PHOENIX, AZ -- February 9 -- National leaders of Progressive Democrats of America (PDA), one of the fastest-growing political organizations in America, will join its local chapter organizers for a public forum on February 11-12 at Grace Lutheran Church, 1124 N. 3rd St. PDA's Western Regional Forum is a follow-up to the Counter-Inaugural Summit held in Washington, D.C. last month, which C-SPAN lauded as "The Future of the Democratic Party."

“We The People: Conversations with Progressive Leadership” provides an opportunity for citizens in the western states to meet face-to-face with key leaders in the national Progressive Movement, such as Tim Carpenter, the National Director of PDA, which had its genesis in the critical issues brought to national discourse throughout the Democratic primary election cycle and the 2004 presidential election, including ending the war in Iraq and universal healthcare. Carpenter is excited that “the national PDA organization will join the AZ Progressive Democratic Caucus in expanding the Progressive movement in Arizona and beyond.”

Speakers at the event represent top local and national leadership committed to progressive ideals for government and to the firm belief that the best and most effective government is truly “Of the People, By the People and For the People.” Keynote speakers include award-winning journalist Amy Goodman of the nationally honored radio/TV news program Democracy Now!, activist, educator and former California State Senator Tom Hayden, Medea Benjamin of international peace movements Global Exchange and Code Pink, and Reverend Lennox Yearwood of the Hip-Hop Caucus.

Panelists include Arizona state representatives Ted Downing, Phil Lopes, Ben Miranda, Kyrsten Sinema, Marge Mead (NOW), Rebekah Friend (AFL-CIO), Lezlie Cox (Democracy for America), Dana Kennedy (Alliance for Retired Americans), Ann Yellot (Peace Web International), Amy Kobeta (Planned Parenthood), Brian Lane (former Green Party leadership) and Paul Eppinger (Interfaith Alliance), John Lewis (Intertribal Council of Arizona), and Jarrett Maupin (National Action Network and candidate for Phoenix City Council), as well as representatives from the Arizona Democratic Party.

"Speakers will cover the history of the progressive movement and the challenges and opportunities that it faces today, as well as alliance-building and the relevance of spirituality."

For more information includeing registration information visit http://www.pdamerica.org

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