empowerment does not come from large groups sitting around a table. people have to learn to become empowered, they have to be taugh to speak up. more precisely, it all boils down to people's innate leadership skills. some people are born with those skills, others do not have them, but throughout life people can hone and develop them.

the step up concept is a great idea, but do you think people would step up in front of 70 people for the first time? or would they feel more comfortable stepping up around 5 people?

the whitewash of the meeting was sad, but it was expected. i have never been to a peace movement meeting that actually reflects the demographics of the DC area. I think it boils down to the fact that the people who have time to attend these meetings are also the ones who have the money to support the movement, and sadly that tends to young white professionals and older well to do people.

as for no way to plug in creatively...
did you see how many people went to the Operation Ceasefire breakout session? that looked to be the most creative aspect of the entire mobilization and only a handfull of people decided plug in.