Putting the Fun back into Fun-draiser

Written by: John Schneider on Sep 27, 2006 12:18 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Anne Arundel

By now the word is pretty well out there on all the primary elections. Many of you were involved in these races, and I want to thank those that helped out on my own campaign for Democratic Central Committee, the DCC. I and six other first time members were elected - a majority of seats on the committee!

But we still have a way to go, in order to actually get our other candidates into office on Election Day, November 7. That's why I'm inviting everyone to an event in Annapolis on October 10 that will provide volunteer and financial support to these worthy county candidates, as well as a rockin' good time for you!

The event is hosted by the Central Committee and House Speaker Michael Busch. Supported candidates include county and county council challengers, with many others in attendance. If you only go to one political fundraiser this election season, here's the one you want.

Not your typical chicken-and-slaw event, no, you'll be treated to a gourmet buffet, open beer & wine bar and great music. Meet your candidates up close and in-person. Share your ideas and opinions. There will be lots of opportunities to connect with candidates that are pushing for change in your community.


**** The Details ****

When: Tuesday, October 10, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Where: Sean Donlon's Restaurant, 37 West Street, Annapolis

Tickets: $45 in advance, $50 at the door

(Tickets can be advance purchased at
www.inticketing.com/evinfo.php?eventid=13095

Meet your fellow progressives and Democrats. Speak with the Speaker. Eat, drink and be merry.

And then let's win some damn elections!!

For more on the Democratic Central Committee, visit
www.annearundeldems.org

Phone Banking - Saturday !

Written by: John Schneider on Sep 7, 2006 12:58 AM EDT

We're holding a phone bank for the Anne Arundel Looking Forward slate on Saturday, September 9 from 5:00 - 7:30 pm at Democratic Party headquarters in Annapolis, MD.

If you are interested in participating, please send an e-mail to volunteer@john4district33.com

Thanks!

Volunteer call, and new event posted

Written by: John Schneider on Sep 3, 2006 2:38 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Anne Arundel

I'd like to thank all those from DFA/Anne Arundel who attended the Pre-Primary house party last night. The food was great and as promised, the views were spectacular as the skies cleared and the sun came out over the Severn river!

More importantly, we had volunteers leave with walk lists from ten different communities to distribute literature for the DFA/Anne Arundel candidates for the Democratic Central Committee. After listening to the inspiring message of these candidates, it was clear that folks are looking for a change in the way that Democrats organize and connect in our county.

If you would like to also volunteer some of your spare time this week to leave literature in your neighborhood at the homes of registered Democrats, please respond to this email (volunteer@john4district33.com) and we'll set you up. It's fun, easy and you'll discover who some of your like-minded neighbors are in the process.

Visit the DFA campaign sites to learn more:

www.dfalink.com/campaign.php?id=... (John Schneider)

www.dfalink.com/campaign.php?id=... (Steve Thibodeau)

www.dfalink.com/campaign.php?id=... (Jen Miller)

www.dfalink.com/campaign.php?id=... (Jamison Moody)

www.dfalink.com/campaign.php?id=... (Mark Shenton)


*** Upcoming Event! ***

Please go to www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=120... to sign up for a screening of Robert Greenwald's new film, "Iraq for Sale". You probably remember a few of Robert Greenwald's other movies such as "Outfoxed" and "WalMart: the High Cost of Low Price". You won't want to miss this!

*** September 12 . . . ***

Is Primary Day ! Mark your calendar now to vote that day, and tell 5 friends to do the same. The big decisions are made in the primary; don't let others make them for you.

Attend Pre Primary House Party!

Written by: John Schneider on Aug 22, 2006 8:54 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Anne Arundel

Dear Member,

You are invited to attend a Pre-Primary Canvass House Party next week, featuring great food and music, on a 10-acre estate overlooking the Severn River at sundown!

On Saturday, September 2, come out to meet your District 31, 32 and 33 candidates for the Anne Arundel Democratic Central Committee. Enjoy the food, conversation and scenic views, for an evening of politics you should not miss!

We're connecting area Democrats and progressive voters that want to make a difference in our county politics this primary season.

Meet with volunteer coordinators for a list of registered Democrats in your neighborhood. We're organizing a one day canvass that could change the face of Anne Arundel politics. Hear how Democrats can win elections by organizing together and connecting with each other.

AND have a rockin' good time with your fellow progressive voters!

