Drinking Liberally meetings in Oregon and SW Washington for May -- Plus a word from the progressive infrastructure

First, a word to the sponsors of progressive infrastructure -- that would be you:

Living Liberally -- the parent organization of DL -- has changed the landscape of modern politics by building progressive communities in 350 cities around the country (and around the world). They are a real-life counter to the tea party that will be sustainable over the long-term, rather than just a Fox News-generated flash in the pan.

But these are rough financial times, and LL is facing a budget shortfall over the next six months. This is a time that will include the primary and mid-term elections, Wall Street reform and climate change legislation - all crucial reasons to keep progressives united and connected. To operate at full capacity through the midterm elections, we only need 120 members of our community to come through with $50 each -- $6000 total to meet our shortfall.

LL is joining in this fundraising effort with a vital partner in the progressive netroots, Open Left. Open Left has been a progressive media powerhouse for the last three critical years in our movement. Just as Living Liberally has changed the landscape of modern politics by building a network of aggressive activists, Open Left has done so through efforts like getting every 2008 Senate Democratic challenger to come out in support of net neutrality.

With both organizations facing a budget shortfall in the upcoming year, we've partnered to ask that you support the effort to build a progressive counterpoint to the tea parties and Fox News.

Contribute now to support progressive infrastructure like Drinking Liberally and Open Left.


Now, here's the run-down for Drinking Liberally chapters in Oregon and SW Washington this month, starting with Corvallis, which meets tonight. (Click on the chapter's link to join their email list.)

Corvallis: Next meeting: Thursday, May 6th.
Meetings: First Thursday of each Month, 5pm - 7pm at Squirrels, 100 SW 2nd St.

Vancouver: Next meeting: Tuesday, May 11th.
Meetings: Second and fourth Tuesdays, 7pm, at the Back Alley Bar and Grill, 6503 E. Mill Plain Blvd. (West of Andresen, in a strip mall 1/2 block west of Safeway on the south side of Mill Plain. It's deep in the lot.)

Portland Metro-West: Next meeting: Wednesday, May 11th.
Meetings: Second Wednesday of every month, 7:00pm at Ringo's, 12300 SW Broadway St, (just east of Hall Blvd).

Portland: Next meeting: Thursday, May 13.
Meetings: Second and fourth Thursdays of the month, at the Lucky Lab Brew Hall at 19th and NW Quimby, Thursday at 7pm.
Special Event: Weather permitting, we'll be meeting at the outside tables -- bring your dog!

St. Helens Next meeting: Wednesday, May 11th.
Meetings: Second Wednesday of each month, 6:30 pm, at The Village Inn, 535 S. Columbia River Hwy (We have a room off the bar).

Salem: Next meeting: Thursday, May 20th.
Meetings: Third Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm, at Browns Towne Lounge, 189 Liberty St NE # 112 (Old Sportstop next to Read Opera House)

There are over 300 DL chapters around the country; to find the one near you--or to start one in your neighborhood--go here.)

And if you appreciate Living Liberally promoting progressive action through social interaction--including keeping the whole Drinking Liberally network up and running--consider sending them a little love via Tipping Liberally. Or check with your chapter host about becoming a regular pledge donor.

So wherever you are, join the Drinking Liberally gang for drinks and political conversation.

And remember: DL encourages everyone to drink, and vote, responsibly.

(Cross-posted at Loaded Orygun.)