 The 2009 Campus Progress National Conference: Delivering ChangeJuly 8, 2009 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington D.C.
You organized in your community. You registered voters. You voted. Progressives won. Now what?
At the fifth annual Campus Progress National Conference, to be held on July 8, 2009, in Washington DC, hundreds of young people will come together to address the task of Delivering Change. They will discuss the critical challenges our generation faces, and to develop the ideas, networks, and innovations that will help us meet those challenges.
Our generation has a real opportunity to deliver change – to move the country in a strongly progressive direction. Just as our hard work was essential to bringing progressive results in 2008, we need to stay dedicated to working for progressive change, to pressing government for action, to ensuring an economic recovery effort that advances opportunity for all. At the Campus Progress National Conference, we’ll come together and prove we’re serious about a progressive future, and we’re not letting anyone stand in our way.
How Did You Like the Conference?
While it is fresh in everyone’s memory. What did you think? Who was your favorite speaker? Did you like the facilitated discussion during the first panels? Was the use of new media effective? What could we do to make the conference even better next year? Post your comments below!
--------
Comments
|
|
The conference was exceptional. Not only were the speakers and conversations spot on, but the breakout sessions were informative and motivational. John Oliver’s humor made my day, but seeing Speaker Pelosi and President Clinton was definitely the highlight. (But I absolutely loved Staceyann Chin too). The facilitated discussion could have been improved (I was at health care), but I’d rather have CAP members do it than some random person at a table. The constant twitter updates were useful, and I was impressed with the speedy compilations of videos that were shown throughout the day. Great conference, great food, and awesome company. I’m definitely even more inspired. Keep up the good work
— Katie Shorey - Jul 9, 11:08 AM - #Thanks Katie. Unfortunately we needed more facilitators than we have staffers. Any other ideas for how we could improve that part?
— Drew - Jul 9, 11:23 AM - #My only worry was that it took a little while to get the conversation going— and that was not the facilitator’s fault. Maybe each person could share their own idea/viewpoint on the topic and then go from there. Perhaps the facilitator-led discussion went better in other sessions.
— Katie Shorey - Jul 9, 12:36 PM - #There wasn’t ONE word about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan not to mention the unmanned drone bombings in Pakistan that are constantly killing civilians.
I guess the wars and killing were only bad when Bush was in office but now that the Democrats are in charge the wars are better off being ignored.
— Bob Collins - Jul 9, 04:50 PM - #Bob – you should have checked out the threat assessment panel. They discussed among other things Iraq, Afghanistan, Iran, Mexico, and some panelists went after the Obama administration for what they felt were lackluster efforts in areas like humanitarian efforts.
— Drew - Jul 9, 11:03 PM - #In the main ballroom, the wars were never mentioned. The insane costs of the wars was never brought up. The killings of innocent people by the US government was not discussed.
It’s abundantly clear that the Democratic/progressive establishment does not want to make a major issue of the fact that the Obama administration and the Democrats in Congress are continuing the Bush’s wars and the cowardly policy of bombing people via unmanned drones.
There is simply no excuse that the wars were not one of the major agenda items in a conference that claims to be promoting a progressive agenda.
What is progressive about ignoring unjust war?
— Bob Collins - Jul 10, 10:34 AM - #I appreciated the LGBT panel’s attempt to branch out and be different from most LGBT panels, but they could have picked something far better to focus on than faith. I know it’s hard when you only get an hour to touch on LGBT issues, but as an atheist I felt alienated and certainly not helped by the panel. As a gay teenager, I struggle with a lot of things, but reconciling my sexuality with my religion is not one of them. It was frustrating that a panel that was supposed to apply to and reach out to me as an LGBT person simply didn’t.
I know we’re all tired of hearing about same-sex marriage and other legislative battles, but a panel that discussed LGBT campus activism, combating homophobia, transgender issues… any of these would be better than leaving out the large number of queer people who aren’t religious.
— conference attendee - Jul 10, 02:51 PM - #CPNC was AMAZING- each year keeps on getting better. I particularly enjoyed the health care reform break out session because of its importance this week. Just today I’ve been calling congressman/senators to give my thoughts (which are now more well rounded!)
Thanks CP!
— Elena Box - Jul 10, 03:12 PM - #I have to say, I was really excited about the conference, but was disappointed that everything was slanted toward the liberal’s perspective. Perhaps it is my fault, as I did not do intense research about Campus Progress before signing up for the conference; however, the issues you attempted to tackle — human rights, the media’s influence and bridging the gap between faiths, among others — are subjects that people of conservative and moderate mindsets care about as well. We can all be progressive and work as a team to make change, but when the issues turn into staunch professions of anti-conservative beliefs and liberal rants, it no longer becomes tolerable for someone whose beliefs are less liberal. I would have expected that an organization that calls itself progressive would have been more open minded and respectful of the different sides of the issues mentioned.
— Gabrielle - Jul 10, 03:42 PM - #I really enjoyed the Campus Progress National Conference, even though I was only able to attend one afternoon panel and the closing session. It was a great way to get motivated again to work hard on the issues and causes that we all care about. Well done to the conference organizers!
— Chris Golden - Jul 10, 11:45 PM - #Help keep our government from radically intruding on the world’s best health care system!
Let’s make health care better, not worse. Click on the link below and let’s get started!
www.freeourhealthcar…
— R.W. Extremist - Jul 11, 03:01 PM - #The Progressive movement in this country is a curse, a cancer that must be stopped! Learn how to fight back by joining a meaningful organization called “The 912 Coalition Community.” Visit them at: http://the912coalition.ning.com
— R.W. Extremist - Jul 11, 04:48 PM - #I wish there was an advanced version of the Grassroots Training Day. Campus Camp Wellstone offers way more complex trainings that we could benefit from.
— Kyle - Jul 12, 02:34 AM - #I agree about the advanced version of the Grassroots Training Day. As a seasoned organizer, I didn’t hear much that was new. At the same time, I think it underestimated the wealth of knowledge that young activists already possess. It’s okay to kick it up a notch!
— Rachael - Jul 12, 08:32 PM - #I thought the conference was great- but I really think everyone could have benefited had there been a wider range of ideologies represented. Its nice to be surrounded by people who want universal healthcare and increased funding for clean energy, and I understand CP is a libera organization, but is being surrounded by hundreds of people with the same stance on the issue truly progressive? The only non-liberal I encountered all day was the former Bush advisor in the session on arms control. I really think that more viewpoints need to be represented- questioning is healthy!
— Elly - Jul 12, 10:49 PM - #