Liberal activists for a wide array of causes are planning a rally next month to rival the tea parties.

Members of labor unions and civil-rights groups plan to meet at the Lincoln Memorial on October 2 as part of "One Nation Working Together."

Their list of demands includes investment in green jobs, an overhaul of the nation's immigration laws, greater access to health care and education, and an end to racial profiling.

The rally focusing on working class Americans came about several months ago, when the NAACP reached out to other organizations to work on countering the rising tea-party fervor. The liberal groups have argued that their members represent "the true majority voice."

Other groups involved include Service Employees International Union, AFL-CIO, the National Council of La Raza, and Green for All.

Last week, the activists kicked off a series of local events preceding the October rally. They include job fairs, education forums, community town halls, festivals, prayer breakfasts, and news conferences throughout the country.

Though participants aren't expected to show the same level of anger and frustration with Washington that is exhibited at tea parties, NAACP's president said the march is intended to warn Congress.

"We will march on October 2 and we will march again on November 2 into the voting booths," Benjamin Jealous said. "We need and expect decisive leadership to overcome this country's urgent challenges."

-- Ambreen Ali, Congress.org