Grassroots organization concept

There have been lots of ideas thrown around about activism concepts to take back our country. They all have their merits, but are missing one thing......Education. Most people have lives and don't have the resources to get real information about what their government is doing. I propose building a local group of researchers to gather real news and a distribution network to spread the word. It could operate independently or associated with local political party offices. Beyond issues and actions, there should be training seminars to educate people locally to understand the manipulation and distortion used by the opposition. Camp Wellstone concepts would be good start, but I think we can do more. Once a local network is established and trained, we could use local voter rolls to distribute information about issues and policies that aren't presented in the commercial media. I think that working on a local level we can have a lot more impact than a national organization could ever have. I think when people are talking to their friends and neighbors, they will be more receptive to the ideas discussed.

This is just the start of an idea, but I'd like to get feedback on the concept and ideas on the approach. I plan to follow the idea regardless of the reaction of others here. I would love to think that my idea has some merit and hope that you all feel the same.

How about somewhat directed "current affairs" discussions (nonpartisan) in places like libraries or other suitable free spaces? A chance to bring in copies of some of the kinds of articles we here at DU see all the time but hardly anyone not keenly internet-connected does. A chance to educate people in a non-threatening but stimulating environment, gently, little by little. Etc.

We also have to recognize that it will take a LOT of different approaches, different efforts, etc. No ONE approach or idea or concept will reach everyone.

get on a local radio station. Even if it's only an hour a week. Even if it's just a 1 min filler spot like a PSA. I think most low budget radio stations would welcome local programming if it didn't cost them anything. It would be good to use entertaining approaches that Bartcop, Randi Rhodes, and Jon Stewart use to make the truth entertaining. Most people drift off when real issues are discussed. Find a way to make it important for Joe and Jane Six Pack to care about government.

I agree it has to be nonpartisan. At a rally before the election I spent as much time talking to Bush supporters as Kerry supporters. We all have much more in common than we have differences.
There's no way to bring the country back together if we consider the other side the enemy.