The Coalition of Democratic and Progressive Organizations of Central Ohio

July 9, 2008 from 6:30 to 9 P.M.

IBEW Hall

23W 2nd just off High St. in the Short North

 Sponsored by The Coalition of Democratic and Progressive Organizations of Central Ohio

NEW AMERICANS TELL THEIR STORIES

The voices – and experiences – of Columbus’ new ethnic residents will be heard on Wednesday, July 9, during the New American Forum to acquaint officeholders and candidates with the concerns of recent immigrants.

 

The event, at 6:30 p.m. at the IBEW Local 683 Union Hall, 23 W. 2^{nd Ave., will bring together members of Columbus’ Hispanic and Somali communities with some two-dozen candidates for federal, state and local office.}

 

Since the 1400’s, immigrants have come to America to find their dreams or to escape treachery, war and starvation. They have not always been greeted warmly or well.

 

Columbus, for the most part, has been a welcoming community. Still, many newcomers experience lengthy bureaucratic delays in qualifying for citizenship. They also have to navigate their way through unfamiliar institutions, such as the schools, the courts and local permit and licensing agencies.

 

And in an election year, new Americans – like all citizens – can get confused by constantly changing voting requirements and procedures.

 

At the same time, politicians today face many opposing opinions as to how to address immigration and immigrants in the post 9/11 era.

 

The new Americans are courted by politicians “but there’s not much awareness there,” said one Somali community leader. “And after the election, they don’t come back.”

 

The New American Forum is being sponsored by the Central Ohio Coalition of Democratic and Progressive Organizations to encourage dialogue between officeholders, candidates and new ethnic residents. Following panel discussions, a representative of the Ohio Secretary of State’s office will clarify voting procedures and information will be shared about the Ohio Democratic Party’s Neighborhood Leader Program.

 

The Coalition is a coordinating group for more than 20 Democratic and independent clubs and PACs in Franklin, Licking and Delaware counties.

 

For more information, contact:

Judy Kress, 614-268-2823, or

David Lore, 740-967-5227

Central Ohio Coalition of Democratic and Progressive Organizations

No Comments »

Tuesday, June 24, 2008
5:00 to 7:30 p.m.
CBR’s Bar
503 S. Front St.
(Back of the Bldg – Behind Bella’s)

Free Parking
Cost: FREE

Menu Provided
Cash Bar (Happy Hour Prices)
Door Prizes
Tell All Your Democratic Friends!
Both Inside and Outside of Government!

(Remember, You Don’t Need To Be A Gov’t Employee to Attend)

 

No Comments »

 Saturday, June 21, 2008 at 5pm

The Celeste Center
Ohio State Fairgrounds
717 East 17^th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43211

Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius will present the keynote address at the 2008 Ohio Democratic Party “Family Reunion” State Dinner.  The event will also feature appearances by Governor Ted Strickland, Senator Sherrod Brown, Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, Treasurer Rich Cordray, House Minority Leader Joyce Beatty, Senate Minority Leader Ray Miller, Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner, Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman and other Democratic leaders.  This year’s theme is “Family Reunion” as Ohio Democrats rally behind Senator Barack Obama and his message of change. Click Here for Ticket Reservation

Click here for a brief bio of Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius.

No Comments »