Edward
J. Democracy
24 KELLOGG sTREET
Portland,
ME 04101
207-899-9674
Summary
Leadership
and supervisory experience from years in military, professional, and community
positions. Over 10 years
professional experience in customer service, in addition to 25 years experience
working with diverse groups of people in community organizations. Highly developed skills in research and
analysis, problem-solving, verbal and written communication, teamwork, and
human relations. Extensive
information processing skills including experience with IBM mainframes, IBM
PCs, and MacIntosh, computer programming in several languages, MS-DOS, Windows,
MS Office, MS Publisher, MS Frontpage, InDesign, spreadsheets, word-processing, database
design and management, desktop publishing, website design and publishing, and
video production.
Business
Maine Beacon Communications Portland,
Maine
Self-employed 1998
- present
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Perform
a wide variety of tasks including audio/visual technical assistance, newsletter
production and distribution, bulk mailings, video production, websites, press
releases, media relations, public relations, referendum campaign management,
etc..
Military
US Navy USS
California (CGN-36)
Supervisor
(E-5) 1998
– 2001 (inactive
reserve)
Supervisor
(E-4) 1996
– 1998 (inactive
reserve)
Supervisor
(E-4) 1994
– 1996 (active
duty)
Seaman
(E-3) 1993
– 1994 (active
duty)
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Supervised
personnel while performing ship's control and navigation, handling mooring
lines, and launching, recovering, and operating small boats.
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Served
as chief assistant to the Officer of the Deck (Operations Manager) who is responsible
for security and operation of ship and crew of 600.
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Served
during 2 Western Pacific Deployments with extensive travel throughout
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Honorably
discharged in October 1996.
Education
BA degree in
Philosophy University
of Southern Maine 1999
www.usm.maine.edu/phi www.usm.maine.edu
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Additional
coursework completed in Computer Science (6 courses), Mathematics (6 courses),
Macroeconomics, Accounting, Public Speaking, Communication, and Peer
Leadership.
Community
Americorps
VISTA Volunteer 2004 - 2005
www.americorps.gov Volunteer 2006 - 2007
Maine
Association of Interdependent Neighborhoods (MAIN)
www.peacebreadjustice.org Member
2001 - Present
Munjoy
Hill Neighborhood Organization Member 2002 –
Present
www.munjoyhill.org Web
Coordinator 2006 - Present
Helping to revitalize
the oldest neighborhood in
Munjoy
Hill Observer Advertising
Director 2007
- Present
www.munjoyhill.org/observer Calendar
Editor 2006
- Present
Columnist 2005
- Present
"CHARTING DEMOCRACY: Navigational Aids
for Sustainable Organizing" (Monthly column)
www.can-so.org/chartingdemocracy
East
End PTO Portland, ME
Member 2004
- Present
Helped to revitalize a
formerly dormant organization at Adams Community School in anticipation of the
new school opening with an influx of children and parents. We have two children currently attending
the East End Community School
and a 4 year old who will be attending soon. We are also providing a strong link
between the school and the neighborhood organization which is a natural
partnership.
Childrens
Healthy Environment Campaign (CHEC)
Project Coordinator 2004
– Present
CHEC is a grassroots, neighbor-2-neighbor,
community health network. It is a project launched by the Portland Tenants
Union. Currently developing organizational capacity, writing grants, developing
partnerships, developing network statewide, etc.. Have received grants from Community
Toolbox, New England Grassroots Environmental Fund, Haymarket Peoples Fund,
Maine Initiatives, and the Tides Foundation. Working with the Environmental Health
Strategy Center and United Somali Women to establish regional network hubs in
Lewiston and Bangor as well as Portland.
Mamas
and Underdogs Deciding Everything (MAUDE) 2003 – Present
Web Coordinator
Portland
Organizing to Win Economic Rights (POWER) 2001 - Present
POWER is a low-income led grassroots
anti-poverty group based in
Portland
Tenants Union
Organizing Committee 2001
– 2002
Treasurer 2002
- Present
Served on organizing
committee which is seeing the PTU through its start-up phase (by-laws, kick-off
event, 1st annual meeting, election of Board of Directors and
Officers, etc.). Personally
designed and published website and promotional brochure. Currently serving as Treasurer. Portland Tenants Union is a united voice
organizing and advocating for the highest standards of affordable housing and
working to balance the power between tenants and landlords. Among the goals of the PTU are: educating tenants and the public on
their rights, lobbying the state
and local government on tenant issues,
facilitating tenant/landlord and tenant/city issues.
