Democracy for New Mexico

Smackdown in D-Town! Watch the Prez Debate Outdoors

Another great idea from PAC 505. Yeah, you do remember all their black balloons around town when Bush came to Burque for a fundraiser for Heather Wilson way back in the days of yore (2006). Now they're organizing Smackdown in D-Town! and say -- Come watch the presidential debate this Friday evening at 7:00 PM at Mary Fox Park (13th Street and Roma, downtown). We will have lots of televisions and sound. If you have kids, you can set them loose on the playground. Please feel free to forward this info to anyone who you think might be interested. You do not have to sign up using the link posted above, but if you do, we will feel validated.

Tonight: Reception Fundraiser for Victor Raigoza (SD-10)

Commissioner Deanna Archuleta; Ana Canales, Bernalillo Co. Party Chair; Eleanor Chávez, Representative Elect District 13; Claire Dudley; Kathy Katz; Blair Kaufman; Senator Linda Lopez, District 11; Michelle Mares; Tom Montaño, Business Manager, UA Local Union 412; Ann Piper; Charlotte Roybal; Representative Mimi Stewart, District 21;
Albuquerque Teachers Federation
And
American Federation of Teachers New Mexico
Ask you to join them at a reception for
Victor Raigoza
Democratic State Senate Candidate in SD-10
Tuesday, September 23, 2008, 5:30-7:30 PM
One Up Restaurant & Lounge
301 Central Avenue NW
(Corner of 3rd & Central, Downtown Albuquerque)
Co-Host – Write or Raise $500
Guest – $65

For more information or to RSVP, please email Raigoza4Senate@gmail.com. We have an unprecedented opportunity this year to elect people like Victor Raigoza who will truly represent every New Mexican. Victor has earned endorsements from NARAL Pro-Choice NM, EQNM-PAC and multiple State and Local Unions. Please join us to show your support as his campaign enters the final weeks.

9/25-9/26/08: UNM Civil Rights Symposium

Faculty, staff, students, and community members are invited to attend the 2008 UNM Civil Rights Symposium. The theme for the Fall 2008 University of New Mexico Civil Rights Symposium is "Civic Literacy Across Communities: A Public Forum." Events are free and open to the public. The 2008 Civil Rights Symposium at the University of New Mexico is scheduled for:

Thursday, September 25: Student Union Lobo A&B at 12:30-5:30 PM. Friday, September 26: Student Union Ballroom C at 1:00-4:30 PM. The two-day event will include panels, roundtable discussion tables, open forum, poetry performances, and a new film about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. See the complete Agenda for details on the many diverse activities that will be featured during the Symposium. Click for poster (pdf).

This sounds especially intriguing: On Thursday, from 4:00-5:30 PM, "Creative Voices in Action,"€ a Creative Arts Performance in the SUB Faciltated by Heather Campbell, will feature poets Hakim Bellamy, Lisa Gill, Jack Trujillo, Margaret Randall. As does this, also on Thursday:

1:30-2:45 The Youth Vote and Racial Dynamics
Michael Rocca (Political Science)
Gabriel Sanchez (Political Science)
Obama Camp Representative -€“ John Blair
McCain Camp Representative €- Ivette Barajas
Moe Maestas (D) -€“ NM House of Representatives
Dan Foley (R) €- NM House of Represenatives

2008 UNIVERSITY OF NEW MEXICO CIVIL RIGHTS SYMPOSIUM
CIVIC LITERACY ACROSS COMMUNITIES: A PUBLIC FORUM
Program Chair: Professor Michelle Hall Kells (Department of English)

Framing the Conversation:
Literacy is not only the principal practice of what we do in the every day work of the university; it is a deeply held core value of American citizenship and belonging, so integral to who we are—our national identity—civic literacy is the concept around which we fashion our system of governance. The opportunity to deliberate together from diverse communities represents an occasion to invigorate the university climate and to articulate our differences as well as our common visions.

The key note address "€œHate Acts, Public Rhetoric, and Civil Rights Activism: 40 years after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr."€ will be delivered by featured speaker, Professor Keith Gilyard (Distinguished Professor, Pennsylvania State University).

This event will serve as an occasion to address current issues in civil rights, to promote civic literacy across diverse communities, to practice the deliberative ethics of peaceful social engagement, and to commemorate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Participation, luncheon, and refreshments are free. No registration required. Arrive early to ensure available seating. For further information and schedule of events see the Agenda page or contact Dan Cryer, UNM WAC Events Coordinator at dcryer@unm.edu.

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You're Invited: Musicians and Artists to Support Obama at Orpheum Art Space

Now this sounds like a spectacular way to spend an evening, and at the same time support Obama's campaign. Also, if you're an artist or musician, there's still time to offer your work at this event. See below.

On Friday, October 3rd at 8 PM at the Orpheum Art Space - SE corner of 2nd and Coal in Albuquerque - regional artists and musicians will gather to offer their work in support of Barack Obama for President. Don't miss out on this fun opportunity to purchase some locally produced art work with all money raised going towards Barack Obama's Campaign for Change.

