Call me about how you and I can start a new Socrates Cafe in your state and/or local neighborhood. More info and rsvp on our Meetup site, check it out: www.Meetup.com/Socrates-Cafe-Society and call (303)861-1447
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Coming soon! New online class, Colorado Caucus 201.
The prerequisite is completion of our Colorado Caucus 101, which you can see in the last 3 posts here below. When you've completed (start any time, take as much or as little time as you'd like) contact us for a free certificate of completion and to get on the invitation list for 201 when it is announced.
So read the last 3 posts here, once you've contacted your county and precinct leaders, contact John Wren at John@JohnWren.com or (303)861-1447. Also contact John if you have any questions or suggestions about what we are doing here.
Our wonderful Colorado caucus-assembly system is the best chance, possibly the last chance, the common person of ordinary means has of serving in elected public office. Thanks for being an active citizen, which the system requires for it to survive and flourish.
Friday, November 7, 2014
Active citizen, day 3.
Here's a precinct leaders workbook that says almost the same thing as Abe Lincoln did decades ago:;
http://www.blogforiowa.com/misc/Grassroots_Organizing_Guide.pd
Read the above workbook. Then go to the Colorado Secretary of State Website, http://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/referenceGuides/Caucus.pdf
Then contact the political party of your choice, Republicans http://www.cologop.org/ or Democrats http://www.coloradodems.org/ and ask them how you can contact your precinct and county leaders to volunteer.
Once you've done this, you will have completed Colorado Caucus 101. Call us for a free certificate of completion and an invitation to an advanced class that will be offered soon. Also call if you have any questions or suggestions, contact John Wren at (303)861-1447 or John@JohnWren.com
Life's short, start now!
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Caucuses aren't for ciphers. Sue O'Brien.
Sue's wonderful column is maybe the best writing that's ever been done about why the caucus-assembly system is worth preserving. Here's what Sue wrote in the Denver Post:
Caucuses aren't for ciphers
October 6, 2002
by Sue O'Brien
cipher - a person or thing of no importance or value; nonentity
- New World College Dictionary
So, what will we choose to be: ciphers or individuals?
Ciphers are faceless. They have value only as something to count - a signature on a petition or a vote to tally by machine. It's easy for ciphers to hide out. Hey, they're just part of the mob.
Individuals, by contrast, stand out. They take responsibility. And they rarely hide.
We have a sovereign opportunity to become ciphers this November. One of the few mechanisms left in modern politics that rewards individual initiative - the precinct caucus - is on the brink of being eliminated in favor of a political nominating system that would let wannabe candidates get on the ballot only by collecting - and counting - petition signatures.
It's a lousy proposal put forth by an otherwise admirable organization: the Bighorn Center for Public Policy.
Now, I have nothing against getting on the ballot by petition. But why eliminate the choice - caucus or petition - that our present system provides?
It's not as though there's something inherently wrong with the caucus. And, even though these grassroots conclaves have seen declining attendance in recent years, there's a lot inherently good about them.
Look around modern society. We have a woeful lack of what Harvard scholar Robert Putnam calls "social capital" - the dynamism that comes from doing things together and making community decisions together. Yet the spate of election "reforms" we're seeing these days almost seems designed to stomp out the last vestiges of community collaboration.
"Voting and following politics are relatively undemanding forms of participation," writes Putnam in his influential "Bowling Alone." "In fact, they are not, strictly speaking, forms of social capital at all, because they can be done utterly alone."
We can be utterly alone, too, when we perform the two other actions modern politics seems to want to limit us to: writing checks and watching attack ads on TV. We're systematically replacing "social capital" with plain old monetary capital.
Colorado's traditional caucus-convention system, in contrast, rewards the shoe-leather and diligence. It provides a low-cost way for aspirants to work the neighborhoods, investing energy instead of dollars. Recent proof of this pudding came in the race for the GOP nomination in the 7th Congressional District, where Rick O'Donnell captured first line on the primary ballot with a low-budget campaign that focused on traditional caucus and door-to-door campaigning. O'Donnell eventually lost the primary to the better-funded Bob Beauprez, but his achievement in getting on the ballot was impressive.
