Southernmost Drinking Liberally Meets In Key West
Inaugural Meeting September 5, 2013 Photo contributed by Vicki Roush
Raise a glass with like-minded left-leaning friends at the next meet-up of the Southernmost Drinking Liberally chapter at Finnegan’s Wake, 320 Grinnell St, 5-7pm, on Thursday, February 6.
America’s network of progressive drinking clubs has arrived in Key West. Drinking Liberally is an informal, non-programmatic gathering of like-minded left-leaners, and an opportunity to share your ideas while you share a pitcher. You don’t need to be a seasoned activist or policy wonk to join in meeting new friends, reconnecting with old ones, and enjoying a stiff mix of socializing with a dash of politics.
Drinking Liberally as become a fast-growing phenomenon, now offering social space for progressive pint-pourers, wine-quaffers, and cocktail-embibers in over 214 locations across the country and beyond.
Southernmost Drinking Liberally is hosted by Vicki Roush and Will Thompson. Contact hosts at: livingliberally.org/drinking/
Over 200 CHAPTERS MAKE LIBERAL DRINKING CLUB A NATIONAL PHENOMENON (One pint at a time)
Could political change really be brewing up at the bar on your corner?
“Drinking Liberally” clubs are pouring across the country; creating welcoming social spaces around progressive politics and bringing together activists, newcomers and everyone in between…even Governors, Senators and aspirants. One part Moveon.org and one part Tammany, the club brings the energy of online social networks into the face-to-face world of old-style 19th century bar-room politicking.
“What better way to share your ideas than by sharing a pitcher?” asked Justin Krebs, one of the club’s National Co-Directors. “Politics shouldn’t be reserved for rooms with fluorescent lighting – we need it in our everyday lives.” Inebriation isn’t the end goal; engagement is. Organizers see these gatherings as an easy first step toward greater political involvement as Liberal Drinkers learn from each other, trade talking points and form bonds that become political fuel during election season…and keep the community growing in between campaigns.
Drinking Liberally is building those bonds in many places where liberals really need a drink. “Too many people write off ‘red states,’ but our leaders in small towns, the South and traditionally conservative areas are some of our most active. They have to be,” explains National Co-Director Katrina Baker. For over nine years, Drinking Liberally has like-minded, left-leaners a much needed oasis…at the local watering hole, of course.
The organization has moved beyond the bars as well. Living Liberally, the umbrella organization, now runs Laughing Liberally comedy shows, Reading Liberally book clubs, Screening Liberally film series, Eating Liberally meals, Talking Liberally forums and more. Many of these new programs were initiated by local Drinking Liberally clubs and expanded nationally.
The Liberally network now is a regular stump spot for candidates from Minneapolis to Philadelphia, a partner in community service projects from Idaho to Ohio, and a network for touring authors, filmmakers and guest-speakers. New chapters join the map every week, and in the election season these local gatherings will host hundreds of debate and Convention parties, providing destinations for liberals and lurkers alike.
The original chapter continues to meet in the same backyard of the same beer hall, with cheap beer, free hot dogs and lively conversation. Now, the occasional member of Congress stops by as well.
If you’d like more information on Drinking Liberally, visit livingliberally.org/drinking, e-mail [email protected] or call 732-801-5705. The Original New York City Drinking Liberally meets every Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at Rudy¹s, 627 9th Avenue, between 44th and 45th Streets.