GenerationEngage Merges Work Into Mobilize.org

Note: After the results of Virginia’s last election and now the loss in Massachusetts this announcement becomes even more significant …

Dear Friends,
I write today with pride and exciting news about GenerationEngage, which several young people and I co-founded five years ago.

GenerationEngage’s Board of Directors recently voted unanimously to bring our programming and staff under the umbrella of Mobilize.org.  We have transferred GenGage’s assets and full staff to Mobilize.org, where GenGage’s work and mission will continue, and grow.

Mobilize.org shares GenerationEngage’s values along with a nearly identical mission.  Over the past few years, our two organizations have worked together particularly closely and successfully.  Rather than continue working on the same issues while operating separately and competing for limited dollars behind the scenes, we know we will have greater impact by coming together; the resulting sum will be more powerful than our parts could have been.

GenGage’s first-rate and entrepreneurial community directors have worked with thousands of community college students across the country and have built strong organizing networks in Raleigh, Charlotte, Miami, San Jose, and New York City.  GenGage has pioneered a winning formula for politicians – both national and local – and young Americans to engage one another.  We’ve worked in nonpartisan coalitions on electoral, civic, and educational issues to advance engagement opportunities for the Millennial Generation.  Strategic partnerships with several like-minded organizations have shown us the value of true collaboration.  We’re excited to take that collaboration to the next level: convergence.

GenGage Executive Director Decker Ngongang is now Mobilize.org Vice President of Programs, and I will join the Mobilize.org Board of Directors at its next meeting.

Soon, we’ll unveil a new Website and a full calendar of programming in communities and on campuses around the country.  In the mean time, I’m happy to introduce you to my friend and colleague, Mobilize.org CEO Maya Enista, who is cc’d here and can be reached at Maya@Mobilize.org.

I remain enormously grateful for the generous and ongoing support of The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, which will fund Mobilize.org in 2010.

Most importantly, thank YOU for your tremendous participation and continued support in 2010 and beyond.
Onward together!

With endless thanks and great anticipation,

Justin Rockefeller
Chairman and Co-Founder, GenerationEngage
Justin@Mobilize.org

Mobilize.org makes democracy work better by investing in Millennial-driven solutions.

Democratic Rally and Chili Challenge This Saturday

RIVER COUNTRY DEMOCRATIC RALLY AND

CHILI CHALLENGE

Saturday, May 16 · Noon – 4 pm

Lively, Virginia Ruritan Pavilion

Sample chili from the best chili chefs from six “River Country” Democratic committees, and vote for the . . .

BEST DEMOCRATIC CHILI OF RIVER COUNTRY!

Click here for more information

Sebelius for Sec. HHS sends Dr. Howard Dean to Democracy for America

With President Obama’s nomination of Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius to head the Department of Health and Human Services … Dr. Howard Dean was left with a decision on how to continue his public service … waiting for him was the organization he founded before he became Chairman of the Democratic National Committee … here’s his email announcement: 

It is hard to believe it’s been five years since we started Democracy for America. When my campaign for President ended in 2004, the political pundits and talking heads said our movement was over. They said you’d give up, you’d walk away, and politics would never hear from you again. They got it wrong. Five years later, DFA is stronger than ever. We started with a solid 300,000 members. Today, we boast over a million. We started our support for progressive candidates with the original Dean Dozen. Today, you’ve elected over 575 DFA-endorsed candidates to all levels of office, including our first Dean Dozen candidate Barack Obama and his campaign for U.S. Senate. We’ve done a lot in five years, and we’re just getting started. Stand with me again and deliver DFA the resources to win for another 50. CLICK HERE TO CONTRIBUTE NOW Four years ago, thanks to your hard work, I was elected Chair of the Democratic National Committee. We continued to work together to reform the Democratic Party and fight for votes in all 50 States. Thanks to you I had the grassroots support needed to get the job done. When we launched DFA, a core mission of mine was to train a new generation of citizen activists. Five years later, the DFA Campaign Academy and Night School have trained almost 20,000 activists and candidates nationwide in the skills to win and the results will pay off for years to come. The DFA Community has held over 50,000 events from Juneau, Alaska to Wichita, Kansas, from Los Angeles to New York. Whether you participated in a candlelight vigil to end the war, delivered Social Security success stories to wavering members of Congress, or got together for a movie and phone banking night, your activism has changed the way Washington does business. They know we’re watching. And they know we aren’t going away. That’s why I’m returning to DFA and I have to admit, it’ll be nice to work out of my old office in Burlington. I’ll also be hitting the road with you, stumping for grassroots candidates and advocating for the issues that matter most to you and me. For one, I think you know that healthcare for all is an important issue to me. I look forward to working with you to pass meaningful reform that makes sure that every American has the care they need. To do all this and more, I need your help today. Let’s come together and make sure DFA has all the resources we need to accomplish another 50 years of victories. CELEBRATE 5 YEARS OF SUCCESS BY POWERING DFA FOR THE NEXT 50: CONTRIBUTE $50 TODAY Thank you, Shawn, for everything you do. -Howard Governor Howard Dean, MD Founder, Democracy for America

Important Training Opportunity For Virginia Democrats – March 14th & 15th

Note: My good friend and activist, Linda Brooks from Newport News sent me an email about this terrific opportunity for growing our Democratic Party’s grassroots … DFA training’s have been held in Charlottesville and NOVA to rave reviews and … real results … with Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and Delegate races in 2009 … we need to make certain we continue building leaders and activists that know how to compete … 

