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 DFA Progressive Values group name change to Empathy Cafe.

Written by: Edwin Rutsch on Aug 10, 2009 11:19 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for Washington, Democracy for Texas, DFA Film Club, Capitol Area Progressives (CAP) , Florida DFA

Greetings

The DFA What are  Progressive Values? group
has not had much activity for some time. I wanted to let you know I've just
changed the group name to Empathy Cafe.
http://democracyforamerica.com/groups/2285-empathy-cafe

 From my work of interviewing people about progressive values I've come to see empathy as a core progressive value. It's also the value that Obama ran on. See this compilation video I made from Obama's speeches on empathy.
http://progressivespirit.com/Empathy/Obama/ObamaOnEmpathy.htm

So with that in mind I've been refocusing my work on supporting Obama's call for standing in each other's shoes.  Below is some of the work we've been doing.  More to come shortly.
---------------------

I wanted to let you know the video of the June 25th Empathy Healthcare Cafe is now online. I've created a 10 minute overview video of the Cafe. If you want to see more detail, there are 13 other clips of the event on Youtube as well. Please do forward the link to anyone that may be interested in viewing it. The overview video is located here:

Empathy Healthcare Cafe - Overview (1 of 13)


 You can see full event videos here.
http://progressivespirit.com/Empathy/Projects/Empathy-Cafe/6-25-2009.htm


 

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BEEN so buzy -

Written by: darlene matthews on Jul 13, 2009 4:40 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for America - Orange County, Empathy Cafe, Take Back Red California, San Francisco for Democracy, DFA Night School

I have been so buzy between fighting for help from DOR so i can get current education and experience and  work full time  someday again , and  WORKING ON health care VETS and other  women's  and disability and housing ISSUES and  PROGRAMS... and all the other hot topics ... like the e-letters went off to wdc  and  assembly members this am, that  I  haven't  restarted getting new votes  to promote me!

so here it comes-

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MEMORIAL DAY -IRVINE- Honor and Gratitude - BETH KROM 2turn CA-48 BLUE

Written by: darlene matthews on May 22, 2009 11:49 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Empathy Cafe, Canyon Democrats, California for Democracy, Access Now, Democracy for America - Orange County

Beth Krom for Congress
Dear darlene,

Memorial Day is our opportunity to honor the sacrifice of our fallen soldiers and to reflect on what it means to live in a country that promises "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" to all its citizens. There is a price to pay for such freedoms, and it is the men and women of our military who pay that price. 
Beth  Miliatry 2I grew up during the Vietnam War.  Today, the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan continue to challenge us as a nation.

While war is always a hotly debated topic, there should be no debate about the debt we owe to the brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives defending our freedom. 

As your Representative, I will work hard to ensure that that those who bravely serve in our military are not abandoned and neglected when they come home.


Military families deserve a stronger voice in Washington. Let's ensure that the families of our fallen soldiers know just how much our nation values their sacrifice.  

Please join me on Memorial Day, May 25th, at 10:00 a.m. to honor the sacrifice of our brave heroes at Colonel Bill Barber Marine Corps Memorial Park in Irvine (Barranca Parkway and Harvard).

 
Sincerely,

beth sig
Beth Krom
Candidate for Congress
48th Congressional District

P.S. With your help, I can fight on behalf of our veterans and military families.  Please consider contributing to our campaign today!

 
Safe Unsubscribe
This email was sent to go2thesun@mac.com by info@bethkrom.com.
Beth Krom for Congress | PMB 211 | 14252 Culver Dr., Suite A | Irvine | CA | 92604

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Want to be a pen pal so a child can learn good english?

Written by: darlene matthews on May 21, 2009 8:21 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Take Back Red California, California for Democracy, Canyon Democrats, Democracy for America - Orange County, Empathy Cafe

Subject: Hey pen pals!
Hey everyone,
So, new plan of action: send your first letter to Team Rwanda. It takes about a month to send mail to Rwanda, and then about as long to get anything back. To cut down on time, we're going to send letters first.. and whenever the kids' letters come in, TR will distribute them from there. 
For the first letter, it can be rather short- just a little introduction about yourself. Mention that you're from the United States. The rest is up to you! Keep the sentences short and simple because they're just starting with English. 
Start writing now, and we'll get the project started a.s.a.p.!! Please send the letters to Team Rwanda at : 904 Maplewood Dr, Pittsburgh, PA 15234 . You can just say "hello" or "dear friend" in the letter since you don't have a pen pal YET. 
Thanks so much!! Happy writing!! Message me with any questions or email us at teamrwanda.pgh@gmail.com
-Team Rwanda
P.S.- if you have not already done so, email us at teamrwanda.pgh@gmail.com so that we have your email address! then messages like this can be sent via email and not facebook :)
my P.S.
my 2 letters are out in the mail today!

