[updated regularly/last update: 3/17]
We actively engages our members across a range of issues that impact social, economic, environment and criminal justice. Our members tell us they are more effective when talking to neighbors, advocacy groups and legislators when they are fully versed on the issues and potential progressive solutions. To this end, we have organized a policy conference on March 24th at Lasell College in Newton, Massachusetts. Registration is $50/person, to cover meals, administrative and building costs; different payment options appear below.
Our conference will feature leading experts on progressive issues in Massachusetts, with special emphasis on our priorities — health care, economic development and justice, election and campaign reform, criminal justice, the environment and new revenue. Speakers will be encouraged to share a broad perspective on each subject as well as suggest critical progressive solutions.
PROGRAM
Welcome and Networking Breakfast (8:00 – 9:45)
- Steve Grossman, State Treasurer
Morning Panels (10:00 – 12:45)
Health Care
- Ari Fertig, moderator
- Ben Day, Director, Organizing, Health Care Now
- Brian Rosman, Research Director, Health Care for All
- Don Berwick, Former Administrator, Medicare/Medicaid
Education
- Suzanne Lee, moderator
- Lisa Guisbond, Vice President of Citizens for Public Schools and a policy analyst at the National Center for Fair & Open Testing,FairTest
- Diana Lam, Head of School, Conservatory Lab Charter School
- Susan Naimark, Author, “The Education of a White Parent”
- Paul Toner, President, Massachusetts Teachers’ Association (MTA)
Election and Campaign Reform
- Avi Green, moderator
- Brenda Wright, Vice President, Legal Strategies, Demos
- Nick Nyhart, President and CEO, Public Campaign
- John Bonifaz, Executive Director, Free Speech for People
Economic Development
- State Sen. Dan Wolf, moderator
- Barry Bluestone, Director, Dukakis Center for Urban and Regional Policy, Northeastern University
- Greg Bialecki, Secretary, Massachusetts Department of Economic Development & Housing
- Harris Gruman, Executive Director, State Council, SEIU
Criminal Justice and Gun Control
- Aron Goldman, moderator
- John Larivee, Executive Director, Community Resources for Justice
- Jake Sullivan, City of Boston Liaison to Mayors Against Illegal Guns
- Chelan Brown, Director, AWAKE
- Cassandra Bensahih, EPOCA
Revenue
- Dan Cohen, moderator
- Jeff Bernstein, Policy Analyst, Mass Budget and Policy
- Andi Mullen, Campaign Manager, Campaign for Our Communities
-
State Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz and State Representative Jim O’Day,
Act to Invest in Our Communities Lead Sponsors
Environment
- Winston Vaughan, moderator
- Sylvia Broude, Executive Director at Toxics Action Center
- Sonia Hamel, Hamel Environmental Consulting
- Gary Rucinski, Citizens Climate Lobby
Luncheon Wrap Up – (1:00 – 2:00)
- Aaron Tanaka, Co-founder and former Executive Director of the Boston Workers’ Alliance
Afternoon Workshops (2:00 – 4:00) – Carin Schiewe, Facilitator
- Understand and acquiring power
- Building a progressive movement
- Organizing and advocating on Beacon Hill
No Ordinary Phone Bank for Ed Markey (4:00 – 4:30)
Location
Lasell College - Winslow Academic Center
1844 Commonwealth Avenue - Newton, Massachusetts
Nearest T-Stop: Green Line – Riverside Station
Registration – $50 - https://secure.actblue.com/page/learnandshare
Registration fee covers food, building and administrative costs.
Or become a monthly contributor and Registration will be included! Please contact us [grassroots@progressivemass.com] if cost is a hardship; scholarships available with pre-arrangement.
PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR FRIENDS!
- Facebook Event [http://progma.us/2013Conference_FB]
- Full Conference Agenda [http://progressivemass.com/conference] [this page]
- PDF Conference Flier – HALF SHEET (print double side/cut to save paper!) (updated 3/17)
Progressive Massachusetts (“Progressive Mass”) is a new, statewide grassroots organization built from the ground up by organizers and activists from across Massachusetts. We organize around progressive issues in Massachusetts, help elect and support progressive candidates for public office who are committed to making a difference on these issues, and hold elected officials accountable to progressive positions and values. Progressive Mass welcomes all progressives regardless of political affiliation.