been a big follower since its creation and I'm interested in working with DFA. What steps do I take if I'm interested in working with DFA?

BOB BOWMAN (please vote)

Written by: Thomas Almond on Jun 23, 2006 7:58 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Interns

Dr Bob Bowman is running for Congress in the 15th district of Florida.

He is the only candidate I know personally willing to publicly state openly that Bush and the Neo-Cons have engaged in TREASON.

Here is the link to his website if you want to verify that.

www.bowman2006.com/...


This is the link to the poll to give a simple mouse click to add your support.

www.dfalink.com/poll.php?id=231...

PLEASE JOIN OUR FORUM

Written by: Thomas Almond on Jun 15, 2006 8:57 AM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Interns

We are a growing force of progressives and are not affiliated with any political party.

www.progressiveindependent.com/...

Hey

Written by: Kyle Duggan on Oct 20, 2005 6:27 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Interns

Hey interns. How is everybody doing?