All kinds of cool, locally and regionally produced crafts will be available for purchase. Short films, photography, paintings, clothing, cartoons, . . . everything. Tractor Brewing Co. will be serving up their great beer and local musicians will be entertaining all night.

Any artist or musician that would like to offer their work in the sale can still contribute their pieces. It will be greatly appreciated if attendees could contribute $10 to the Campaign for Change and the event is open to everyone. Voter registrars will also be on hand to register new voters or update voters' registrations.

Simply put:

What: Art sale, social gathering, concert with Of God and Science, fundraiser for Obama, voter registration drive

When: Friday, October 3rd, 8 PM ~ 10:30 PM

Where: Orpheum Art Space - 500 2nd St. SW, Albuquerque - southeast corner of 2nd & Coal

How much: Suggested donation of $10. Art work and beer will also be available for purchase with the revenue going to Obama's Campaign for Change.

Contact:
Matt (Dinger) Hemmendinger, 505-507-7989, dingAaAr@gmail.com
Hannah Macpherson, 310-386-5112, HannahEMacpherson@hotmail.com
Rebekah Wiggins, 575-914-0024, epibutter2u@yahoo.com

Green Jobs: ABQ Green Solutions Fair 9/27/08

The ABQ Green Solutions Fair, part of national day of action

From NMYO: New Mexico Youth Organized (NMYO), in collaboration with Green for All and several other national climate change campaigns, NMYO is pushing for green jobs in New Mexico as a pathway out of poverty for young people and as a solution to global warming. NMYO and 1Sky New Mexico, along with many other environmental and community groups, will be hosting a solutions fair that will highlight energy saving solutions, environmental education, community gardening, green businesses, and the Albuquerque Green Job initiative.

“This is going to be a fun, community event that will highlight the ongoing work towards cleaning up our environment, building pathways out of poverty via green jobs, and uplifting our environment and our people.” NMYO Organizer – Juan Reynosa

Albuquerque Green: An Environmental Solutions Fair
September 27, Noon – 3:00 PM
8th and Central, Robinson Park
Live Solar Powered Music, Free Food, Good Times

We will also have a couple people on hand to help anyone who needs minor bike repairs done to their bicycle. Subject matter will range from protecting the wilderness, to green jobs, to bio-diesel, to sustainable transportation, and everything in between.

“We have a golden opportunity to invest in the economies of the future that provide jobs locally and at the same time save the environment.” said Juan Reynosa, organizer with NMYO. “NMYO’s Greencollar Jobs campaign will bring desperately needed jobs to New Mexico and help move our antiquated energy policy to one built on a clean, renewable economy.”

For more information, contact Juan Reynosa, 1Sky Organizer at (505) 242-4036, joowan1@gmail.com.

New Mexico Youth Organized (NMYO) is a community based organization devoted to improving the lives of working families in our state. Through engaging 17-34 year olds in the civic process our mission is to inspire the next generation of leaders in New Mexico.

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The Human Face of Climate Change: 9/29 in Santa Fe & ABQ

From Oxfam America: You're invited to The Human Face of Climate Change, divided into two very special events. On Monday, Sept. 29, Oxfam America welcomes to Santa Fe and Albuquerque two women who truly represent the human face of climate change. These women will inspire you, as they’ve inspired many, to join the fight against climate change.

Mrs. Woré Gana Seck from Dakar, Senegal, and Sharon Hanshaw, of Biloxi, MS, will be with us to discuss the impacts of global warming on their regions and outline the policies needed to build communitywide resilience to climate change, reduce gender inequality, and help overcome poverty.

The first Human Face of Climate Change event will be a luncheon at Santa Fe Community College:

Monday, Sept. 29, 2008, Noon–1:30 PM
6401 Richards Avenue, Santa Fe, NM 87508
A $10 donation per adult and $5 donation per student are requested. Sponsors for the event are Oxfam America and the League of Women Voters of New Mexico.

The second event will be at the University of New Mexico:

Monday, Sept. 29, 2008, 5:30–7:30 PM
Kudo Lecture Room 122, Northrop Hall, University of New Mexico (map). The event is free and open to the public and sponsored by Oxfam America, 1Sky New Mexico, the League of Women Voters New Mexico, New Mexico Youth Organized, and the UNM Departments of Earth and Planetary Sciences and Africana Studies.

Bios:

Mrs. Woré Gana Seck is the director of Green Senegal and president of CONGAD, a consortium of 160 national and international nongovernmental organizations. Seck will speak on the increasing impact of climate change on the lives of families in rural West Africa. Her organizations focus on creating resilient and sustainable rural communities in Senegal.

Sharon Hanshaw, executive director of Coastal Women for Change, is the national ambassador for the Sisters on the Planet initiative. Hanshaw's organization has been integral in the rebuilding process following Hurricane Katrina. Her current work centers on creating a broad infrastructure that will help communities in the Gulf Coast better prepare for and respond to climate disasters.

For more information, please email jfrench@oxfamamerica.org.

