What is Gettysburg DFA?

Gettysburg Area DFA is an inclusive community committed to the progressive values underlying our democracy - equal opportunity and social justice; personal liberty; protection of our natural environment; fiscal responsibility; access for all to good health care and education; and peace and security through international cooperation and diplomacy.

What does Gettysburg DFA do?

We work to promote citizen ownership of our democracy by mobilizing grassroots participation in the political process. We support progressive issues through education, fundraising, community organizing, and citizen lobbying at the local, state and national levels. Gettysburg Area DFA seeks to elect progressive candidates and hold our elected officials accountable to all constituents.

How is Gettysburg DFA getting there?

Our priorities for 2008 and 2009 include:

1. Single Payer Health Care in PA as a model for Universal Coverage nationwide

2. Curbing Global Climate Change - Saving our Planet

3. Ending the War in Iraq and Preserving the Peace

How do I get involved?

1. Check out our events calendar for upcoming meetings.

2. Subscribe to our quarterly newsletter.

3. Attend the monthly meeting of our steering committee.

4. Join one of our task forces.

5. Hosting a house party showing of the program "Sick around the World."

6. Get involved in citizen lobbying.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday, March 3rd at 7:00 p.m. - Meetup discussion: "Affordable Health Coverage for All Pennsylvanians: Closer than We Think?”

With apparent gridlock in Washington and health insurance premiums rising dramatically almost everywhere, what are the prospects now for Pennsylvanians without health care coverage or at risk for losing what they have? On Wednesday, March 3, Gettysburg Area Democracy for America will host a panel discussion on Affordable Health Coverage for All Pennsylvanians: Closer than We Think? in Room 206 of Valentine Hall at the Lutheran Seminary in Gettysburg. The program begins at 7:00 PM, and the public is invited to attend.

Panelists for the evening include Dr. Dwight Michael, a Gettysburg family physician and advocate for health care reform; and Chuck Pennacchio, Executive Director of Health Care for All PA. Their focus will be on the Family and Business Health Care Security Act of 2009, a bill offering comprehensive health coverage to all Pennsylvanians. The act (HB 1160, SB 400) is currently co-sponsored by thirty-five state house members (31 Democrats and 4 Republicans) and eleven members of the senate and has been endorsed by numerous state and local groups.

“I’m involved in reform because the current system is just not working,” said Michael, a lifelong Republican who has practiced medicine in Gettysburg for over twenty-five years. “I have become increasingly frustrated with the private insurance industry’s interference with the care of my patients. With this reform we can provide affordable, high quality care to all Pennsylvanians while lowering costs for individuals and employers.”

Pennacchio, as director of a state-wide effort, has been reaching out for several years to what he calls “conscience” Republicans and Democrats along with political independents to build a coalition for meaningful reform. “We can do this!” he commented recently. “Good people everywhere are waking up. We’re really much closer than we think.”

Check our Events Calendar for more!