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Scholarship Application Public Information

Jim Nichols

Name:	Jim Nichols
Location:	Stockbridge, GA

My personal volunteering highlight:

Every day during the campaign last year I came into work and talked to a coworker about current events and the election. He doesn't vote, he doesn't like Democrats, he thinks Bush screwed up the country, and he's angry.

I tried to get him to register, to no avail. I listened to his concerns and opinions on the issues. I did my best to make connections to his agenda and the progressive agenda.

After the election I asked him if he would help in my efforts to organize locally. I told him about my fundraising goals and asked if he could contribute a few bucks. I got five dollars from a nonvoter that went towards grassroots organizing in my community--i'd like to think my efforts paid off in however small of a way. He still doesn't vote, he still doesn't trust politics, but we still talk politics.

More about my volunteering with DFA:

I have been working on the Stand with Dean campaign, I am on the volunteer advisory board for DFA, and am working to organize local DFA activists in Henry County.

More about my volunteering with progressive organizations:

I am a committee member on the Henry County Democratic Party. I am a precinct captain and also volunteer on the Affirmative Action Committee. I am the vice chair of the 3rd congressional district for the Democratic Party of GA.

I am a volunteer speaker and organizer for the Save Darfur Coaltion as well as Amnesty International.

More about my work on current campaigns and issues:

Stand with Dean

What motivates me:

My best friend Tonja who died from heroin addiction. The last phone call we had, she was in the hospital and was excited about a possible government program that would purchase the psychiatric medications she needed, but could not afford. She never got the treatment she needed, but her memory keeps me working to help others who are in need, whom we have left to fend for themselves.

How I try to motivate others:

Laughing at my own cynicism seems to work--sometimes.

Where I see myself in five years:

Still going strong... and maybe a little less cynical?

My suggested bumper sticker slogan for the Stand with Dr. Dean campaign:

Lets join the Industrizlied World... A Public Option for Health and Prosperity.

Blogging

I run/manage these blogs:
Under the name of Reason

I contribute posts to these blogs:
DFA

Check out my writing sample(s):
http://underthenameofreason.blogspot.com/2009/04/obama-smear-and-real-issues.html
http://underthenameofreason.blogspot.com/2008/12/we-arent-going-to-do-something-between.html

I read these blogs often:
Beat the Press
Grasping Reality with Both Hands

Participation in the blogosphere is important because...

The short and sweet answer to why blogs matter, and why being a blogger is vital in our political process, is that blogs empower. Blogs empower individuals to speak for their interests, their communities, and their agenda. Blogs allow acitivists to network, grow, and share the online commonwealth of progressives who can use different skill sets and interests of activists all over the globe.

A Little Bit About Jim Nichols

My name is Jim Nichols, I am 28 years old and currently live in Stockbridge, GA a suburb of Atlanta, with my wife Deana and our dog Preston. I work at UPS (Teamster!) loading trucks in the early a.m. and go to GA State working on an undergrad in philosophy and political theory.

Why I Deserve a Scholarship to Attend

DFA was how I got involved in party politics. Since attending a DFA training in 2007 I have run the GOTV plan for a state house race, was the campaign manager for a state senate race, and was Chairman of the Henry County Democrats last year. I have lived the DFA experience, and am a passionate supporter of the grassroots agenda. My goal is to help bring in new activists who feel the apathy and frustration I felt before I got invovled with DFA.

As a student, with a part time job, and loans to pay off I don't have all the extra funds that would be needed to take a trip like this. Winning this scholarship would help defray costs so that the cost is manageable on the budget.

Netroots nation will help me learn from, and network with, other activists so that progressives can run winning campaigns-- even in tough red districts like my own 3rd congressional district! Only by expanding our networks, learning to bring in nonvoters, and pushing a progressive agenda to keep elected officials honest will be achieve a new New Deal.

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Voting has closed for this years Netroots Nation Scholarship Competition

Grassroots Supporters

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Supporters: 7

Bob T
Jim worked tirelessly for Democratic candidates here in Georgia in 2008 and is a committed grassroots organizer.
Martin M
A smart man, with the vision and grassroots commitment Henry County needs. I'm proud to support him.
Juan Matute
I have worked with Jim and seen his work in our past struggles in overcoming political adversity. Jim is a dedicated and resour
David Robinson
Jim is a committed progressive, not only speaking with passion but also working diligently to get progressives elected.
Bob S
I have known Jim for 20 years. He is a pragmatic thinker who isn't afraid to question other's opinions as well as his own. A rar
Eric Robertson
Jim is a hard working progressive who sets the bar really high for the rest of us who consider ourselves activists.
David B
Jim is not just a Democrat, not just a progressive, in 2008 we saw over 63 million progressives come out to voice thier support.