Jim Nichols

Name:	Jim Nichols
Location:	Stockbridge, GA
Where I blog:	A Speculative Fiction Henry Dems blame the extended gestation 3rd District Common Agenda DFA Jim Nichols blog

My Experience in progressive politics:

Founder and President of the American River College Amnesty International, Co-founder of the American River College Anti-war coaliton. A speaker on the anti-war movement, Amnesty INternational, the Geneocide in Darfur. Founder of 3rd District Common of Agenda a nonpartisan group working for human rights in the 3rd COngressional District. I attended the DFA Grassroots training in September and was running the precinct organization plan for the county the very next month. Ran the GOTV effort for Kevin Madden campaign a state house race special election in Nov/Dec in a very conservative district. We worked off our buts for less than 20% of the votes. The first, hardest, and most inspireing 517 votes I have ever worked for.

My personal volunteering highlight:

Amnesty International Organizer. Anti-war organizer, head debator in a college debate on the war. Kevin Madden Campaign Nov/Dec 2007 GOTV coordinator and website blogger. Grassroots organizer, web site content/blog, and CHairman of Henry County Democrats.

Steps I've taken to combine on-line and off-line action:

Website that promotes activism and locates volunteers through social networking online and getting them trained and on the streets/phones.

Why I want to attend Netroots Nation:

As a human rights activist with Amnesty International since 2001, a Save Darfur volunteer, an organizer on the American River College against the war in Iraq, and the newly elected Chairman of the Henry County GA democratic party I need to actively network, learn more, and grow as a progressive who is actively involved taking the back the Democratic Party and taking on Conservatives who are destroying our country with bad economics, a disregard for civil liberties and human rights, and a desire to starve the beast and keep us fighting each other for the scraps at the bottom. Social Justic and economic security across the globe starts right here at home and this event will help me better advocate.

My internship at in the GA General Assmebly this pass legislative session gave me an inside view of how much work must be done both within the Democratic Party and the elctoral process at large. Its up to us to empower citizens to take this country back and I believe Netroots Nation is a community who will do this!

What I want to get out of Netroots Nation:

Education, networking, and inspiration to come back to VERY RED GEORGIA and build a stronger Democratic Party.

What is a progressive activist:

A citizen.

How I think blogs fit into the progressive movement:

A tool not the solution. Education, empowerment, and a sense of community.

How I think Democracy For America fits into the progressive movement:

They are leading the way in taking back the democratic party and taking on Conservatives.

In 10 words or less, create a bumper-sticker slogan against John McCain:

No to McCain: Protect and Empower our voters!