Committees and Task Forces

Much of the work of Progressive Dane is done by committees and task forces. Committees and task forces each focus on a specific topic or issue and meet regularly. Committees focus on organizing and party-building, while task forces focus on issue campaigns and policy development. Check out some of our recent and current projects or view the Progressive Dane calendar of meetings and events.

Task Forces

Economic Issues

Create a more progressive economic agenda through issues like economic development, progressive taxation, labor, and human services. This task force meets the second Thursday of the month 5:00 p.m. in the main conference room at the Social Justice Center. For more information contact Rick Richards, syzygy1@charter.net, (608)255-5023.

Education

This task force works to educate people about and influence local school policy. For more information contact TJ Mertz, tjmertz@sbcglobal.net.

Housing

This task force works on policies that will create affordable housing, ensure housing is free from discrimination, works on creating fair tenant and landlord policies and works on some development issues as they relate to housing. This group meets the 3rd Sunday of every month at 7:00 p.m. in the Social Justice Center conference room. For more information contact Jacque Pokorney at juju_jacque@yahoo.com.

Public Safety

The Public Safety Task force aims to increase the use of community policing, the support the rights of the accused while maintaining a safe, livable environment for citizens. This group meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month in the Social Justice Center conference room at 6:30 p.m. For more information contact Jessa Lutz at jessa.lutz@gmail.com.

Transportation

To enact safe, sound and fair transportation policies, ordinances, and practices such as safe routes to school, skinner streets, and reducing the need for parking. This group meets the 2nd Thursday of every month at 5:30 PM at the Escape Java House at 916 Willy St. For more information contact Aaron Crandall at aaron.crandall@yahoo.com.

Committees

Elections

Recruits Progressive Dane candidates, trains candidates and campaign managers, and assists in campaigns. This group meetings at 8:00 p.m. the 1st Wednesday of the month in the main conference room at the Social Justice Center. For more information Lukas Diaz at diaz_luke@yahoo.com.

Media

Coordinates and assists PD members who are in contact with the media, including explaining our policy initiatives, responding to statements by others, increasing the party’s visibility, and assisting our elected officials. This group is currently meets quarterly and works on line to promote the work of the policy committee and Progressive Dane statements. If you're interested in joining, please contact Brenda Konkel at brendakonkel@gmail.com.

Newsletter Consortium

Produces Progressive Dane's monthly newsletter. For more information contact Jim Kellerman at jimkellerman@charter.net.

Outreach and Fundraising

Recruits new members and encourages activism and leadership within Progressive Dane. Also plans and coordinates events for Progressive Dane. For more information contact Norm Littlejohn at normlittlejohn@hotmail.com.

Policy

Meets with Progressive Dane-endorsed elected officials to discuss and develop plans to meet their legislative goals. This group meets the Sunday before the second Madison City Council meeting every month at 4:00 p.m. in the Social Justice Center conference room. For more information contact Brenda Konkel at brendakonkel@prodane.org.

Steering Committee

Coordinates the activities of the various committees and task forces and sets the agenda for the general membership meetings. The Steering Committee is the only committee with elected positions. The Steering Committee meets the Monday a week before the third Tuesday of the month at 7:00 at the conference room at the Social Justice Center. If you're interested in joining, please contact any steering committee member or the co-chairs Jacque Pokorney (juju_jacque@yahoo.com) or Lukas Diaz (diaz_luke@yahoo.com).