I was at the Chicago meeting. There were anwhere from 35-40 people there tonight. Jason was collecting contributions to the campaign. Main talk was working on fundraisers and creating a website to spread the word to Illinois voters. It was nice to see everyone there and it looks like we are moving forward in creating a good organization in Chicago for Dr. Dean.


Bill Quigley | Email | Homepage | 03.05.03 - 10:26 pm | #

Didn't want to fill the main post with this so here goes...
Tarrant County for Dean had it's inaugural meeting tonight. Seven people, but seven very enthusiastic people who promised to bring friends next time. =) We talked about contacting the county Dem party to see if anyone was on the Dean bandwagon yet, and also find out the status of the party itself. We decided we needed to do some volunteer work during the 2004 elections, because we all would like to help ensure a fair election. The general consensus was that we also would like to try and attend both the state and national conventions as delegates for Dean. In other words, everyone who showed up believes we have a winner. =) We are trying to figure out what to do to get this thing going, so if anyone with this type of experience is reading this post and can offer advice, we'll certainly take it.
anna | Email | Homepage | 03.05.03 - 10:27 pm | #

that's great, bill! =) you reminded me of one other thing. everyone who attended decided to contribute a few bucks monthly via the online contribution page. everyone seemed to be willing to pitch in what they could, and that was very encouraging. we're also going to print up business cards with the campaign website address and pass them out.
anna | Email | Homepage | 03.05.03 - 10:28 pm | #

Attended a Dean meetup in Virginia. Need to have available on this website or official site or both easily downloaable flyers and information sheets such as the one from NY for Dean contained in this web log archives for week proir to February 15, 2003.
Richard Dulaney | Email | Homepage | 03.05.03 - 10:32 pm | #

Nashville had its first Dean meetup tonight, and it went great! 13 people, some of whom have lots of political experience. We all took some flyers to put up in grocery stores, etc., and made plans to hand out literature at community events like anti-war protests. I'm putting together a maillist so we can keep in touch.
hamletta | Email | Homepage | 03.05.03 - 10:36 pm | #

Richard, we'll do out best to provide that for you. If anyone has a flyer that they've created, please email it to us (our email addys are at the very bottom left colum). I'll also offer copies of the cards the Tarrant County group is creating for Dean.
anna | Email | Homepage | 03.05.03 - 10:36 pm | #

more stats, courtesy of orange county for dean:

Tuesday, March 04, 2003
According to Meetup.com stats, "Dean in 2004" is the top topic (total increase in membership) over the last 7 days, the 7th fastest growing topic (% increase in membership) during the same time period, and the 8th ranked topic in terms of total membership. Also, according to the last political candidate snapshot "Dean in 2004" had 1340 members as of February 16th. As of this moment, there are 3919 members, so Dean's support has almost tripled in a little over two weeks! Looks like Governor Dean's message is resonating with a lot of people.
anna | Email | Homepage | 03.05.03 - 10:57 pm | #

There were about 40 people at the Austin, TX meetup including 13 or 14 from the University Democrats club at UT. Former State Rep. Glen Maxey was also there and will be doing a lot of work... we will be starting a Longhorns for Dean student organization the week after next when we get back from spring break.
ByronUT | Email | Homepage | 03.05.03 - 11:40 pm | #

We had a great meetup in Baltimore of about 25-30 people. We discussed what our campaign efforts will be: We plan to start lobbying state Democrats to support Dr. Dean, We plan to begin fundraiser activity, print up bumper stickers, get our MarylandforDean.org web site up and running & have leaflets made up for us to distribute. Be Aware! Maryland is fired up and ready to go -- with legislation in progress to move the Maryland primary up to Feb. 10th -- we want to deliver this state to the good doctor.

-Tim Babylon (one of the coordinators for Baltimore Meetup)
Tim Babylon | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 12:07 am | #

Not to toot our horn but NYC was incredible. There was a bit of press there so I'm sure pictures will be passed around the next few days.

The venue holds around 300+ and it was filled to capacity. Meanwhile there was a line extended out the door and AROUND THE BLOCK.

When Dr. Dean himself showed up he seemed absolutely overwhelmed (and pleased) by the turn out and ecstatic response from the crowd.
Hey who wouldn't be overwhelmed when 500..600? people in todays sedintary world get off their rumps to self organize an event in support of a courageous candidate? Well I hope Future President Dean got the message that we appreciate his forthrightness and candor. His common sense positions on the issues.

