In two weeks, progressives from across Minnesota will gather in St. Paul for a day and a half of panels, trainings, networking opportunities and keynotes--all in an effort to strategize and organize around progressive change.

Netroots Minnesota will be the premier kickoff to the critical conversations progressives will be having as we approach 2010, and today, Denise Cardinal, ABM's Executive Director announced a forum for Netroots Minnesota attendees to start the conversation with the candidates running for governor.

The Minnesota 2010 gubernatorial race will be one of the most-watched in the nation.

What should the race be about? How can a progressive win? What role will the Netroots play in the campaign?

These vital questions will be answered by some of the gubernatorial candidates themselves at Netroots Minnesota.

On Friday evening, November 20, DFL candidates for governor will join us at Netroots Minnesota to take questions directly from you. Get all the details and register at:

http://allianceminnesota.org/NetrootsForum

During a discussion moderated by Star Tribune writer Lori Sturdevant, the candidates will be asked questions solicited online via Twitter (using the hashtag #nmn09gov), Facebook, email, and in person.

This forum, sponsored by Alliance for a Better Minnesota Action Fund, is going to be one of the most interactive and engaging forums for the candidates to date -- be sure to register for Netroots Minnesota to get a front-row seat at this must-see-for-yourself political event.

We just released an updated conference agenda this morning, so take a minute to check out the sessions we have on tap and click here to reserve your spot at Netroots Minnesota.

If you read Denise's email on Monday and asked yourself what a "netroot" was and why you'd want more than one -- don't worry. When I went to my first Netroots Nation two years ago, I didn't know what to expect.

I quickly learned that "the Netroots" referred to a community of progressives committed to discussing important issues and using technology to empower regular people to influence the public debate. From blogging to texting and tweeting, the Netroots is helping the progressive movement adapt to our new media reality.

That's why I'm so excited that Netroots Nation is holding a regional conference here in St. Paul on November 20-21. Netroots Minnesota will offer panels, keynotes, training sessions, and networking opportunities for progressives to come together to exchange ideas.

The full agenda hasn't been set, but check out some of what's taking shape:

• Our New Reality - Why Social Media is Key to Building a Progressive Movement
• Read My Lips: We Need Fair Taxes: How Progressives Can Save the Budget
• Point, Shoot, Post: Why Online Video Matters & How to Do It
• Impact Journalism: Bringing together bloggers and advocacy organizations to further progressive change

I hope you'll join us at Netroots Minnesota -- it's going to be awesome. If you haven't already, you can click here to register.