Preaching to a New Choir

Written by: Andrew Tsao on May 1, 2007 12:23 AM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA-Link Organizers

      As a group organizer, one of my main goals for 2007 is to expand the reach of our Eastside DFA message. Organizing a progressive grassroots group in the traditionally conservative area of Bellevue, Washington calls for creativity. What best practices might others of you in the same position be using to put your message out there? 
     How can we as organizers make sure our group is taking our message beyond the progressive "echo chamber?" I for one have way too many progressive websites and blogs to wade through each day. I would like to focus my energy on moving the message outward, not ever inward.
     Are there some other successful examples of gaining some kind of public platform for progressive ideas in conservative areas? I think this will be crucial as we look towards offering a fresh vision of America in 2008.
Thanks for considering this post.

Eastside Democracy for America Meetup

Written by: Andrew Tsao on Apr 25, 2007 12:42 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Eastside DFA

Last night we held our first quarterly meeting of 2007.

 

Decided per the agenda were the following:

 

1. Expand and define a progressive voice on the eastside by "testing

the waters" with local media outlets. EDFA letters to Bellevue

Reporter, Newcastle News, Renton local paper, Mercer Island reporter.

Each letter will focus on local issues important to progressives. By

continuing to put our voices in local media, we further our presence

and assure a continuing and consistent progressive voice on the

eastside.

 

We encourage members to write letters to our local press, and will

provide you with our Eastside DFA letterhead to make your letters

officlal and more impactful. Plus we like to show off our great logo.

Please contact us if you are interested.

 

2. Deliver podcasts to KBCS, the Bellevue Community College radio.

These podcasts might include interviews with local candidates and

elected officials. This is another means of keeping a progressive

voice in the public "ear" on the eastside. Co-organizers Rich Erwin

and Andrew Tsao will produce the podcasts. 

 

3. Though our meeting was small, there was a unanimous sentiment to

support Darcy Burner in her second campaign for congress. We will

maintain and evolve our close working relationship with her as the

pre-campaign phase develops. Those interested in volunteering time for

Darcy can let us know and we will facilitate your efforts.

 

4. Local issues: Both the current Port of Seattle controversy and the

Bellevue domestic partners rights issue for city employees were

discussed. Today it has been revealed that the Port will not pay the

controversial severence package, and also the Bellevue City Council

will explore a means to provide benefits to all domestic partners of

city employees. We will monitor these events and keep you posted.

 

Thanks for being a part of Eastside DFA.

 

-- 

You can update your email preferences at:

http://www.dfalink.com/edit_profile.php?t=privacy

 

 

Washington 08 in 08

Written by: Andrew Tsao on Apr 21, 2007 1:42 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Eastside DFA

Darcy Burner declares, Karl Rove visits, Dave Reichert $70,000 in the hole. The battle for Washington's 8th congressional district for 2008 is officially underway as of April 2007. It is an indication of the importance of this district. Once solidly Republican, Washington's 8th district has been increasingly trending Democratic. 
Darcy Burner won the metropolitan Bellevue area, but could not make up the extra Republican votes from the south part of the district, where Reichert has strong support. Many believe the second time will be the charm for Burner, whose organizational skills and new campaign savvy will make her a formidable opponent. That, coupled with Reichert's diminished status in the Democratic controlled House of Representatives, means the congressional election is already dramatic.
Eastside DFA, the local group at the center of the 8th congressional district, will again play a front line role in the campaign. Check in with us as we lay the groundwork in Bellevue, Washington for a Democratic congressional (and presidential) victory in November 2008.
Visit Eastside DFA at http://www.dfalink.com/group.php?id=511

Looking for Numbers

Written by: Andrew Tsao on Dec 19, 2006 2:20 AM EST

Linked to groups: DFA Blog Network

As a group organizer, I am planning to spend a lot of 2007 studying the numbers yielded by the last election. What is the current profile of the American progressive and conservative voter? I am looking for resources that go beyond the obvious and speak to the impact of framing, targeted voter information, etc. Can any other organizers help with resources?

The Past and the Future

Written by: Andrew Tsao on Nov 15, 2006 9:35 PM EST

Linked to groups: Eastside DFA

Dear Eastside DFA Member:
We won and we lost. The big picture presented a glowing future for Democrats nationwide, and in Washington we made great strides at the legistative level.
We were unable to get Darcy Burner over the top, however.
Your organizers will now begin work on a study of what went right and what went wrong as far as our organization is concerned. 
We would love to hear from you as we try and better understand the role progressive groups like Eastside DFA play in local politics.
Improvement is our goal, learning is our mission, preparing for the battles of 07 and 08 are on our agenda.
Thanks so much for sticking with us and continuing to help  Eastside DFA grow as a progressive force in Washington state. Share you insights, concerns and ideas with us as we build for the future.
Sincerely,
Andrew Tsao

10 Days To Shake the Eastside

Written by: Andrew Tsao on Oct 28, 2006 12:30 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Eastside DFA

Reichert is still maintaining a dead heat with Darcy. The race now will be about turnout and swing voters.

Will you contribute a couple of hours to call folks who cannot make up their minds? There are lots of ways. Cantwell. Eddy. Oemig. Murphy. Tom. Ward. And especially, Darcy Burner.

Get in touch with either of your organizers, Rich or Andrew, and we'll steer you to the right place.

Eastside DFA is making a difference towards a Democratic Eastside. With you, we can make it happen!

Andrew Tsao on NPR

Written by: Andrew Tsao on Oct 21, 2006 1:30 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Eastside DFA

Pacific Time, the NPR newsmagazine that covers Asian issues in the US recently examined the increasingly important role Asians are playing in Eastside politics. This is the October 19, 2006 broadcast. Your co-organizer Andrew Tsao is featured in the segment. Here is the link:

www.kqed.org/programs/program-la...

Reichert Protest Rescheduling

Written by: Andrew Tsao on Sep 21, 2006 11:51 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Eastside DFA

Our streetcorner protests against Dave "Rubber Stamp" Reichert have been postponed, and will not occur Friday, Sept 22 in downtown Bellevue.

We will reschedule and get back to all of you with details. With 50 days to go, our tactics are working: Reichert now feels the need to face Darcy in a debate, because she got more votes total in the primary election Sept. 19.

Keep working for victory!

Congratulations, Eastside DFA

Written by: Andrew Tsao on Sep 17, 2006 11:20 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Eastside DFA

You helped make a difference. On Friday, Sept. 15th over 50 citizens gathered on the corner of Bellevue Way and NE 8th in downtown Bellevue to let voters know Dave Reichert belongs to Karl Rove. The press and media picked up on the story.

Rove was actually upstairs at developer Kemper Freeman's office that afternoon, so our presence was even more impactful.

This week, the pressure continues. For primary week, we will be out there, at that same corner, continuing to hammer home one strong message: REJECT RUBBER STAMP REICHERT.

Join us 4:30PM - 6:30PM Tues, Sept 19th for primary day, and on Thurs and Friday, also at 4:40PM-6:30PM

Democratic Women Rally

Written by: Andrew Tsao on Sep 13, 2006 9:08 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Eastside DFA

Saturday September 16th
12:15 PM

Join us to rally with
US Senator
Maria Cantwell
And Special Guests
U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA)
U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)
U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA)
8th Congressional Candidate Darcy Burner

When: Saturday, September 16th, 12:15 PM

Where: Bellevue High School
10416 Wolverine Way, Bellevue

What: A rally for Senator Cantwell and her fellow Women Senators

RSVP at: emily@wa-democrats.org

The DEMOCRATIC Party needs YOU to help put our country back on the right
track