Progress Pittsburgh

COAL COUNTRY is a dramatic look at modern coal mining. We get to know working miners along with activists who are battling coal companies in Appalachia. We hear from miners and coal company officials, who are concerned about jobs and the economy and believe they are acting responsibly in bringing power to the American people. Both sides in this conflict claim that history is on their side. Families have lived in the region for generations, and most have ancestors who worked in the mines. Everyone shares a deep love for the land, but MTR (Mountain Top Removal mining which has leveled over 500 Appalachian mountains) is tearing them apart. We need to understand the meaning behind promises of “cheap energy” and “clean coal.” Are they achievable? At what cost? Are there alternatives to our energy future?

“A balanced, sober look at the reality of coal; both the good news and the bad, and the staggering phenomenon that is mountain top mining. It not only reminds you what it takes to turn your lights on, it’ll make sure you remember to turn them off when you leave the room.”
Peter Horton, director.

Sept. 21, 2009 – 7pm @ Pittsburgh Filmmakers Melwood Screening Room

RSVP on Facebook

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Join us for Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania’s next Cocktails for a Cause at the Shadow Lounge on Friday, August 28th, from 6 pm – 8 pm!

Suggested Donation: $5

Featuring guest dj’s, sex ed bingo, drink specials, prizes and chinese auction items…and don’t forget all the like-minded, progressive, pro-choice individuals.

Stop in and try the evening’s special cocktail; the Vulvatini!

A portion of bar sales will benefit Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania.

Cocktails for a Cause is a quarterly fund-raising event for Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania. We hold happy hours and more at participating local bars and restaurants that are committed to the mission of PPWP.

RSVP on Facebook

As if you weren’t having enough fun with the Race for PGH 2009 – Netroots Nation is bringing all kinds of candidates from all over the country here to Pittsburgh.

Here are the details about James Perry and the event in Pittsburgh, August 14, 2009, 5:30-7:30 at the Firehouse in the Strip District. (RSVP on Facebook)

We have all watched the post-Katrina recovery of New Orleans from afar, and some of us have been personally involved. Whatever your relationship to this place, you have a unique opportunity to meet an inspiring, hard-working, brilliant and NOLA born and bred change-agent who is running for Mayor – James Perry. Let’s welcome James to town by showing him that Pittsburghers care about the future of New Orleans on Friday, August 14th.

The Perry campaign will welcome contributions large and small.

He will be joined at the fundraiser by Melissa Harris-Lacewell, an associate professor of politics and African-American studies at Princeton University,who co-authored a piece in The Nation magazine with James this Spring. Harris-Lacewell is a regular contributor to The Nation and also TheGrio.com, as well as a frequent commentator for MSNBC and CNN.

http://www.thenation.com/doc/20090330/harris-lacewell_perry/

About James Perry:

James Perry is currently the Executive Director of the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center and a candidate for Mayor of New Orleans. Mr. Perry has worked tirelessly to ensure equal housing opportunities for all citizens of New Orleans. Recently, he won a lawsuit against St. Bernard Parish for trying to implement racist housing policies and has testified six times before Congress on behalf of the citizens of the Gulf Coast. He is a member of the National Low Income Housing Coalition, the National Fair Housing Alliance, the Historic District Landmarks Commission, and the Louisiana Housing Alliance.

For more information, visit: http://jamesperry2010.com/

Related reading

• New Orleans Mayoral Candidate Makes Chicago Stop (chicagoist.com)

Mayoral Candidates Forum

Hosted by: PUMP, Urban League Young Professionals of Pittsburgh (ULYP-Pittsburgh), Leadership Pittsburgh Inc., Young Republicans of Allegheny County, Carnegie Mellon’s Student Governmen Association and Pittsburgh City Paper 

Wednesday, April 29th, 2009
6:30 – 8:00pm
Carnegie Mellon University - McConomy Auditorium located in the University Center.  
FREE parking is available after 5:00pm in the East Campus Garage
CLICK HERE to view the Campus Map 

RSVP HERE – event is free and open to the public

Mayoral Forum on Facebook

*All Mayoral Candidates who have filed nominating petitions to appear on the May 19th 2009 Primary Election ballot have been invited to participate* 

Mayoral Candidates who have confirmed their participation:
Carmen Robinson and Patrick Dowd 

Moderator: Vince Sims, WPXI Television 

Join us for a Mayoral Candidates Forum that focuses on issues of importance to young people in our region. Young people are a critical voting block in Pittsburgh. This forum will provide an opportunity to engage the Mayoral candidates in a substantive conversation about issues that affect the attraction and retention of young people in the region and focus on topics such as: urban development, public education, public safety, municipal consolidation, cleaning and greening our city and fiscal issues. 

The annual conference for lefty political bloggers – Netroots Nation – will be held in Pittsburgh in August 2009.

If you are in Pittsburgh and want to learn more about getting involved – please join the PghRoots Google Group to connect to others and share info about the conference.

