Connecticut Opposes the War Rally!

Written by: Kim Hynes on Mar 17, 2007 9:20 PM EDT

So, I've been organizing for our state's anti-war group since January (hey - I needed a gig since the campaign ended!). In February, we held 21 town meetings around the state, with the purpose of doing some local organizing for the big rally today. We had hundreds of people at these meetings - it was fantastic. So, much planning, organizing, and anticipating for the big day - and then, the storm came. A huge Nor'easter yesterday. Arrggh! Long conference calls were held to decide whether to postpone until next weekend or not. Finally, what with not being able to secure the venue for the following week, and all the trouble we went through getting the police to agree to this thing in the first place, we decided to go ahead. We had buses from every corner of the state, so we encouraged folks to ride the buses if the roads were bad. We were really unsure of how many folks would actually show up, as every single other event in the state was canceled or postponed today. Including the St. paddy's Day parade. And they NEVER cancel parades!

Aldon, Fiona and I got there about an hour early to help set up. The roads were clear, though it took us several hours to get our of our driveway. There was about 6 - 8 inches of snow on the lawn, but the courtyard of The Old State House had been thoroughly cleared. Microphones were set up, chairs for the elderly and disables, etc. Everything was ready - how many people would show up? I ran around, nervously waiting for the speakers to arrive.

3 pm - people started showing up - buses dropped off crowds, the SEIU was out in force, and the courtyard started filling up. All the speakers got there on time, and a lovely woman with a guitar started singing Tracey Chapman songs. Fiona danced with abandon, and handed out signs we had made last night. It started looking crowded, and all the appropriate TV cameras went on. The MC was someone I had gotten to know through the Lamont campaign, <a href=http://www.mtaerybaptist.org/About_Us/pastor.html> Pastor Bennett</a>  from Bridgeport's Mt Aery Baptist church. Man, he knows how to wind up a crowd. We had several of our Congressfolk, the state majority leader, the President of the AFL-CIO in CT, and two recent Iraq vets. The energy in the air just buzzed, and we chanted, sang, and cried together. Senator Lieberman was roundly booed as a vigil outside his office was announced for Monday. Buckets were passed, and people gave generously to the cause. Everyone was thrilled to be there - from wee ones, to veterans, to the wheelchair bound, to grandmas and great grandpas. Last count I heard was 1500 people. 1500 people! On a cold, wet day. If it hadn't stormed so badly the previous day, we would have doubled that, but I am home - happy and tired and glad we did it.

You can see some pics after the jump.

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DFA Link Meeting Greenwich

Written by: Kim Hynes on Feb 28, 2006 2:27 PM EST

Linked to groups: Greenwich DFA

Folks,

Our DFA link meeting is going to be held on March 13th at the Greeniwch Town hall - NOT tomorrow at Asiana! I hope this reaches everyone . . .

Kim

meetings start Feb 1!

Written by: Kim Hynes on Jan 22, 2006 3:23 PM EST

Linked to groups: Greenwich DFA

Hi Everyone,

John Howard and I will be hosting a new DFA link meeting in Greenwich every month. We are hoping to get together with the folks who used to come to the Dean Meetups in Greenwich - and attract new faces as well! We will be working with the Fairfield County DFA link meeting in Norwalk to coordinate activities effectively. Please consider joining us to take our Country back in '06!

The meeting will be held the first Wednesday of every month, starting February 1st, at 7 pm. It will take place at Asiana cafe, 130 East Putnam Ave in Greenwich.

Kim

new Greenwich meeting

Written by: Kim Hynes on Jan 19, 2006 3:49 PM EST

Linked to groups: Connecticut DFA

Hi Everyone,

John Howard and I will be hosting a new DFA link meeting in Greenwich every month. We are hoping to get together with the folks who used to come to the Dean Meetups in Greenwich - and attract new faces as well! We will be working with the Fairfield County DFA link meeting in Norwalk to coordinate activities effectively. Please consider joining us to take our Country back in '06!

The meeting will be held the first Wednesday of every month, starting February 1st, at 7 pm. It will take place at Asiana cafe, 130 East Putnam Ave in Greenwich.

Kim

Don't forget about the January 14th Training Session!

Written by: Kim Hynes on Dec 30, 2005 2:18 PM EST

Linked to groups: Fairfield County Democracy for America

Please consider signing up for the following - and encourage others as well!

