They came seeking coffee and conversation. They left with sense of camaraderie and maybe a new friend or two. On Saturday, March 27th, the Central Dallas chapter of the Coffee Party came to the Progressive Center for their second meeting. As a good host, I was more interested in signing people in and making sure there was enough coffee to go around. However, I found that I wanted to join these people that had come looking for civil debate and a caffeine pick-me-up. A few of the people that attended were friends of the Progressive Center - activists such as Erica Cole and David Elliott - but there were many that were first timers as well, such as Norman and Jan Baxter who made the near-hour long trip from Kaufman County to attend.

 

I admit to eavesdropping on a few of the smaller groups that formed
once the thirty odd people that attended split up. It was very interesting hearing from some that aren't particularly politically
involved, but who are concerned with the vitriol and anger now sadly associated with the Tea Party taking a lead the in public sphere, and the benching of civil discourse in Congress. The conversations were wide ranging topically, from upcoming DISD elections on May 8th to healthcare to the dynamics of both major political parties.

 

When the meeting adjourned, there were promises of us hosting another meeting in the future. The seeds of collaborative action are being grown by people who are eager to talk and, most importantly, listen to each other. We invite you to come and give the Coffee Party a taste for a couple hours of your time in April. As we were repeatedly reminded by Casey Lloyd, who led the meeting, the only real criteria is civility!

 
Progressively Yours,