Subscribe to pghroots

Email:

Visit this group

The Mt. Lebanon Democratic committee has a great website (maybe they are a democratic committee that actually has their act together).

The Mt. Lebanon Dems are hosting a fundraiser on February 13th, 2009. If you live in Mt. Lebanon or are thinking about running for a county wide office this would be a good event to attend.

Friday February 13, 2009 — 6:30 PM to 10:30 PM

Monte Carlo night Fundraiser at Cafe Euro South 1928 Cochran Road Hearty hors d’oeuvres’, Black Jack, Texas Hold’em, Roulette and a card reader.
Each person attending will be allotted $10,000 in “FUN MONEY” with ticket donation. More gambling money will be available for additional donations. There will be a cash bar, DJ and a Chinese Auction.

To obtain tickets please call
Carol Kaecher at 412.388.5678 (leave message)
or use Carol’s email caroluv15234@yahoo.com

Check out their complete list of 2009 candidates here.

Looking to learn more about Mt. Lebanon check out Blog-Lebo

This looks like it could be a very interesting event:

Join us on January 29th to exchange ideas one-on-one with members of Pittsburgh City Council. All Members of City Council are confirmed.

Where: The Rivers Club, Downtown

Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Cost: $20 (Includes lunch)

Seating is LIMITED, early RSVP to danielle@lpinc.org by January 22^nd.

Tonya Payne has a challenger in the May 2009 Primary. Daniel Lavelle is having a campaign kick off event this Saturday.

Schenley Heights Community Development Center
3171 Ewart Drive (corner of Ewart & Iowa Streets),  Pittsburgh, PA 15219 US

Saturday, January 24, 1:00PM to 3:00PM

Citizens For Daniel Lavelle cordially invite you to join us at Robert Daniel Lavelle’s City Council Campign Kickoff Reception.

Co-Hosted By:

• Mr. Robert & Mrs. Adah Lavelle
• Mr. Ernest & Dr. Emma Darby Dr. Greg & Mrs. Thelma Morris
• Mr. Franklin Reed,  (Democratic Chairman, 5th Ward)
• Mr. Khari Mosley,(Democratic Chairman, 22nd Ward)

Light Refreshments will be provided
Please RSVP to info@lavelleforcouncil.com

Some other blog posts about council races in 2009:

• Matt H posted a summary of who attended the Theresa Smith fundraiser last night
• Lady Elaine at the Burgh Chair looks at who is running for Jim Motznik’s seat

Image by Archie McPhee Seattle via FlickrAs we have been circulating the invite for the Innauguration Party we have been getting a few questions about this website and the PAC

What is Progress Pittsburgh and P2pac?

Progress Pittsburgh is a group of people that got together after the 2004 presidential election to talk about how to take the energy of the presidential election and get people involved in local politics.  Read more of that story on the About  page.  Currently Progress Pittsburgh exists as a website and blog to share information about groups, events and issues in Pittsburgh.  We invite everyone to read and join the discussion about issues in Western PA.

P2PAC is a political action committee that supports candidates whose districts touch the City of Pittsburgh and whose agendas are consistent with its mission: good government, sustainable development, and social equity. P2PAC endorses candidates who meet these criteria and provides resources to advance their leadership. We see leadership as the primary vehicle for positive change in service of our mission.  Lots more information about the pac is available at P2pac.com.

Inauguration Party and Monthly events – when Progress Pittsburgh first started we would hold occasional happy hours to get like minded people together to discuss politics in the same room. In the past many volunteers have rallied around a particular issue or candidate – after the election these networks are often forgotten and contacts are lost.  One of the goals behind the P2pac is to plan a consistent monthly event for people to gather on a monthly basis.  In 2008 we were successful in hosting an event on the 3rd Tuesday of every month.   In 2009 we are lucky that the 3rd Tuesday is also inauguration day!  We hope that you will join us to celebrate and support the PAC.  We are asking for a suggested donation of $10.  All of the proceeds of the monthly events go to the PAC to support electing candidates in Pittsburgh.  If you can’t attend please consider a donation to help us kick off 2009 our challenge to raise $2009 for the 09 elections.

Who: YOU!
What: Inauguration Celebration and P2PAC Fundraiser ($10 contribution requested)
Where: New Amsterdam (4421 Butler Street, Lawrenceville)
When: 01/20/09 @ 5:30 p.m.
Why: because Obama rocks and Pittsburgh deserves better

RSVP on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=41852859445

We will have beer specials and free food!

Here are some blog posts, article and links that you may have missed.

• Steel-City Stonewall Democrats | Facebook – The Steel City Stonewall Democrats are now on Facebook.
• League of Women Voters Indiana County Candidate Workshop – Sat. Jan 31, 2009 – learn about running for office
• Westwood woman announces candidacy for City Council seat – Theresa Smith of Westwood announced her candidacy for Pittsburgh City Council yesterday, seeking the seat vacated Monday by Dan Deasy, who won election to the state House.

