Project Democracy 2004

The Independent Progressive Politics Network (www.ippn.org) has launched a new project, "Democracy 2004," in the hopes of strengthening the overall independent progressive movement and increasing voter turrnout. The website www.democracy2004.orgwill serve as a clearinghouse for similar initiatives. Please email additional ideas to indpol@igc.org.

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference and investigative reporter Greg Palast are monitoring plans to centralize state voter registration lists. The computerization required by the so-called "Help America Vote Act" could lead to voter purges of Black or other minority voters similar to that perpetrated in 1999-2000 in Florida. Contact them at www.sclcnational.org or www.gregpalast.com.

Regional or metropolitan social forums, modeled after the Porto Alegre, Brazil World Social Forums, can be a way to unite groups across lines of nationality, issue, and geography. Organizing efforts for such forums are underway in Seattle and Boston. For more information, write to danm@msfseattle.com or info@boston2004.net.

The League of Young Voters is a new initiative to link young, progressive, hip-hop voters in a national campaign to register, educate, and mobilize large numbers of young people to support progressive candidates in 2004. For more information write to pissedvoter2004@yahoo.com.

The Democracy for the Few Tool Kit, from Project South, helps local organizers integrate popular education into their ongoing community and labor organizing. See www.projectsouth.org.

The "Never Again" Campaign provides voter registration materials to event organizers. Visit www.centristsinners.org/2003/election.html.