Keep it up Doc cause it looks like it's working!


Jeff C | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 12:34 am | #

Greetings from Sacramento, CA, where
16 very motivated people turned out for the first meeting. We are planning another meeting next week, in advance of the state Democrats annual Convention and an appearance by Gov. Dean. We are hoping that local elected dems, with a strong political base, will indicate an early preference so we join forces.
Robb Deigan | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 12:42 am | #

Introducing...

THE MILLION DOLLAR MEETUP CHALLENGE

Reading these comments and prossessing the evenings event I thought of an idea that I'll post right here. If you like it pass it on and/or email me feedback.

Like it or not a candidate's position on the radar screen is largely determined by the amount of money he/she has. I for one think that, win or lose, the issues Howard Dean is addressing deserve to be heard. And like it or not, WE are the ones that will have to ensure (especially at this early stage) that he has the resources to do this. So…

How about all of us meetup.com enthusiasts raise a million dollars for Dean's candidacy? Think it's hard? Here's a formula to ponder.

Right now there are 4297 people signed up on meetup.com. It is not a stretch to assume that this will be at 5000 people shortly. If every one of these people took it upon themselves to donate the cost of an average movie ($10.00), and encourage 10 friends to do the same, then we will have raised $500,000 for the campaign. As I understand it (and I'm no political expert) Federal campaign laws match every dollar raised under the $250.00 level.

So that's $1,000,000 right there.

And it could happen quickly. Don’t think so? Well a little story to end this rather long posting. 3 weeks ago a friend suggested I come to a “Dean meetup” out in NYC. “Who was Dean and what is a meetup?”, I asked. Well, since I respect this friend’s judgment on most things I showed up and was one of 15 people at NYC’s first Dean meetup. In the course of the next few weeks I did a bit of research on the web, paid closer attention to the candidates on C-Span and ultimately quite respected what I saw in Howard Dean This encouraged me to keep tabs with the meetup group and pass the word onto a few friends. I guess other people there did the same cause tonight I’m returning from the NYC meetup where 500-600 very enthusiastic people showed up. Think about it? 15 people quite organically turned into 600 and a major political event in 3 short weeks.

5000 people raising a million Dollars in the same amount of time?

It’s VERY possible.

So using the power of the Internet (and this is powerful) I challenge you all to go tomorrow to the Dean site (http://www.deanforamerica.com) and donate 10 bucks! Meanwhile, the next few weeks when you’re spouting off about the “Good Doctor” to your friends and family challenge them to do the same.

Why not?

Disclaimer 1: I do not right now in any way work for the Dean campaign in any official capacity.

Disclaimer 2: My formula still works if you donate more than 10 dollars!

Jeff C | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 1:32 am | #

We had just shy of 50 show up for the second Dean Meetup in Portland, OR. At our first meeting there were nine. After the video, and going around the room with intro's, we divided up into 4 groups (NW, SW, NE, SE) to organize. More House parties upcoming in a couple of weeks (with fundraising), we will have over 200 at the next Portland meetup!
Jerome Armstrong | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 1:49 am | #

Seattle Dean Meetup was very crowded! I'd say a good 40 people at least showed up over the course of several hours. We discussed everything from why we were there to where we thought we were going, short term and long term goals. There was a lot of interest to hit the ground running... reps were on hand from the local Democratic party, our Dean honcho, at least one person who had met Dean, and a whole host of other interesting people. We're ready to do our part!
Ken | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 2:21 am | #

Only eleven showed up, in Orange County, CA, but there was energy and passion all around. Three of the attendees had significant political experience. We talked about why each of us is interested in supporting the campaign, recorded contact information, and planned to meet again in a couple of weeks.
Paul Stone | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 3:08 am | #

The Washington D.C. meeting was incredible. At least 90 people were present when I arrived, and about 20 more showed up while I was meeting new people and re-aquainting myself with those I met last month. We broke the meeting into 3 groups of DC, Maryland and Virginia residents, and we're now organizing along those geographic lines. Additionally a fantastic grass roots fundraiser was at the meet up and he put out the word for 2 local fundraising events on 28 March. After a full day of defense contracting work making the country ready for the wrong war, it was refreshing to be around people who are fired up for a fantastic candidate.
CB | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 4:22 am | #