Sign Oxfam's petition to the presidential candidates urging them to deal with global warming and the related issues of pollution, poverty and more.

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1st Annual ABQ Urban Farm and Harvest Festival: 9/27

From City of Albuquerque Open Space:
Did you know that in addition to other important public lands such as the Sandia Foothills Open Space, the Petroglyph National Monument and the Rio Grande Valley State Park, the City of Albuquerque Open Space Division preserves over 366 acres of farmland within the Albuquerque area?

"Since the purchase of the Candelaria Farm Preserve in 1977, the City’s Open Space Division has proven to be one of the key local agencies involved in the protection of agricultural lands in Albuquerque," says Mayor Martin Chavez. "Our achievements in farm preservation provide another example of why we have one of the most celebrated Open Space programs in the nation." See why:

WHAT: A Celebration of Open Space, urban agriculture, local food, and community with music, fun, workshops, and more! FREE!

WHEN: National Public Lands Day, September 27, 2008, 2–7 PM

WHERE: Open Space Visitor Center, 6500 Coors Blvd NW. The Visitor Center is located east of Coors at the end of Bosque Meadows Rd, which is between Montano and Paseo del Norte.

See here for more details.

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(Updated) Saturday: Help Celebrate Opening of Obama Campaign's South Valley Office

New Obama Ad: Real Change

Update: Belen Native U.S. Rep. Joe Baca (D-CA), Chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, has been added to the list of elected officials who'll be welcoming attendees at the Grand Opening
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Come on down and check out this weekend's grand opening of the Obama Campaign's South Valley Office -- the 34th such office in New Mexico. The celebration will feature food, live music, and appearances by the following elected officials:

U.S. Rep. Joe Baca, Chair, Congressional Hispanic Caucus
State Auditor Hector Balderas
State Senator-Elect Eric Griego
State Senator Linda Lopez
Martin Heinrich, NM-01 Congressional candidate

Obama South Valley Office Grand Opening
Saturday, September 13, 5 to 7 PM
3211 Coors Blvd. SW, Suite A 3-4, ABQ, 87121 Map
RSVP for this event

The New Mexico Campaign for Change is building a culture of participation and empowerment, and this new office is another step toward that goal. If you can't make it to the grand opening, you’re more than welcome to stop by and check out the office in the coming days and find out about volunteer opportunities.

The South Valley Field Office is one of more than 25 offices in the state. View a complete list of New Mexico offices. This will be a great opportunity to learn what we can do to support the Obama Campaign and to talk about what is needed to win the South Valley and all of New Mexico. Please come and help bring in the South Valley for Sen. Barack Obama!

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You're Invited: Dems to Meet in Gene Lindsay's Backyard

From the DPBC: It's a long tradition that Bernalillo County Democrats gather in Gene Lindsay's backyard to meet candidates and discuss issues. Wards 24A and B are hosting the meeting on Saturday, September 13, from 10 AM to noon and all Dems are welcome. Invite your friends. Candidates or their representatives will be there to answer questions and tell us how we can help in their campaigns.

Martin Heinrich, our next Congressman from District 1, plans to attend at 10 AM, as will a representatives for the Obama-Biden campaign and Congressman Tom Udall. Jason Marks, running for re-election to the Public Regulation Commission will be there. Brian Colon, state party Chairperson, will update us on what is happening at the state level, as will Chairperson Ana Canales for the county party. Tim Eichenberg, running for the Senate District 15 seat, will be there and all other Democratic candidates are welcome to attend.

Location: 2910 Utah, NE, off Candelaria between Wyoming and Pennsylvania, just east of Sandia High School. The Utah St. cul-de-sac has limited parking, so please park in the baseball field parking area immediately next door to the west.

Reminder: Reception Tonight to Support NM Senator-Elect Tim Keller

Join special guests DIANE D. DENISH, Lieutenant Governor; MICHAEL SANCHEZ, Senate Majority Leader; LINDA LOPEZ, State Senator; DEDE FELDMAN, State Senator; CISCO MCSORLEY, State Senator; JERRY ORTIZ Y PINO, State Senator; SHERYL WILLIAMS STAPLETON, House Majority Whip; AL PARK, State Representative; MIMI STEWART, State Representative; HECTOR BALDERAS, State Auditor; BRIAN COLON, Democratic Party Chairman; and many others at a reception tonight from 5:30 to 7:00 PM to support State Senator-Elect Tim Keller and help retire his campaign debt. The reception will be held at the home of Ellen Griffiths and Jose Simbana at 2010 Alhambra SW in Albuquerque (click for MAP). See the invitation for more info.

Tim Keller defeated incumbent Sen. Shannon Robinson in the June 3rd Democratic primary with 66% of the vote to 33% for Robinson. Because he has no GOP opponent in the November general election, Tim will be representing Senate District 17 in the New Mexico Legislature. Now that's a victory we can celebrate. If you can't make it to tonight's reception, you can donate online. It took a lot of work and a lot of money to defeat Robinson, so please give what you can to clear up Tim's campaign debt. You know how it upsets certain members of the power elite ....