Home » Netroots Nation Scholarships » Peggy Mears
Scholarship Application Public Information
2011 Round 3 scholarship winner! Congratulations Peggy Mears!
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Peggy Mears |
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A little about me
I am and have always been an activist. I have been arrested for standing up to Big Banks. I am involved in actions all over southern and northern California. I have met with the Attorney General of Iowa to advise him to vigorously pursue suing the Big Banks. I have met with many legislatures in government with my fight. I stand firm and proud. I fight because it is what we the people must do whenever there is injustice. I am not afraid. I am committed. I stand with my brothers and sisters in the Labor Movement. I stand with our Teachers, Police and Fire Fighters. I stand with the people who feel they don't have a voice. I will speak for them. I am here to be heard and will leave unforgotten.
I would describe myself as a
offline activitst
Why I deserve a Netroots Nation Scholarship
I deserve this scholarship because I will be very active in your convention. I have been a part of many successes against the Big Banks, and would like to share my experience and knowledge with others. In the last year I have had tragedy in my life. I lost my oldest daughter and my job in the same week in May of last year. I could have wallowed in self pity. I chose to become active and fight not only for myself , but also for others (my daughter would expect nothing less). Unfortunately I am unable to afford to finance this important event on my own, so I would be eternally grateful for this scholarship. I guarantee you this will be money well spent.
What first inspired me to get involved
I became politically involved when I saw all of the devastation that the joblessness and foreclosures were causing in my community and my state. Instead of saying someone should do something I decided I would do something. I've always been very vocal, so now I use my voice for not only myself but also for my family of the world.
How I've gotten others involved
I've inspired those that are in my community organization ACCE (Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment) to become more vocal and speak truth to power. Some of those who never spoke in our meetings are now speaking out because of my encouragement.
More about my involvement with DFA and local work
No, unfortunately I'm not a member, but would like to become one however I do my voluntary work through ACCE (Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment). I am also the Secretary of THE HOME DEFENDERS LEAGUE, which is an organization within ACCE.
More about my volunteer work
i am not active on any campaigns, but I have been actively lobbying the legislatures in Sacramento on behalf of ACCE. I also interact with other organizations such as SEIU, PICO, CRC and others.
My Twitter manifesto on online activism
I think that in the age of the Internet Information Highway online activism is going to become a major force in our democracy. Blogging and editorial opinions are by no means a slacktivist endeavor. It provokes thought and effective commentary.
My suggested bumper sticker slogan
FORECLOSURES - "SOMEBODY NEEDS TO GO TO JAIL"
My idea for a cool new online action
My cool idea is for we the people to do an online citizen arrest of all the Wall Street Bankers and heads of corporations that have caused the economic meltdown. Put their faces on playing cards and submit citizens arrest warrants for each and EVERY ONE of them
This scholarship applicant was nominated by David. Here is what David had to say about him/her:
A little bit about the nominee:
Peggy Mears, a member of ACCE (Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment) is a homeowner from Fontana, CA who is struggling to keep her home. She joined with other frustrated homeowners to form the Home Defenders League, a group of homeowners that are standing up to defend their homes from the Big Banks and Wall Street.
Tell us why your nominee deserves a Netroots Nation Scholarship:
Peggy has been on the front lines in taking on the big banks. She has organized and led press conferences, rallies and meetings with legislators. She has been at the forefront of the RE-Fund California campaign, a state campaign in California to protect homeowner, and get the banks to pay their fair share (www.refundcalifornia.org).
How has the nominee inspired others to get involved?
Peggy has inspired hundreds of people through talking to people in her community and at events and through her work with the media. She helps friends and foes to understand the impact of the foreclosure crisis by talking about her own families' experience, and she paints the picture of the reforms needed in the industry at the state and national level with clarity and passion.
Additional information from David:
Anyone that meets Peggy wants to fight for her and with her!