Changing America one election at a time.

It’s August, the Olympics are on, the national political scene is full of lies and distortions (mostly from the other side … ), and in the state we watch as the dysfunction that serves us as normal continues with no signs of abating. But there are people out there who are working to counter the negativity, and it’s time to check with a few them who are trying to make a difference.

At our next monthly meeting on Tuesday, August 14, we’ll hear from two working on issues critical to our community and two brave enough to run for the General Assembly:

Wendy Katten, from Raise Your Hand (http://ilraiseyourhand.org/), will speak about the ongoing contract negotiations between Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Teachers Union... and the possibility of a strike, as well as the CPS issues RYH has identified as critical.

Jorge Sanchez, from Mexican American Legal Defense Fund (MALDEF) (http://maldef.org/about/offices/midwest/), will speak about Chicago's new ward map that has an 8% disparity in size between the largest and smallest wards.

Julie Morrison(http://juliemorrisonforstatesenate.com/), Democratic candidate for state senate 29th Legislative District will speak.

Carl Wasco (http://carlwasco.com/), Democratic candidate for the Illinois house 68th Representative District will speak.

We’ll also have updates from our candidates’ campaigns: in this election cycle NDFA so far has endorsed four candidates and adopted Leslie Coolidge (D-Barrington Hills)(http://coolidgeforcongress.com/) who is challenging U.S. Rep. Peter Roskam. Roskam is a more savvy version of U.S. Rep. Joe Walsh. See our website at http://www.northsidedfa.com/ndfa/ for more information on our endorsed and adopted candidates.

We meet at 7 pm (6 pm for dinner/social hour) at the Lincoln Restaurant, 4008 N. Lincoln Ave (parking in rear off of Irving Park, two blocks from the Irving Park stop on the Brown Line).

Why should you join us?

As you know, the mission of Northside DFA is to elect socially progressive, fiscally responsible, ethically committed Democrats to all levels of government.

How does NDFA do this? NDFA encourages its members to get involved in campaigns, and to become knowledgeable about the issues driving politics. Democracy works better when more people participate.

What are you doing next Tuesday evening? Do you want to socialize with people who share your passion for using politics to make a difference?

Attending the meeting is free. You are not obligated to purchase food. Northside DFA would like to see you: come and join us, and meet the candidates and people who are trying to make a difference.