Coffee Party USA: Difference between revisions
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The '''Coffee Party USA''' is a [[grassroots]] [[political movement]] that was initially formed in January, 2010, as an alternative to the [[Tea Party movement]], and has since grown into an increasingly diverse organization.<ref>[http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/sep/25/grab-a-coffee-mug-this-is-no-tea-party-convention/ Grab a Coffee Mug, This is no Tea Party] ''[[Associated Press]]''; September 24, 2010.</ref><ref name="csmonitor.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2010/0313/Coffee-party-movement-Not-far-from-the-tea-party-message |title='Coffee party' movement: Not far from the 'tea party' message? |publisher=''[[The Christian Science Monitor]]'' |date=2010-03-13 |accessdate=2010-11-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Tacopino|first=Joe|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2010/03/13/2010-03-13_new_coffee_party_movement_takes_the_tea_party.html |title=The Coffee Party kicks off movement to take on the Tea Party |publisher=''[[NY Daily News]]'' |date=2010-03-13 |accessdate=2010-11-02 |location=New York}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.cnn.com/2010-03-13/politics/coffee.party_1_tea-party-health-care-political-process?_s=PM:POLITICS |title=Coffee vs. Tea: A political movement is brewing |publisher=''[[CNN]]'' |date=2010-03-13 |accessdate=2010-11-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Condon |first=Stephanie |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20000354-503544.html |title=Is the "Coffee Party" the Next Big Thing? |publisher=CBS News |date=2010-03-12 |accessdate=2010-11-02}}</ref><ref>[http://www.kentucky.com/2010/08/15/1393049/tom-eblen-coffee-party-prepares.html Tom Eblen: Coffee Party prepares for national convention in Louisville] ''Lexington Herald-Leader''; August 15, 2010</ref> |
The '''Coffee Party USA''' is a [[grassroots]] [[political movement]] that was initially formed in January, 2010, as an alternative to the [[Tea Party movement]], and has since grown into an increasingly diverse organization.<ref>[http://www2.tbo.com/content/2010/sep/25/grab-a-coffee-mug-this-is-no-tea-party-convention/ Grab a Coffee Mug, This is no Tea Party] ''[[Associated Press]]''; September 24, 2010.</ref><ref name="csmonitor.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2010/0313/Coffee-party-movement-Not-far-from-the-tea-party-message |title='Coffee party' movement: Not far from the 'tea party' message? |publisher=''[[The Christian Science Monitor]]'' |date=2010-03-13 |accessdate=2010-11-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Tacopino|first=Joe|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2010/03/13/2010-03-13_new_coffee_party_movement_takes_the_tea_party.html |title=The Coffee Party kicks off movement to take on the Tea Party |publisher=''[[NY Daily News]]'' |date=2010-03-13 |accessdate=2010-11-02 |location=New York}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.cnn.com/2010-03-13/politics/coffee.party_1_tea-party-health-care-political-process?_s=PM:POLITICS |title=Coffee vs. Tea: A political movement is brewing |publisher=''[[CNN]]'' |date=2010-03-13 |accessdate=2010-11-02}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last=Condon |first=Stephanie |url=http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20000354-503544.html |title=Is the "Coffee Party" the Next Big Thing? |publisher=CBS News |date=2010-03-12 |accessdate=2010-11-02}}</ref><ref>[http://www.kentucky.com/2010/08/15/1393049/tom-eblen-coffee-party-prepares.html Tom Eblen: Coffee Party prepares for national convention in Louisville] ''Lexington Herald-Leader''; August 15, 2010</ref> |
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⚫ | The Coffee Party USA officially identifies itself as a [[501(c)(4)]] social benefit organization. The organization's mission states that it is based on the underlying principle that the government is "not the enemy of the people, but the expression of our collective will, and that we must participate in the democratic process in order to address the challenges we face as Americans." Its slogan is "Wake Up and Stand Up."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/02/us/politics/02coffee.html|title=Coffee Party, With a Taste for Civic Participation, Is Added to the Political Menu|publisher=New York Times|date=March 3, 2010|first=Kate|last=Zernike|accessdate=April 30, 2010}}</ref> |
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⚫ | |||
==History== |
==History== |
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===Origins=== |
===Origins and development=== |