I had to work tonight so I missed the Meet Up in Los Angeles and am curious about it's turn out. Anyone know anything? Also, my blog for the day and likely tomorrow focus on how I came to supporting dean. Check it out on my site at www.carlwithak.com Thanks and keep up the great work and enthusiasm you guys & gals!
Carl with a K | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 5:16 am | #

Philadelphia had it's first Dean Meetup last night and it went well. Twenty people showed up and we came away with an action plan. We're concentrating on putting together a fundraiser, developing a website, recruiting more members and obtaining campaign materials from the Dean campaign, among other things.
PhillyGuy | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 6:56 am | #

First of all, Chicago is back at #5. Take THAT, Seattle. =)

But more importantly, last night we had a really positive second meetup in the Windy City, and even raised a little money, and distributed some materials for mailing. I estimate we had 40 people at the peak, and a few others drifted in and out.

Our database in Chicago is growing rapidly. People are energized and motivated, and ready to get busy. Our next priorities are working on fundraising, and establishing a web site outside of Yahoo.

Let's get to work!
Jason Rothstein | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 9:11 am | #

Boston had quite a healthy turnout; about 50 people showed up last night and filled Toscanini's (local ice cream shop) to capacity. We all made connections, talked, and started talking about what we can do for Dean in the Boston area and in New Hampshire in the weeks and months to come.

We all seemed quite pumped about the Governor, and I would encourage any Bostonians who missed the meeting to connect at www.massfordean.org or the YahooGroup "MassForDean".
Dan Sohl | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 9:55 am | #

Hey Jeff C, GREAT IDEA! Those of us who attended the Tarrant County meetup have already pledged to donate $10 or more per month to the campaign. Let's do some math. If everyone on meetup did the same thing, then that's over $40,000 this month! If we could do $20 per person, that's over $80,000! If we do it monthly, we can easily raise hundreds of thousands of dollars just based on the current membership. And as membership grows, the donations will only get bigger! Let's do it!

I second the challenge that Jeff's proposed. Here is a direct link to the donation page. Let's give this campaign the money it needs to keep going!
anna | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 10:00 am | #

as of this writing, there are 4337 people signed up on meetup.com! so we've gotten almost a hundred more people signed up overnight! YEA!
anna | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 10:02 am | #

There were about 20-25 enthusiastic people at the Oakland meetup last night. We filled in the gaps in people's knowledge about Dean, spread the word about the new California for Dean yahoo group, and brainstormed ways of getting the word out. We had alot of the same suggestions as others have listed, like having the campaign provide .pdf files to make fliers and getting business cards with Dean's web site and local campaign info.

We also discussed letting people know about Dean through peace rallies. However, since some see the rallies as anti-American, we suggested a low-key approach rather than having an official booth. We decided also that we should follow the lead of the campaign headquarters so that we can help keep his campaign on message.
CA Pol Junkie | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 10:33 am | #

Does it demean grassroots by saying "I wouldn't call it grassroots, I'd call it 'netroots"? I told that to a village voice reporter, and i've been thinking about all day. Idea on fundraising: make it a contest, whichever group can raise the most money per a person (including getting money from others) gets Gov Dean at their next meetup?
Just an idea...
Seth | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 12:14 pm | #

Reporting in from Los Angeles... Our first meetup in February had 12 people... this one well over 60. So many, in fact, that it became nearly impossible to run a meeting. There was a brief time where some people spoke (more in a second) and then everyone just talked amongst themselves.

Two highly motivated people showed who were representing Rob Reiner and his involvement in the campaign. (Chad and Hunter) They told us that within 2 weeks Howard Dean will have an official staff person in California who will help coordinate future events with Moveon to help make this resource really work. Also, Mayor Pro Tem of Manhattan Beach James Aldinger was present and spoke of his support for a Dean candidacy.

Second and IMPORTANTLY... Volunteers asre needed to be at the Democratic Party Convention on Saturday March 15th in Sacramento. If you think you can volunteer, please e-mail the Dean campaign at California@DeanForAmerica.com


Scott | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 12:42 pm | #

One suggestion that was brought up a couple of times at the Boston meeting last night was to "add a penny for the Internet". We want to show Dean and his campaign that the Internet is an effective tool, and that there are a lot of us out here networking.