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CDC: Free Democratic Leadership Training - Orange County

Written by: Henry V on Apr 1, 2009 5:05 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Democracy for America - Orange County, Canyon Democrats, Democracy for Riverside, Southern California for Democracy, Courage Campaign

Linked to campaigns: Bill Hedrick for Congress, 44th District, California

California Democratic Council

and the

Orange County Democratic Party

Join our DFA group

Date: Saturday, April 18, 2009
Time: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
Location: Carpenter's Hall
1916 W. Chapman Ave., Orange CA 92868

Cost: Free. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. (Requested donation of $10.00 to help cover food and materials)

You must register here: http://www.cdc-ca.org/Training/

Sponsors: Please help us keep this training going - be a sponsor for only $50

This intense training consists of a variety of workshops for club/party leaders and political activists who want to advance their leadership roles in the Democratic Party or are just getting started! --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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DFA Campaign Academy in Fresno March 28-29, 2009

Written by: Susan Rowe on Mar 20, 2009 10:27 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Take Back Red California, San Diego for Democracy, DFA-Link Organizers, Training Academy Alumni, Class of 2007, Sacramento For Democracy

 
 
The next DFA Campaign Academy on the West Coast will be held in Fresno.

The DFA Campaign Academy mission is to focus, network and train grassroots activists in the skills and strategies to take back our country, manage successful campaigns or run for office themselves. Democracy for America is our nation’s largest progressive political action community. DFA provides campaign training, organizing resources and media exposure to help participants support progressive issues and candidates up and down the ballot.

How Can You Participate?

Register here:
http://www.democracyforamerica.com/fresnotraining  

The DFA Campaign Academy training will take place:

March 28–29, 2009 9am–5pm
LAB School CSU-Fresno
5241 N. Maple Ave.
Fresno, CA 93740
http://www.csufresno.edu 

Cost: Online Prepayment $60.00 Low Income and Student $30.00
At the Door $75/$45 (check or credit card)

Space is limited, please RSVP.

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/fresnotraining

Instruction Offered
The Campaign Academy weekend is 16 hours of interactive workshops that bring together local activists, campaign staff and candidates for two days of intensive campaign training. Experienced campaign professionals lead sessions in voter contact, fund-raising, communications, online organizing and much more to empower progressive activists with the skills to win. Attendees also meet local progressive candidates and learn about exciting opportunities in their area.
 
We're just about a week away from this training and we have a few slots open.

Please sign up now!

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/fresnotraining

Co-Sponsors of the DFA Training are San Joaquin Valley Democratic Club, Fresno County Democratic Central Committee, Madera County Democratic Central Committee, The Democratic Club of Coarsegold, Oakhurst Democratic Club, California for Democracy, DFA-CFD of Fresno and Madera Counties, DFA-CFA of Tuolumne and Mariposa Counties, DFA of Chowchilla, DFA of Stanislaus County

March 27:  Meet & Greet (evening) • March 28: Dinner Social (evening)

We’ve organized several social activities over the weekend to network and meet fellow progressives.

Friday meet and greet is at 7pm but folks can come early for the restaurant's happy hour.

Piazza Del Pane
799 W. Palmdon Drive
Fresno, CA 93704
(SEC Palm & Herndon)
Phone: 559.229.7263
http://www.piazzadelpane.com
  
 
Saturday Dinner social is at 7pm.  Check out their great all American menu!
 
Yosemite Falls Café
5123 N. Blackstone Avenue
Fresno, CA 93621
(SEC Blackstone & Shaw)
Phone: 559.225.6800
http://www.yosemitefallscafe.net
 
Hotel Info
Our grassroots organizers have researched options near the training venue. Because the training begins promptly at 9am on Saturday morning, we recommend that any out-of-town attendees come Friday night, explore the area for a bit, and start fresh for the training the next morning.  Our trainers and many of our attendees will be staying together at:
 
Comfort Suites
102 Herndon Ave.
Fresno, CA 93720
559-435-5650
http://www.comfortsuites.com
 
For more information on the DFA Campaign Academy in Fresno, visit http://www.democracyforamerica.com/fresnotraining
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(SACRAMENTO, CA) 2009 CDP Convention New Delegate Training

Written by: Susan Rowe on Mar 15, 2009 3:42 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Take Back Red California

 
2009 CDP CONVENTION
NEW DELEGATE TRAINING
all the questions you were to embarrassed to ask...
 
Saturday, April 4, 2009
9am-12noon
 
Central Labor Council
2840 El Centro Road
Sacramento
 
for a complete agenda go to: www.TakeBackRedCalifornia.org (events)

everything from the basics of where to sit,
to how to have an impact at the convention and beyond...
 
The recent historic election has inspired new involvement in Democratic party politics.
And there are an astonishing number of new delegates going to convention this April.
This no-cost training is offered to help you understand the party, the convention,
and assist you in getting the most out of the experience, both while you’re
attending — and throughout the rest of the year. (There are no questions too basic!)
 
