DFA Progressive Values group name change to Empathy Cafe.

Written by: Edwin Rutsch on Aug 10, 2009 11:19 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA at Netroots Nation (formerly YearlyKos) July 17-20, Oakland DFA Meetup, Democracy for NYC, Blog For America, Democracy for Texas

Greetings

The DFA What are  Progressive Values? group
has not had much activity for some time. I wanted to let you know I've just
changed the group name to Empathy Cafe. http://democracyforamerica.com/groups/2285-empathy-cafe

 From my work of interviewing people about progressive values I've come to see empathy as a core progressive value. It's also the value that Obama ran on. See this compilation video I made from Obama's speeches on empathy.
http://progressivespirit.com/Empathy/Obama/ObamaOnEmpathy.htm

So with that in mind I've been refocusing my work on supporting Obama's call for standing in each other's shoes.  Below is some of the work we've been doing.  More to come shortly.
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BEEN so buzy -

Written by: darlene matthews on Jul 13, 2009 4:40 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Night School, Democracy for America - Orange County, East Bay DFA, Access Now, Empathy Cafe

I have been so buzy between fighting for help from DOR so i can get current education and experience and  work full time  someday again , and  WORKING ON health care VETS and other  women's  and disability and housing ISSUES and  PROGRAMS... and all the other hot topics ... like the e-letters went off to wdc  and  assembly members this am, that  I  haven't  restarted getting new votes  to promote me!

so here it comes-

Want to be a pen pal so a child can learn good english?

Written by: darlene matthews on May 21, 2009 8:21 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Courage Campaign, Take Back Red California, Empathy Cafe, California for Democracy, Access Now

Obama and the New Spirit of Empathy Group: Updates

Written by: Edwin Rutsch on Feb 27, 2009 12:10 PM EST

Linked to groups: PA for Democracy, blog for America Test and Poll Group, Democracy for New York, DFA-Marin, Take Back Red California

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

The capacity to know emotionally what another is experiencing from within the frame of reference of that other person, the capacity to sample the feelings of another or to put oneself in another’s shoes.   D. M. Berger

Barack Obama is leading a movement based on values and at the core of this is the value of empathy. Barack talks about empathy and the importance of 'standing in other peoples shoes', in many of his speeches (I've collected 50 so far).  Empathy is the most basic value he ran on and he says the country has an 'empathy deficit' that needs to be filled. We are forming an Empathy Values Group to build on Obama's call to address the empathy deficit. 

A sense of similarity in feelings experienced by the self and the other, without confusion between the two individuals.^{Jean Decety}

As part of this empathy movement, we are also putting together a video of his talking about this topic to give it some context and promote this foundational progressive value. Let's help fill the empathy deficit by making people more aware of the topic. This is a collaborative project and we invite you to take part.  See.

Barack Obama and a New Spirit of Empathy (rough cut 1)  (1 hr 15 min)
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6504935098489252112

A Chronological Video of Barack on Empathy - Compiled from about 30 of Barack's speeches and interviews, etc on the topic of empathy. 

Here's a review of the video:  Hi Edwin, It is truly wonderful that you and others have grasped the brass ring of the progressive movement by highlighting the core issue of Empathy. I now see that everything about the rising of Barack Obama and the revolution in America is based on this principle. Thank you, thank you for your effort and the timely reminder to me of what is really important. It's easy to get lost in the dust that is being raised by so many who sincerely want to see change and see it quickly. But it is crucial to remember why we are being called in this time in history to change. You are exactly right, it is Empathy. Warmly, Terri  Jan 28, 2009.
 

Some more Video About Empathy

•  
  •  
    •  
      •  
        •     Nova: Mirror Neurons and Empathy
              A video about Mirror Neurons which could be  the physiological source of empathy.

      •     George Lakoff on Empathy
            Lakoff talks about Obama and empathy.

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Next Empathy Group Meeting Dates
   (online and in person)
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How might we nurture, promote or foster empathy within ourselves, as a group and within the larger culture through a balance of action and reflection?

Attend In Person meetings in the Bay Area. El Cerrito, CA. Meetings are ongoing, every week .
Sign up at:

Saturday, Feb 28, 2009, 2 - 5 pm  
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gpt2lv
At this meeting we'll brainstorm  about projects to work on.

