A Rare Chance to Spot OC Progressives

​Quick, how many Orange County progressives can you fit in a phone booth? OK, that's a totally unfair question. There are no such thing as phone booths anymore.

But there are, apparently, people identifying themselves as those Glenn Beck bogeymen. And, these progressives managed to scrape up enough loose change between their rainbow-colored futon cushions to afford housing in Orange County. Who woulda thunk it?

​Indeed, they are so organized that they are holding the first-ever Orange County Progressive Summit, which they vow will become an annual gathering.

First ever, we must ask? Wasn't there some sort of progressive summit very early in the Weekly's evil reign? Seems it was in a backyard out Westminster or Midway City way? Will Swaim, Tim Carpenter and the other usual suspects were there?  No? Not ringing a bell?

That one featured casual speechifying and good vibes. This one is more workshop-oriented, although there will be keynote addresses by Mimi Kennedy, actress and founding board chair of Progressive Democrats of America, and Marjorie Cohn, past president of the National Lawyers Guild.

Here's a breakdown on the workshops:

Morning Session
 
"Attracting the Media to Your Event" Military Families Speak Out"
 
"Now's the Time, Legalize: Marijuana Law Reform 2010"
Cannabis Peace Corps
 
"Building Coalitions and Reaching Across Lines of Difference"
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
 
"Church Chat: Building Coalitions 101"
Progressive Interfaith Alliance OC
 
"Voices Making Change"
Orange County Equality Coalition

Afternoon Session
 
"Fundraising for Change"
Beth Krom Campaign
 
"Social Networking: Building Your Online Presence"
Human Rights Campaign
 
"Grassroots Organizing and Mobiliz­ing Your Base"
Equality California
 
"Spirituality and Activism: Stoking the Fire While Not Getting Burned"
Caroline Colesworthy
 
"Preserving Choice Through Com­passionate Social Action from the Beginning to the End of Life"
Compassion & Choices

 
There will also be 30 booths set up by progressive organizations, and plenty of chances to ogle progressives in their natural element. Go chat 'em up; they won't bite. Much.

The summit runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at St. Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church, 3233 Pacific View Drive, Corona Del Mar. Register online at ocprogressivesummit.org  or pay $15 at the door. Lunch and a light breakfast are included in that cost. Space is limited to 200.

Visit the same site or call (714) 420-4098 for more information.