Citizens United v. FEC Anniversary Events Across the Country
Citizens United v. FEC Anniversary Events in Washington, D.C., and Across the Country
Washington, D.C.: For the People Summit
Note:
Follow this link for information on actions for January 21, 2012. This page is about actions that happened in January 2011.
Jan 20: Lobby for the People Day at the U.S Capitol
Join us as we lobby to End Big Money Politics. Click here for details and to sign-up and join a lobbying team.
Jan. 21: Join the “We the Corporations vs. We the People” Rally
The rally starts at 11 a.m. at the U.S. Capitol Area 9, between the Supreme Court and Capitol. Help unveil the “We the Corporations” reworking of the Preamble of the Constitution, with Corporate-Persons signing. Listen to the Corporate-Person Anthem and be ready to sing along. Click here for all the details. Don’t miss this “revolutionary” event!
Jan. 21 – 22: Two-day Organizing Summit
Connect with anti-Corporate Personhood campaigns, trade ideas and hear what works from grassroots organizers. Held at Washington Plaza Hotel at Thomas Circle, in Washington, D.C. Click here to find out more about the schedule, participants and topics.
Events in Washington, D.C., are sponsored and/or endorsed by: Alliance for Democracy, American Independent Business Alliance, Backbone Campaign, Center for Media and Democracy, Changing the Game, Coffee Party USA, Common Cause, Democracy Matters, Democrats.com, Fix Congress First, Move to Amend, PeaceMajority Report, People for the American Way, Progressive Democrats of America, Public Campaign, Public Citizen and the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom.
Events Across the Country
Can’t find an event in your area? Check out www.movementforthepeople.org for more events to see if anyone is planning an event near you, or take the lead on organizing one of your own! For more info or to have your event added to this list, contact Anna White at awhite@citizen.org.
ALABAMA
Birmingham
What: TBD
When: TBD
Where: Birmingham, AL
Contact: Al McCullough, mmc@hiwaay.net or 205-229-0288
ALASKA
Sitka
What: CUvFEC anniversary event
When: 7-9 pm, Friday, January 21
Where: Kettleson Memorial Library, Sitka, Alaska
Contact: Cindy Litman 907-623-3969 or Libby Stortz 907-747-5916
ARIZONA
Flagstaff
What: Flagstaff Citizens United vs Federal Election Commission Rally
When: 1 p.m., Saturday, January 22
Where: Flagstaff City Hall, Route 66 side
Contact: Dennis Jones, piledrivingdude@aol.com, 928-522-4431
More info: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Flagstaff-Citizens-United-vs-Federal-Election-Commission-Rally/145286652192433
Sun City
What: Demonstration Protesting Supreme Court Ruling
When: 4 p.m., Friday, January 21
Where: 99th and Bell, Sun City
Sponsor: Democratic Club of Sun City
Bring: posters
Contact: Carolyn Modeen, 623-972-6273
CALIFORNIA
Berkeley
What: PROTEST the CORPORATE take-over of DEMOCRACY
Help build the Democracy v. Corporatocracy movement on the anniversary of the Supreme Court ruling
Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission that gave corporations even more power to buy elections.
When/Where: Friday, January 21: Noon – Oakland Federal Building; 5 p.m. – Rockridge BART station
Sponsor: Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom East Bay Branch & the BFUU Social Justice Committee
Bring: Signs like:
$4 Billion+spent on 2010 election=Democracy for Sale!
Reclaim Democracy from the Corporatocracy!
Move to Amend: Money is not Speech, a Corporation is not a person!
Overrule the Supreme Court with a 28th Amendment
Human rights for human beings, not to absolve corporations!
