We’re All Over the Map

CPA Builds A Progressive Network Across the States

CPA staff skipped the beach this summer, instead logging thousands of frequent flier miles organizing regional conferences for progressives to review the 2001 legislative sessions, develop progressive policy solutions and strategies for future legislative sessions, and share innovative models that are working throughout the country. Thanks to engaging speakers, committed state policy partners, and strong attendance levels, this year’s regional conferences were the best yet. Take a look at some of the highlights. …

"It is especially helpful to meet with progressive legislators from our region to discuss legislative concerns and seek solutions." Montana Sen. John Bohlinger

Western Training & Leadership Conference
August 5 ­ Portland, Oregon
State legislators and grassroots leaders from across the West gathered in Portland for a unique one-day leadership training that emphasized defining values to help overcome legislative challenges and to gain majority support for policy change. The Forum was held in conjunction with the Western States Center’s 11th annual Community Strategic Training Initiative, where over 400 committed progressive activists from the West gathered to participate in the four-day conference.
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"CPA helps working families by sharing information, and by linking people and organizations to build a powerful network to promote progressive ideas." New Mexico Sen. Ann Riley

Southwest Conference
July 27-28 ­ Albuquerque, New Mexico
The Historic La Posada Hotel in Albuquerque was the setting for this special two-day conference where legislators and activists from labor, education, and civil rights communities came together to discuss progressive policy solutions for the critical problems facing Southwestern states such as hate crimes, education reform and prescription drugs. The conference ended on a high-note10,000 feet high to be exactwith participants dining on top of the Sandia Mountains.
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Jesse Romero, Southwest Director, (210) 240-1266 ­ [email protected]

"The conference reinforced the need to share information and to work collaboratively on issues of mutual concern, and meeting other legislators in same region helped to expand networks and build a coalition." Ohio Rep. Dixie Allen

Midwest Conference
June 29-30 ­ Detroit, Michigan
In downtown Detroit, 50 state legislators, grassroots leaders, labor advocates and policy experts from across the Midwest gathered for CPA’s first-ever Midwest Policy Leaders Forum. Substantive policy sessions covered a range of topics including fair prescription drug pricing, consumer and tort reform, fiscal accountability and equal pay. Keynote speaker U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak addressed how he and other state and federal policymakers have made major headway in an effort to ban drilling in the Great Lakes.
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"I now have more and better tools to frame the message to be delivered to my constituents." West Virginia Del. C. Randy White

Southeast Conference
July 20-21 ­ Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta was the scene of an exciting congregation of over 90 state legislators, policy experts and advocates from 11 Southern states at CPA’s Southeast Policy Leaders Forum. Maynard Jackson, former Atlanta Mayor, Chair of the DNC Voting Rights Institute and CEO of Jackson Securities Inc., addressed attendees with a riveting speech on the future of the South. Policy workshops covered emerging issues in the South including technology policy, fair and affordable housing, self-sufficiency standards and living-wage campaigns, and redistricting. Participants were also offered high-caliber strategies and effective messages to build support for progressive solutions.
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"The knowledge and skills acquired at this Retreat can be used effectively within the grassroots community in its efforts to impact the policy and decision making process of policymakers." Mississippi Sen. Willie Simmons

Grassroots Leadership Retreats
August 18 ­ Charlotte, North Carolina & June 16 ­ Jackson, Mississippi
As part of the Ford Foundation’s "Collaborations that Count" initiative, CPA provided leadership training in two special Retreats this summer in North Carolina and Mississippi. The Retreats gave participants opportunities to enhance their ability to build coalitions, frame messages, and develop and implement issue campaigns. Approximately 60 state-based grassroots activists, labor leaders, and legislators attended, including groups working on economic, faith-based, environmental, and quality of life issues.

Northeast Conference
In collaboration with Northeast Action, Demos and Democracy Works, CPA planned a jam-packed Forum on democracy and economic security issues for September 14-15 in Boston with over 130 registered participants. Due to the tragic attacks of September 11, the Forum was canceled. Northeast legislators and activists are invited to attend a special workshop on "Naming the Game: How to Frame Issues for Change" on December 7, 2001 prior to CPA’s Summit on the States in Washington, DC. For more information, contact Bettye Jo Pakulis at (860) 727-1115 or [email protected], or click here.