HOSTED AND CO-SPONSORED BY
Take Back Red California
Democratic Party of Sacramento County
Yolo County Democratic Central Committee
 
for more information: 916.743.2782
 
And... many thanks to the Central Labor Council for the gracious use of their facility!
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Obama and the New Spirit of Empathy Group: Updates

Written by: Edwin Rutsch on Feb 27, 2009 12:10 PM EST

Linked to groups: Democracy for NYC, Democracy for Texas, Framing Committee, DFA Film Club, San Francisco for Democracy

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

 

The capacity to know emotionally what another is experiencing from within the frame of reference of that other person, the capacity to sample the feelings of another or to put oneself in another’s shoes.<sup> </sup>   D. M. Berger

Barack Obama is leading a movement based on values and at the core of this is the value of empathy. Barack talks about empathy and the importance of 'standing in other peoples shoes', in many of his speeches (I've collected 50 so far).  Empathy is the most basic value he ran on and he says the country has an 'empathy deficit' that needs to be filled. We are forming an Empathy Values Group to build on Obama's call to address the empathy deficit. 

A sense of similarity in feelings experienced by the self and the other, without confusion between the two individuals.<sup>  Jean Decety </sup>

As part of this empathy movement, we are also putting together a video of his talking about this topic to give it some context and promote this foundational progressive value. Let's help fill the empathy deficit by making people more aware of the topic. This is a collaborative project and we invite you to take part.  See.

Barack Obama and a New Spirit of Empathy (rough cut 1)  (1 hr 15 min)
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6504935098489252112

A Chronological Video of Barack on Empathy - Compiled from about 30 of Barack's speeches and interviews, etc on the topic of empathy. 

Here's a review of the video:  Hi Edwin, It is truly wonderful that you and others have grasped the brass ring of the progressive movement by highlighting the core issue of Empathy. I now see that everything about the rising of Barack Obama and the revolution in America is based on this principle. Thank you, thank you for your effort and the timely reminder to me of what is really important. It's easy to get lost in the dust that is being raised by so many who sincerely want to see change and see it quickly. But it is crucial to remember why we are being called in this time in history to change. You are exactly right, it is Empathy. Warmly, Terri  Jan 28, 2009.
 

 

Some more Video About Empathy

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Next Empathy Group Meeting Dates
   (online and in person)
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How might we nurture, promote or foster empathy within ourselves, as a group and within the larger culture through a balance of action and reflection?

Attend In Person meetings in the Bay Area. El Cerrito, CA. Meetings are ongoing, every week .
Sign up at:

Saturday, Feb 28, 2009, 2 - 5 pm  
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpt2lv
At this meeting we'll brainstorm  about projects to work on.

Saturday, Mar 07, 2009, 2-5 pm
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gptyrd

Saturday, Mar 21, 2009, 2-5 pm
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gptyrg

Saturday, April 04, 2009, 2-5 pm
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gptyrl


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An affective response that stems from the apprehension or comprehension of another’s emotional state or condition, and that is similar to what the other person is feeling or would be expected to feel.   Nancy Eisenberg


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Resource Links

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Group  Website:
Barack Obama and the New Spirit of Empathy
     http://progressivespirit.com/Empathy/

Video: Barack Obama and a New Spirit of Empathy - Rough Cut 1 (1 hr 15 min)
    http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6504935098489252112
    Compiled from about 30 of Barack's speeches and interviews, etc on the topic of empathy.
    It clearly makes the case that the most important value that Obama is promoting is empathy.

Online Discussion Group
     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ProgressiveValues/
     Take part from anywhere online. We hold ongoing online discussions, brainstorming and meetings.
      Join the project discussion list by sending an email to:
     ProgressiveValues-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
      http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ProgressiveValues/
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Best

Edwin Rutsch

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Watch Countdown with Keith Olbermann on the net at http://liberal.democratz.org

Written by: Dennis Baer on Feb 17, 2009 4:04 PM EST

Linked to groups: Simon-Barkley Democracy for America, Democracy For Westchester, Democracy for Washington, Obama for Pennsylvania, Democracy for Texas

Did you miss last night's episode of Countdown with Keith Olbermann? Does your tv system not have MSNBC? If so then you can watch Countdown with Keith Olbermann on the net at

http://liberal.democratz.org and if you can't get to that web page then go to

http://mysite.verizon.net/vze2pnn4/dmocrats1/id2.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Send this letter to congress to end Republiklan filibusters and get needed legislation enacted. http://write2congress.buyblue.biz

Written by: Dennis Baer on Feb 17, 2009 1:19 PM EST

Linked to groups: Democracy for Wisconsin - Madison, Democracy for Florida, Change for Northern Kentucky, The Young Turks ~ ENOUGH!, Southern California for Democracy

Send the following letter by fax to Senate Republican minority leader Senator Mitch McConnell. Tell other people to visit this site and have these people to get other people to visit this site.

Go to http://write2congress.buyblue.biz which will have the letter shown below in the text box and the fax information for Senator McConnell. Just enter your name and email in the left hand box and fill in the captcha code and then click on the button that reads send free fax now.


Dear Senator Senator McConnell

I want the following actions taken and legislation enacted into law.

 

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