End Corporate Rule
Abolish Corporate Personhood
Contact: Phoebe Sorgen, phoebeso@earthlink.net
Los Angeles
In observance of the anniversary of the Citizens United vs. Federal Elections Commission decision Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom presents
A SHORT TEACH-IN ON CORPORATE PERSONHOOD
When: 1- 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 22
Where: The Peace Center, 8124 W. Third St., Los Angeles (just west of Crescent Heights)
For more information, please leave a message at 213-891-4517
Park behind the building • Event is FREE • Bring small snacks to share
Redwood City
What: Anniversary Rally Mourning “Citizens United” (Street Theater commemorating the death of democracy one year ago)
Where: Courthouse Square, 2200 Broadway, Redwood City, CA
When: Friday January 21st, Noon – 1 p.m.
This public funeral for democracy will include citizens dressed as Supreme Court justices, mourners, and corporate executives, with a few Billionaires for Institutionalized Corruption. Mourners will hold signs such as: CORPORATIONS ARE NOT PEOPLE, ABOLISH CORPORATE PERSONHOOD
Sponsors: San Mateo County Fair Elections Working Group; Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, Peninsula Branch
Contact: Nancy Neff, paloalto-info@caclean.org, 650-339-9540
Sacramento
What: Take Back Our Democracy Rally at California State Capitol
When: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Friday, January 21
Where: North Capitol steps, 1100 L St, Sacramento 95814, cross street Capitol Mall
Sponsored by: Take Back Our Democracy and Public Citizen; Participating groups include Common Cause, Calpirg, and others
Contact: Mary Zhu, zbox@dcn.org
Santa Rosa
What: Petitioning at Santa Rosa Farmer’s Market
When: 9 am, Saturday, January 22
Where: Veterans Bldg East Parking Lot, 1351 Maple Avenue, Santa Rosa , CA
Note: (Please email to confirm your participation, since in event of rain we may alter our plans – and meet a little later and at a different venue)
Contact: Phyllis, bplucky2@yahoo.com
Ventura
Stand Up Against “Citizens United” (Meeting)
Meet for an hour on the steps of Ventura City Hall to be public about our opposition to corporations having their now even greater influence in our elections. Bring a folding chair, maybe a blanket, and a candle.
Time: Thursday, January 27, 2011 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM PST
Host: Kristofer Young
Location: Ventura City Hall Steps (Ventura, CA)
501 Poli Street
Ventura, CA 93001
Directions: Come to the Ventura City Hall. We’ll be on the front steps.
COLORADO
Boulder
What: Rally and Speakers (State Senator Ken Gordon; Dan Leftwich, attorney; Rick Case, Boulder MtA)
When: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Friday, January 21
Where: Boulder Municipal Building, 1777 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado. See map: http://mapq.st/fUlqqd
Participating Groups: Colorado Move to Amend, Boulder County Democrats, Boulder Move to Amend, Free Speech for People, Move On
Contact: michael@comovetoamend.org or 303-530-5215
Denver
What: A march and petition drive on the 16th Street Mall in Denver
When: 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m., Friday, January 21
Where: Meet at the south Free Mall Bus stop at Colfax and Cleveland at the bus shelter. We will walk north on the Mall during workers’ lunch hours.
Sponsor: Public Citizen, The Alliance for Democracy, People for the American Way
Contact: Laura Avant, lavant04@comcast.net or 303-316-6748
Info: Please bring signs saying “Corporations are NOT the People” or “Save our democracy from corporate takeover” or “Change the Constitution: Give Power to the People” “Fair and Free Elections, Not Corporate Control” or whatever you suggest. Water and snacks also suggested
Highland Ranch
What: The Question Alliance’s monthly action will feature a question about Citizens United v. FEC. (We stand on a busy street corner in our community with signs asking a specific question. This month: Did you know corporations can spend unlimited $ on “the people’s” elections?)
When: 10-11:30 am, Saturday, January 22
Where: Corner of University and Highlands Ranch Parkway, Highlands Ranch, CO
Bring: Sign with above question (please use same exact wording)
Note: This action will be postponed if the weather is too nasty. And you might want to make sturdy signs. It can get windy!
Sponsor: The Question Alliance
Contact: Jim and Diane Schrack, TheQuestionAlliance@gmail.com
CONNECTICUT:
Stamford
What: Stop Corporations and Foreign Countries from Buying Our Elections!
