Democratic Playgroup parents include organizer Golda Velez, at left, and Andy Stevens, at right. While their parents talk politics, Velez's 21-month-old daughter Ruby and Stevens' 5-month-old daughter Cady have a chance to interact with their own peers.

Mamta Popat / arizona daily star

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Parents who want to add some political zip to outings with their children might consider the new Tucson Democratic Playgroup.

Golda Velez came up with the idea to provide like-minded parents with an outlet for political discussions. Velez, a home-based computer programmer with two children, also hopes the new group can become politically active.

"We'll let the kids play while we can talk about politics and be effective," said Velez, who was the Southern Arizona volunteer coordinator for 2004 presidential candidate John Kerry.

"Parents always chat. Now we can chat with a purpose."

Velez, 36, said that while other play groups she knows of are nonpartisan, parents attending this one would be exposed to ideas and discussions related to the Democratic Party. However, she said, even within those boundaries there will be differing views and that's welcome.

For example, she said, she doesn't label herself a liberal as others might.

"I'm more of a secular humanist than a liberal," she said. "And I might be to the right of some people here on issues like Iraq or abortion."

Allison Lee, an attorney and mother of two who works part time from home, said the group offers a chance to do two important things at once.

"This is a way to multitask and let the kids play and also pick up the scoop on this candidate or that issue," said Lee, 40.

She said that when she meets with other parents whose children attend Tucson Community School, as her older daughter does, discussions often turn to politics.

"We fill each other in. The election is coming and it's 'what have you heard about this proposition or that proposition?' " she said.

Diane Scanzaroli Blackett, a mother of two and part-time physician's assistant, said she is attracted to the idea of being around like-minded parents.

Recent changes in her husband's work means they are not able to be as politically active as before, she said, so she sees this as a new outlet.

Since President Bush took office, Blackett said she has become increasingly uncomfortable with the country's political climate.

"I don't want to feel like we don't have any power," said Blackett, 43.

Velez said meeting with other parents who share similar views will help keep important issues at the forefront.

"I feel really strongly about this. This is for the kids," she said. "This is their future."

Andy Stevens, a home-based massage therapist and father of an infant girl, describes himself as a moderate Democrat. He said he learned about the new play group online.

In some social settings, Stevens, 36, said he finds himself to be the "closet environmentalist" among people with more conservative views.

Like Blackett, he said he looks forward to being with other people with whom he can "speak honestly and not have to worry about getting into a fight about it."