Chesterton Tribune

 

 

NWI Progresstival July 23 to promote local civic engagement

Back To Front Page

 

“The region’s first Progresstival (Progressive Festival) will be held on Sunday, July 23, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., at Zao Island Mini-Golf and Event Center in Valparaiso, Indiana. The Northwest Indiana Progresstival is envisioned as a joint community-building and networking event where any and all progressively-minded groups can come together for celebrating the new wave of political activism, raising awareness about a particular cause, and building a shared platform for collective action. This mini-golf course will be turned into a progressive playground

A range of grassroots organizations and nonprofits will be on hand to engage the public on who they are, what their group is about, and how ordinary citizens can get involved. Groups sponsoring tables at the Northwest Indiana Progresstival include: Progressives in Action Northwest Indiana (Progresstival Facilitator); Civic Engagement Boot Camp; Valparaiso Democratic Committee; NWI Indiana Green Party; NWI Showing Up for Racial Justice; 350IN-Calumet; NWI Supporting Women; Hoosier Women On the March; NWI National Organization of Women; First Unitarian Church of Hobart, Indiana Faith in Action Group; CoThrive Timebank; Michigan City Social Justice Group; Planned Parenthood Advocates of Indiana and Kentucky. These groups, among others, will be sharing information within the event center and along the greens. Group promotion table is at no cost. Groups have until July 19 to register.

This event is not in support of any particular party; any party that identifies with progressive causes is welcome.

'We wanted to create a fun and family-oriented festival for progressive groups and the community-at-large to connect,” said PIANWI organizer Tina Rongers. “Easy access. No formal meetings. No commitments. Letting people know what all is going on in the progressive community while they play miniature golf or walk around.” she said.

“We're also hosting a Meet and Mingle in the event center where anyone can chat with community leaders and volunteers,” added fellow organizer Kate Sanders. “It's all very casual and welcoming.”

“PIANWI came to life organically, as just a small group of people around a table who wanted to unite community members and transform the political landscape,” said Rongers. “The Progresstival will harness the local energy of many groups and create the space for cross-pollinating efforts through collaboration.”

According to Sanders, “Many organizations have been working on progressive issues for years, and newer groups like ours are joining these efforts to create positive change. The Progresstival is a way to bring together experienced hands, new faces, and curious community members to see who we are and what we all do.”

Northwest Indiana Progresstival Schedule

Doors Open at 2 p.m. 2:30 p.m.--5 Minutes at the Mic for Group Leaders. 3:30 p.m.--Community Conversation on Collective Action. 4:45 p.m.--Wrap Up. General Admittance is free. Unlimited Miniature Golf is $10 per ticket. Everyone is welcome to attend the Meet and Mingle in the Event Center at no charge. Tickets will be available at the door or in advance on www.progressivesinactionnwi.org/progresstival.

RSVP and/or receive the latest news, updates and group links regarding the Northwest Indiana Progresstival on Facebook, at www.facebook.com/progresstival/.

Visit www.progressivesinactionnwi.org to purchase tickets or sign up a group to participate. The mission of Progressives in Action NWI is to advocate for civil, human, and environmental rights by engaging with our elected officials and uniting community members with the goal of transforming the political landscape.

 

Posted 7/17/2017

 

 
 
 
 

 

 

Search This Site:

Custom Search