Saturday, Mar 07, 2009, 2-5 pm
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gptyrd

Saturday, Mar 21, 2009, 2-5 pm
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gptyrg

Saturday, April 04, 2009, 2-5 pm
http://my.barackobama.com/page/event/detail/gptyrl

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An affective response that stems from the apprehension or comprehension of another’s emotional state or condition, and that is similar to what the other person is feeling or would be expected to feel.   Nancy Eisenberg

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Resource Links
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Group  Website: Barack Obama and the New Spirit of Empathy
     http://progressivespirit.com/Empathy/

Video: Barack Obama and a New Spirit of Empathy - Rough Cut 1 (1 hr 15 min)
    http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6504935098489252112
    Compiled from about 30 of Barack's speeches and interviews, etc on the topic of empathy.
    It clearly makes the case that the most important value that Obama is promoting is empathy.

Online Discussion Group
     http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ProgressiveValues/
     Take part from anywhere online. We hold ongoing online discussions, brainstorming and meetings.
      Join the project discussion list by sending an email to:
     ProgressiveValues-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
      http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ProgressiveValues/
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Best

Edwin Rutsch

Watch Countdown with Keith Olbermann on the net at http://liberal.democratz.org

Written by: Dennis Baer on Feb 17, 2009 4:04 PM EST

Linked to groups: Parade Brigade Minnesota, The Saint Paul Democracy for America Group, The Original Broward County DFA- DFAB, Democracy for America at Quenchers, Prince George's - Democracy for America

Did you miss last night's episode of Countdown with Keith Olbermann? Does your tv system not have MSNBC? If so then you can watch Countdown with Keith Olbermann on the net at

http://liberal.democratz.org and if you can't get to that web page then go to

http://mysite.verizon.net/vze2pnn4/dmocrats1/id2.html

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Send this letter to congress to end Republiklan filibusters and get needed legislation enacted. http://write2congress.buyblue.biz

Written by: Dennis Baer on Feb 17, 2009 1:19 PM EST

Linked to groups: Essex Freeholder Watch, San Francisco for Democracy, Progressive Healthcare Reform, Democracy For America - Oklahoma City, iilinois federation of college democrats

Send the following letter by fax to Senate Republican minority leader Senator Mitch McConnell. Tell other people to visit this site and have these people to get other people to visit this site.

Go to http://write2congress.buyblue.biz which will have the letter shown below in the text box and the fax information for Senator McConnell. Just enter your name and email in the left hand box and fill in the captcha code and then click on the button that reads send free fax now.


Dear Senator Senator McConnell

I want the following actions taken and legislation enacted into law.

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Obama Empathy Values Movement Meetings and Video Now Online

Written by: Edwin Rutsch on Jan 27, 2009 3:53 PM EST

Linked to groups: DFA-Link Organizers, Democracy for Washington, Oakland DFA Meetup, DFA New Jersey, Democracy for New York

Linked to campaigns: Obama for America

I recently uploaded a video I compiled from about 30 of Barack's speeches and interviews, etc on the topic of empathy. It clearly makes the case that the most important value that Obama is promoting is empathy.  You can see it here;

Barack Obama and a New Spirit of Empathy - Rough Cut 1(1 hr 15 min)

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6504935098489252112

I've also collect about 50 speeches from Barack and Michelle where they talk about empathy. You can see the full list and text here
http://progressivespirit.com/Empathy

Obama Empathy Values Movement Group
Barack Obama led a campaign based on values and at the core of this is the value of empathy.  Obama repeatedly says the country has an 'Empathy Deficit'. We are forming a group to build on Obama's call to address the empathy deficit. We are holding weekly meetings to form a group to promote a  national ethos change to greater empathy.  The weekly meetings are from 2 to 4 in El Cerrito (near Berkeley),  CA.  You can also join us for online discussions on the Yahoo discussion list at  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ProgressiveValues/

At the next meetings we'll brainstorm about how to build the group.

As part of this empathy movement, we're also putting together a video of Barack's many speeches on empathy.  You can see the first rough cut here. Compiled from about 30 of Barack's speeches and interviews, etc on the topic of empathy.
Barack Obama and a New Spirit of Empathy
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6504935098489252112
 

Read more

A message from a four-legged friend.

Written by: Commissioner Richard Renner on Jan 20, 2009 7:28 PM EST

Linked to groups: San Francisco for Democracy, DFA County Committee Project, Democracy for America- Tacoma, Seattle DFA, SWMO Democracy For America

Mitzy is a two year old Brittany Spaniel/Chocolate Lab mix.  She is a wonderful dog who loves to play, especially fetch, and loves to go for rides in the car.  She knows how to sit, shake and heel. 