Portland
Time Bank 1998 – Present
Where neighbors help neighbors and strangers become friends. Trading
time and talents to rebuild the core economy of family, neighborhood and
community throughout Maine and New England. Joined 1000s of others across
Maine, the US and the world who have become part of the growing international
Time Dollar movement: A movement that values all human beings as equals; honors
human decency, kindness and compassion and encourages love and sharing.
It’s about TIME! Founded by
Edgar Cahn author of “No More Throw Away People”.
Portland Community
Action is a grassroots organization representing citizens and neighborhoods
struggling for power against well-heeled, elitist, development interests at
City Hall.
Served on Board of
Directors of the Portland Taxpayers' Association - a nonprofit corporation
seeking to organize taxpayers, renters, and commuting workers in a nonpartisan
manner to promote fiscal accountability, social and economic equity, and the
general quality of life for all Portland people. We are the largest, broadest-in-scope,
and longest-standing civic organization of our kind in the city of
November
Elections Coalition 1999
– 2000
The November Elections Coalition was a group of organizations and
individuals who initiated a municipal referendum to change
Bayside Neighborhood Association 1999
Served as a
catalyst. Recruited the Center for
Consensual Democracy to consult on by-laws. This shortened the pre-existing calendar
for completion of by-laws by 6 months.
We finished the by-laws by July 1999. Edited and published a neighborhood
newsletter. Secured donation for
printing of first issue (2,000 copies 11x17). Sold 10 business-card advertisements to
defray costs of next issue.
Recruited distribution team and coordinated the distribution of 2,000 copies throughout the neighborhood
and the downtown area. Wrote a
successful grant application for $17,000 for a Bayside Neighborhood Empowerment
Center (included office rent, PT organizer salary, office equipment, etc.).
Center
For Consensual Democracy 1999
- 2000
Worked with the Center
to promote their models and tools for building community. Consensual Democracy is a sustainable,
grassroots approach to civic renewal based on the visions, values and goals of
local citizens. It organizes
community members to work together through nonprofit civic associations that
are independent of local government.
Consensual Democracy is guided by eleven principles. It is financed by
local citizens through earned income and consensual (voluntary) taxes. It welcomes every citizen who wishes to
contribute to a better community.
Consensual Democracy dates from 1948, when CCD board member Lloyd Wells
and a group of businessmen began the process of improving the
Real
Men Of USM 1998-1999
Real Men of USM is a
student group at the
Mainers
For Democracy In
Worked to raise
awareness of the indigenous rights movement in Chiapas, Mexico. Attended rallies in
United
States Navy 1993
– 1996
After having worked for
peace for many years opposing excessive military spending and the military-industrial
complex, was impressed with the military's new role in humanitarian
missions. Read articles in the
progressive media on global cooperation between progressive relief
organizations and the military including daily joint briefings at USCENTCOM (US
Central Command) in
Equal
Protection
Volunteered for campaign
to gain equal rights under the law for gay and lesbian citizens of Lewiston,
Maine. Did database management,
data processing, voter turnout research and analysis, answered phones, made
GOTV phone calls, literature drops, etc..
Peace
Action Maine-Conflict Resolution Project 1992-1993
Was among first group of
volunteers to get this project started.
Served as Scribe preparing minutes of meetings. This group participated in building a
community of alternative dispute resolution volunteers and professionals. We worked with existing groups such as
the Alternatives to Violence Project (AVP) and with schools throughout the
state to do educational programs and build peer mediation programs. Peace Action Maine began as the Nuclear
Freeze campaign in reaction to the Cold War and global nuclear madness. The Conflict Resolution Project is a proactive effort to think globally
and act locally by reducing conflict at the local level hopefully eventually
reducing the overall level of conflict on the global level.
