Task Forces

Specific Task Forces and/or committees are formed when there is a broad consensus of Gettysburg Area DFA members in favor of an initiative and individuals willing to devote time to the project. Any member may suggest a new initiative during our monthly meeting. Our current active Task Forces are:

Task Force for Energy, Environment, and Sustainability, convened by Peter Boving

Started in 2008 by Peter Boving, this task force has inspired interest in Electric Cars, “Energy Raising” using solar panels for your home, visiting a windmill farm, and many other ventures addressing ways to live sustainably and reduce global climate change. The group meets monthly on the second Wednesday at 6:30 at the Gettysburg Library Community room at 227 W. High Street in Gettysburg. Click here for more information.

Candidate Development, convened by Maggie Abbott-Fowler

Maggie Abbott-Fowler reported that her committee's Action Plan is focused on participating in or attending events to seek likely progressive candidates for local and state offices. She is seeking to get suggestions from anyone, especially other groups who might have within them persons interested in being candidates for public office. This committee is also the liaison between the Vermont DFA Training Academy and Gettysburg DFA for campaign training. This program covers campaign training in voter contact, fundraising, communications, online organizing, and much more.

Community Services Committee, convened by Denise Weldon-Siviy

Denise reported that the goal of the Tuna Collection is to collect 850 cans because there are 850 families served by SCCAP. The committee has other projects under consideration for the future.

Health Care, convened by Will Lane

Ever since we invited the Executive Director of Healthcare for All PA Chuck Pennacchio to speak to our Meetup in 2008, this task force has focused on the possibility of passing Single Payer Health Care in Pennsylvania – a bold proposal that could serve as a model for the nation. The task force was started by Patricia Hammann and brought us to adopting an action plan written by Will Lane, lobbying for PA HB 1660 with spokesperson Dr. Dwight Michael, creating a program for Adams Community Television, and sending a busload of activists to Harrisburg to demonstrate support for the PA Single Payer proposal. To join, contact Will Lane or Elaine Jones.

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!