Change for Kentucky

Herald Leader Op-Ed: Thank You Gov. Dean

Ben Carter, a Lexington law student and a strong voice in the Community Farm Alliance, is a contributing columnist for the Lexington Herald-Leader and a supporter of Gov. Howard Dean. Here is a link to his Thursday, March 11 column. Thank you, Ben.

"Dean restored supporters' hope"

Guest Blogging

"Publicity is justly commended as a remedy for social and industrial diseases. Sunlight is said to be the best of disinfectants..." - Judge Louis Brandeis

As I look around to other state and local political websites, I see a dearth of real back-and-forth communication. There are a few blogs, yes; and a few issue-centric websites and any number of different discussion lists and calls to action. But what I continue to fail to see is a candid (and public) dialogue between those who want change and those who can affect change.

Perhaps we can do something about that.

Over the coming months, and leading into this election cycle, Change for Kentucky will invite a number of "Guest Bloggers" from around the state to come to our website and blog about WHY change is important for Kentucky (and Kentucky politics) and HOW we can make this change occur.

We seek a wide variety of participants: community leaders, candidates for office, political activists, media representatives, business leaders, and regular people (like us). These will not be "vote for me" pitches, or "come join a protest on this day" announcements. It's about "talking to" and not "talking at."

Along with these posts, we then need every person out there to TALK BACK; to voice your opinion or your opposition, to candidly speak about the problems AND the solutions. It only works if there is a real dialogue, and I truly believe people will listen and our movement will grow because of this.

So, the question: Whom should we invite?

The comments field is open.

Our 1st Meeting

How can we bring Change for Kentucky?

At the request of Gov. Howard Dean, campaign organizers and volunteers came together Wednesday night across the country to hold “MeetUps” with a dual purpose: to close the books on the amazing Dean for America presidential campaign AND to make plans on how we carry forward this revolutionary movement of “people-powered politics” and grass-roots advocacy.

In Lexington, Dean organizers and supporters raised imaginary glasses Wednesday night to toast the campaign of Gov. Dean, its successes and the lessons learned. Afterward, we shifted gears and took the opportunity to hold an initial planning meeting to decide how we can move Change for Kentucky forward, both the idea and our new organization.

With our stated goals of bringing the average citizen into the political process and supporting progressive ideas and candidates, the main question on the floor was: What initiatives, projects and platforms should Change for Kentucky support, and why?

Here’s some of what we heard (we want YOUR comments below):

Outreach to Lapsed Voters, New Democrats and Undecided Independents

Bringing the message of progressive policies and candidates to those voters who have fallen outside of (or were turned off to) the political process

New Candidates to Run for Office

Supporting (with campaign activities, organization and money) new candidates for public office who support progressive policies and advocate real Change for Kentucky.

Grass-Roots Campaign Support for Progressive Candidates

Fundraising, electioneering and “boots-on-the-ground” campaign support for those candidates who support progressive ideas and the Change for Kentucky goals of bringing new people into political process.

Issue Identification and Advocacy

Identifying progressive issues that can bring real Change for Kentucky, and hold candidates for office accountable for addressing (or not addressing) these issues in every election.

Democratic Party Leadership Elections

Bringing new leadership into the Democratic Party via precinct, legislative district and county Democratic Party elections. This initiative begins April 17, 2004. Check back soon for more details,

Precinct Organization

Walking your neighborhood, encouraging neighbors to become politically active. Issues-based house parties and “get-out-the-vote” drives during elections.

Coordination with Other Political Groups

Bringing political organizations (Green Party, Progressives, League of Conservation Voters, etc.) together to plan coordinated activities that cross agenda lines.

Voter Education

Simplified answers to common questions about upcoming elections, registration deadlines, filing for office and campaign organizing.

Civic Responsibility and Educational Activities

Supporting community and school-based initiatives that advocate civic education and increased participation in government for adults and soon-to-vote teenagers.

These are just a few. What else can we do? What are we missing? Please add your thoughts to our COMMENTS section. There are many people reading this blog, so we encourage candor and a free-flow of ideas. POST NOW!