Democracy for New Mexico

Next DFA-DFNM Meetup to Feature Community Organizer Santiago Juarez

Our regular monthly Albuquerque DFA-Democracy for New Mexico Meetup is set for Thursday, June 7th, at 7:00 PM at the Social Hall of the First Unitarian Church at Carlisle and Comanche. To join the group, get on our mailing list or RSVP for the Meetup, click here. Our special guest will be long-time community organizer SANTIAGO JUAREZ (photo), who'll address the topic, "Electing to Resist: Vote Suppression and Community Empowerment."

"You take away people's health insurance and you take their right to union pay scales and you take away their pensions--taking away their vote's just one more on the list."--(Santiago Juarez, "Armed Madhouse")

Prominently featured in investigative reporter Greg Palast's recent bestseller, "Armed Madhouse," veteran New Mexico community organizer and attorney Santiago Juarez returns to Democracy for New Mexico, after a nearly two-year interlude. Santiago will recount his exploits in the 2004 Presidential campaign and election, and bring with him the spirit of citizen fightback in a time of both uncertainty and renewed hope.

Based in Espanola, NM, Mr. Juarez's community development work and his influence touch Albuquerque and span New Mexico and beyond. Counting among his early influences the late Chicano labor and civil rights leader Cesar Chavez, Santiago continues and extends the tradition of working-class, community-based political activism.

Santiago Juarez has held organizing positions in Mexicano/Chicano communities in the western United States since the 1970's. A founding organizer of Seattle's ground-breaking community center, El Centro De La Raza, Mr. Juarez also worked in the 1980's with Rev. Jesse Jackson's Rainbow Coalition.

Since 1995, Mr. Juarez has worked with communities in New Mexico as an organizer and facilitator for Re-Visioning New Mexico. He maintains a private law practice, is on the Board of Directors for the International Relations Center, and is currently the Executive Director of New Mexico Progressive Alliance for Community Empowerment (NM PACE).

Mr. Juarez holds a B.S. from Eastern New Mexico University and a J.D. from the University of Washington.

Martin Heinrich: New Campaign Website, New DFNM Netroots Donation Page

Current Albuquerque City Council member Martin Heinrich, who's tossed his hat in the ring to be the Democratic candidate for Congress in NM-1 against incumbent Republican Rep. Heather Wilson, now has a campaign website up and running. Go to MartinHeinrich.com. Under a heading of 'Ethics, Vision and Results', the site includes info on Heinrich's accomplishments, news stories, videos and a bio.

Donate to Heinrich Campaign Via Our New DFNM Netroots Fundraising Page:

Noted for his problem-solving pragmatism, negotiating skills, ethics and dedication to a green agenda, Heinrich has already raised more than $4,500 in campaign funds since his recent entry into the race. You can add to that by kicking in a few bucks using our new Act Blue fundraising page: DFNM Netroots for Martin Heinrich. As we learned in the Dean campaign, many small donations can trump a handful of large donations. Help demonstrate that members of the grassroots - netroots are ready to step up to the plate and support people-powered candidates like Heinrich. Donate today at https://www.actblue.com/page/dfnmforheinrich.

Here's Martin Heinrich answering the question, "Why are you a Democrat," at the Democratic Party of Bernalillo County's Memorial Day picnic this past Monday:

Note: The clip above is one of a continuing series of digital camera video clips Mary Ellen is producing, asking all kinds of folks about why they're Democrats. Check our previous post for more, and keep an eye out for additional videos in the series. Also keep an eye out for Mary Ellen pointing her camera at you! These are low-tech video clips taken with an ordinary digital camera, not a top-notch video cam, but we think the messages come across loud and clear.

Why Are You a Democrat?

