FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Third annual gathering of the Netroots to be held July 17-20 in Austin, TX

April 24, 2008—Netroots Nation organizers announced today that the third annual gathering of the Netroots (formerly known as the YearlyKos Convention) will include a series of panels, discussions and workshops highlighting the accomplishments of the Texas progressive community. The convention will be held July 17-20, at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, TX.

Organized by and composed of local activists, the Texas Track will include sessions on topics such as pressuring a state legislature effectively, using blogs as ethical watchdogs and engaging historically disenfranchised communities.

Gina Cooper, executive director of Netroots Nation, says the track is a chance to highlight the importance and impact of local, regional and state-level organizing, particularly in a state where changing attitudes and demographics keep it in the political forefront.

“Texas is a powerful example of what is happening in small pockets across the nation,” Cooper said. “Regular people who are disaffected by politics as usual want change, and they are making it happen—starting in their own communities.”

The 2008 convention will include panels led by national and international experts, including a virtual session held in conjunction with the 2008 Blogher Conference; identity, issue and regional caucuses; prominent political, issue and policy-oriented speakers; and the most concentrated gathering of progressive bloggers to date. Organizers expect to announce more than 100 speakers, panelists, and workshop presenters between now and July.

Netroots Nation rebranded in August of 2007 in an effort to more accurately reflect the makeup of its audience and mission of implementing programs that teach and empower Netroots communities to affect change in the public sphere. The 2007 gathering last August included a Presidential Leadership Forum that drew seven of the eight Democratic candidates.

For more information about Netroots Nation, visit www.netrootsnation.org. Details about the credentialing process are forthcoming.

About NETROOTS NATION
Netroots Nation amplifies progressive voices by providing an online and in-person campus for exchanging ideas and learning how to be more effective in using technology to influence the public debate. Within that campus, we strengthen community, inspire action and serve as an incubator for progressive ideas that challenge the status quo and ultimately affect change in the public sphere.

 Media