[Cal Dems] February 3 Digest: Election Day craziness on Tuesday!

[Molly Green]

CAL DEMS Email Digest for February 3, 2008

 So, um, the Mockus was fantastic
I think we all had a lot of fun, and
hey, we even learned something too.  And I’m assuming that, unless you’ve
really been doing nothing but homework for the last
year?...that you all
know the Democratic Primary election in California takes place (drum roll
please) TUESDAY!!!  Ok, I’ll try to keep my excitement in check for the
rest of this digest, but a few things first.  Please please please vote. 
Seriously.  Enough said.  And stop by the Cal Dems tent on Tuesday for
doughnut holes, candy, to find your voting place, and of course, to hang
out with some awesome like-minded people on a very important political
day.  Also come to the returns party we’ll be having on Tuesday night. 
See below for more details.



Happy Birthday to Sarah Deuitch, Rachel Ely, Ryan Parry, Laura Hayes, and
Alyse Briody from the Cal Dems.  Enjoy!



P.S. sorry about the digest and other being sent out so late this week and
crowding your inbox
we’ve had some problems with the list serve, but
things are mostly back to normal and the digest will be much more timely
from now on.

*****************************

CAL DEMS ANNOUNCEMENTS:

-Election Day
First of all, wear your Cal Dems shirt.  Second of all, come to the table
if you have time in between classes to lend a hand.  We will be having
doughnut holes and cards with the party endorsements on them.  And also,
vote.

-Returns Party
We will be having a get-together on Tuesday night to watch the election
returns come in.  Email Sarah G at sarah at caldems.com for more details!


-General Meeting, Thursday, 7pm, 56 Barrows
Alright, we're back in 56 Barrows for good.  Come for a chat about the
election results and other fun things.


-PVC, Wednesday, 7pm, 115 Barrows
See what Morgan has in store this week!  If you are more interested in
becoming involved, this is the place for you.


-Smart Ass
The deadline for the upcoming Smart Ass is Febuary 11.  Read commentary on
the primary and what the nation can expect heading into election’08 in the
upcoming issue
you can pick one up at the Cal Dems table.  Layout Seminar:
Come learn about how to design an eye catching magazine at the SmartAss
layout seminar. Wednesday, 2/6, 7:30 PM, Meet outside Moffit Library.

Sample Topics:

Have the Democrats already lost half the votes with Obama/Hillary? Will
he/she appeal to the undecided majority? Why?
Are the candidates silent on the issue of energy independence and global
warming (compared to other issues)? Has the issue lost
importance/priority?
What is Obama/Hillary's plan in Iraq? Will it work? Why is it better than
the republican candidate's plan?
What will Obama/Hillary do for the American international world image? How
do you think they will change the current American world image?
Compare Hillary/Obama to the republican candidate. Who has better ability
to appeal undecided majority? Why?
What do the primaries mean for California and the Bay Area? What does it
say about California if Schwarzenegger endorses McCain?

-Dues
Get them in to Sarah Stoller ASAP.  They are $10 for the semester.



******************************

PROGRESSIVE QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.” -George Washington

******************************

PROGRESSIVE EVENTS:

-Knocked up and Knocked Down, Mon Feb 8, 6:30-8:30, Goldberry Meeting Rm
Boalt Hall (second floor)

 Think it's your body and your choice? Come hear why the 2008 elections
are vital from the people on the front lines in protecting reproductive
choice. Panelists will include:

* Rena Rickles (moderator): co-chair, Political Action Committee of the
National Women's Political Caucus - Alameda County
* Loni Hancock: 14th District Assembly member
* Destiny Lopez: Executive Director of ACCESS/Women's Health Rights Coalition
* Amy Moy: Assoc. Vice President of Public Affairs for Planned Parenthood
* Charis Denison: Health education and social activist for 20 years

Co-sponsors of the panel include: Cal Dems, Boalt Hall Students for
Reproductive Rights, Planned Parenthood, East Bay Young Democrats,
American Association of University Women, and Alameda County Democratic
Lawyers

-Discussion with Hannes Artens, Feb 5, 7pm, North Gate Hall Rm 105

Please join us for this free event during which political novelist Hannes
Artens will discuss the situation in Iran and his new book, which serves
as vehicle to spread the anti-war message. The event will be held at UC
Berkeley's North Gate Hall, Room 105, on Tuesday, Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. Please
share this information with your friends and colleagues as well. We hope
to see you there!