Democracy For America Campaign Training in Newport News

Type:	DFA Training
Date:	Mar 14, & 15, 2009
Time:	9:00 AM EDT
Venue:	Newport News City Center / Waterworks Building
Address:	700 Town Center Drive
	Newport News, VA  23606
Link:	http://www.democracyforamerica.com/events/31787-dfa-campaign-training-in-newport-news

President Obama Asks Us To “Get In The Game”

I admit to loving the game of basketball almost as much as golf … and like President Obama I learned many important lessons on and off the basketball court … as a player, coach, and fan … this year I missed seeing the NBA All-Star Game and his short video ad that aired during half-time … I encourage you to watch it and share the message with others …

One Step Toward Our Nation’s Economic Recovery

Like many people across our country I am pleased every real Democratic member of Congress (and three Republican Senators) passed “The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act” that President Obama signed into law … Americans United for Change has put out the following to say “thank you” and encourages you to do the same …

Note: Every Democratic Member of Virginia’s Congressional delegation voted “YES” … every GOP member voted “NO” … I encourage you again to call your members of Congress and thank them for supporting this important legislation (or let them know you are unhappy with their vote) … Senate switchboard: 202-224-3121 … House switchboard: 202-225-3121 …

President Obama says “… we’ll emerge a stronger and more prosperous nation.”

Today, I signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act into law.

This is a historic step — the first of many as we work together to climb out of this crisis — and I want to thank you for your resolve and your support.

You organized thousands of house meetings. You shared your ideas and personal stories. And you informed your friends and neighbors about the need for immediate action. You continue to be a powerful voice for change throughout the country.

The recovery plan will create or save 3.5 million jobs, provide tax cuts for working and middle-class families, and invest in health care and clean energy.

It’s a bold plan to address a huge problem, and it will require my vigilance and yours to make sure it’s done right.

I’ve assigned a team of managers to oversee the implementation of the recovery act. We are committed to making sure no dollar is wasted. But accountability begins with you.

That’s why my administration has created Recovery.gov, a new website where citizens can track every dollar spent and every job created. We’ll invite you and your neighbors to weigh in with comments and questions.

Our progress will also be measured by the tens of thousands of personal stories submitted by people who are struggling to make ends meet. If you haven’t already, you can read stories from families all across the country:

http://my.barackobama.com/yourstories

Your stories are the heart of this recovery plan, and that’s what I’ll focus on every day as President.

With your continued support, we’ll emerge a stronger and more prosperous nation.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

Saffire’s “Havin’ the Last Word” Kickoff Tour Saturday, Feb. 21st at 7 p.m.

Over the years “Saffire the Uppity Blues Women” have made beautiful music even as they helped make and change history 

This Saturday they’re kicking off their “Havin’ the Last Word” tour at 7 p.m. at  Germanna Community College’s Daniel Center in Culpeper

Ticket info & orders:   Fredericksburg Area Campus – 540-891-3095
Daniel Technology Center – 540-937-2900 (Culpeper)

Or buy your ticket directly at:  Apple Music – 540-371-0473

1009 Princess Anne Street  Fredericksburg, VA 22401

 

Saffire’s new CD, “Havin’ the Last Word,” was released on January 27th and is receiving rave reviews and is now available at all usual music retailers … here’s what he Jazz and Blues Report has to say “. . .while the musical partnership of Saffire – the Uppity Blues Women may be ending, their musical legacy is firmly established and will be enjoyed for many more years just as each of the members will establish more of their own legacy with their solo careers. Like Jim Brown leaving professional football, “Havin’ the Last Word” has Saffire ending their run while still performing at the highest level. ” ~~ Ron Weinstock 

NOTE: You can also hear samples and easily order via Saffire’s website http://www.uppityblueswomen.com/recordings.html.  

Virginia Democrats Honor Grassroots Volunteers All Across The Commonwealth

Pictured: Award Winner, Mike Fazzi , Larry Roberts, Counselor to the Governor

and David Roos, Faquier County Democratic Committee Chair

 

Grassroots Award Winners

First Congressional District  –  Mike Fazzi

Second Congressional District  – Martin Freed & Ruta Vaskys

Third Congressional District – Helen Norman

Fourth Congressional District – Lily Brabble

Fifth Congressional District – Carolyn Edmondson

Sixth Congressional District – Joseph Hancock

Seventh Congressional District – Keyanna Conner & Richard Waugh

Eighth Congressional District – Maureen Markham

Ninth Congressional District – Lee Porter

Tenth Congressional District – EJ Scott

Eleventh Congressional District – Linda Byrne

Employee Free Choice Act Event Wednesday

This Wednesday in Washington, D.C., workers, U.S. representatives, senators and union leaders are meeting to deliver more than 1 million cards and petitions to Congress urging passage of the Employee Free Choice Act. Join us and help amplify the voices of millions of workers across the country. Time: 12:30 p.m. Date: Wednesday, Feb. 4 Location: Upper Senate Park (Constitution and New Jersey avenues) Washington, D.C. Before delivering the petitions, we’ll hear from workers who lost their jobs while trying to organize their workplaces as well as union leaders and allies in Congress. Our message is clear. Pass the Employee Free Choice Act and restore workers’ freedom to form unions and bargain for a better life. Our economy should work for everyone. See you Wednesday! In solidarity, Marc Laitin AFL-CIO, Online Mobilization Coordinator P.S. Here’s a picture of some of the hundreds of thousands of petitions that will be delivered in person to Congress.