May 13 email update

In case you missed it, here's the email update that we sent out recently.
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Dear Scholars,

We're excited to have you participate in The Progressive Generation conference on Saturday May, 24 at Cambridge. The response so far has been terrific. We're predicting that there will be about 35 engaged, committed, and progressive scholars in attendance. A really remarkable group.

Additionally, we've lined up some incredible speakers for the event. Shaunna Thomas, the program director for Young People For, will be speaking with us about the ways that we can pursue progressive change once we're back in the states. She will be joined by Matthew Taylor, who was appointed by Tony Blair to head the Number 10 Downing Street Policy Unit for a number of years and who has worked to craft the progressive agenda in Britain at the Institute for Public Policy Research. Additionally, and probably most exciting for those who are following the current presidential race, we're going to have Cassandra Butts flying over from the states to be with us. She is a leading voice at the Center for American Progress and one of Barack Obama's top domestic policy advisors. We are privileged to have thought leaders of such a high caliber coming to speak with us.

The schedule for the day:
- Noon: Conference begins at the Ramsden room at St. Catherine's College. Introductory speeches. [This means that Oxford people will probably want to catch the 8:05 am National Express bus.]
- 1 to 4 pm: Breakout discussions on substantive issues. Lunch.
- 4 to 6:30: Talks from speakers. Question and answer sessions.
- 7:30: Dinner at nearby Indian restaurant
- 9 pm: Head to The Slug and Lettuce, a local pub.

Please read the below carefully and let us know your responses by Friday, May 16 at the latest:
1. One of main aims of the conference is to give scholars the chance to have substantive discussions on important issues that will face our generation. We've chosen three topics: education reform, energy security, and healthcare. We'll be looking at each topic mainly, though not exclusively, from a U.S. perspective. Each attendee will take part in discussions on two of the three issues. Please email us your preferences in order of desired group participation (for example: 1 - healthcare, 2 - education reform, 3 - energy security). We will do our best to honor your preferred groups.

In the days before the conference we will be sending out some brief readings so that everyone is on the same page. Please let us know if you are interested in being a co-facilitator for one of these discussions or if you have any recommendations of great articles.

2. We can offer financial aid for travel to the conference on a case by case basis. If it is a financial burden for you to reach the conference please write an email to theprogressivegeneration@gmail.com explaining your situation and the desired amount of financial support.

3. We have booked several college rooms for the night of the 24th and have amassed a list of Cambridge attendees that are willing to offer a place on their floor. If you want to spend the night on the 24th please let us know and we will arrange accommodation for you. In general, rooms will be about 20 pounds. Floors are free.

All the best,
Kate, Tyler, and Rob