Lou Dobbs out of CNN

After some pressure from various groups including Raza groups - Lou Dobbs leaves CNN!

Veteran's Day Reality

There are a lot of statistics about how veterans have more problems than the general population. Homelessness, substance abuse, domestic violence, PTSD, and so much more. If we really care and support vets then why did 2,266 veterans die last year because of lack of health insurance?

Read the abstract from the research.

Training This Weekend

Dear Raza Unida Familia:

I attended one of these trainings and greatly appreciated the flexibility of their philosophy and model. I am planning on attending and encourage all Raza Unida members to attend.

We could share notes. I plan on attending this for the organizer track, and in future trainings participating in the elected official track. Contact Ariel, email is in the CC of this message, if you are interested. Also let me know so we can plan to drive together if possible.

Amor y Rebeldia,

Enrique Cardiel



Camp Wellstone:
“The Movement Building Project is aimed at empowering change-oriented nonprofits with the skills they need to move a progressive issue agenda and integrate their policy work w ith electoral engagement and grassroots base-building on an ongoing basis.” -- description of Camp Wellstone, Issue Campaign Track

This training will be held in Albuquerque, Nov. 13-15 – event details will be forthcoming. AVNM is currently recruiting for the Camp Wellstone and keeping track of registrations. The Wellstone website does not have a registration key set up yet, but once it does, you will be asked to go there and register as well. You will be able to pay the registration fee online at that time, or you will be able to pay on the first day of the event. The registration fee for Wellstone is set at $50 so that it is affordable. However, there are some scholarship opportunities available for those might otherwise not be able to attend. Wellstone’s philosophy is that no one should be turned away due to finances. Also, for those of you who have membership or staff in other parts of the state who will commit to the entire training, there will be some limited assistance with accommodations. Most meals will be included, as well as a Wellstone book and handouts.

I recommend that you pay a visit to the Wellstone Action website at www.wellstone. org to get a better idea about their programming and mission!

Please contact me personally to save yourself and/or your team members a spot!


Ariel Bickel
Political Director
America Votes New Mexico
Direct: 505-247-0615 Cell: 505-366-8588 Fax: 505-242-4667
625 Silver Ave. SW, Suite 120 Albuquerque, NM 87102
abickel@americavote s.org
www.americavotes. org

More Information

There are more and more emails from people wanting our help in starting a chapter. We do not have a travel budget at this point but with the internet we can help. Start by looking over the information on the Albuquerque/Bernalillo County Raza Unida webpage, the events are behind, but the principles are sill up to date.

If you are still interested at that point then send an email and we'll give as much assistance as we can. Every once in awhile someone will have to travel for work, school or family and can meet with people in person. Eventually we will ahve training to help people be volunteer organizers.

Amor y Rebeldia!

10/23/09 Reply to Comment

La Raza Unida is an all volunteer organization. If you are interested in seeing an LRU chapter in your area you'll need to get it started. We can give information and support. The Wellstone trainings would be a good start for someone who hasn't done a lot of organizing, or a lot of electoral organizing.

Please keep in touch!

From Wellstone

They placed this as an Organizing Case Study - the Working Families Party.

Beery Wins!?!?

Most people thought there would be a run-off election. Interesting turn of events that Berry won outright.

Going to make some fun work for progressives.