But even more important than the caucus' benefits for candidates is its benefit for ordinary citizens. It's a vibrant neighborhood forum for hashing out ideas - the last remaining arena in which you can get on the first rung of the ladder toward political effectiveness by just showing up.
I've covered precinct or town caucuses in Iowa, Maine, Minnesota and Mississippi as well as Colorado. My favorite memory is of escorting a big-deal network analyst to his very first caucus in an American Legion hall in Iowa. This was a political expert well into his 50s, yet he'd never seen a caucus; primaries had always been his beat. He was blown away. For the first time in years of covering politics, he told me, he'd seen the true face of America.
He was right. Caucuses offer a peculiarly intimate view of a community and its people. They'll amaze you with the quality of caring and thought participants bring to the discussion. And sometimes, if you're very lucky, you'll see new, young leaders find their first toehold in the process.
Why is the Colorado caucus withering? First, because the legislature, in an ineffectual grab for national headlines, created a meaningless presidential primary that eliminated the headline race that once inspired much caucus activism.
Second, because we're all getting good at sitting on the sidelines. The Kettering Foundation's David Mathews once reminded readers that the word idiot comes from the Greeks. Privacy, they thought, was akin to stupidity. "Idiots" were incapable of finding their place in the social order.
Why bow to the trend of letting the next guy do it? Why sell out to letting money replace shoe-leather at every level of American politics?
Why not keep the caucus as an open door to involvement, while continuing to provide the petition alternative? Bighorn's goal may be to increase the number of people peripherally involved in the process - but the initiative will never replace the quality of participation the caucus can provide.
Good political talk … is where we recognize the connectedness of things - and our own connectedness. … Good political talk is also where we discover what is common amidst our differences. -David Mathews, "Civic Intelligence"
Sue O'Brien was editor of the Denver Post editorial page. See passed on not long after writing this.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Make a difference, become an active citizen.
In Colorado and some 16 other states there is a powerful political system that allows the common person to serve in elected public office.
Our caucus-assembly system levels the field, that's why so many of the rich and powerful hate it.
Whether you want to serve in public office yourself or leverage your time by helping other good people get elected, get involved in your neighborhood by offering to be of service to the major political party of your choice.
Yes, some get involved with the small alternative political parties, and sometimes it's easier there to feel like a big fish in their small ponds.
But look around the country today. How many from these alternative parties got elected? And how will those who did have any impact in the job they were elected to do without aligning themselves with one of the major parties?
Some complain the two major political parties are no different. That's what is supposed to happen, they are a mechanism for reaching a practical consensus.
Your good idea without a majority of the votes is just poetry.
So be a poet. Or get involved. Today.
Here's the first step. Google either "Democrats" or " Republicans" and your zip code. Call and ask how you can help. Not sure which party? Call them both. Check out their websites. Then pick. Or flip a coin. You are just choosing a tool to use to make your own voice heard.
For more about how, come back here tomorrow..
PLEASE TAKE JUST A MOMENT AND SHARE THIS WITH YOUR ONLINE FRIENDS. THE BUTTONS BELOW MAKE THAT AN EASY JOB. THANKS! John Wren (303)861-1447
Monday, November 3, 2014
I voted today.
I thought, what I was
doing, asking me if
I'd emailed by picks.
RIP mom.
http://Facebook.com/JaneWren
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Weekly training for communicating in your neighborhood caucus:
Wednesday, October 1, 2014
Neighborhood communications
Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Sunday, August 24, 2014
Saturday, August 23, 2014
Strengthen Your Neighborhood.
Friday, July 4, 2014
Start a neighborhood group, we'll help if you want.
If you're not ready to become active in one of the political parties, working for a candidate or a particular issue, this is a powerful way for you to still make a big difference in 2016.
Hope to see you back here tomorrow as we start to make this a community of neighborhood groups doing independent civic education.