So, the suggestion is, if you're going to donate $10, please make it $10.01. If you're donating $50, make it $50.01. Even $1.01 is cool. The "official" campaigners will then see all the donations with the extra penny and realise how many of us there are out here, motivated only by word of mouth and the Internet.
Dan Sohl | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 2:07 pm | #

Hey Everyone! Reporting from San Francisco here. Last night we had 25-30 very enthusiastic people show up for the 2nd Dean MeetUp. The first one only had 5 people, but it's growing and I am excited at the prospects of what our group can do. We set the following goals:

1. Everyone bring at least two people to the next Dean MeetUp.
2. Tell as many people as we can about Howard Dean.

There were also a couple of people there involved with the DNC. Apparently Gov. Dean is going to be speaking at the State Democratic Convention on March 15th. Many people expressed interest in going to support Dean by wearing buttons, rooting real loud when he speaks and getting people to recognize him in anyway possible.

March 15th happens to also coincide with an Anti-war rally here in S.F. A few people in the group expressed interest in attending the rally with signs that featured Gov. Dean's face/name on one side and anti-war slogans on the other.

The group was quite diverse, most having never worked on a campaign before and so a lot of ideas were thrown around, but no real formal organization yet. However, after formal introductions and the two goals, small groups were formed and I believe a lot of ideas were discussed.

For the next MeetUp I am going to try and have several of the newpapers and/or news stations in the city do a story on the group. It is all about exposure right now.

Shane | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 3:16 pm | #

We had 16 people show up in San Diego. Each of us is planning on bringing at least one guest with us next time so we can at least double our numbers by the next meeting. We had a few people with prior campaign experience, and two city council staff members. Like Shane in San Francisco, we are going to try and get the local newspaper to write a story about the meetup.
Ryan | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 4:39 pm | #

Anna: regarding your idea for monthly donations, I had an idea that the Dean website should allow people to become monthly supporters, where a certain amount would be charged to your credit card every month until the campaign is over or you reach the $2000 limit.

Lots of charities do this (like my local college radio station. They call it "recharging"). Does anyone know who to contact at the national Dean campaign with this sort of idea?
Luke Francl | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 4:45 pm | #

Shane, for your protest signs, I'd recommend one of Dean's quotes, like "The wrong war at the wrong time" rather than an anti-war slogan that might tar Dean among mainstream voters.
CA Pol Junkie | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 5:01 pm | #

Thanks CA Pol Junkie, that's an excellent idea, as many of us in the group were concerned with the image that may be presented to the public at large. I will pass that on to those members in the group who were planning on organizing.
Shane | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 7:15 pm | #

Reporting from Atlanta meetup, which was March 5, 2003; it was a great meeting with very enthusiastic response for the first one. We want to know more about how to help Dean in a very direct way; there was some confusion about whether we had to wait for the Burlington office to go beyond fundraising efforts. We are particularly concerned about the primaries in other states and want to help the national Dean movement.
jane | Email | Homepage | 03.06.03 - 8:46 pm | #

Jane, the best way you can help him is to give him money, and as another respondent suggested, add a penny for the internet. Bottom line is that this first quarter is going to make or break many of the candidates. Don't wait on Burlington - they are busy busy busy! Go ahead and make the contact, but then send him some money.
anna | Email | Homepage | 03.07.03 - 10:39 am | #

Fundraising reports are due March 31, right? So if you give now, the money will get into the report and make Dean look good.
90210 | Email | Homepage | 03.07.03 - 4:04 pm | #

Updates on the Los Angeles/SM Meet-Up. Currently, we're looking for a much larger space for next months event. If anyone in Los Angeles knows of a place that can house at least 250 - 350 people, please contact me. We have some leads already.
Jon Felson | Email | Homepage | 03.08.03 - 5:05 pm | #

Thanks to all of you for your energy and your help. Raising money in small dollar amounts (all matchable from the FEDS) and getting the name and record out now is exactly what we need to be doing. I can't tell you how helpful this is. Many many thanks, Howard Dean
P.S. And a special thanks to all of you went to the New York meet-up last week. It truly was incredible. I'll try to get to another one in April.
Howard Dean | Email | Homepage | 03.09.03 - 9:55 pm | #

My friends:
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Shop Verzeichnis | Email | Homepage | 03.22.06 - 6:49 pm | #