Scholarship Application Public Information
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The blogs I use most are
Education Policy BlogDirties Hippies
A little about me
I am a teacher. I write regularly about education, but also about human rights, the environment, education,, music and whatever else may catch my attention. I believe it is still possible to save this country from those whose greed and selfishness are destroying it. I act as if we can still make difference even in the face of news that could drive us to despair. Volunteer @ free dental clinics in Appalachia. Trying to make a difference with what is left of my life.
I would describe myself as a
blogger
Why I deserve a Netroots Nation Scholarship
As a teacher my pay has been cut by $8,800 this year. I cannot afford to come on my own. I attended 2006-09, running panels at the first 3 events. I Been a member of Daily Kos since late 2003 - UID 4334 - and m a regular participant in community diaries like Brothers & Sisters and the Feeding America blogathons. I believe I bring something of value to the events, even when not on a panel. I would like to come. I cannot come without help. Whether that means I deserve a scholarship is not for me to say. I thought I should try, as it is the only way I can afford it.
What first inspired me to get involved
in Dec '56 at age 10 family went to Miami Beach for the holiday and I saw segregation up close for the first time. That made me a committed liberal and a political activist.
As for blogging, began by participating in edu
cation list serves almost 2 decades ago. Was regular partic in Dean blog during 2003. Over T;giving wkend volunteered for Dean in NH and someone introduced me to Daily Kos. Been there ever since.
How I've gotten others involved
Have written about free dental/medical clinics at which I have volunteered and inspired others also to volunteer. in 2006 wrote extensively about Jim Webb's campaign and got people to support - time as well as money. More recently was the first to blog about the threat to Raul Grijalva's reelection, at a time when most people took it for granted. Would like to think that played some role in helping him raise money and in getting others also to help him. Just a few examples.
The diary I am most proud of
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2008/07/24/556104/-I-am-so-tempted-to-violate-copyright
Why I think participation in the blogosphere is important
It is a way of connecting/sharing/participating/supporting/communicating/organizing
More about my involvement with DFA and local work
I am not currently an active DFA member. I was in the past. I volunteer as the union leader for my building, which this year takes immense amounts of time.
More about my volunteer work
Not involved in a campaign right now. In recent years have done a variety of things for campaigns in Virginia - policy work, phone calls, normal office work, working polls, staffing lit tables - as well writing online on their behalf. Among those were Webb for Senate, Perriello for Congress, Deeds for Virginia Governor, Chap Petersen for State Senate, O'Leary for Treasurer. At a nationl level serve as a resource on education for several dozen Democratic office holders and candidates for federal office. I am active member of my local chapter of the National Education Association, serving as lead building representative for more than 100 teachers, as well as representing the 8000+ members on a task force with key people in central administration.
My Twitter manifesto on online activism
blogging informs & connects people, communicates impt info, helps raise $$ - online activism helps focus offline activism
My suggested bumper sticker slogan
Teachers open doors to the possible
My idea for a cool new online action
Don't have anything "wild and crazy" - try to inform people about issues and suggest ways they can help - free dental/medical clinics - volunteering, donating, helping get one in your area