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The Coffee Party USA was established on January 26, 2010, on the social networking site [[Facebook]]. It was founded by documentary filmmakers and political activists [[Annabel Park]] and [[Eric Byler]].<ref name=AP-chat>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2010/02/26/DI2010022602928.html|title=Coffee Party movement: Alternative to tea|publisher=The Washington Post|date=February 26, 2010|first=Annabel|last=Park|accessdate=April 30, 2010}}</ref><ref>[http://www.9500liberty.com/filmmakers.html 9500 Liberty] The Filmmakers.</ref> After becoming increasingly frustrated with the incivility and obstructionism in political discourse, and the media narrative that the Tea Party represented America, Park posted a rant on her Facebook page. Numerous positive responses from friends prompted her to start a "Join the Coffee Party Movement" fan page.<ref name="C-J Coffee Party convention">[http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20100923/NEWS0106/309230066/1008/NEWS01/Coffee+Party++a+Tea+Party+alternative++to+meet+in+Louisville Coffee Party: a Tea Party Alternative to Meet in Louisville] Courier-Journal; August 25, 2010.</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/25/AR2010022505517.html|title=Coffee Party activists say their civic brew's a tastier choice than Tea Party's|publisher=The Washington Post|date=February 25, 2010|first=Dan|last=Zak|accessdate=April 30, 2010}}</ref> |
The Coffee Party USA was established on January 26, 2010, on the social networking site [[Facebook]]. It was founded by documentary filmmakers and political activists [[Annabel Park]] and [[Eric Byler]].<ref name=AP-chat>{{cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2010/02/26/DI2010022602928.html|title=Coffee Party movement: Alternative to tea|publisher=The Washington Post|date=February 26, 2010|first=Annabel|last=Park|accessdate=April 30, 2010}}</ref><ref>[http://www.9500liberty.com/filmmakers.html 9500 Liberty] The Filmmakers.</ref> After becoming increasingly frustrated with the incivility and obstructionism in political discourse, and the media narrative that the Tea Party represented America, Park posted a rant on her Facebook page. Numerous positive responses from friends prompted her to start a "Join the Coffee Party Movement" fan page.<ref name="C-J Coffee Party convention">[http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20100923/NEWS0106/309230066/1008/NEWS01/Coffee+Party++a+Tea+Party+alternative++to+meet+in+Louisville Coffee Party: a Tea Party Alternative to Meet in Louisville] Courier-Journal; August 25, 2010.</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/02/25/AR2010022505517.html|title=Coffee Party activists say their civic brew's a tastier choice than Tea Party's|publisher=The Washington Post|date=February 25, 2010|first=Dan|last=Zak|accessdate=April 30, 2010}}</ref> |
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{{quote|A key difference is in our emphasis on the democratic process, on respectful and civil engagement with one another and with our elected officials. In the current climate, too many Americans are afraid to participate, and find the process itself too alienating, because it is dominated by people with extreme opinions and extreme tactics. It's hard to speak up when others in the room are screaming. So in the end, we may want some of the same things, but we [are] hoping our journey getting there will be very different.<ref name=AP-chat/>}} |
{{quote|A key difference is in our emphasis on the democratic process, on respectful and civil engagement with one another and with our elected officials. In the current climate, too many Americans are afraid to participate, and find the process itself too alienating, because it is dominated by people with extreme opinions and extreme tactics. It's hard to speak up when others in the room are screaming. So in the end, we may want some of the same things, but we [are] hoping our journey getting there will be very different.<ref name=AP-chat/>}} |
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After collecting input from the first round of national gatherings, the Coffee Party outlined three initial steps to promote [[participatory democracy]]. "The first step is creating a public space for open and civil dialogue. The second step is collective deliberation, considering facts and values to arrive at a decision. The third step is working toward implementing the decision."<ref>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/discussion/2010/02/26/DI2010022602928.html Coffee Party movement: Alternative to Tea] ''The Washington Post''; February 26, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/03/12/coffee.party.people/index.html Meet the people who are percolating in the Coffee Party] ''CNN''; March 13, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/03/18/park.coffee.party/ Why I Started Coffee Party USA] ''CNN''; March 18, 2010.</ref> Local Coffee Party groups are not yet legally affiliated or authorized to raise funds under the Coffee Party USA name. <ref>[http://www.coffeepartyusa.com/donate Donations]; Coffee Party USA</ref> |
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In March 2011, the organization announced the dissolution of its interim board, and the establishment of a larger Transition Team charged with creating an organizational infrastructure and a permanent Board."<ref>[http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0311/The_Coffee_Party_and_its_discontents.html The Coffee Party and its discontents]; ''[[Politico (newspaper)|Politico]]''; March 26, 2011</ref> |
