Iowa's Hidden Progressive Treasure: Rapid Response – Iowa

This behind-the-scenes organized grassroots assault on the corporate/GOP media grows bigger and more effective with each passing day.
 
Members of Rapid Response-Iowa, a state chapter of the national letter-writing network that sprang forth during the Dean for America presidential campaign, say they are "taking back the media from corporate control and infusing it with the voice of the people."  

Rapid Response-Iowa has blossomed with new membership and activity, and continues to grow (3,500 members nationally).  Thanks to the tireless diligence and relentless dedication of RR-IA's two state coordinators, Ellen Ballas and Trish Nelson, RR-Iowa has quadrupled its membership from 37 to 150 letter writers and media watchers.  With eagle eyes trained to recognize a biased slant and a well-honed ability to dash off thoughtful, articulate letters to the editor, RR members quickly pounce on misinformation, distortions, and omissions in the media, countering with facts and an alternative point of view.

At the Iowa Democratic Party Hall of Fame Dinner, June 11, 2005,
 are: (left to right) Ellen Ballas, Howard Dean, and Trish Nelson.

And there's more good news:  RR-IA is now poised for action in the "red" part of Iowa, as RR-IA has recently added a third coordinator in the Sioux City area, John Crabtree.  This is an awesome opportunity to get the progressive voice heard in all corners of our state.
 
But that's not all.  The Quad-Cities, continuing their incredible work in getting local progressives organized, is also gearing up to establish Iowa Rapid Response-QC!
 
Rapid Response-IA has also been a leader in the efforts to fight the media conglomerate, Sinclair Broadcasting.  RR was active in the October, 2004, Sinclair Broadcasting advertiser protest and was instrumental in establishing the media reform group, Iowans for Better Local TV (IBLTV).  
 
RR disseminates information of local, state and national interest to progressives on a daily basis.  Any member of Rapid Response can submit action alert items.  On the RR discussion list, members help each other to write editorials, post articles, and discuss issues.  Many members with busy lifestyles refer to RR as their "lifeline."
 
So, there is no need for any progressive in Iowa to feel isolated!  Join RR and stay connected.  It's not just about elections anymore; with an active network, progressives now have the means to stay on top of things between election cycles.
 
RR-Iowa's goal is to have Rapid Responders in all 99 counties!  If you would like to be a part of this great network, go to www.rapidresponsenetwork.org.

You can help with media reform in Iowa - Join these groups!

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    Contact:   Iowans for Better Local TV  (IBLTV)