We've started pointing our digital camera at Democrats and asking them to give a short explanation of why they support the Democratic Party. We intend to make this an ongoing project that we'll conduct in various places around Albuquerque and beyond as election season heats up. Here are our initial results, taken immediately after last week's DFA-DFNM Meetup in Albuquerque. The footage is rather primitive, taken with our digital still camera's video function, but we think the messages come out loud and clear:

Ana Canales, Chair, Democratic Party of Bernalillo County

Cheryl Harris, Vice Chair, Democratic Party of Bernalillo County

Don Schiff, Ward Chair, 18B

Let Them Eat Cake: DFA-DFNM Meetup Tonight

Counting votes for SCC at DPBC Central Committee Meeting

Our regular monthly Albuquerque DFA-DFNM Meetup is set for tonight at 7:00 PM at the Social Hall of the First Unitarian Church at Carlisle and Comanche. Tonight's agenda will feature the newly elected Democratic Party of Bernalillo County officers -- Chair ANA CANALES, 1st Vice Chair JIM BUHAUG, 2nd Vice Chair CHERYL HARRIS -- in a discussion about the Party's plans for the coming months, your suggestions and how we can help. We'll also be hearing from JENNIFER FORD of America Votes - New Mexico and what they're up to.

STAY AFTER THE MEETING FOR CAKE and mingling in celebration of all those who won Democratic Party elections including State and County Party officers, ward and precinct officers, County Central Committee members and State Central Committee members, as well as everyone who ran for office and everyone who's working for change.

If you'd like to join our group, visit our Meetup page. You can also RSVP for tonight's Meetup at the site. We also suggest you sign up at DFA Link-Up, which gets you on the mailing list for the national group Democracy for America, with which DFNM is loosely affiliated.

See our previous post for more on the DPBC elections, as well as a Flickr album of photos from the Bernalillo County Party meeting. Click here and here for posts on the DPNM State Central Committee meeting in Las Cruces.

Gov. Richardson Touts DFNM's Paper Ballot Effort in Iraq War Message to DFA

"I don't support leaving a residual force in Iraq. We should get out lock, stock, and barrel." - Governor Bill Richardson

Democracy for America has asked the presidential candidates to respond to a request for a statement about their positions on Iraq. Here's the video response from Gov. Bill Richardson. In addition to strong statements about the Iraq war, Gov. Richardson comments on how much he enjoyed working with Democracy for New Mexico members on the successful paper ballot initiative passed during last year's legislative session. As I'm sure you recall, many of us worked hard on gaining passage for that landmark legislation (introduced by NM Sen. Linda Lopez) along with the wonderful grassroots election reform groups United Voters of NM, Verified Voting NM, Voter Action and others. (Click for post on bill signing.)

Here's what DFA's Executive Director, Tom Hughes, has to say about Gov. Richardson's message:

From Democracy for America:
Watch Gov. Richardson's Response "I agree." That is just one of Governor Bill Richardson's responses to DFA members who wrote comments in our Presidential Primary Petition on Iraq. We asked each of the candidates to oppose any escalation of the Iraq War, demand a swift end to the occupation, and propose a plan that brings our brave men and women home. I'm excited to make his video to you available today.

https://www.democracyforamerica.com/richardson

Governor Richardson has a long history in American foreign policy, including negotiating the release of two American prisoners in Iraq directly from Saddam Hussein during Bill Clinton's presidency. The Governor believes "we need to get out of Iraq this calendar year." He supports diplomacy that brings "a reconciliation of the three religious groups into a coalition government" and "surrounding powers in the region to deal with future security." What he doesn't support is leaving a residual force in Iraq. "We should get out lock, stock and barrel."

This isn't the first time Governor Richardson has worked with DFA members. Last year, he worked with a local DFA group in New Mexico (Democracy for New Mexico) to pass verifiable paper ballots. According to Governor Richardson, "It's the law of the land here in our state and we did it together."

DFA members will continue to work together and pressure the presidential candidates on the most important issues. Our voices will be heard and our actions will continue to move America forward.

Thank you for everything you do,
Tom Hughes, Executive Director, DFA

P.S. Governor Richardson made this video specifically for Democracy for America. If you like what you see and hear, I encourage you to sign up for his campaign and help in any way you can:

https://richardsonforpresident.com

That said, this message should not be construed as an endorsement of Governor Richardson's candidacy. In the months ahead other candidates for president will be reaching out to Democracy for America members too, because you have the power to shape the presidential primaries in a way no one else can.

Editor's Note: John Edwards has also responded with a short video to DFA's call for a message on his position on Iraq. Click to read our previous post with his video.

Democracy for New Mexico is loosely affiliated with the national group, Democracy for America, which has its origins in the presidential campaign of Howard Dean when it was known as Dean for America. Click to learn more about DFA.