In March 2011, the organization announced the dissolution of its interim board, and the establishment of a larger Transition Team charged with creating an organizational infrastructure and a permanent Board."<ref>[http://www.politico.com/blogs/bensmith/0311/The_Coffee_Party_and_its_discontents.html The Coffee Party and its discontents]; ''[[Politico (newspaper)|Politico]]''; March 26, 2011</ref> |
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===Reception=== |
===Reception=== |
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The Coffee Party has been referred to by the media as "more academic and [[centrist]] than some of its members had hoped for but nevertheless, it is a timely and welcome development of a more intellectual form of political activism";<ref>[http://www.denverpost.com/guestcommentary/ci_15623710 The Coffee Party's first six months]; The Denver Post; July 29, 2010</ref> "a latte-sipping, liberal reaction to the populist conservative Tea Party movement";<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/us-politics/8088024/US-midterms-Coffee-Party-emerges-to-take-on-the-Tea-Party.html | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | first=Alex | last=Spillius | title=US midterms: Coffee Party emerges to take on the Tea Party | date=October 26, 2010}}</ref> "left-leaning";<ref>[http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/sanity-rally-fans-want-701586.html ‘Sanity' rally fans want to show other side of America];Atlanta Journal-Constitution; October 29, 2010</ref> a group that "welcomes everyone and embraces diversity -- ethnic, geographical and even political diversity";<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20000354-503544.html Is the "Coffee Party" the Next Big Thing?]; CBS News; March 12, 2010</ref> and "a liberal-esque and pro-Obama answer to the conservative tea party movement" with meetings that are "visibly more diverse than the average tea party gathering."<ref>[http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2010/0313/Coffee-party-movement-Not-far-from-the-tea-party-message Coffee Party Movement Not Far from the Tea Party Message]; Christian Science Monitor; March 13, 2010</ref> |
The Coffee Party has been referred to by the media as "more academic and [[centrist]] than some of its members had hoped for but nevertheless, it is a timely and welcome development of a more intellectual form of political activism";<ref>[http://www.denverpost.com/guestcommentary/ci_15623710 The Coffee Party's first six months]; The Denver Post; July 29, 2010</ref> "a latte-sipping, liberal reaction to the populist conservative Tea Party movement";<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/usa/us-politics/8088024/US-midterms-Coffee-Party-emerges-to-take-on-the-Tea-Party.html | location=London | work=The Daily Telegraph | first=Alex | last=Spillius | title=US midterms: Coffee Party emerges to take on the Tea Party | date=October 26, 2010}}</ref> "left-leaning";<ref>[http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/sanity-rally-fans-want-701586.html ‘Sanity' rally fans want to show other side of America];Atlanta Journal-Constitution; October 29, 2010</ref> a group that "welcomes everyone and embraces diversity -- ethnic, geographical and even political diversity";<ref>[http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-503544_162-20000354-503544.html Is the "Coffee Party" the Next Big Thing?]; CBS News; March 12, 2010</ref> and "a liberal-esque and pro-Obama answer to the conservative tea party movement" with meetings that are "visibly more diverse than the average tea party gathering."<ref>[http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/Politics/2010/0313/Coffee-party-movement-Not-far-from-the-tea-party-message Coffee Party Movement Not Far from the Tea Party Message]; Christian Science Monitor; March 13, 2010</ref> |
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Coffee Party spokesman Camron Moore, a self-identified [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]], said the movement is neither [[Modern liberalism in the United States|liberal]] nor [[Conservatism in the United States|conservative]], and even Tea Partiers are welcomed to crash their party.<ref>[http://dailycaller.com/2010/03/11/coffee-party-says-tea-partiers-are-welcome-to-crash-their-shindig-not-so-much-vice-versa/ Coffee Party says Tea Partiers are welcome to crash their shindig – not so much vice versa]; The Daily Caller; March 11, 2010</ref> The Coffee Party addresses the issue directly, stating "Coffee Party USA is not liberal, centrist, progressive, or conservative |
Coffee Party spokesman Camron Moore, a self-identified [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]], said the movement is neither [[Modern liberalism in the United States|liberal]] nor [[Conservatism in the United States|conservative]], and even Tea Partiers are welcomed to crash their party.<ref>[http://dailycaller.com/2010/03/11/coffee-party-says-tea-partiers-are-welcome-to-crash-their-shindig-not-so-much-vice-versa/ Coffee Party says Tea Partiers are welcome to crash their shindig – not so much vice versa]; The Daily Caller; March 11, 2010</ref> The Coffee Party addresses the issue directly, stating "Coffee Party USA is not liberal, centrist, progressive, or conservative."<ref>[http://www.coffeepartyusa.com/content/faq-coffee-party-usa-liberal-centrist-progressive-or-conservative Is the Coffee Party USA liberal, centrist, progressive or conservative?]; Coffee Party USA FAQ; March 16, 2010</ref> |