When: 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Saturday, January 22
Where: Stamford Municipal Center, 888 Washington Blvd, Stamford
Sponsors: Democracy for America-Fairfield County, Common Cause
Contact: Kate Tepper, 203-401-8065
FLORIDA
Orlando
What: TBD
When: TBD
Where: Orlando, FL
Contact: Sandy Webb, slwebbzeit@earthlink.net
Lake Worth
What: Woman looking for a Corporation to marry. Ms Echo Steiner is announcing her search for the perfect spouse and she is looking to marry a corporation. A fun event where a Press conference will explain why she is looking at marriage with a corporation
When: Sat January 22, 2 p.m.
Where: The Little Owl bar, 527 N Dixie Hwy, Lake Worth Florida
Contact: Ms. Suki DeJong 561-352-1108 or Ms. Bonnie Redding 561-762-8191, corporatewedding@gmail.com
Sarasota
For the First Anniversary – RALLY AGAINST CORPORATE RULE
WHO: All concerned citizens
WHERE: Corner of Bahia Vista and Rte 41
(parking available near Starbucks)
1375 Tamiami Trail S., Sarasota, FL 34239
WHEN: Friday, January 21, 2011, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
BRING SIGNS: For example, “ABOLISH CORPORATE PERSONHOOD” or “OVERRULE THE SUPREME COURT WITH A 28TH AMENDMENT”
QUESTIONS? Call or email Kindra at 941-497-1764 or kindramuntz@verizon.net
Stuart
What: Demonstration outside local court house
When: 5 p.m., Friday, January 21
Where: 100 SE Ocean Ave, Stuart, FL 34994
Bring: Signs
Sponsor: Club Change
Contact: Linda Green, lindagreen1000@gmail.com or 772-708-7381
Titusville
What: Open Mic Night (There will be friends with guitars, performances of skits, poetry skills, etc. The three minutes provided will be to make fun of the Supreme Courts ruling for Citizens United. Corporations being declared people is funny! Let’s make fun of it and have fun doing it.)
When: 5 p.m., Saturday, January 22
Where: Caffe Chocolat, 304 S. Washington Ave, Titusville, FL 32796 (parking in rear)
Sponsor: Titusville FL Coffee Party
Contact: Ann Sanchez, snoleppard42@aol.com
HAWAII
Honolulu
What: Rally
When: Friday, January 21
Where: Honolulu, HI
Contact: Michael Gregory, politicalmike@yahoo.com or 808-381-4666
ILLINOIS
Geneva
What: Demonstration (will mark anniversary by observing the death of democracy) When: noon, Saturday, January 22
Where: old Court House, Third Street, Geneva, IL
Sponsor: Fox Valley Citizens for Peace and Justice
Contact: Steve Bruesewitz, 630-254-8683 or SteveBreeze@comcast.net
Joliet (and nearby towns)
What: Caravan of cars, modeled after funeral procession (Death of democracy).
When: Meet at 9 a.m., Saturday, January 22; Caravanto start at 10 a.m. and finish before 2 p.m.
Where: Start in Joliet and drive through Crest Hill, Plainfield, and Lockport
Contact: Lorna Paisley, lpaisley@sbcglobal.net
INDIANA
Clarksville
What: First Anniversary of Citizens United Ruling — Video for YouTube
When: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Friday, January 21
Where: 2211 Pacific Drive, Clarksville, IN 47129
Sponsors: Public Citizen, People For the American Way, MoveOn, Progressive Democrats of America, Greater Community Council
Contact: Linda Mitchell, LindaMitchellCPA@aol.com
Bring: Ideas! You will have a chance to express your opinions on the video. If you have a sign that you would like to show, please bring that, too You can stay for the entire meeting or you can just come just long enough to record what you want to say.
