PDM’s 2007 Statewide Meeting will be held on Saturday September 8, 9am to 4pm (location TBA).

In the last few years, PDM’s efforts have contributed to many progressive victories, helping to elect Governor Patrick, state legislators, and local government leaders. Unfortunately, anti-government sentiments often seem to dominate public opinion.

To make our Progressive goals a reality, we must reengage the public in a positive debates about public policy that focuses on the kind of state and communities we want to have. This year’s statewide meeting will be devoted to starting and sustaining that new conversation.

Several members of our Statewide Coordinating Committee recently attended a workshop sponsored by One Massachusetts and Public Works: The Demos Center for the Public Sector. Demos has been doing extensive research to identify how to communicate more effectively about government, its purpose, and the many issues we all care about. Their approach is based on identifying enduring values, rather than developing “messages” that might poll well at one point in time.

SCC members who attended the workshop were so impressed that we have asked Demos’ to work with us to prepare our 2007 statewide meeting. So . . . Come, meet your fellow PDM members, share what you’ve been doing, and begin to develop new skills - learn how you can incorporate Demos’ approach in your every-day communications, advocacy and policy work.