DFA-Democracy for New Mexico Meetups are held on the first Thursday of the month in Albuquerque. To become a member and join our email list, visit our Meetup site. You should also register at Democracy for America so you can be kept informed of their actions on the national level. Once registered, you can also join our DFA Link group. Although we still use Meetup for our meeting organization, members are urged to also register at our DFA Link page so they can receive important information from the national group.

DFA: Edwards Wants You to Know Where He Stands on Iraq

From Democracy for America:

Hear Senator Edwards' Response

Last month, Democracy for America members petitioned the presidential candidates to oppose any escalation of the Iraq War, demand a swift end to the occupation, and propose a plan that brings our brave men and women home. We delivered over thirty thousand signatures and comments to every candidate and asked them to respond.

Senator John Edwards took time to shoot a video response to you and we are excited to make it available today.

Senator Edwards believes Congress should use their funding authority "to force George Bush to steadily bring troops out of Iraq." He believes troop levels should be "capped initially at one hundred thousand" and wants all combat troops out of Iraq in about a year. Senator Edwards closes his remarks with a thank you:

"Thank you for organizing at a grassroots level and building a movement to try to end this war in Iraq... and for helping build a movement to deal with all the big issues that matter in this country."

This video is just the beginning.

Over the next several months, DFA members will work together to pressure the presidential candidates on the most important issues. The road to the Democratic nomination is a long one and each candidate will be working hard for your endorsement and your vote. Victory in 2008 is up to us.

Thank you for everything you do,
Tom Hughes, Executive Director

P.S. John Edwards is the first candidate to answer your call for a direct response. If you like what you see and hear, I encourage you to sign up for his campaign and help in any way you can:

https://www.johnedwards.com

That said, this message should not be construed as an endorsement of Senator Edward's candidacy. In the months ahead other candidates for president will be reaching out to Democracy for America members too, because you have the power to shape the presidential primaries in a way no one else can.

Editor's Notes: Democracy for New Mexico is loosely affiliated with the national group, Democracy for America, which has its origins in the presidential campaign of Howard Dean when it was known as Dean for America. Click to learn more about DFA.

DFA-Democracy for New Mexico Meetups are held on the first Thursday of the month in Albuquerque. To become a member and join our email list, visit our Meetup site. You should also register at Democracy for America so you can be kept informed of their actions on the national level. Once registered, you can also join our DFA Link group. Although we still use Meetup for our meeting organization, members are urged to also register at our DFA Link page.

Special Guests for 3/1 DFA-DFNM Meetup: Noted Peace-Maker/Coach Plus Candidates for Top DPBC Offices

Our regular monthly DFA-DFNM Meetup will be held on Thursday, March 1, at 7:00 PM, at the Social Hall of the First Unitarian Church at Carlisle and Comanche in Albuquerque. To RSVP or to join the group and get on our email list, click here.

Our special guests this month include:

1. Candidate Slate for Democratic Party of Bernalillo County Offices (elections set for April 14, 2007) 

• Robert Aragon, Candidate for Chair
• Carolyne Devore-Parks, Candidate for First Vice Chair
• Mike Rose, Candidate for Second Vice Chair

2. Something a Little Different: Holly Kawakami on Life Coaching and a Life of Peace-Making. (Tip of the hat to Robb Chavez.) Check out her impressive resume of academic, peace and life experience:

According to life coach Holly Kawakami,

"Working with a coach is a smart choice for people who seek to take stock of where they are and want to maximize the possibilities of living a balanced and fulfilled life. Within the structured, confidential coaching relationship, clients examine values, clarify issues and challenges, brainstorm new ideas, and celebrate accomplishments."

Ms. Kawakami has expanded into coaching as another way to empower individuals who are transitioning, who want to see their values expressed in their communities, and who act to create the world they want to see.

Holly has a 25-year career assisting people who are crossing cultures and managing diversity to be successful in the global, interdependent business world. She brings fresh perspectives and innovative alternatives to problem-solving.

One client says, "The coaching experience with Holly helped me articulate ideas that had been floating around vaguely in my head and to accomplish tasks I*d been telling myself I'd do for months."

Robb Chavez, of DFNM, adds, "Holly listens well, and brings a sensitivity that allows her to hear even the unspoken concerns of her clients. She thus is able to prompt these individuals to achieve a clarity that can help them resolve outstanding issues, be they personal or social."