We
The People Of Maine, Inc. 1992
- 1993
Served as acting
Executive Director during start-up phase. The group's purpose was to promote economic democracy,
ecological democracy, safe energy, and political reform; to build community and
to speak truth to power.
Greater
This committee holds events annually to commemorate the birthday and
the accomplishments of Martin Luther King, Jr. and to bring attention to
current challenges in the civil rights struggle. My contributions to date
include fundraising, organizing receptions, and preparation of organizing
documents and applications for recognition as a tax-exempt non-profit
organization by the IRS.
Maine
Mandela Reception Committee 1990
This committee was formed
to welcome Nelson Mandela out of prison and to refocus efforts to end apartheid
in
MPOSA is an educational
and cultural organization which works to educate the people of the state of
USM
Student Senate
1985
- 1987
Served as chair of the
USM Student Senate South African Student Scholarship Committee (1986
– 1988) which was a project of the New England Board of
Higher Education in which USM participated along with Bates, Bowdoin, Colby and
many other universities throughout New England. The program raised money for
black students in
Co-founded this
organization in 1985. The purpose of UMOOSE was to serve as a statewide student
lobbying, research, and advocacy organization for students at all seven
campuses of the
USM
Soviet Delegation Committee 1985
– 1986
As a coalition of
students, faculty, and administrators, we brought a delegation of four Soviet
educators to USM in January 1986 through the Citizens Exchange Council of New
York City and the USA/USSR Friendship Society of the
Co-founded MCOUR with
Donna Purdy. We organized a "Workshop on Undoing Racism," which was
conducted by the Institute for Human Survival and Beyond. The workshop was held
in October of 1985 in
Public
Interest Research Group (PIRG) 1985
Worked for the University of
Southern Maine Chapter of PIRG (see also: www.mainepirgstudents.org ) , an environmental,
consumer information, and advocacy organization, based in Washington, D.C..
While I worked for PIRG I researched and wrote a first draft of a publication
to be entitled, "Citizens Legal Recourse Resource." Due to a lack of
funding, it was never published. However, I was able to produce a week-long,
"Anti-Apartheid Film Series," with funding from PIRG and several
other student groups.
USM
Human Rights Coalition 1984-1988
The Human Rights
Coalition was a student group which sought to draw attention to issues of
racism and human rights. We worked with the Maine Project On Southern Africa to
bring Enoch Duma , an exiled black South African journalist to speak at USM. We
also worked with the Maine Coalition On Undoing Racism, Minority Student
Affairs, Amnesty International, PIRG, UMOOSE, the USM South African Student
Scholarship Fund, and the USM Soviet Delegation Committee.
Media
Portland
Commons
Host 2001
– 2003
Co-Producer 2001
– 2003
Portland Commons: Common Issues for the Common Good was a monthly TV show highlighting social justice issues that affect Portland citizens. Included video segments of common people communicating their personal perspective/experience combined with live in-studio guests investigating root causes, resources for improvement, and practical ideas to create positive social change (www.ctn4maine.org/ch2.htm). The show was produced by a leaderless collaborative team of co-producers who share in topic selection, videography, editing, research, etc..
Board of Advisors 2001
- 2003
Writer 2001
– 2003
Distribution Volunteer 2001
– 2003
Editor, Media Resource
Guide 2002
- 2003
Producer, Maine Commons
TV Show 2002
– 2003
The MEIMC is a
democratic alternative to the corporate media empowering
Portland Public Access Center-Channel 2
Producer April
1999 - Present
Have produced several
shows which have aired on Channel 2.
Serve as a volunteer at the station helping with mailings, classes,
produced a promotional brochure, work with community groups as a volunteer
videographer and producer to help document and publicize events produced by
community groups. Helping to
organize the True Media Group to develop a community of public access producers
interested in doing social activism through the media.
Political (work)
Mainers for Medical Rights Portland,
ME
Assistant
Campaign Manager 1999
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Recruited
over 1000 endorsers from across the state.
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Performed
Office Management, Public Relations, Data Processing.
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Promoted
campaign at fairs, conferences, and directly to businesses.
Mainers for Death with Dignity
Referendum
Petition Circulator 1999
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Collected
over 2000 petition signatures for referendum drive.
