Anyone in the Southeastern part of Michigan with an interest in health care reform in this country should plan to attend the health care forum being sponsored by the OFA team from Districts 7 and 15 this coming Tuesday, April 14th. It will be attended by Congressman John Dingell along with a number of other local officials. The press release is below and a flyer for the event can be found HERE.Chris Savage--------------------------------------New Grassroots Coalition and Congressman Dingell Hold Local Health Care Forum
For more information contact:Tad Wysor, 734/883-3225 or tadwysor@gmail.comLynne Schwartz, 646/842-1360 or Lynnes1@gmail.com
A broad new group of Obama campaign volunteers believes that everyday people and community leaders need to take more responsibility for winning on key issues essential to the economic turnaround both here in Michigan and across the nation - issues like health care reform -- and is acting on it. The local "Organizing for America (OFA)" Coalition sees its upcoming Health Care Forum with 15th Congressman John Dingell (Tuesday April 14, 6:30-8:00pm at Brown Chapel AME Church in Ypsilanti) as one of the in critical ways in which local people can play an active and effective role in this major upcoming national debate.
"It's no secret that Michigan continues to bear the brunt of our struggling national economy. Our broken health care system is a huge part of the problem and fixing it will be a key factor in the Michigan's economic revival" said Lynne Schwartz, 15th District OFA leader. "It's very hopeful that so many are joining together in effective new ways, including working with a major Washington figure on health care like Congressman Dingell."
The OFA Coalition is encouraging residents, students, unions, people of faith, small business owners, heath care providers, not for profit service organizations, elected officials, and other health care stakeholders to attend and become a part of making the Forum...and ultimately the campaign to reform health care and revive the economy...a success.
The forum is the second major public meeting organized by the new OFA Coalition. In March, 85 people filled First Congregational Church in Ypsilanti, during which three local State Representatives (Alma Wheeler Smith, Rebekah Warren, and Pam Byrnes) committed to support the Coalition's efforts to follow and influence the large influx of economic stimulus dollars into the area as the Obama Administration's economic recovery plans unfold.
The group, many of whom were key volunteers last year in the Obama campaign's grassroots organizing operation throughout the area, are now working closely with the national Organizing for America (OFA) organization. The OFA Coalition believes that this is the logical continuation of the unprecedented grassroots-oriented campaign last year that saw huge numbers of people becoming more active and aware. The local OFA Coalition is committed to supporting the major policy changes and initiatives in health care, education, and energy that are key to the Obama Administration's economic recovery plans.
The OFA Coalition volunteers intend for events like this Health Care Forum to be a important way to show how a wide range of people -- both those who supported Obama and those who didn't -- can participate more effectively in government decisions at all levels. "The Health Care Forum is another chance for many of us to meet our neighbors and remember we're not alone in this crisis. Together, we'll to hear from Mr. Dingell, a national health care leader, and share with him the vital concerns of the community regarding this critical issue." said Tad Wysor, 15th district OFA leader.
Last week, I blogged about a public forum to be held in Ypsilanti, Michigan to discuss the Stimulus Package, called "Where's All That Stimulus Money Going?" The event, sponsored by the OFA Coalition of Congressional Districts 7 & 15, was held last Sunday and was a big success. Below is our press release from the event.
Chris Savage
chrissavage123@sbcglobal.net
The Districts 7 & 15 Organizing for America (OFA) Coalition is sponsoring a public forum, this Sunday, March 22nd. Come help us fill the room for our Coalition's first Ypsi/Ann Arbor Community Forum: "Where's All That Stimulus Money Going?"
This is a community forum on on how we can make the Reinvestment Act work for Michigan and our communities! Amid frightening economic times, the Obama Administration's economic recovery plan is beginning to pump large amounts of much-needed investment into our state and region. Help us start making sure it gets spent quickly and well!
Community Forum: "Where's All That Stimulus Money Going?" Sunday evening, March 22nd, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.First Congregational United Church of Christ, 218 N. Adams St, Ypsilanti
There will be presentations on creating jobs, making college affordable and improving schools, reducing foreclosures, real improvements in public transportation, green energy and jobs, and good healthcare for everyone.State Representatives Alma Wheeler Smith and Rebekah Warren will answer questions about how Lansing can help us monitor the dollars. Let's keep the momentum going! For more information and to RSVP HERE. You may also call Tad Wysor at 734-883-3225
Chris Savagechrissavage123@sbcglobal.net
On Saturday, March 14, our group met at the Foggy Bottom Coffee House in Dexter, Michigan. At that very productive meeting, we developed our final mission statement draft, heard a proposal from Andrea to put out periodic one page information sheets on actions people can take to improve their environment, discussed putting together a new blog, and listened to a very comprehensive analysis of the Stimulus Package from a "green energy/green jobs" perspective. Details can be found in the minutes which can be found HERE.
