Democracy for America Screens Documentary by American Soldiers in Iraq and Launches Congressional Appeal to End the US Occupatio

Released: Feb 18, 2007 4:26 PM

BURLINGTON, VT – During the week of February 18-24, Democracy for America (DFA) local grassroots chapters across the country will host hundreds of screenings of the provocative and hard-hitting documentary The War Tapes and then call on Congress to stop the President’s plan to escalate the occupation of Iraq.

Straight from the front lines in Iraq, The War Tapes is the first war movie filmed by soldiers themselves. The War Tapes is the complete story of three very different soldiers.  It focuses not just on the war, but life back home and the difficult ways family and relationships change.  The film is powerful and moving conveying both the passion and mindset of American soldiers and the incredible human and community cost of war.

“American voters around the country are standing up to voice opposition to President Bush’s escalation of the occupation of Iraq,” said Democracy for America Chair Jim Dean.  “The War Tapes makes clear why our message is end the occupation and bring our brave men and women home.”

For more information on DFA event screenings across America:

www.dfalink.com/wartapes

Democracy for America, which was founded by Howard Dean in 2004, is a political action committee dedicated to building a grassroots network of socially progressive and fiscally responsible activists running for all levels of office - from the school board to the presidency.  DFA is empowering everyday Americans to reform their political system.

Democracy for America Endorses Nine in Chicago Aldermanic Races

Released: Feb 16, 2007 2:58 PM

CHICAGO, IL -- On behalf of the progressive grassroots, Democracy for America (DFA) endorsed nine outstanding government reformers in the Chicago municipal elections today at Chicago City Hall.

“They are true reformers with the courage to fight for progressive values. Although their political platforms are diverse, they share a commitment to affordable housing, full funding of public schools, neighborhood revitalization, honest government, fair elections, a liveable wage, smart growth and increased community involvement in the decision making process,” said DFA chair Jim Dean. “With great pride and enthusiasm, DFA endorses these nine candidates who share our belief in people-powered politics and will move Chicago forward.”

Edgewater/ Rogers Park DFA leader Sandra Verthein agrees, “Chicagoans have a choice to make. We need open, accountable government that serves the interests of the common good and treats all people fairly and with dignity. We know these nine government reformers will be excellent aldermen.”

The following DFA-List endorsed aldermanic candidates enjoy the enthusiastic support of activists from local groups such as Edgewater/Rogers Park DFA and the Loop DFA:

David Askew (Ward 2)
Greg Brewer (Ward 50)
Joe Moore (Ward 49)
Leroy Jones (Ward 21)
Manuel Flores (Ward 1)
Michele Smith (Ward 43)
Ricardo Munoz (Ward 22)
Sandi Jackson (Ward 7)
Toni Preckwinkle (Ward 4)

The nine candidates graciously accepted their endorsements, including incumbent Joe Moore who commented, “I'm grateful for DFA's endorsement.  The people- powered politics that DFA represents is long over due at Chicago's City Hall.  I look forward to returning to the City Council with all of DFA's endorsed candidates, when we can bring a more democratic process to the City Council.”

Democracy for America, which was founded by Howard Dean in 2004, is a political action committee dedicated to building a grassroots network of socially progressive and fiscally responsible activists running for all levels of office – from the school board to the Presidency. DFA is empowering everyday Americans to reform their political system.

Democracy for America Kicks Off National Campaign Training Academy in Las Vegas!

Released: Feb 10, 2007 12:00 AM

BURLINGTON, VT -- Building on the momentum of the 2006 electoral victories, Democracy for America will launch their first-in-the-nation 2007 campaign training schedule in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 10-11 at SEIU Local, 3785 E. Sunset Road.

The 2008 Presidential Race has begun. Thousands of Democracy for America grassroots activists from over 950 local groups across the country have registered for campaign training in their cities because they are taking an active role in this race as well as the state and municipal elections in 2007.

The DFA Training Academy features experienced campaign professionals and covers practical strategies and tactics in areas such as communications, fundraising, voter targeting, online organizing, and building a sustainable grassroots movement. The program is designed to be practical and immediately useful in community organizing activities. These skills are essential for activists who will volunteer with presidential primary campaigns or run for elected office. Currently, DFA has trained over 10,000 activists across America leading to over 500 electoral victories at all levels of national, state and local government. “Our DFA Training Academy graduates are using their power to turn these victories into a lasting movement and are beginning the process of repairing and renewing our country,” said Democracy for America chair Jim Dean.

Democracy for America is partnering with SEIU in hosting campaign trainings in the following locations:

Las Vegas, NV February 10-11
Houston, TX March 3-4
Columbia, SC March 17-18
Cedar Rapids, IA March 24-25
Jackson, MS March 31 - April 1
Columbia, MO April 14-15
Austin, TX April 21-22
Knoxville, TN April 28-29
Bloomington, IN May 12-13
Baton Rouge, LA June 2-3
Salt Lake City, UT June 16-17
Albany, NY June 23-24
Tampa, FL June 30 - July 1
Frankfort, KY July 7-8
Sacramento, CA July 14-15
Orange County, CA July 21-22

For more locations, visit: http://www.democracyforamerica.com/training

Democracy for America, which was founded by Howard Dean in 2004, is a political action committee dedicated to building a grassroots network of socially progressive and fiscally responsible activists running for all levels of office – from the school board to the Presidency.  DFA is empowering everyday Americans to reform their political system.

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