Raising a Glass, Our Spirits...and Some Funds

In Salt Lake City and Denver, over the next week, special events are going raise funds for the national programs of Drinking Liberally...while raising pints with local members.

In Utah, this Friday's fete features Laughing Liberally comedian Lee Camp, a "Bush in 6 Words" competition, live music and Salt Lake celebs.

In Denver, on June 11th, the "Save the Ales" celebration invites you to schmooze and booze, and save the planet, one keg at a time.

Other chapters have been collecting "tips" to support the national network: Kathy and Chris from Springfield, Illinois, have sent in their group's contributions several times; as have the Des Moines drinkers recently.

In New York, we hosted our own fundraising party under a month ago -- and all of these funds help bring this organization to every corner around the country. We don't hit 50 states without a strong, sustainable organization -- and that support comes from all around the country.

So thank you, Denver, for proving the Square State isn't too square...and SLC, for proving there are liberals (and drinkers) in Utah...and Springfield, Des Moines, and the many other chapters that chip in to the Liberally family.

Thank You

Thank you, hosts and members across the country, for making the 5 Year / 50 State / 250 Chapter goal possible. And thank you Des Moines, Charlotte and Reading, PA for joining us in New York last night (and thanks, Burlington & Los Angeles for calling us while we were celebrating).

You all made this network happen -- and people are paying attention. Below is a montage of the congratulation videos: candidates Eric Massa, Mark Begich and Darcy Burner have sent messages along with Howard Dean, Bob Herbert and Sam Seder (compiled by our friend Phil from The Albany Project).



Enjoy!

We've Hit All 50 States

Happy 5th Birthday, Happy 50 States.

And now a word from our pal, Sam Seder.

A Congratulatory Message from Bob Herbert

Columnist Bob Herbert of the New York Times, a champion for progressive causes and for using his twice-weekly megaphone to advocate for justice, compassion & change, had a few words to share with us on our 5th birthday:

Five Years of Change...& We Keep Drinking Liberally

Five years ago, the Bush operation was marketing
"Mission Accomplished" and a polished, packaged war.
Now, even his former press secretary has turned on him.

Five years ago, the GOP had Dems running scared.
Now GOP candidates run from their own party's brand,
Dems have won the house & prepare to win more.

Five years ago, 8 white men prepared to compete
for the Dem nomination, & Dean was the insurgent.
Now he's the head of the institution
and Barack & Hillary are the party's national figures.
.
A lot can change in 5 years...
but one thing remains constant: DRINKING LIBERALLY.

Happy 5th Anniversary to the Living Liberally network,
now in 250 chapters all across the nation.

Check out congratulatory messages from
Howard Dean: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tjEeWm5cIuE
& Bob Herbert: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ix_Xyt8ub8

Toast the past 5 years of Drinking Liberally
& dream of what the next 5 years may hold
for a more progressive America.

THE 5th ANNIVERSARY PARTY
Tonight - Thurs, May 29th - 7:30pm onward
Rudy's - 9th btw 44th & 45th
Questions: nyc@drinkingliberally.org

Find - or start - a chapter near you.

Raising a Glass from Coast-to-Coast

While DL may have begun in New York, that's not the only place celebrating tomorrow night. Here's a partial list of chapters hosting 5th Anniversary parties around the country.

Want to know if your local chapter is hosting one? Contact them directly or sign up for your local list.

New York
Rudy's - 9th Ave btw 44th & 45th
7:30pm onward - 1st drink on us.
Special guests, bloggers, electeds & YOU

Cincinnati, Dayton, and Northern Kentucky
Fries Cafe, on 3247 Jefferson Avenue in Clifton
(current home of Cincinnati DL District 1)
Partying on the upstairs patio starting at 7:00.
Live music, BBQ food, special themed drinks
and many local candidates

Los Angeles
Thursday, May 29, 7p.m. - whenever
Nocturnal, 2101 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica
corner of Grant, just south of Pico, on the east side of Lincoln
street parking

Lawrence, Kansas
Come join us pool side on Friday, May 30th at 6:30 pm
for a very casual cocktail party
to celebrate Drinking Liberally's Fifth Anniversary.
We'll have something to munch on and beer and margaritas,
but you should feel free to bring your own drinks too
(plastic or aluminum please since we're poolside).
Also, if you want to bring an appetizer that's great.
We'll heat the pool to a comfortable temperature,
so feel free to bring your swimsuits if you're so inclined.
Bring your music and instruments if you like. Children are welcome!
They'll love to swim.
contact lawrence (at) drinkingliberally (dot) com for details!

Hanover, NH
Thursday, May 29th, 2008 from 7-9 P.M.
Jesse's Restaurant, Route 120, Hanover
(near Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center)

Brandon, FL
7pm at Old Chicago in Brandon.

Ft. Worth
Buffalo Bros. Pizza Wings & Subs
3015 S University Dr. at 6:30 pm.

Pasadena
NEXT TUES, June 3rd, 7:30-10ish
Madeleines Wine Bar
1030 E Green St., Pasadena (between Wilson and Catalina)

Howard Dean Wishes Us a Happy 5th Birthday

The good Doctor-turned-Governor-turned-DNC-Chair had kind words as we approach our 5th anniversary and 50 state goal...hey, it was inspired by his 50 State Strategy! Just call it our "50 Bar Strategy"...

Drinking Liberally For Five Years

On May 29th, 2003, a few friends gathered in the backyard of a dive bar in Hell's Kitchen. Five years later, Drinking Liberally has grown to nearly 250 chapters in almost every state; it has expanded to Laughing Liberally comedy shows, Eating Liberally meals, Screening Liberally films; these activities and more have become Living Liberally, a national movement to create social communities around progressive politics.

Candidates come to create buzz for their campaigns. Advocates come to recruit. Bloggers come to meet face-to-face. Newcomers find a friendly first step into progressive politics and veteran volunteers find a way to avoid burnout.

This is a phenomenon in conservative areas as well as liberal oases, in small towns and big cities, among progressives of all ages. Now, approaching our 5th Anniversary, we're committed to continuing our expansion until everyone can Live Liberally and locally wherever they are.