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== Political positions == |
== Political positions == |
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{{quote|Yes, we are non-partisan, but being non-partisan does not mean we will not take positions. It means that Coffee Party members will arrive at positions based on principles and facts; not based on party affiliation and ideology. —CoffeePartyUSA.com<ref>[http://www.coffeepartyusa.com/content/about-us About Us]; Coffee Party USA Website</ref>}} |
{{quote|Yes, we are non-partisan, but being non-partisan does not mean we will not take positions. It means that Coffee Party members will arrive at positions based on principles and facts; not based on party affiliation and ideology. —CoffeePartyUSA.com<ref>[http://www.coffeepartyusa.com/content/about-us About Us]; Coffee Party USA Website</ref>}} |
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⚫ | The Coffee Party USA officially identifies itself as a [[501(c)(4)]] social benefit organization.{{fact}} The organization's mission states that it is based on the underlying principle that the government is "not the enemy of the people, but the expression of our collective will, and that we must participate in the democratic process in order to address the challenges we face as Americans." Its slogan is "Wake Up and Stand Up."<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/02/us/politics/02coffee.html|title=Coffee Party, With a Taste for Civic Participation, Is Added to the Political Menu|publisher=New York Times|date=March 3, 2010|first=Kate|last=Zernike|accessdate=April 30, 2010}}</ref> |
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After holding a National Coffee Summit and several votes and polls utilizing internet technology, the Coffee Party determined that the overwhelming concern of its members was money in politics, with "95 percent of members voting for a specific course of action, based on support for the [[Clean Elections#Supporters|Fair Elections Now Act]], the [[DISCLOSE Act]], the [[Shareholder Protection Act]] and a constitutional amendment to reverse [[corporate personhood]]." As of July, 2011, the Coffee Party's stated advocacy goals included "reinstituting campaign finance laws, reforming the tax code and restoring Wall St. oversight."<ref>[http://www.coffeepartyusa.com/ Coffee Party | Wake Up and Stand Up<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
After holding a National Coffee Summit and several votes and polls utilizing internet technology, the Coffee Party determined that the overwhelming concern of its members was money in politics, with "95 percent of members voting for a specific course of action, based on support for the [[Clean Elections#Supporters|Fair Elections Now Act]], the [[DISCLOSE Act]], the [[Shareholder Protection Act]] and a constitutional amendment to reverse [[corporate personhood]]." As of July, 2011, the Coffee Party's stated advocacy goals included "reinstituting campaign finance laws, reforming the tax code and restoring Wall St. oversight."<ref>[http://www.coffeepartyusa.com/ Coffee Party | Wake Up and Stand Up<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
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==Events== |
==Events== |
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===National Coffee House day=== |
===National Coffee House day=== |
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The Coffee Party held its initial National Coffee House day event on March 13, 2010. Some 370 events took place across the US and the world, including Tokyo and Jakarta |
The Coffee Party held its initial National Coffee House day event on March 13, 2010. Some 370 events took place across the US and the world, including Tokyo and Jakarta.<ref name="csmonitor.com"/><ref name=AP-chat/> |
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===National Coffee Summit=== |
===National Coffee Summit=== |
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On March 27, 2010, approximately 500 Coffee Party meetings took place across the United States. Coffee Party co-founder [[Annabel Park]] participated in one of the meetings, which was covered by [[C-SPAN]] |
On March 27, 2010, approximately 500 Coffee Party meetings took place across the United States. Coffee Party co-founder [[Annabel Park]] participated in one of the meetings, which was covered by [[C-SPAN]].<ref>[http://www.newsweek.com/id/236856 The Coffee Party Heats Up] ''Newsweek''; April 22, 2010.</ref> |
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===Coffee Party Convention=== |
===Coffee Party Convention=== |