What: Pre Primary Day Canvass House Party!
When: Saturday, September 2, 2006, 6:00 PM
Where: Home of Jim & Vicki Athans
485 Joyce Lane
Arnold MD 21022
Map: http://tinyurl.com/emtms

You can RSVP at:
www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=117...

A great way to kick off the Labor Day weekend!
A great way meet your Democratic neighbors and allies!
A great way to help win Anne Arundel county!

More declared candidates!

Written by: John Schneider on Aug 21, 2006 9:40 AM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Anne Arundel

Hello Member,

Several months ago, DFA/Anne Arundel proudly announced that one of its members had declared his candidacy for a local office, the Anne Arundel Democratic Central Committee. Mark Shenton from District 30 has now been actively campaigning for several months, and reports that things are going exceeding well. So, what did we expect?


How about four more DFA/Ann Arundel members also jumping in as candidates for Central Committee seats?! Here's the latest rundown:

District 31: Jamison Moody
District 32: Jennifer Miller
District 33: John Schneider and Steve Thibodeau

These latest additions to the Central Committee race are running together on a slate called Anne Arundel Looking Forward, and it's all about organizing county Democrats, building the party, and recruiting quality candidates that can run competitive races in the future, for ALL county and district elective offices in Anne Arundel.

Won't you show 'em a little love by going to their campaign sites on DFA-link and click the Voice Your Support button?

Here's where you can find us:

District 31: Jamison Moody - www.dfalink.com/campaign.php?id=...

District 32: Jennifer Miller - www.dfalink.com/campaign.php?id=...

District 33: John Schneider - www.dfalink.com/campaign.php?id=...

District 33: Steve Thibodeau - www.dfalink.com/campaign.php?id=...

Questions and comments are welcome - visit the candidate websites to find out more about the important role the Central Committee plays in county politics. Get involved if you have the time.

And thanks for your support!

John Schneider
Organizer, DFA/Anne Arundel

Summer of Action!

Written by: John Schneider on Jun 21, 2006 5:58 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Anne Arundel

Hello fellow DFA'ers!

Your DFA/Anne Arundel steering committee has been hard at work laying the ground work for a Summer of Action in progressive political activity in AA county. With the arrival of the first day of summer, it's time to get busy, and planning sessions are scheduled for next week!

Action Item #1 -- Iraq War Forum

At the national level, Democracy for America is planning a series of forums on the Iraq War this summer. Your local group has led the way in this area, producing the first such forum last October at the University of Maryland.

The event was a big success - so we're going to do it again, toward the end of August at a location in Anne Arundel.

Thus far, we have tentative commitments to speak from Lt. Paul Rieckhoff, Executive Director of the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) and former Secretary of Defense Dr. Lawrence Korb from the Center for American Progress. An invitation has been sent to Rep. Jack Murtha (PA-12) to speak as well.

The symposium is intended to get people thinking about the war - because recent polling shows that when the issue of Iraq is held up to the light, Progressives win. If you have the skills, experience or a desire to get involved with a high profile speaking event, this one is for you.

Action Item #2 -- Voter mobilization project

Steering committee member Hank Barru is in contact with several campaigns about conducting an innovative voter identification program in Anne Arundel county designed to locate and turn out new voters in sizable numbers. He used this technique in Minnesota to win a closely contested election for a progressive candidate in the state assembly. Hank is looking for help in the design and execution of the program, as well as campaign selection.

If you've been looking for an electoral project that can make a real difference in an Anne Arundel campaign, if you've done on-the-ground campaign work or want to develop experience, this one is for you.

How do you get involved?

Attend one (or both) of the following planning sessions on Wednesday, June 28.

Session 1 (Iraq War Forum): 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Session 2 (Voter turnout project): 8:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Location: Annapolis or Severna Park, to be determined based on RSVPs. To confirm attendance, go here: www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=960...

or send an e-mail to: aivset@yahoo.com

Either way, you'll get a confirmation of the event location several days prior to the meeting.

Thanks for helping make it a Summer of Action!

John

Candidate announcement

Written by: John Schneider on May 19, 2006 8:08 AM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Anne Arundel

Democracy for America's goal of encouraging members to run for every level of office has become a reality here in Anne Arundel. Our own DFA/Anne Arundel member Mark Shenton has filed as a candidate from District 30 for the Democratic Central Committee, and has applied for a DFA endorsement. He is the first member of DFA/Anne Arundel to run for elective office, and I salute his decision!