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Recruited
other petition circulators and fundraisers.
Political
(Volunteer)
Expanding on their
awesome grassroots organizing and vital legislative and policy work MPA’s
new Housing Committee is gathering housing activists statewide to connect the
grassroots to housing policy decisions.
The Portland Tenants Union is among the first members helping to establish
the Housing Committee.
Maine
Progressive Caucus 2004 - 2007
Member, Board of
Directors
Maine Progressive
Caucus was a grassroots organization within which Maine's progressive community
could magnify the effectiveness of its members in the political arena, both in
terms of issue advocacy and support for progressive candidates and elected
officials. The plan was to
establish a state chapter of Progressive Democrats of America ( www.pdamerica.org ) which remains a worthy
project.
Democratic
State Convention Delegate 1984,86,88,90,92,2000,2002,2004
Elected from Portland in 1984,1986,1990,1992, 2000, 2002, and 2004
and from Eliot in 1988. (Jackson 1984 and 1988) (Brown 1992)(Gore 2000)(Dean
2004)
Cumberland County
Democratic Committee 1984, 86, 90, 92, 2000, 2002
Portland
Democratic City Committee 1984,
86, 90, 92, 2000, 2002, 2004
Democratic National Convention Delegate 1992
Elected at 1992 Maine
Democratic State Convention as a "congressional district - level"
delegate for Jerry Brown.
Tom Andrews for
US Congress
Data
Processing Coordinator 1990-1992
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Coordinated
data-entry operation consisting of 10 microcomputers and a pool of 30 data-entry
volunteers who worked two nights per week for several weeks.
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Designed
and maintained databases of volunteers and contributors.
Jerry Brown for President-Maine
Campaign
Coordinator 1991-1992
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Developed
campaign management team and statewide field organization
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Managed
daily operations, data-entry, office management, fundraising.
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Produced
events, newsletters, and convention plans.
Chair, Subcommittee On Natural
Resources, Agriculture, Energy, And The Environment
Elected as Secretary of the Caucus of County Chairs in April of 1989,
while serving as the York County Chair's Designee, and continued to serve in
that capacity at the request of the Caucus of County Chairs after having been
elected to the DSC. Served on the
Platform & Policy Subcommittee, the Campaigns Subcommittee, and the
Information Management Advisory Committee.
Maine
Rainbow Coalition 1989 - l991
This was a state chapter
of the National Rainbow Coalition - a populist, progressive organization
seeking to promote racial, ethnic, social, and economic justice - advocating
that the only way to achieve justice for all is through a democracy which
enfranchises all people. Served as Vice-Chair for CD1 and a member of the
Executive Committee.
Elected to YCDC at the
Eliot Democratic Caucus in February of 1988. Perfect attendance throughout
tenure. Appointed by Chair, in February 1989, to serve as the York County
Chair's Designee at Democratic State Committee meetings and meetings of the
Maine Caucus of County Chairs. Elected by the YCDC, in April 1989, to the Maine
Democratic State Committee. Elected to represent YCDC on the Convention
Platform Committee of the DSC in November 1989.
Eliot
Democratic Town Committee (EDTC) 1988
– 1990
Elected to serve as
Secretary/Treasurer of the EDTC at the Eliot Democratic Caucus in February of
1988. Elected to serve as Vice-Chair in August of 1988.
Election Clerk, Town Of
Elected Democratic Election
Clerk at the Eliot Democratic Caucus in February of 1988.
Citizens
Of Eliot Recycling Committee (CERC) 1989
Served as Chair of the
Planning Subcommittee which conducted a needs analysis and developed a proposed
recycling program
for the Town of Eliot, Maine. This proposed plan was adopted by the CERC in
November of 1989.
Precinct Warden, City of
Appointed by the City
Clerk to serve as Precinct Warden for Precinct 2-4, Portland.
Jesse
Jackson For President 1984-
General volunteer activities. Designed, produced and distributed
flyers and brochures. Volunteered
for primary day work in New Hampshire. Coordinated my precinct at the caucus.
Won 2 state convention delegates in my precinct out of only 13 bonafide
Excellent
References Provided Upon Request