Freedom today? Tomorrow?
Why not spend today thinking about that tyranny of the majority and what you can do to make a difference in 2016 which may be the last chance to use some of these powerful political tools. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyranny_of_the_majority
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
JohnWren.com Start!: Colorado primary election
What are you going to DO between now and Colorado Caucus 2016. Click above link to see my promise, then if you want tell us all with your comment or call me and I'll tell you story, might make you a guest on the next SPECIAL EDITION The Startup Show to talk about how you got started in politics.
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Vote yet? Want to make a real difference?
I think nearly everyone should do this.
Now you can make a real difference. Start reaching out to your neighbors. All of your neighbors, no matter how they are registered to vote. We'll be talking about that here over the next few weeks.
We'll bring you information about inclusive groups you might consider starting.
Our first suggestion: Start a Socrates Café. Inspired by the book by the same name Chris Phillips wrote, I've been involved with groups here in Colorado since early 2000.
For more, check out our Facebook Page http://Facebook.com/DenverSocratesCafe
If it looks like something you might like to start in your neighborhood, just do it! Or if you want help attend one of our free meetings here in Denver or give me a call.
Do you have a group in your neighborhood that's helped pull the neighbors together? Tell us about it with your comments here, or call me and I'll write about it.
John Wren
(303)861-1447
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Talking to a machine?
I just got call from machine supporting one political candidate over another in the primary. Here's what I can't understand, why is the machine calling me? I've been registered Unaffiliated for years. I've called and left a message... More later.
Are you getting calls like this? If so, has a call ever changed your mind?
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Google Politics and Elections Blog
What do you think of it?
http://googlepolitics.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Big gains between now and November.
For both Republicans and Democrates, system works best if elected precinct committee people in 3000 neighborhoods across the state have monthly meetings with block workers who stay in touch with those in their neighborhood, then monthly district meetings. Both parties have gotten away from doing this, whichever returns first, would only take a couple of months, will have big advantage. Http://www.COCaucus.org
Thursday, April 17, 2014
CO SB14-175 article: My comments, and my request to you (highlighted.)
SB14-175. Hope I’m wrong. We’ll know soon.
Read the article I'm praising in the above comment, link to subscribe and more: http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/archbishop-aquila-leads-rally-against-colo.-pro-abortion-bill/#ixzz2zA1PSxop
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
Inspired Archbishop Aquila Sets Us Free from SB14-175
Consideration in the Colorado Senate as a committee of the whole was to have take place yesterday.
Clearly a lot of work was put into the rally yesterday, the largest some have said they've seen of that gatherings on the west steps of Catholics that are held from time to time, previously in the last couple of years rallies to oppose so called civil unions legislation that went on to pass.
The question now is how to extend a loving olive branch to those who are stinging tonight from the defeat and use this as an opportunity for evangelism.
Maybe the sunglasses were a good idea.
Story from Catholic News Agency (click), and John Wren's comment to it:
SB14-175 boost for grassroots.
If it passes, expect more recalls in Colorado, as voters whose representatives ignored the flood of phone calls and emails are targeted and those most vulnerable immediately see petitions being circulated to bring them home and replaced with representatives who truely represent the district.
This is more emotional than gun control.
Tuesday, April 15, 2014
Healing of our state.
Photo: Denver Post |
If you'd like to help in your neighborhood, or if you'd like to help recruit and train neighborhood leaders, please give me a call. (303)861-1447. I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Please do NOT email me until we've had a chance to talk on the phone. Thanks!
Colorado Archbishop Aquila West Stepping against SB14-175
This should be an interesting afternoon. It's hard to believe that Archbishop would be acting without some official encouragement from the Church hierarchy.
It could be Pope Francis sees the danger of appearing to take the position of just rolling over in legislation that undermines freedom of religion.
No confirmation anywhere with local Denver media that Archbishop is still on. It would be great to see Archbishop go into the Capitol and buttonhole Catholic legislators. He certainly has a right to do so in our free (at least for now) society.