KENTUCKY:
Versailles
What: Chili Supper with State Rep. Carl Rollins, who will give an overview of the legislative session, with particular emphasis on his resolution for a constitutional amendment to eliminate effect of Citizens United v. FEC
When: 6 p.m., Thursday, January 27
Where: Court House, 103 S. Main St, Versailles
Invited: Citizens of Woodford County
Contact: Joy Arnold, joytotheworld1@windstream.net or 859-846-5085
MARYLAND
What: Travel together to DC rally
When: 10 am, Friday, January 21
Where: Meet at Greenbelt Metro Station, next to the SmartTrip machines
Contact: Jessica Sharp spangledangel@gmail.com
Adelphi
What: Free Speech and Fair Elections for the People: A Public ‘Teach-In’ on Democracy Reform and Amending the Constitution
When: 2-4 p.m., Sunday, February 6
Where: Paint Branch Unitarian Universalist Church, 3215 Powder Mill Rd, Adelphi, MD 20783
Speakers: Congresswoman Donna Edwards, State Senator Jamie Raskin, Public Citizen organizer Anna White, Fair and Clean Elections Maryland Co-Director Jessica Sharp
Sponsors: Baltimore Pledge, Chamber of Progress, Democracy for Montgomery County, Fair and Clean Elections Maryland, Generations for Peace and Democracy, Little Friends for Peace, Maryland United for Peace and Justice, Montgomery County Progressive Alliance, Network of Spiritual Progressives (MD Chapter),
Paint Branch Social Action Committee, Peace Action Montgomery, Prince George’s County Peace and Justice Coalition, Progressive Democrates of America (MD Chapter), Public Citizen
Contact: 443-766-0884 or email fairandcleanmd@gmail.com
More Info: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=147289631989036&index=1
MASSACHUSETTS
Williamstown
What: A Public Conversation About Restoring the Dream of Democracy: CITIZENS UNITED V. FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION: CONSEQUENCES FOR THE FIRST AMENDMENT & FAIR ELECTIONS
When: 7:30 pm, Tuesday, February 8
Where: First Congregational Church, 906 Main Street, Williamstown, MA
Public conversation to be led by: John Bonifaz, Legal Director of Voter Action and political activist specializing in constitutional law and voting rights, former candidate for Massachusetts Secretary of State, and co-founder of Free Speech for People
Sponsors: Williams College Political Science Department, First Congregational Church (Williamstown), Williams Students for Social Justice, Williamstown Town Democratic Committee, Lanesboro Town Democratic Committee, Progressive Democrats of America.
Contact: Sam Smith, sam@caretakerfarm.org
MICHIGAN
Royal Oak
What: House Party focused on Citizens United case & reversing it through a constitutional amendment
When: Friday, January 21
Where: Royal Oak, MI
Note: Can accommodate up to 10 participants; call to reserve space and for more info
Contact: Sue Fabian, 248-585-7917
MISSISSIPPI
Gulfport
What: House Party (to discuss political power as an investment-for-profit and what we can do to take back our democracy – Congressional action or amend the Constitution)
When: 7 p.m., Friday, January 21
Where: Harmony Hall, 2514 19th Avenue, Gulfport MS 39501
(North off Pass Road, 1/3 mile East of Hwy 49)
Park across the street or in corner lot.
Contact: Glen, 228-697-5195 or glens@ieee.org
MISSOURI
Fayette
What: Two Downtown Gatherings to talk with people and give out information
When: beginning at 8:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 22
Where: Fayette, MO, one group outside the Commercial Trust Bank and Trust and one outside the post office
Sponsoring Groups: Public Citizen and People for the American Way
Contact: Cheryl Edwards, (660) 248-5035, chahsedwards@hotmail.com
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Peterborough
What: Demonstration
When: 12 – 1 p.m., Friday, January 21
Where: Town House, Peterborough, NH
Bring: A sign (and dress warm!)
Contact: Pat Martin, pmartin2894@yahoo.com
NEW MEXICO
Albuquerque
What: Humorous song and skit, delivery of petition signatures at Senator and Congressman’s offices
When/Where: Morning of Friday, January 21
1) 10:30 am at Senator Udall’s Office in ABQ, 219 Central NW, Suite 210
2) 11:30 am at Congressman Heinrich’s office in ABQ, (New Location) at The Compass Bank Bldg. , 505 Marquette NW, Suite 1605.
