Woman Renaissance and WPA

An Essay
By Valerie Constance

"Hi Jane, it's so good to see you." I say hugging her after walking in the house." What do you think about those daring democrats hiding out in New Mexico to thwart the republicans' illegal attempt at gerrymandering two years after the Census?"

"Did you hear that MoveOn organization has taken up their cause?" Says Jane. "Their PAC is raising money over the internet to help the Texas Democrats. Did you know that Republican Governor Perry is fining the legislators $4,000 a day for every day they're not present for a vote, and that he calls special sessions to vote on redistricting without warning?

"Not that the Texas Democrats care if they miss a power play to redistrict themselves out of office? Someone has to challenge this in a court of law!" I say. "All this just so "exterminator" Tom DeLay can become Speaker of the House. How come none of this is ever in the popular press?"

Is this a renaissance of democratic grassroots political activism? You bet it is, and it's run by and for women. As we approach the living room together, a chorus of voices welcomes me. I am at home here. Coffee, cookies and refreshments are served. This is an intelligent, well-read group of progressive women who share my view that something has gone seriously amuck in politics. The meeting follows Roberts Rules, but there's plenty of opportunity to express your latest outrage at what the republicans are doing. It's so good to share my concerns with others who keep up on current events, who are astonished that there is no news coverage and no public outcry, and who understand what it feels like to be isolated in this conservative wave that has taken over American culture and held it in its grip. I scan the room and see faculty, staff, and students of local universities in all disciplines including the U of M's School of Public Policy and the School of Nursing, present, and former public school administrators, teachers, and staff, women involved in non-profit organizations, women leaders and activists from the Peace and Justice Movement, the Women's Movement, The Pro-Choice Movement, the Democratic party, the Green Party, County and State government, students, wives, mothers, and professionals. Welcome to Women Progressive Activists, an Ann Arbor based grassroots network of progressive women whose mission is:

• Encouraging and promoting progressive women to run for political office
• Preserving our Civil and Voting Rights
• Protecting the Environment
• Creating Peace and Justice
• Improving the Welfare and Education for all children
• Exploring how to limit the money, corporate power and military structures that dominate every human endeavor

Some of the organizations specific tasks include combing the Internet for Truth from credible sources other than the American Corporate dominated republican media sources, sources such as The Asian Times, The BBC, The Guardian, Truthout, and From the Wilderness, and e-mailing these to members; e-mailing legislative action updates and clarion calls that protest upcoming legislation unfriendly to progressive causes; and sponsoring speakers from the community at our meetings. WPA participates as individuals in fundraising efforts for progressive women candidates running for public office, and as a group in volunteer work manning phones, distributing literature to neighborhoods, or working in campaign offices. WPA stands up for the progressive ideology in action and word, and through letter writing to legislators and the media. WPA contributes money, time, and support to MoveOn, and Emily's List and other progressive movements that share our cause. Our goal is to reach a culturally diverse population of women interested in contributing in small ways that have substantial impact. WPA meets the first Monday of every month at members' homes. Annual dues are $10. For more information, visit our web site: www.wpactivists.org.