The draft mission statement is now visible in the description for this group. Please have a look at it and send me your comments if you think changes should be made to improve it. The email address for this group is WashtenawCountyAreaGreenTeam@groups.barackobama.com. Sending an email to this address will send it to all members of the Green Team. Note: you must be a team member to use this email address. Comments are being received through Saturday, March 22. Thanks!
Chris
Well, it seems that Pres. Obama is right again. Washington won't change overnight. It seems that many have forgotten the months of work we did to send a message to Washington that we were ready for change. What I think is more important is that WE don't forget and get lazy, expecting them to just give it to us.
Republicans in the House and Senate are leaning toward thier tendancy not to listen and to go back to what we had for the past 8 years. We need to let them know that change has come. There were almost 2 million people in the Mall a few weeks ago. We cannot let them forget that!!!
We have to do what we did during the campaign, email and call each and every representative and let them know that we are still paying attention and we are still engaged and WILL BE ENGAGED from now on!!!
I live in Michigan and have contacted Gov. Granholm's office (D), Carl Levin (D), Debbie Stabenow(D) and Mike Rogers(R) and let them know that I want them to support the Stimulus Package. I personally feel like they need alot more Infrastructure money (we have potholes that cars get lost in and no money to repair them) But ALL Obama supporters need to contact their Govenor, and Congressional Representatives and put the pressure to work to pass this bill quickly.
I will personally be watching to see who votes for it and who votes against it. Their votes will be considered when mid term elections come around.
Go to www.congress.org if you are not sure of who you should contact. Your state website should have a contact button for your Govenor. WE HAVE GOT TO GET BACK TO WORK!!!
If you’re reading this now, chances are you’ve already heard dozens of pitches trying to get you to volunteer for the Obama campaign. If you’ve already volunteered - we thank you. This is a grassroots, “bottom-up” campaign, and your help is why we’ve been able to come this far. But, it’s not over yet.
Even if you’ve volunteered before - or if you’ve always wanted to help out but never had the time - today is the day! Since Barack announced his candidacy for president on May 2, 2007, everything we’ve done has been in preparation for today - which is why it’s so important to not give up now. We need your help! Sign up to help out today at a Campaign for Change Get out the vote location near you, the most important day of the election here.
Michigan! This is our moment; this is our time! Get out and vote - and then volunteer - and tonight, we’ll celebrate victory. Don’t delay, volunteer today!
John McCain's campaign has as recently as yesterday said that they believe that students won't turn out to vote. Today is our day to prove them wrong and show America that young voters do matter. Our opponent and the media believe that young voters won’t show up - that we don’t care about the election, and are too lazy, too unwilling, or too unmotivated to actually get out and vote.But today, we’ll prove them wrong.
Today is the day to turn the page on eight years of failed Bush policies that have seen our middle class shrink, economy worsen, and college move out of reach for more and more people. Today is the day to make your voice heard! What happens today will determine the direction we want our country to move in. Decades from now, your children will ask you what you did today. Do you want to be part of the moment that changed America - or do you want to stay home, and just hope for the best?
Our moment is now. Get out and vote - bring your roommate, your friends, anyone you can think of. After you vote, help us get out the vote on this critical day - sign up to help get out the vote on your campus today!
YOU'RE INVITED to theMichigan Democratic Party'sELECTION NIGHT EVENTat theDetroit Renaissance Center
Finish up canvass and phone bank shifts as the polls close and then join the Michigan Democratic Party to watch the election returns and celebrate the work we have done together to get out the vote for change.
Guests will include Governor Jennifer Granholm, Lt. Governor John Cherry, Senator Carl Levin, Senator Debbie Stabenow, Judge Diane Marie Hathaway, Speaker Andy Dillon, MDP Chair Mark Brewer.
REMINDER: if you are eligible, today (at 4 p.m.) is the last day to vote absentee in-person at your clerk's office. If you've requested your absentee ballot previously, it must be returned by mail or by hand to your local clerk's office by 8 p.m. on Tuesday. For more information, call 1-877-767-6424, or visit the State of Michigan's voter information page.