Note: These events will include:
* A raging grannie song, “Corporations Are Persons Now”.
* A humorous skit showing the absurdity of corporate personhood.
* A reading of the Petition for a Constitutional Amendment and delivery of signature sheets.*
Contact: Ronnie Roberts, philandronnie@q.com or 505-281-5818
Santa Fe
What: Sign-waving petition drive
When: 11:30 am – 1:30 pm, Friday, Janury 21
Where: Cerrillos and St Francis, Sante Fe, NM
Bring: Signs (or contact organizer if need help)
Contact: Marc Black, jenk88@hotmail.com or 505-982-3928
NEW YORK
New York
What: Citizens Unite Against Citizens United (Step up to the mic and exercise your free speech for 3 minutes using words,
movement, music, or poetry to express your feelings about money in politics or corporate personhood. Or just experience the free speech of others!)
When: 12 – 4 pm, Saturday, January 22
Where: The Tank, 354 West 45th Street (between 8th & 9th Aves.), New York, NY
Sponsor: Big Apple Coffee Party, NYC
Contact: bigapplecoffeeparty@gmail.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=121817134555171
NORTH CAROLINA
Fayetteville
What: “We the Corporations” vs.”We the People ” (Film Screening)
* Morning Film: David v. Monsanto: A farmer has to defend himself against a corporation in the seed industry as it spreads a viper control over living things.
* Afternoon Film: The Case against Coca Cola: Union Activists are assassinated by underlings of the corporate business entities in their country
When: Saturday, January 22
10 a.m. meet for breakfast
10:30 a.m. watch film
1 p.m. possible march to lunch
2 p.m. watch second film
5 p.m. end
Where: East Regional Branch, 4809 Clinton Rd, Fayetteville, NC 28312
Presented by: Cumberland County Progressives and The Triangle Green PartyContact: Marcia Everett, aicram62@yahoo.com
OHIO
Bryan
What: TBD
When: TBD
Where: TBD
Contact: Delores Whitman, whitmanb@williams-net.com
Cleveland
What: 3 events – Banner making party, Bannering on highway bridges, Petitioning
When/Where:
* 6 p.m., Tuesday, January 18: Banner making party: We’ll be constructing several highway banners for our rush hour demonstration. Lots of hands are needed and it’s a great opportunity to get to know other community members in the movement.
* 6:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. to display our banners. We will have enough banners to cover at least 3 bridges. Tens of thousands of Clevelanders will see our action!
* Join us Thursday afternoon, January 20, on Public Square to gather petition signatures and distribute literature.
IMPORTANT: Please RSVP as soon as possible for any of these activities. In order for all things to move smooth, it is helpful that we know who’s coming in advance and are capable of contacting them. This way we can coordinate sites and have proper materials on hand. To RSVP please contact:
Sponsors: Move to Amend Ohio, Cleveland Committee on Corporations, Law, and Democracy
Greg Coleridge – (330) 928-2301, gcoleridge@afsc.org
Peter Schanz- (614) 704-2481, pete_schanz@hotmail.com
OREGON
Eugene
What: Demonstration at Federal Building
When: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m., Friday, January 21
Where: Federal Building, 7th and Pearl, Eugene, OR
Bring: Signs (e.g. “For voter-owned elections,” “Money is NOT free speech,” “We the people, not we the corporations,” “In mourning for democracy: Sacrificed by Big Business” etc Email contact for many more ideas!)