Well we have had a nice, little break from the Presidential campaign season.  But it looks like the Pittsburgh 2009 campaigns are gearing up for the spring elections.  Here is another fund raising event to attend …

Councilman William Peduto’s Re-Election Campaign Kickoff Reception

Thursday, December 11th, 2008, 7:00-9:30pm

Bobby Rahal Mercedes-Benz, 4709 Baum Boulevard, Pittsburgh PA 15213, (Baum at S. Millvale)

Featuring Live Music by The Metropolitans and DJ Zombo
Food From Many of The East End’s Best Restaurants,Martini Bar and Valet Parking

Suggested Contribution $250 per person,Business Attire

RSVP mike.devanney@gmail.com

One week from today is the third Tuesday in November. You know what that means- it’s time for another P2PAC happy hour event! Last Tuesday was an amazing day in our political history. Now, it’s time to take that positive energy and use it to make local change. Please join us as we step up our fundraising for 2009. This month we’re on the Northside at Max’s Allegheny Tavern for local beer, German food, good conversation, and the best bar popcorn in the world.

P2PAC is a political action committee that supports candidates whose districts touch the City of Pittsburgh and whose agendas are consistent with its mission: good government, sustainable development, and social equity. P2PAC endorses candidates who meet these criteria and provides resources to advance their leadership. We see leadership as the primary vehicle for positive change in service of our mission.

Who: YOU!
What: cocktails and conversation ($5 contribution requested)
Where: Max’s Allegheny Tavern (537 Suismon Street)
When: 11/18/08 @ 5:30 p.m.
Why: because Pittsburgh deserves better

We are ready to see change in local government and hope that you are too! Please join us!

Image by Getty Images via DaylifeTuesday, October 28th, 2008
6:00 pm – 8:00pm
Diesel Club Lounge, 1601 E. Carson Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15203

RSVP on Facebook here.

Are you PUMPed about the upcoming Presidential election?! Join PUMP & Diesel Club Lounge for a spirited night of debate on the issues that are permeating the upcoming Presidential Election. We are proud to host two teams of elected officials and community leaders ready to square off in support of Presidential Candidates Barack Obama and John McCain.

Special Guests include:

• Team McCain
  • Senator Jane Orie, Pennsylvania’s 40th District
  • Meghan Jones-Rolla, Attorney with Meyer Darragh
  • Bill Green, Republican Strategist
• Team Obama
  • Patrick Dowd, PittsburghCity Councilman, District 7
  • W.M. Nzambi, CFP®, Financial Advisor, Mariner Financial Group

This Event is Free, and a cash bar will be available. As we move closer to November 4th, come celebrate Democracy with PUMP!

Watch the debate.  Have a drink. Go vote.

For more information, please contact Erin Molchany at 412.338.2133 ext 10 or erin@pump.org
A program of the PUMP Civic Engagement Committee

Here are some blog posts, article and links that you may have missed.

• Pop City Forum: Making Pittsburgh Bike Friendly : Venture Outdoors – Thursday, October 23
  6:00 PM
  Shadow Lounge, Highland Ave and Baum Blvd
  What does Pittsburgh need to do to become a bike-friendly city? Here’s your chance to find out as Steve Patchan, the new bicycle/pedestrian coordinator for Pittsburgh shares the spotlight with Scott Bricker, director of Bike Pittsburgh and Amy Garbark, USA cycling official who is implementing Pittsburgh’s premiere urban cycling program for high school students.

  The discussion will include the audience and will be moderated by Matt Stroud, writer and cyclist who just completed a cross-country bike trip from Boston to San Francisco.

• UNNATURAL CAUSES | CALIFORNIA NEWSREEL – Do we ALL have an EQUAL chance for HEALTH?

  Community House Presbyterian Church invites you to JOIN US for FREE community conversations about community wellness, health and race.

  Wednesday, October 22, 2008

  7:00 PM – Screening and Community Conversation

  Join us for a FREE community conversation & screening of "Unnatural Causes," a provocative PBS documentary series that challenges fundamental beliefs about what makes Americans healthy- or sick – and offers new remedies for an ailing society. How are health outcomes affected by race and culture?

  Conversation, coffee and a selection of African delicacies
  compliments of Atlantiques Catering follows the screening.

  WHERE: Community House Church, central North Side,
  120 Parkhurst Street, 15212 (corner of Sandusky and Parkhurst, across
  from AGH emergency room entrance)

  FREE Parking: AGH Sandusky Lot, corner of North Avenue and Sandusky

  Special Thanks to Pittsburgh's North Side Rotary

• Good Bye Guy? – Public Works Director Guy Costa, who oversees that bureau, has also been suspended for one day for failing to act quickly enough on the matter, and he said he may reconsider his employment with the city because of the way the news reached him.