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The First Annual Coffee Party Convention was held at the [[Galt House]] Hotel in [[Louisville, Kentucky]] from September 24 to 26, 2010. Some 350 chapter leaders and organizers met to hone their message before heading across the country in an effort to get people involved in what it |
The First Annual Coffee Party Convention was held at the [[Galt House]] Hotel in [[Louisville, Kentucky]] from September 24 to 26, 2010. Some 350 chapter leaders and organizers met to hone their message before heading across the country in an effort to get people involved in what it considered a responsible way.<ref name="C-J Coffee Party convention"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.coffeepartyusa.com/content/coffee-party-convention-louisville-ky-september |title=Coffee Party Convention in Louisville, KY in September! |publisher=coffeepartyusa.com |date= |accessdate=2010-11-02}}</ref><ref>[http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/09/24/1841050/grab-a-coffee-mug-this-is-no-tea.html Grab a Coffee Mug, This is no Tea Party] ''Associated Press''; September 24, 2010.</ref><ref name=CJ100925>[http://www.courier-journal.com/article/20100925/NEWS01/309250121/1008/Coffee+party+urges+voters+to+get+involved+at+Louisville+convention Coffee party urges voters to get involved at Louisville convention], ''[[The Courier-Journal]]''; September 25, 2010.</ref><ref>Coffee Party USA. [http://www.coffeepartyusa.com/content/convention-builds-relationships-momentum-coffee-party Convention Builds Relationships, Momentum for Coffee Party] September 28, 2010.</ref> |
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Featured events included a "[[Convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution|Mock Constitutional Convention]]" co-chaired by Republican communication strategist for Bush and McCain, [[Mark McKinnon]], and Harvard Law School Professor [[Lawrence Lessig]]; ''Across the Political Divide: A Transpartisan Dialogue'' with [[Joseph McCormick (political activist)|Joseph McCormick]] and a roundtable with journalist Linda Killian of [[U.S. News and World Report]] on the question, "What Can We Do for Our Country?" There were also scheduled workshops and panel discussions including members of both major political parties, chairwoman Amy Kremer of the [[Tea Party Express]] and co-founder Annabel Park of the Coffee Party.<ref name=CJ100925/><ref>[http://staugustine.com/living/community/2010-09-29/local-delegate-attends-coffee-party-event Local Delegate Attends Coffee Party Event] ''St. Augustine Record''; September 29, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.wfpl.org/2010/09/22/first-ever-coffee-party-convention-is-in-louisville-this-weekend/ First Ever Coffee Party Convention is in Louisville] WFPL News; September 22, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.coffeepartyusa.com/content/coffee-party-convention-be-streamed-live-starting-fri-sept-24 Coffee Party Convention to be Streamed Live] Coffee Party USA; September 22, 2010.</ref> |
Featured events included a "[[Convention to propose amendments to the United States Constitution|Mock Constitutional Convention]]" co-chaired by Republican communication strategist for Bush and McCain, [[Mark McKinnon]], and Harvard Law School Professor [[Lawrence Lessig]]; ''Across the Political Divide: A Transpartisan Dialogue'' with [[Joseph McCormick (political activist)|Joseph McCormick]] and a roundtable with journalist Linda Killian of [[U.S. News and World Report]] on the question, "What Can We Do for Our Country?" There were also scheduled workshops and panel discussions including members of both major political parties, chairwoman Amy Kremer of the [[Tea Party Express]] and co-founder Annabel Park of the Coffee Party.<ref name=CJ100925/><ref>[http://staugustine.com/living/community/2010-09-29/local-delegate-attends-coffee-party-event Local Delegate Attends Coffee Party Event] ''St. Augustine Record''; September 29, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.wfpl.org/2010/09/22/first-ever-coffee-party-convention-is-in-louisville-this-weekend/ First Ever Coffee Party Convention is in Louisville] WFPL News; September 22, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.coffeepartyusa.com/content/coffee-party-convention-be-streamed-live-starting-fri-sept-24 Coffee Party Convention to be Streamed Live] Coffee Party USA; September 22, 2010.</ref> |
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Revision as of 20:52, 3 August 2011
File:CoffeeParty.jpg | |
Formation | January 26, 2010 |
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Region served | United States |
Website | CoffeePartyUSA.com |
The Coffee Party USA is a grassroots political movement that was initially formed in January, 2010, as an alternative to the Tea Party movement, and has since grown into an increasingly diverse organization.[1][2][3][4][5][6]
History
Origins and development
The Coffee Party USA was established on January 26, 2010, on the social networking site Facebook. It was founded by documentary filmmakers and political activists Annabel Park and Eric Byler.[7][8] After becoming increasingly frustrated with the incivility and obstructionism in political discourse, and the media narrative that the Tea Party represented America, Park posted a rant on her Facebook page. Numerous positive responses from friends prompted her to start a "Join the Coffee Party Movement" fan page.[9][10]