-Inside Iran: Bitter Friend, Bosom Enemies, February 12, 6pm, 595 Market
St., 2nd Floor, San Francisco
The event features the author of the upcoming book with the same name. It
also features the following speakers and will be followed by a wine and
cheese reception:

 BARBARA SLAVIN, Diplomatic Reporter, USA Today; Author, Bitter Friends,
Bosom Enemies
ABBAS MILANI, Director of Iranian Studies, Hoover Institution, Stanford
University
JAMAL DAJANI, Director and Producer of Middle Eastern Programming, Link
Tv- Moderator

The heat is rising and it's time to take a fresh look at our frenemy,
Iran.   Is Iran the new Iraq in U.S. foreign policy?  Are the people of
Iran anti-U.S., or is only the current regime?  Is there an effective
difference?  An American journalist, an Iranian journalist and a professor
of Iranian culture, politics and history will help demystify Iran and lead
us to a new understanding of the future of our relationship with our
neighbors in the Middle East.

6:00 p.m., Program | 7:30 p.m., Book signing and Wine and Cheese Reception
| Club office, 595 Market St., 2nd Floor, San Francisco | $12 for Members,
$20 for Non-Members |
Directions<http://www.commonwealthclub.org/directions.html> to The Club.





- Choosing the President Issue Panels, Spring Semester 2008

Wednesday, March 5 – The Economy and the Federal Budget

Co-sponsored with the Haas School of Business

7 p.m., Andersen Auditorium, Haas School of Business


Thursday, March 13 – Education

Co-sponsored with the Graduate School of Education

4 p.m., Lipman Room, Barrows Hall


Wednesday, April 2 – Immigration

4 p.m., Lipman Room, Barrows Hall


Saturday, April 12 – Covering the Digital Campaign

Co-sponsored with the Graduate School of Journalism

North Gate Hall, time TBA


Thursday, April 17 – Healthcare

Co-sponsored with the School of Public Health

4 p.m., Lipman Room, Barrows Hall



******************************

PROGRESSIVE OPPORTUNITIES:

-Voting From Abroad

Are you or someone you know studying abroad during the February 5th
election? Now, for the first time ever, study abroad students can vote
online or by fax! All you need to do is register at www.votefromabroad.org
by January 31st, and follow the quick and easy instructions on the
website.

Another great way to stay involved with the party and other Democrats
overseas is by visiting the website www.democratsabroad.org, where you can
chat with other Democrats, share your political opinions, and even join
the group for your specific country! If you're studying abroad and feeling
wistful for domestic politics, then this is the site for you!




-Study on election systems in the Bay Area
The Survey Research Center is conducting a large study about election
systems in the Bay Area and needs your help!  150 students are needed
to help collect data in polling places during the February 5th
primary.  This data will ultimately be used to assess how lines form
at polling places and the effectiveness of various voting machines
and technologies.  Participants will need to commit to work half of
the day during the Feb. 5th primary day and attend one training the
weekend before.  For your help, you will receive, breakfast, lunch,
and a substantive gift card at the end of the day.

For more information, contact Zach at electionstudy at gmail.com or
attend one of 2 information sessions on Wednesday, January 23rd &
30th at 3pm in the Survey Research Center conference room (located on
the southwest corner of Channing Way and Bowditch St).  This is a
great opportunity to directly observe how our elections work up close
while contributing to a study that is attempts to ameliorate the
problems inherent in our electoral system.  The California Primary
will be one of the hardest fought and exciting contests happening in
the country this season and this is your opportunity to see the
action up close and personal.





-INTERNSHIP AT THE MERRILL STRATEGY GROUP


The Merrill Strategy Group is a strategic consulting firm committed to
winning campaigns and developing successful communication strategies.
We are looking for highly motivated interns to learn and sharpen
skills in strategic research, campaign development, grassroots
outreach, organizational development and more.


*Qualifications and Skills Required
Interns should have excellent writing, research and communication
skills.  Computer literacy is a must.  Campaign or government
experience is a plus.


*Flexible Hours
Scheduling can be worked out on an individual basis.  A minimum of 10
hours per week is required.  Specific dates are arranged on an
individual basis.