For more see: http://denvercatholicregister.org/today-join-archbishop-pray-capitol-sb175/#.U02OivldWSp
Also, http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/reproductive-health-bill-sb175-faces-scrutiny-after-denvers-archbishop-asks-colorado-to-oppose-it04142014?autoplay=true
Wednesday, April 9, 2014
Saturday, March 15, 2014
How to become well known in your neighborhood.
For 25 years our speaker has been helping businesses from real estate agents to plumbers do just that, she has some powerful ideas that will also work if you're working to get your cause or candidate well known in a particular neighborhood.
We start at 3:45 p.m. sharp, please be on time, we'll end at 5:15 p.m. After our speaker shares we break out into small work groups.
Whether you are in pursuit of a better social life in your own neighborhood, finding neighbors you can help, votes, or all three, join us! You'll be glad you did.
For more info and to RSVP to this and our other meetings in metro-Denver and online go to http://Meetup.com/Small-Biz-Chamber or call (303)861-1447
Friday, March 14, 2014
What's Your (Colorado Caucus) Story?
Thursday, March 6, 2014
Colorado media monitored, Conference on Colorado Caucus in the works.
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Tweet from your caucus tonight!
Tweet early and Tweet often! http://Twitter.com if you haven't signed up for your free account yet.
Friday, February 28, 2014
Excellent article, link to it posted on Colorado Caucus News Facebook Page.
"Anyone can attend caucuses, but only the registered voters who meet certain requirements can participate in caucus business. Caucus-goers must have been affiliated with their party by Jan. 4 and had until Feb. 4 to change an address to their current precinct. Caucuses start promptly at 7 p.m., so party officials are urging attendees to arrive early — many locations will be operational by 6:30 p.m. — to sign in and be prepared for the meeting.
"Republicans are directing voters to the state party’s cologop.org website to find caucus locations and preregister, potentially speeding the check-in process on Tuesday night. Likewise, Democrats have a caucus-finder posted at coloradodems.org."
OUTSTANDING SUMMARY ARTICLE-- TAKE JUST A MINUTE TO IMPROVE COLORADO, CARE ENOUGH TO "SHARE" IT WITH YOUR FACEBOOK FRIENDS. THANKS!
There is a real need for newcomers to Colorado and newcomers to Colorado politics to go to the caucus for the first time, then be ready to be a neighborhood leader next time.
Party insiders sometimes just don't get the word out, they think everyone knows about it, and this just is not true. So you can really, really help if you'll go to http://Facebook.com/ColoradoCaucusNews. Find the above quote and forward the whole article to your Facebook friends if you haven't already.
You can see the excellent summary article (although it leaves out the most important fact about the Colorado Caucus 2014, which I'll post as a comment below, you comment agreeing or disagreeing with me along with your Caucus Tip would be appreciated) see the article directly at http://coloradostatesman.com/content/994677-caucuses-signal-start-2014-election-cycle
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
How do I find my precient caucus for March 4?
Monday, February 24, 2014
Colorado Caucus is Coming
Questions? Lots of info here, lots of links that will lead you to more.
How to find your neighborhood meetings? Google your zip code and either Republicans or Democrates, call, and ask how you can help.
If you've never been to one before please let us know here with your comment now, ok? We anticipate the media may be looking for newcomers to interview, and we may produce something and post it here.
Our Colorado Caucus is the best chance the common person has for serving in elected office. Go to learn, meet your neighbors, get ready to eventually run yourself or help another good person get elected!
Sunday, February 23, 2014
If you spot articles that don't get posted, please call John Wren (303)861-1447. Thanks!
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Caucus vs petition
Who is getting on the ballot via petition, and who is getting on via the neighborhood caucus? Has there been a newpaper report on this? Colorado Statesman?
We'll retweet this, got no response before:
@COLeg @COHouseGOP @cohousedems @COSenDem @cogop Using the caucus or petitioning onto the ballot? Why? Post on: http://coloroadocaucus.blogspot.com/?spref=tw