The group rapidly grew to over 155,000 Facebook fans in size from word of mouth and social networking in under six weeks. Newsweek noted the Facebook membership had surpassed 200,000 by April, and every status update receives about a million views.[11][12][13] Contrasting the Coffee Party with the Tea Party, Park noted:
A key difference is in our emphasis on the democratic process, on respectful and civil engagement with one another and with our elected officials. In the current climate, too many Americans are afraid to participate, and find the process itself too alienating, because it is dominated by people with extreme opinions and extreme tactics. It's hard to speak up when others in the room are screaming. So in the end, we may want some of the same things, but we [are] hoping our journey getting there will be very different.[7]
The organization's first National Coffee Party Day was held on March 13, 2010.[14]
In March 2011, the organization announced the dissolution of its interim board, and the establishment of a larger Transition Team charged with creating an organizational infrastructure and a permanent Board."[15]
Reception
The Coffee Party has been referred to by the media as "more academic and centrist than some of its members had hoped for but nevertheless, it is a timely and welcome development of a more intellectual form of political activism";[16] "a latte-sipping, liberal reaction to the populist conservative Tea Party movement";[17] "left-leaning";[18] a group that "welcomes everyone and embraces diversity -- ethnic, geographical and even political diversity";[19] and "a liberal-esque and pro-Obama answer to the conservative tea party movement" with meetings that are "visibly more diverse than the average tea party gathering."[20]
Coffee Party spokesman Camron Moore, a self-identified Republican, said the movement is neither liberal nor conservative, and even Tea Partiers are welcomed to crash their party.[21] The Coffee Party addresses the issue directly, stating "Coffee Party USA is not liberal, centrist, progressive, or conservative."[22]
Political positions
Yes, we are non-partisan, but being non-partisan does not mean we will not take positions. It means that Coffee Party members will arrive at positions based on principles and facts; not based on party affiliation and ideology. —CoffeePartyUSA.com[23]
The Coffee Party USA officially identifies itself as a 501(c)(4) social benefit organization.[citation needed] The organization's mission states that it is based on the underlying principle that the government is "not the enemy of the people, but the expression of our collective will, and that we must participate in the democratic process in order to address the challenges we face as Americans." Its slogan is "Wake Up and Stand Up."[24]
After holding a National Coffee Summit and several votes and polls utilizing internet technology, the Coffee Party determined that the overwhelming concern of its members was money in politics, with "95 percent of members voting for a specific course of action, based on support for the Fair Elections Now Act, the DISCLOSE Act, the Shareholder Protection Act and a constitutional amendment to reverse corporate personhood." As of July, 2011, the Coffee Party's stated advocacy goals included "reinstituting campaign finance laws, reforming the tax code and restoring Wall St. oversight."[25]
Additional areas of concern involved issues of environment, clean energy and immigration reform.[26]
Events
National Coffee House day
The Coffee Party held its initial National Coffee House day event on March 13, 2010. Some 370 events took place across the US and the world, including Tokyo and Jakarta.[2][7]
National Coffee Summit
On March 27, 2010, approximately 500 Coffee Party meetings took place across the United States. Coffee Party co-founder Annabel Park participated in one of the meetings, which was covered by C-SPAN.[27]
Coffee Party Convention
The First Annual Coffee Party Convention was held at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky from September 24 to 26, 2010. Some 350 chapter leaders and organizers met to hone their message before heading across the country in an effort to get people involved in what it considered a responsible way.[9][28][29][30][31] Featured events included a "Mock Constitutional Convention" co-chaired by Republican communication strategist for Bush and McCain, Mark McKinnon, and Harvard Law School Professor Lawrence Lessig; Across the Political Divide: A Transpartisan Dialogue with Joseph McCormick and a roundtable with journalist Linda Killian of U.S. News and World Report on the question, "What Can We Do for Our Country?" There were also scheduled workshops and panel discussions including members of both major political parties, chairwoman Amy Kremer of the Tea Party Express and co-founder Annabel Park of the Coffee Party.[30][32][33][34]
References
- ^ Grab a Coffee Mug, This is no Tea Party Associated Press; September 24, 2010.