Mark's involvement dates back to the Dean for America days, before DFA was formed, and he has been active in our group contributing to the Leave My Child Alone opt out initiative last fall, the 3rd Congressional District Candidate Forums this spring, and is helping gear up for the upcoming Media Forum. In the coming weeks Mark will launch his website and will be out on the campaign trail at festivals, political events and DFA forums.

After talking with Mark about his campaign, I have provided my personal endorsement because he embodies the DFA ideals of becoming actively involved, not just as an activist but as a leader. After visiting his DFAlink campaign site at www.dfalink.com/campaign.php?id=..., please consider your own personal endorsement. Mark would be happy to discuss his goals and objectives as a member of our county's central committee. You can e-mail Mark through DFALink or call him at (410) 757-8728.


John Schneider
DFA/Anne Arundel

Call for letters

Written by: John Schneider on Apr 19, 2006 11:02 AM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Anne Arundel

Hello,

At our last monthly meeting, we reviewed our efforts with the Anne Arundel County Board of Education on firming up their policy and regulations concerning student privacy, military recruiters and the No Child Left Behind Act. After many months of working with the board, they have put out a new policy and supporting regulations on this important topic. A thirty day public comment period is now in process.

If you are a parent in the AACPS system, and especially if you have high school age students, please consider writing a public comment letter on this new policy. Generally, the board of education has done a good job, but is missing one key element, described below. (The proposed policy and regulations have been posted in our documents section). Thanks for your help on this.

Below is background information for letters to the Anne Arundel County Board of Education. The policy that your comments apply to is:

"ACCESS TO STUDENT INFORMATION"

The comment period is open until May 6.

The address to send comments is:

Anne Arundel County Public Schools
2644 Riva Road
Annapolis, Maryland 21401

Comments may also be emailed to: publiccomment@aacps.org


Description:

Under the 2002 No Child Left Behind Act, military recruiters have access to private student information, and can obtain it from high schools upon request, without notification or permission of the student or parent.

The same law also gives students and parents the right to "opt out" of the release of this information.
The Anne Arundel County Board of Education has proposed new regulations that require high schools to notify parents and students of their right to withhold their information from release to military recruiters.

Problem:

While the regulations require informing parents and students of their right to withhold information, the Policy Statement that creates these new regulations does not discuss the "opt out". Both the Policy Statement and the regulations should include the "opt out" notification language.

Action:

A letter should be sent to the Board of Education stating that the Policy Statement and regulations BOTH should include a description of a student or parents "opt out" right to withhold information from release to military recruiters.

Local event notice

Written by: John Schneider on Apr 19, 2006 10:34 AM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Anne Arundel

From member Erine Sedicum, this notice on an American Cancer Society (ACS) fundraiser event . . .

Relay For Life

Dates: May 19th and 20th
Start time: 6pm
End time: 7am + cleanup
Purpose: Looking for a cure or a better quality life for Cancer.
Needed: Looking for 4 to 6 people for the AACC Dems plus volunteers for the event, if not interested in a team. Also need Cancer survivors for the Survivors Reception. I can provide contact info.
Benefits: Helps establish connect with the Arnold/AACC community, helps the ACS, Prizes (including overnight), getting out of your comfort zone
Captain: Erine Sedicum (h)410-590-1466 (c)443-255-4529
Website: www.acsevents.org/relay/arnold
Personal Website: www.acsevents/relay/arnold/patricia

"Brother, can you spare some time?"

Written by: John Schneider on Apr 6, 2006 12:57 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Anne Arundel

Hello,

For those at our last Linkup meeting, you heard about our involvement in the national "Change the Course" initiative that attempts to get at least 218 members of the US House of Representatives to back a resolution that will force a debate on the Iraq War directly to the floor, via a "discharge petition". This initiative is gathering steam across the country as many other groups have added their support. You've probably seen the emails by now.

So far, three of the eight members of the Maryland delegation have signed on. One of them, 1st Congressional Representative Wayne Gilchrest, has agreed to a constituent meeting next Monday to discuss broadening Maryland's participation, as well as other congressmen around the country. We now need to find volunteers for several tasks before and after that meeting. Some of you have already contributed (thanks!) and others expressed an interest at our last meeting.

Here's what we need to do . . .

Research (several areas involving member positions on the war, previous legislation, refining our talking points)

Attendance at town hall and other meetings to raise awareness on the legislation

Letters to the editor

Editorial board meetings with our local press


Can you spare some time to help out? If so, just reply to this email. And don't forget to RSVP for this month's Linkup at:

www.dfalink.com/event.php?id=620...

Thanks,

John Schneider