DANI Works On Bigger Online Presence

DANI, the Democratic Alliance of Northwest Indiana is looking forward to 2011 with a revamp of their website, the DANI blog, and a jump into the twitterverse, as @DANI_NW_IN.  The website has been up for some time, and the DANI Facebook page was launched earlier this year. 


DANI is not new to the political scene in Northwest Indiana, as the website explains.

The Democratic Alliance of Northwest Indiana was established in September 2003 just prior to Senator John Kerry's Presidential campaign. It's purpose was to organize and educate Indiana voters on issues vital to our communities. We have continued that effort in subsequent elections. We hope you will join us in making Northwest Indiana an influential, informed voice on the issues that matter to us most in the upcoming races.

DANI is Progressive, engaged and active, hosting a Visclosky Town Hall meeting in 2009 that featured the rise of the local TEA party who protested mightly on the outside of the Westchester Service Center in Chesterton, but was conducted with decorum and civil discourse inside the building, where people voiced their questions and concerns both for and against the health care legislation, and other issues affecting constituents.

One of DANI's missions is to educate voters on the issues. We have found that town hall style meetings allow the public and candidate the opportunity to have a discussion in which the whole community can participate.  We are proud to have hosted such a meeting last Aug 3rd featuring US Congressman Pete Visclosky (IN-01).  It was a well-attended event drew coverage in the local media and reported on by Board members Don Briggs and Deb Clemens via Daily Kos diaries.

Another Town Hall event introduced Pete Buttigieg, the 2010 Democratic party candidate for state Treasurer, to voters.

A town hall event was hosted by the Democratic Alliance of Northwest Indiana (DANI),  featuring Pete Buttigieg,  Democratic Candidate for State Treasurer.  Pete brings a lot to the table, including enthusiasm and a very impressive resume. I invite you read on to learn more about this remarkable young man and his vision for the citizens not only of Indiana, but the nation.

Don Briggs, DANI Co-Chair, had heard Pete speak at a function a little while back. He was so impressed that he urged the executive board to invite Pete to a town hall event. We are so glad he did! Despite being in competition with the State of the Union Address and very slippery roads, Pete arrived to a roomful of a nearly empty room with lots of cookies and hot coffee. (Ah, well, the best laid plans....) In retrospect, I'm grateful it turned out like it did, because it gave us a chance to sit down and have a real face-to-face conversation.

The Peon has also written about DANI's activities, and attended  the presentation by Dr. Jon Walker during the months of discussion on the then impending health care legislation. 

DANI hosted a town hall with Candidate for State Secretary Treasurer, Pete Buttigieg, as well as a Healthy Indiana Plan (HIP) Sign-Up at the Hammond Public Library. My favorite DANI sponsored event was in September of 2009. Dr. Jon Walker, a Fort Wayne Retinologist gave an insightful and illuminating presentation on Health Care, Politics and Activism. DANI later hosted another event featuring Dr. Walker at IVY Tech in Valparaiso.

I also attended a presentation that really, really opened my eyes to how tough it is for average citizens to address and get justice on environmental issues that negatively affect life, property and health. 

What is LEAF? It is a small non profit that works out of Valparaiso, 'a legal advocacy program for clean air, land' that stands for Legal Environmental Aid Foundation of Indiana, Inc..

Ms. Ferraro really opened my eyes to what is going on.  It is also good to know that this organization exists for people who don't have the clout, the power to fight back.

LEAF's mission is 'to provide legal, technical and educational services that support community efforts to protect and sustain Indiana's natural resources', which was founded by Kim E. Ferraro [pictured left] to empower Indiana citizens with legal resources needed to fight polluting industry and complicit regulatory agencies. '

DANI's mission is a good one in my opinion, and important and essential mission.  Even if one does not agree with Progressive ideas and principles, there is so much to learn, know and understand about issues, and crafting policy.  DANI's ability to organize town halls to meet representatives like Pete Visclosky, as well as candidates like Pete Buttigieg is important and worthwhile.

I hope that as DANI moves forward that more folks will come out and attend events sponsored by DANI, and that other organizations will find opportunities to partner with DANI.  I have come to value this organization, and that is why I am promoting it on my blog.

Also for the sake of full disclosure, I have also taken a jump out of my comfort zone, sitting on the sidelines, and from time to time making snarky commentary on politics and politicians, to be elected to the Board of DANI.

Executive Board (elected December 2010)

Co-Chairs:  Julie Storbeck and Don Briggs
Treasurer:  Roz Potter
Secretary:  Hans Taylor
Publicity/Media Liaison: Megan Rue

My hope is that whether you are a Democrat, Republican, Independent, Liberal or Conservative, that you will keep an eye on DANI, and come out to a town hall or other sponsored event that peaks your interest.

Thanks for stopping by, and keep coming back. Wishing all you all a safe and fun News Years Even celebration, and a prosperous and blessed 2011!