What we’re about
Anyone who is liberal minded and thinks progressively is welcome to our Meet Up. We have members weigh in from all around the country like NY, KY, PA, IL, NV, FL and elsewhere. We often have lively discussions about what we Democrats can do to win the 2026 elections, how to get out the vote, how to survive President Trump's tenure, and other topics of interest.
We have our meetings via Zoom every Saturday from 10am to noon PST.
If you're interested in joining us, please text or email me, Debby Bright at 760.205.5000 mobile or liberals.progressives@gmail.com. Please provide your full preferred name and email address.
More information:
Debby Bright
liberals.progressives@gmail.com
[debby@debbybright.com](mailto:debby@debbybright.com)
760.205.5000 mobile
Please consider donating to decrease the MeetUp and Zoom costs.
Venmo: @Debby-Bright #0777
PayPal: debby@debbybright.com
MORE FACTS ABOUT OUR LIBERALS & PROGRESSIVES GROUP
· We started the group in 2017 where we had in-person meetings at my home in Oceanside CA (North San Diego County).
· Then in 2020 the pandemic hit and we migrated to the Zoom platform. We still have a few in-person meetings but we’re staying primarily on Zoom because we have so many members who are from different states (FL, IL, KY, AZ, NY, NV, PA, etc.).
· I prepare an Agenda weekly that includes a summary about various articles I’ve curated during the previous week. We usually, although not always, use the Agenda as a springboard for our discussions.
· We spend a lot of time trying to figure out how to be more active and effective in getting out the vote (GOTV). During the pandemic, for the 2020 election, we wrote 3,500 letters to low propensity voters through Vote Forward. For 2022 midterms we wrote 500 postcards to encourage people to vote.
· We’ve had our local Congressman, Mike Levin, appear at one of our Zoom meetings to explain what projects he’s working on.
· Often members make presentations who have specific areas of interest (for example, dealing with the issue of Palestinians and Israelis in the Middle East; how Russia may have invaded Ukraine for its titanium; what we should know about income taxes, etc.).
· We have about 330 registered members through Meetup.org, however mostly 18-23 regularly show up on Zoom. New people are joining all the time, and that is helpful. During their first meeting, we ask new people to introduce themselves, tell us what their political proclivities are, where they’re from, and what brought them to the group.
· Our views fluctuate from very progressive to quite moderate and everything in between. We’re open to everyone’s views so long as they’re delivered respectfully.
Here are some testimonials from active members of the group:
LIBERALS & PROGRESSIVES TESTIMONIALS
“The group is intellectually stimulating. What I appreciate is the camaraderie with those who share my views but also that I’m challenged by divergent viewpoints. Some of the participants have direct experiences in subject areas that are unfamiliar to me, so I learn something new. I find the content of the meetings and the accompanying news articles provocative. It’s really quite a gift!”
Pamela W.
“I have attended most of the group’s meetings over the past 3 years (perhaps longer) and have enjoyed meeting people who wanted to talk about political issues. I enjoyed learning from others when we met face-to-face. Since Covid struck in 2020 we have met only via Zoom, which offers for wider participation without the personal contact. We have a very diverse group of persons that come from a range of ages, geographic locations, and who report a wide range of life experiences. I have especially learned from people in different ethnic groups. I look forward to continuing our meetings.”
Patrick B.
“I don’t participate in the online meetings yet I always enjoyed the in-person meetings. I like hearing intelligent conversations with other Democrats who share my beliefs in equality for all.”
Eva K.
“I like the group a lot. It provides not only intellectually stimulating conversation but good suggestions on how to be politically active. In addition, the group provides support for those of us disheartened by Trump, his policies and his supporters.”
Ed S.
“Debby, you do a great job of organizing the meet up. From what I can tell you are open to having members participate not only in the conversation but brining information about their passions and interests. People are responsive, polite, and interested.
I appreciate the way you let me ask questions. You are welcoming and kind. Thank you for letting me be a participant.”
Sue A.
“This Zoom platform moderated by Ms. Debby Bright (a very apt description….) provides, for the most part, a stimulating exchange of political, socio-economic, cultural, and liberal views and analyses of current events.”
Ted V.
“This group is a shining example of how political discussions are supposed to be conducted. Although most attendees identify as liberal progressives, this is a WIDE range of overall views depending on the topic. Whether it be recent news articles or topic specific presentations, there is always a wide range of thoughts expressed by members for all to consider. In addition, members of the group are very conscious of allowing everyone a chance to speak. I think we would be in a much better place if more spaces were created such as this one.”
Jason B.
LIBERAL PROGRESSIVE DEMOCRATS
“This meeting of liberal progressive democrats has been a very, very useful activity for me. I am very concerned with the current domestic and global political scene. This discussion group is a perfect community to voice one’s ideas and exchange viewpoints, particularly in this presidential election year. This online gathering carries a sense of concern and urgency about political events, which fits exactly with my preoccupations and interests.
Another strength of the group is that there are frequent expert presentations as well as lots of input from participants. I have learned a lot regarding governmental policies, historical events, profiles of political actors, and more. Our agenda includes focused discussions, excellent analyses, and lively discussions on timely topics and current events.
We have folks not only from Southern California but throughout the country, including myself in New York City. I have met very nice people/participants who over time have built a community. I've always felt welcome, even when we had divergent views on the items on the table.
I would be remiss to not praise the meeting organizer, Debby Bright, who is an excellent host, a talented group leader, and a community builder who is diligent about keeping us all linked in. Debby has a knack for bringing in discussion leaders to cover exactly what we need to be looking at and relevant to the political moment.
A good moderator, she keeps our always lively discussions on track. Also, she is unfailingly of good cheer, very welcoming, and concerned with making this a space that's inclusive and friendly, where you can express yourself freely, and open to new voices. She always sends out reminders which is very helpful considering the barrage of media one must deal with. I wholeheartedly endorse this online meeting space.”
Andres Mares Muro
“ I joined because I was interested in finding like-minded people regarding politics. It's a great group of people with interesting points of view on a myriad of topics. I've met and conversed with people from all over the country via the Zoom platform. Debby (moderator) does a great job of making everyone feel welcome and keeping the conversation flowing. The weekly agenda she creates is full of interesting information that always expands our conversations. I've enjoyed participating in this group and meeting everyone.”
Denise D.