The Campaign-Smart Alliance Hosts a
Bootcamp for Campaign Volunteers: How to Help Your Candidate Win

Guest Speakers include Jim Dean, Chairman of Democracy of America, Diane Farrell, Democratic Candidate for
4th District Congresswoman, and Joe Courtney, Democratic Candidate for 2nd District Congressman

East Haddam, CT -- December 8, 2005 -- The Campaign-Smart Alliance announced today it will host a free-to-the-public Bootcamp for Campaign Volunteers: How to Help Your Candidate Win. This Campaign Training workshop will be held on January 14, 2006 from 9:30am - 12:30pm at the Elks Lodge in Branford, CT. Seating is limited, and reserved on a first come, first serve basis. Participants can register online at Link or via phone by calling 203-329-1629. or 860-434-5212. Guest speakers and instructors include Jim Dean, Chair of the Democracy for America coalition, Diane Farrell, Democratic Candidate for 4th District Congresswoman, and Joe Courtney, Democratic Candidate for 2nd District Congressman. Bootcamp sign-in for participants will be held from 9am - 9:30am on the day of the workshop.

The Campaign-Smart Alliance seeks to train a grassroots network of leaders and volunteers who are working toward electing progressives to public office. The Workshop will provide in-depth training on time-proven techniques for successful campaigns. Attendees will learn the fine art of hosting house meetings and house parties, canvassing techniques, effective phone banking, and much more.

Special guest speaker James H. Dean, chairman of Democracy for America, is dedicated to continuing the effort his brother, Governor Howard Dean, initiated to strengthen grassroots participation; and further the recruitment and election of fiscally responsible and socially progressive candidates. Jim has been responsible for a variety of campaign functions including fundraising, surrogate activities, political organizing in his home state of Connecticut, and supporting several additional DFA state organizations. Dean was was instrumental in many democratic victories across the US in the 04 and 05 elections by spear heading DFA's efforts to elect progressive candidates in all levels of government.

Co-sponsors of this event include the Connecticut Young Democrats, Connecticut Democratic Party, CCD, Shoreline League of Democratic Women, Fairfield County DFA, MoveOn.org Political Action Group, and Progressive Democrats of America. For more information on the Campaign Training Workshop, please contact Kim Hynes at khynes2000@yahoo.com or (203) 329 1629, Vivian Blackford at 860-434-5212 or vblackford@att.net, or Belinda Jones at sbjones20@comcast.net, or 860-399-1147.

Please Distribute the following to everyone you know and encourage them to attend!

Written by: Kim Hynes on Dec 30, 2005 2:16 PM EST

Linked to groups: Connecticut DFA

Please come and learn how to better help your candidates in '06!

The Campaign-Smart Alliance Hosts a
Bootcamp for Campaign Volunteers: How to Help Your Candidate Win

Guest Speakers include Jim Dean, Chairman of Democracy of America, Diane Farrell, Democratic Candidate for
4th District Congresswoman, and Joe Courtney, Democratic Candidate for 2nd District Congressman

East Haddam, CT -- December 8, 2005 -- The Campaign-Smart Alliance announced today it will host a free-to-the-public Bootcamp for Campaign Volunteers: How to Help Your Candidate Win. This Campaign Training workshop will be held on January 14, 2006 from 9:30am - 12:30pm at the Elks Lodge in Branford, CT. Seating is limited, and reserved on a first come, first serve basis. Participants can register online at Link or via phone by calling 203-329-1629. or 860-434-5212. Guest speakers and instructors include Jim Dean, Chair of the Democracy for America coalition, Diane Farrell, Democratic Candidate for 4th District Congresswoman, and Joe Courtney, Democratic Candidate for 2nd District Congressman. Bootcamp sign-in for participants will be held from 9am - 9:30am on the day of the workshop.

The Campaign-Smart Alliance seeks to train a grassroots network of leaders and volunteers who are working toward electing progressives to public office. The Workshop will provide in-depth training on time-proven techniques for successful campaigns. Attendees will learn the fine art of hosting house meetings and house parties, canvassing techniques, effective phone banking, and much more.

Special guest speaker James H. Dean, chairman of Democracy for America, is dedicated to continuing the effort his brother, Governor Howard Dean, initiated to strengthen grassroots participation; and further the recruitment and election of fiscally responsible and socially progressive candidates. Jim has been responsible for a variety of campaign functions including fundraising, surrogate activities, political organizing in his home state of Connecticut, and supporting several additional DFA state organizations. Dean was was instrumental in many democratic victories across the US in the 04 and 05 elections by spear heading DFA's efforts to elect progressive candidates in all levels of government.

Co-sponsors of this event include the Connecticut Young Democrats, Connecticut Democratic Party, CCD, Shoreline League of Democratic Women, Fairfield County DFA, MoveOn.org Political Action Group, and Progressive Democrats of America. For more information on the Campaign Training Workshop, please contact Kim Hynes at khynes2000@yahoo.com or (203) 329 1629, Vivian Blackford at 860-434-5212 or vblackford@att.net, or Belinda Jones at sbjones20@comcast.net, or 860-399-1147.

Don't forget to join the statewide CT DFA group

Written by: Kim Hynes on Dec 15, 2005 4:08 PM EST

Linked to groups: Fairfield County Democracy for America

Please join the statewide DFA-link group as well as the Fairfield County group. This will facilitate communications, and make sure we all know about each other's events, etc.

Link

Thanks!

Kim