- ^ a b "'Coffee party' movement: Not far from the 'tea party' message?". The Christian Science Monitor. 2010-03-13. Retrieved 2010-11-02.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ Tacopino, Joe (2010-03-13). "The Coffee Party kicks off movement to take on the Tea Party". New York: NY Daily News. Retrieved 2010-11-02.
{{cite news}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ "Coffee vs. Tea: A political movement is brewing". CNN. 2010-03-13. Retrieved 2010-11-02.
{{cite news}}
: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=
(help) - ^ Condon, Stephanie (2010-03-12). "Is the "Coffee Party" the Next Big Thing?". CBS News. Retrieved 2010-11-02.
- ^ Tom Eblen: Coffee Party prepares for national convention in Louisville Lexington Herald-Leader; August 15, 2010
- ^ a b c Park, Annabel (February 26, 2010). "Coffee Party movement: Alternative to tea". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 30, 2010.
- ^ 9500 Liberty The Filmmakers.
- ^ a b Coffee Party: a Tea Party Alternative to Meet in Louisville Courier-Journal; August 25, 2010.
- ^ Zak, Dan (February 25, 2010). "Coffee Party activists say their civic brew's a tastier choice than Tea Party's". The Washington Post. Retrieved April 30, 2010.
- ^ Coffee vs Tea: A political movement is brewing CNN.
- ^ The Coffee Party Heats Up Newsweek; May 3, 2010.
- ^ Tea Party, Meet Coffee Party Mother Jones April 16, 2010.
- ^ "Saturday, March 13th is National Coffee Party Day". Coffee Party USA.
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(help) - ^ The Coffee Party and its discontents; Politico; March 26, 2011
- ^ The Coffee Party's first six months; The Denver Post; July 29, 2010
- ^ Spillius, Alex (October 26, 2010). "US midterms: Coffee Party emerges to take on the Tea Party". The Daily Telegraph. London.
- ^ ‘Sanity' rally fans want to show other side of America;Atlanta Journal-Constitution; October 29, 2010
- ^ Is the "Coffee Party" the Next Big Thing?; CBS News; March 12, 2010
- ^ Coffee Party Movement Not Far from the Tea Party Message; Christian Science Monitor; March 13, 2010
- ^ Coffee Party says Tea Partiers are welcome to crash their shindig – not so much vice versa; The Daily Caller; March 11, 2010
- ^ Is the Coffee Party USA liberal, centrist, progressive or conservative?; Coffee Party USA FAQ; March 16, 2010
- ^ About Us; Coffee Party USA Website
- ^ Zernike, Kate (March 3, 2010). "Coffee Party, With a Taste for Civic Participation, Is Added to the Political Menu". New York Times. Retrieved April 30, 2010.
- ^ Coffee Party | Wake Up and Stand Up
- ^ The Coffee Party's First Six Months The Denver Post; July 29, 2010.
- ^ The Coffee Party Heats Up Newsweek; April 22, 2010.
- ^ "Coffee Party Convention in Louisville, KY in September!". coffeepartyusa.com. Retrieved 2010-11-02.
- ^ Grab a Coffee Mug, This is no Tea Party Associated Press; September 24, 2010.
- ^ a b Coffee party urges voters to get involved at Louisville convention, The Courier-Journal; September 25, 2010.
- ^ Coffee Party USA. Convention Builds Relationships, Momentum for Coffee Party September 28, 2010.
- ^ Local Delegate Attends Coffee Party Event St. Augustine Record; September 29, 2010.
- ^ First Ever Coffee Party Convention is in Louisville WFPL News; September 22, 2010.
- ^ Coffee Party Convention to be Streamed Live Coffee Party USA; September 22, 2010.