There are two sides to this story Earlier this month, the Detroit News printed an op-ed from an anti-union corporatist group known as the Franklin Center. This Koch brothers’ funded group is nothing more than a propaganda arm of the corporate-funded effort to destroy unions, stop the regulation of corporations whenever possible, and to pass laws that benefit corporate profits […]
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Despite what you might read in the Detroit News, Netroots Nation is decidedly NOT exclusively funded by the labor unions and fat cat “union bosses”. Every year, in fact, they hold an auction to raise funds to make the country’s largest gather of progressive organizers the amazing event that it is.
This year’s auction is now underway. There are all sorts of amazing items to bid on. Jewelry. Clothing. Political memorabilia. You can read more about the auction HERE and check out the auction site where you can peruse the 100 different items up for bid HERE…
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As I announced earlier this year at the Netroots Nation conference in San Jose, California, in 2013 the conference will be held at the Cobo Center in downtown Detroit. This will be an incredible shot in the arm for the city as thousands of progressive organizers and organizations come to Detroit for several days to share ideas and strengthen their relationships. It will also be a tremendously energizing moment for the many Democratic campaigns that will be in full swing next summer as we head into the final months of the 2014 election cycle.
This clearly has corporatist, Republican-supporting groups freaked out. They want to keep Michigan in the hands of their well-funded Republican legislators for as long as possible and the thought of losing the House or, even worse, having corporatist poster child Rick Snyder removed from office must give them cold sweats at night.
As part of their response, the Virginia-based Koch brothers front group the Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity wrote an opinion piece for the Detroit News titled “Netroots nation comes home to the unions’ roost”.
Last night I “appeared” on the Night Shift with Tony Trupiano radio show to talk about Netroots Nation being held in Detroit in July of 2014. If you are unfamiliar with Netroots Nation, this segment will give you a better idea of just how big a deal this is.
Audio after the jump.
Read more ›Click through for video of my Netroots Nation mainstage announcement of the 2014 location of Netroots Nation.
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A BFD in the D Last year at the Netroots Nation after-party, Anne and I, along with Marcy Wheeler (“Empty Wheel“) were chatting in a somewhat inebriated state with Netroots Nation board member Adam Bonin. “You should bring Netroots Nation to Detroit!” we told him. “Michigan needs to know that they haven’t been forgotten by the rest of the country,” […]
Read more ›It’s not as easy as it looks… This week at Netroots Nation, in addition to my role as volunteer coordinator for the Netroots for the Troops CARE package assembly, networking, and attending sessions, I’m participating in a session myself as a panelist for a session titled “You Get Paid to Do This? Tips for Supporting Your Blog through Advertising and […]
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It takes a community… As the wars the United States is engaged in around the world wind down and our troops come home to great fanfare and welcoming parades, it’s easy to forget that we still have thousands of men and women still serving overseas. These courageous members of the military sacrifice tremendously to help preserve peace across the globe […]
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Last week, Alex Showerman from Democracy for America did a guest post about DFA’s scholarship program to the Netroots Nation conference every year.
Many esteemed activists have received scholarships over the years and I typically promote the candidacy of one or two of them. This year I’m asking you to give one of your votes to Bonnie Duncan, a former Michigander now living in Vermont and running a health food store. Why? Click through to find out.
Read more ›This is a guest post from my good friend Alex Showerman who serves as the New Media Manager for Democracy for America (DFA). Every year, DFA sponsors scholarships for a selection of activists who would not be able to attend the Netroots Nation convention otherwise.
Click through for details on how to apply for, nominate someone else for, or vote for a scholarship to this year’s Netroots Nation convention in San Jose, June 20-23.
Read more ›As regular readers of this blog know, I am a regular attendee of the national Netroots Nation conference. Last year, Anne got involved as a staff photographer and you can be sure we’ll both be there again this year in San Jose, June 20-23. Netroots Nation is, simply put, the most high-value conference of the year for progressive activists. You can get a flavor of it by reading our posts from last year HERE, HERE, and HERE.
A big part of what makes Netroots Nation work is that the panels and trainings are put on by some of the top activists in the country. Some you may know, others you may not. Either way, the quality of the panels and trainings is exceptional. Along the way, you’ll make some amazing connections, as well, connections that will stay with you into the future.
Find out how YOU can participate by submitting a panel or training proposal for Netroots Nation 2013 after the jump.
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Chris SavageChris Savage is the owner and publisher of Eclectablog and the co-host of The GOTMFV Show podcast.
Mitchell RobinsonMitchell Robinson is associate professor of music education at Michigan State University. His research is focused on music education and education policy. Follow him on Facebook HERE and Twitter at @MRobmused. His own blog is at MitchellRobinson.net.
Barb ByrumBarb Byrum is currently in her third term as Ingham County Clerk, serving as the county’s chief elections official. As Clerk, Barb has successfully conducted 25 elections, 4 union elections, and served on Michigan’s Election Security Commission, the Secretary of State’s team of advisors tasked with strengthening and better securing elections in the state. Follow her on Twitter at @BarbByrum.