Mitzy's family loved her very much.  They had her spayed, as all responsible pet-owners should, and took her to the Vet for the least little problem.  Mitzy was a member of the family, and when a member of your family is sick, you take them to the doctor.

However, about six months ago, the father of Mitzy's family lost his job.  The result was so financially devastating that they could no longer afford to care for Mitzy and were forced to surrender her to the Missaukee Humane Society.

Given the exponential descent of our economy, Mitzy's story has become all too common.  But, there is something you can do to help.  Missaukee Humane Society (MHS) is a small shelter in rural northern Michigan, dependent on contributions to continue their mission of mercy.  They are one of the only no-kill animal shelters left in Michigan, and are currently running on a deficit, at full capacity.  Many mornings, the staff arrives to find abandoned pets, left overnight by owners who can no longer afford to feed or care for them.

Right now, MHS is attempting to win a $10,000 prize from Adopt-a-Pet.com.  Please, can you spare 30 seconds of your time to vote for MHS, by clicking on...

http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/70962/?refer=26290.12.1229816824.4762

$10,000 could save literally hundreds of abandoned pets - Pets that give us nothing but unconditional love in exchange for an occasional pat on the head, a squeaky toy to play with, and a couple of bowls filled with food and fresh water.

Because MHS is in a rural, sparsely populated area, they need as many votes as possible from all across the state, and all across the country.  Please vote now at...

http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/70962/?refer=26290.12.1229816824.4762

Time is running out, so please don't wait.  The contest ends January 31, 2009, at 11:59pm.  After you vote, you will have an opportunity to forward information about the contest to as many people as possible so that they can join you in this worthy cause.  Vote, spread the word, be a voice for the voiceless...

http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/70962/?refer=26290.12.1229816824.4762

I thank you, and Mitzy thanks you.

The one absolute, unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world—the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous—is his dog…

 - George Graham Vest, American lawyer and politician, 1830-1904

Can you spare 30 seconds of your time to help save abandoned pets?

Written by: Commissioner Richard Renner on Jan 4, 2009 10:30 PM EST

Linked to groups: San Fernando Valley Grassroots for Democracy, Democracy for America-Greater Milwaukee, Las Vegas Democracy For America, PA18 in 08, Des Moines DFA

As our economic crisis continues to worsen, some of the most vulnerable among us can not speak for themselves - Unwanted and abandoned pets.  Missaukee Humane Society (MHS) is a small shelter in rural Northern Michigan, dependent on contributions to continue their mission of mercy.  MHS is one of the only no-kill animal shelters left in Michigan.  They are currently running on a deficit, and at full capacity.  Many mornings, the staff arrives to find abandoned pets, left overnight by owners who can no longer afford to feed or care for them.

Right now, MHS is attempting to win a $10,000 prize from Adopt-a-Pet.com.  Please, can you spare 30 seconds of your time to vote for MHS, by clicking on...

http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/70962/?refer=26290.12.1229816824.4762

$10,000 could save literally hundreds of abandoned pets - Pets that give us nothing but unconditional love in exchange for an occasional pat on the head, game of fetch, and a couple of bowls filled with food and fresh water.

Because MHS is in a rural, sparsely populated area, they need as many votes as possible from all across the state, and all across the country.  Please vote now at...

http://www.care2.com/animalsheltercontest/70962/?refer=26290.12.1229816824.4762

The one absolute, unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world—the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous—is his dog…a man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground, where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he can be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that had no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wings and reputation falls to pieces he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens. If fortune drives the master forth an outcast in the world, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard against danger, to fight against his enemies. And when the last scene of all comes, and death takes the master in its embrace, and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws, his eyes sad but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death.

 - George Graham Vest, American lawyer and politician, 1830-1904

Happy Thanksgiving from Missaukee County (Michigan) :)

Written by: Commissioner Richard Renner on Nov 26, 2008 7:30 PM EST

Linked to groups: North Baltimore County DFA, South Side DFA Meetup, Democracy for Lancaster, DFA Boston, Democracy for Montana

To all my friends at Democracy for America,

May your Thanksgiving be filled with Love, Faith and Laughter.

Best wishes,

Richard Renner

Missaukee County Commissioner-elect

Membership Chair, Missaukee County Democratic Party

“Strange is our situation here upon earth.  Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to a divine purpose.  From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know:  That we are here for the sake of others...for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy.  Many times a day, I realize how much my outer and inner life is built upon the labors of people, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.”

 - Albert Einstein