*Contact

Please email or fax a detailed letter of interest, resume and writing
sample to:

The Merrill Strategy Group
1936 University Ave. Suite 191
Berkeley, CA 94704
510.883.9780 phone
510.883.9783 fax
info at merrillstrategygroup.com
www.merrillstrategygroup.com



- Capital Fellowship, Applications due by February 27, 2008.

The Capital Fellows Programs consist of four individual fellowships:

    * California Senate Fellows (www.csus.edu/calst/senate)
    * Executive Fellowship Program (www.csus.edu/calst/executive)
    * Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship Program
(www.csus.edu/calst/assembly)
    * Judicial Administration Fellowship Program
(www.csus.edu/calst/judicial)

These nationally recognized fellowships, sponsored by the Center for
California Studies at California State University, Sacramento, are an
outstanding opportunity for college graduates to engage in public service
and prepare for a future career.  Fellows work 10-11 months as full-time
staff members in the California State Assembly, Senate, Executive Branch
or within the California Court System.  They gain first-hand experience in
governing the most diverse state in the nation and a sense of personal
involvement in the leadership of California society.

 The only prerequisite for the programs is a four-year college or
university degree and a demonstrated interest in state government and
public service.  Fellows come from all cultural, political, economic,
career and educational backgrounds, and no previous legislative or
political experience is required.

 For further information please see our website
www.csus.edu/calst/programs or contact the Center for California Studies
at calstudies at csus.edu or 916/278-6906.



-City Hall Fellowship, due February 29

City Hall Fellows spend the year after college in a prestigious, paid,
full-time position within city government and also participate in our
proprietary Civic Leadership Development Program.  In 2008-2009, Fellows
will be placed in Houston, Texas and San Francisco, California.  The
program was designed with the full support of Houston Mayor Bill White and
the office of San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom.

City Hall Fellows' goal is to connect you -- the next generation of civic
leaders -- with the opportunity to make significant change at the
grassroots, local level of government right out of college

 In addition, preference will be given to applicants who have a
demonstrated connection to either Houston or San Francisco.  More
information and application materials and instructions are available on
our website: www.cityhallfellows.org.  Applications are due February 29,
2008.



-Paid Political Internship with the San Francisco Democratic Party

Are you a college student? Interested in politics? Want to get some
hands-on experience with the San Francisco Democratic Party? Apply for our
paid internship program!

As an intern you will assist the Field Organizer in implementing an
ambitious voter registration program and help Democrats win in 2008.
Duties include outreach to various neighborhoods and organizations,
coordinating volunteers, registering voters, and some administrative
duties. This internship is ideal for anyone who is seeking experience in
the local political world and wants to have fun doing it!

Requirements:
· Commitment to the values of the Democratic Party
· Excellent written and oral communication skills
· Works well independently and with a group
· Strong leadership skills
· Paid internships for students only
· Able to work some weekends and evenings
· 15-20 hrs/week to qualify for the stipend ($500/month)
· Must be a college student

We also have unpaid internships available and can work with you to get
class credit in accordance with your school’s policies.

Email for application information to info at sfdemocrats.org or
please contact us at (415) 626-1161.


-Blackrock Associates: Spring Internship
As an intern on the Blackrock online strategy team, you will be playing a
critical support role on our team as we manage client websites, draft and
blast campaign emails, and explore new ways to use technology to engage
current and potential supporters.

Responsibilities will include:
Participating in client messaging strategy discussions
Managing and updating client websites
Managing and updating client email databases
Managing candidate profiles on popular social networking sites such as
Facebook and MySpace
Drafting copy for use on client websites or in blast emails
Setting up client email blasts and managing correspondence that comes back
in response
Brainstorming online marketing plans for list building and fundraising
Developing testing plans, analyzing results, and reporting back to clients
Exploring and implementing new Web 2.0 technologies
Creating web graphics and coding simple web pages (no previous experience
with Photoshop or HTML required)

Ideal candidates will be college students who are considering a career in
electoral politics and/or campaigning, in particular those who are
interested in the rapidly growing field of online politics. Candidates
should be familiar with online Democratic politics and committed to making
a difference for our clients -- as we are. Strong quantitative and
communications skills are required. While not a pre-requisite, applicants
with experience in graphic design and/or web programming will be looked on
favorably.

If desired, interns will be considered for either temporary (i.e. summer)
or permanent positions with Blackrock at the conclusion of the semester.

To apply: please send a resume, cover letter, and short writing sample (4
page maximum) to Mike Disharoon at mike at blackrockonline.com.