Kawakami holds a B.A. in Japanese and Asian Studies, an MBA-International, and is finishing her doctorate in intercultural communication at UNM. She also is a qualified mediator and has taught mediation, negotiation and all kinds of communication courses.

Her early years in Chicago exposed her to the struggle for civil rights and to principles of community organizing. Holly then lived outside the United States--20 years in Japan--until moving to New Mexico in 2000.

Connecting people in order to create peace and understanding has always been at the center of Holly's work. For example, the Governor of Osaka appointed her, the only Westerner, to the Osaka Council for World Peace in the 1980s. In 2005, she accompanied and interpreted for the two atomic bomb survivors who came to New Mexico to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Holly Kawakami currently is a member of the UNM Peace Studies Committee and is once again part of the planning for the annual UNM Peace Fair. Holly has studied Japanese tea ceremony for three decades and teaches in the community as another expression of bringing people together in peaceful communion.

For those interested, the first coaching call is complimentary and includes explaining the coaching structure, listening to a client's expectations, and setting up the best schedule to meet that client's needs.

Contact Information: hcsk48@gmail.com

Website: www.goglobalcoaching.com (under construction)

Holly Siebert Kawakami
Ph.D. Candidate
Intercultural Communication
University of New Mexico
Communication Instructor, Water Resource Master*s Program
Albuquerque, NM 87106

Sen. Ortiz y Pino and DFNM on Today's Insight NM Radio Show

Montage with last week's guests on Insight New Mexico.

Be sure to tune in Insight New Mexico's weekly political show on Albuquerque's Progressive Talk Radio 1350 AM today from 3:00 to 4:00 PM. Eric Griego and sidekick producer Suzanne Prescott will be interviewing one of our local Dem heroes -- NM Sen. Gerald Ortiz y Pino -- who has sponsored the NM impeachment bill, the medical marijuana bill, the working families tax credit and many other progressive measures, as well as Eric Mack, head producer for the NM News Service. Eric will also be talking with some APS and CNM board candidates in the February 6th election in Albuquerque.

I'm also excited to report that we (Barbara Wold and Mary Ellen Broderick) will be featured on the show's blogger segment today representing Democracy for New Mexico. Wish us luck - we're definitely new to radio interviews!

To learn more about Insight New Mexico and today's guests, download podcasts from previous shows, stay current with guests on upcoming shows, or join the discussion, visit their website and blog at .

Listeners are encouraged to phone in questions during the show by calling 338-4090.

If we want progressive talk radio to continue in Albuquerque, now's the time to show your support by tuning in and spreading the word to your friends, neighbors and colleagues.

P.S. Eric Griego is now a regular columnist at the Albuquerque Tribune. Check out his column.

DFA-DFNM Meetup Tonight

It's that time again. If you plan on attending our Albuquerque DFA-DFNM Meetup this Thursday, February 1, at 7:00 PM, at the Social Hall of the First Unitarian Church at Carlisle and Comanche, please RSVP now or sign up to be a member of the group and get our emails: https://dfa.meetup.com/160/.

This month's Meetup will focus on what's going on at the NM legislative session and how to get involved with lobbying, contacting legislators and tracking bills of interest. Plus PAUL STOKES of United Voters NM will explain the election reform bills to be considered this year in Santa Fe and nationally.

Also, ANA CANALES will discuss her candidacy for Chairperson of the Democratic Party of Bernalillo County. Other candidates for this office are encouraged to speak to our group as well. Please contact me if you'd like to do so by clicking on the Email Me link at the upper left-hand corner of this site.

DFA-DFNM ABQ Meetup Tonight

Our regular monthly DFA-DFNM Albuquerque Meetup takes place tonight, December 7th, at 7:00 PM at the First Unitarian Church Social Hall at Carlisle and Comanche. Click here to join the group or RSVP for the meeting.

Our speakers this month include:

DANA MILLEN, Education and Outreach Coordinator for the Heath Security for New Mexicans Campaign presenting their plan for universal healthcare.

MAGGIE TOULOUSE, an applicant for Bernalillo County Clerk, discussing your issues of concern for the person who will fill the clerk slot vacated by our new Secretary of State, Mary Herrera.

JOE CASADOS & ANGELA CHAVEZ, DPNM Field Coordinators, who will talk about 2006 election lessons learned, and brainstormwith us about future party building and outreach strategies.