I know everyone is busy, has other things to do, has work, and is tired. But - there will be thousands of other days to work, thousands of other days to sleep, thousands of other days to run errands. This is our only day to make sure Barack Obama becomes president and if we win this election I truly believe each of those thousands of other days will be better. That is why I am asking you to take off Election Day and help ensure that we elect Barack Obama our next president. In twenty years you will not be thinking I sure am glad I slept those extra few hours or I am glad I saved my vacation or sick day. But I guarantee you that you will be proud for the rest of your life to have been part of the Obama Campaign on Election Day 2008. Let's win this thing.Josh
Tomorrow's the last day before Election Day, and our offices will be humming with activity. We hope you can join us at some of these events:
At 11:30 pm, on the eve of election day, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm, U.S. Senator Carl Levin, and Denise Ilitch, Candidate for University of Michigan Board of Regents will join students and supporters for a “Midnight Madness,” Get Out the Vote Rally for Barack Obama in Ann Arbor. The rally will also feature a musical performance by Ann Arbor’s own “My Dear Disco.” Join Governor Granholm, Senator Levin, and Denise Ilitch at 11:30 in the Michigan Union Ballroom for the event!
Also, Lt. Governor John Cherry will appear at several events tomorrow:
12:15 pm Meet and Greet with Lieutenant Governor John D. CherryCapitol Coney Island4021 Van Slyke RdFlint, MI 2:30 pm Plant Gate Meet and Greet with Lieutenant Governor John D. CherryTRW Automotive2328 E Genesee AveSaginaw, MI 3:30 pm Canvass Kick-Off with Lieutenant Governor John D. Cherry UAW Local 4672104 Farmer StSaginaw, MI
Stop in one of our sixty-plus offices tomorrow!
If you are elligible tomorrow is the deadline to vote absentee in-person at your local clerk's office.
If you've requested your absentee ballot previously, it must be returned by mail or by hand to your local clerk's office by 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
For more information, call 1-877-767-6424, or visit the State of Michigan's voter information page.
As of the time of this post, there are 54 hours left until the Michigan polls close in the most important election of our lifetime.
Can you spare a few hours to help us out in these last fifty-four hours? There's so much to do, and your work will make such an impact. Check out some of the ways you can help us out:
We have events going on all over the state tomorrow, and all 60+ of our Campaign for Change offices will be buzzing with activity - why not stop in to see what's going on? Whatever amount of time you're able to spend will make a difference on Election Day. This election is so important, for Michigan and for our future, so don't just sit on the sidelines!
Sunday, November 2nd, 2008 2:45pm Phone Bank with Lieutenant Governor John D. CherryAcross from Campaign for Change Office7 North SaginawPontiac, MI 4:00pm Canvass Kick-Off with Former Governor Jim Blanchard, Wayne County Sherriff Warren EvansCampaign for Change Office Headquarters2875 W. Grand BlvdDetroit, MI 4:00 pm Canvass Kick-Off with Michigan AFL-CIO President Mark Gaffney15031 Michigan AvenueE. Dearborn, MI 4:00pm Canvass Kick-Off with Governor Wayne State Paul Massaron, State Board of Education Vice President John AustinCWA Local 400917233 W. Ten Mile RoadSouthfield, MI4:00 pm Canvass Kick-Off with Lieutenant Governor John D. Cherry, Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark Brewer Flint Campaign for Change Office 877 E. 5th Ave. Flint, MI 48503
4:00 pm Canvass Kick-Off with Michigan Change To Win President Phil ThompsonIBEW Local 6655205 S. Pennsylvania Ave.Lansing, MI 4:45 pm Phone Bank with Wayne State Governor Paul Massaron, State Board of Education Vice President John AustinSouthfield Campaign for Change Office18284 W. Ten Mile RoadSouthfield, MI 5:15pm Meet and Greet with Lieutenant Governor John D. CherrySaginaw Campaign for Change Office122 N. Michigan Ave.Saginaw, MI 48602 5:30 pm Bay City Democrats GOTV Dinner with Lt. Governor John D. Cherry, Congressman Bart Stupak, Michigan Democratic Party Chair Mark BrewerUAW Local 362 Hall4427 Wilder RoadBay City, MI
With three days until Election Day, we need your help! Just today, the Huron Tribune, a newspaper in one of the "reddest" areas of Michigan endorsed Barack, showing that our message is carrying through every corner of Michigan. While momentum continues to build here in Michigan and around the country behind Barack's message of change, it's no time to let up. This race is not over, and it's no time for complacency. We have over sixty offices open across Michigan - why not stop in today?
