Iowa's Hidden Progressive Treasure: Rapid Response – Iowa
This
behind-the-scenes organized grassroots assault on the corporate/GOP
media grows bigger and more effective with each passing day.
Members
of Rapid Response-Iowa, a state chapter of the national letter-writing
network that sprang forth during the Dean for America presidential
campaign, say they are “taking back the media from corporate control
and infusing it with the voice of the people.”
Rapid
Response-Iowa has blossomed with new membership and activity, and
continues to grow (3,500 members nationally). Thanks to the
tireless diligence and relentless dedication of RR-IA's two state
coordinators, Ellen Ballas and Trish Nelson, RR-Iowa has quadrupled its
membership from 37 to 150 letter writers and media watchers. With
eagle eyes trained to recognize a biased slant and a well-honed ability
to dash off thoughtful, articulate letters to the editor, RR members
quickly pounce on misinformation, distortions, and omissions in the
media, countering with facts and an alternative point of view.
At the Iowa Democratic Party Hall of Fame Dinner, June 11, 2005,
are: (left to right) Ellen Ballas, Howard Dean, and Trish Nelson.
And there's more good news: RR-IA is now poised for action in the “red”
part of Iowa, as RR-IA has recently added a third coordinator in the
Sioux City area, John Crabtree. This is an awesome opportunity to
get the progressive voice heard in all corners of our state.
But
that's not all. The Quad-Cities, continuing their incredible work
in getting local progressives organized, is also gearing up to
establish Iowa Rapid Response-QC!
Rapid
Response-IA has also been a leader in the efforts to fight the media
conglomerate, Sinclair Broadcasting. RR was active in the
October, 2004, Sinclair Broadcasting advertiser protest and was
instrumental in establishing the media reform group, Iowans for Better
Local TV (IBLTV).
RR
disseminates information of local, state and national interest to
progressives on a daily basis. Any member of Rapid Response can
submit action alert items. On the RR discussion list, members
help each other to write editorials, post articles, and discuss
issues. Many members with busy lifestyles refer to RR as their
“lifeline.”
So,
there is no need for any progressive in Iowa to feel isolated!
Join RR and stay connected. It's not just about elections
anymore; with an active network, progressives now have the means to
stay on top of things between election cycles.
RR-Iowa's
goal is to have Rapid Responders in all 99 counties! If you would
like to be a part of this great network, go to www.rapidresponsenetwork.org.
You can help with media reform in Iowa – Join these groups!
Click here to receive action alerts from Rapid Response –
Iowa
Contact: Iowans for Better Local TV (IBLTV)
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