Contact: Karen Stingle, kstingle@efn.org
What: Town Hall forum: Corporate Control and the Citizens United case: Organizing a Democracy Movement in Eugene
When: 6 p.m., Wednesday, January 26
Where: Town Hall, Eugene, OR
Contact: Julien Harrison, democracyeugene@gmail.com, 404-290-2309
More info: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=122376691164671&num_event_invites=0
www.theLiberalShop.com/democracyflyer/townhall01262011.pdf
PENNSYLVANIA
Philadelphia
What: Protect our democracy from the Corrupting Citizens United Decision at Federal Building
When: 9 10:30 am, Friday, 1/21
Where: 4th & Market
Bring signs
Contact: Ari Melman, blindbat2@gmail.com or 856-316-2328
Pittsburgh
We the People Free Speech Open Mic Night
When: Friday, January 21, 7 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Where: Beehive Coffeehouse & Dessertery, 1327 E. Carson St., Pittsburgh, PA
Created By Join the Coffee Party Movement in Pittsburgh
Come and speak your mind, read a poem, or sing a song about how you feel about this issue. This isn’t all politics though. It’s about free speech. It’s all about enjoying our most precious right as American citizens. Freedom of Speech. If you are interested in speaking or performing, please contact coffeepartypa@gmail.com. Speak Out!
Screening and Discussion of Pricele$$
When: Saturday, January 29, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh in Squirrel Hill, 5801 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA
Created By Join the Coffee Party Movement in Pittsburgh
Join us to watch and discuss “Pricele$$”, a documentary film about the cost of too much money in politics and possible solutions to this fundamental problem. This event is free and open to the public.
TEXAS
Austin, TX
What: Lobbying Day, etc.
When: Week of January 17
Where: Austin, TX
Contact: Andy Wilson, awilson@citizen.org or 512-477-1155
Boerne
What: 3 Small House Parties
When: Evening, Friday, January 21
Where: near Boerne, TX 78006
Contact: To be put in contact with hosts, email Anna White (Public Citizen): awhite@citizen.org
Corpus Christi
The Corpus Christi Progressive Populist Caucus will be having a demonstration march to protest Citizens United. All are welcome.
When: Jan.21st, 3pm,
Where: Across from the Federal Court House in Corpus Christi TX
Houston
What: Demonstration in front of Federal Building (We will be displaying our posters and passing out flyers)
When: 2 p.m., Friday, January 21
Where: Rusk and Smith street, downtown Houston
Contact: Sandy Abmayr, vasa2002@swbell.net
UTAH
Salt Lake City
What: Street theater, signs, and petitioning
When: 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Where: Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building, 125 S. State St, Salt Lake City, UT
Contact: Dan Siddoway, dan@blacksuncollective.net or 509-280-5473 (email preferred)
WASHINGTON
Kent
What: Rally in support of a constitutional amendment to restore the integrity of elections
When: 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Friday, January 21
Where: Maleng Regional Justice Center, 401 4th Avenue North, Kent, WA
Bring: A sign, e.g. “MONEY DOES NOT EQUAL VOTES!”, “CORPORATIONS ARE NOT PEOPLE!” etc
Join us! RALLY in support of a constitutional amendment to restore the integrity of elections
Olympia
What: Saying NO to Big Money in Politic$: A Panel Discussion on the First Anniversary of the Citizen’s United Decision
When: Friday, Janury 21
* 6:30- 7 p.m. Coffee and Dessert
* 7-9 p.m. Panel Discussion with audience participation
Where: Olympia Center Room A, 222 Columbia Street SW, Olympia, WA
Sponsors: Move to Amend – Olympia, Washington Public Campaigns, Alliance for Democracy, TC ProNet
Seattle
Update: Local group will attend event in Kent
Spokane
What: Taking Back Our Voice: A Forum on the Future of Campaign Finance Reform
When: 6 – 8 pm, Thursday, January 20
Where: City Hall, Spokane
Sponsors: Non-Partisan League of Spokane, Washington Public Campaigns, John Snyder (Spokane City Councilman)
Contact: Bethany Heath (509-270-2453) or Roseanne Lasater (509-990-6636)
Wisconsin
Wauwatosa
What: Film Priceless being shown at Caribou Coffee
When: 7-8 p.m.
Where: 12455 W. Capitol Dr., Wauwatosa, WI, a suburb of Milwaukee.
Contact Bob Snyder at 414-461-9548 as needed. Or just show up.