Washington ( CNN ) -- A coalition of liberal and progressive groups , including unions and civil rights activists , rallied in Washington Saturday to press for good jobs , immigration and education reform and to make a show of strength one month out from midterm elections . The `` One Nation Working Together '' rally was held at the Lincoln Memorial , just five weeks after Tea Party enthusiasts met in Washington . NAACP President Ben Jealous told CNN the `` One Nation '' movement is not `` the alternative to the Tea Party , we 're the antidote to the Tea Party . '' Jealous said he welcomes Tea Party members , but takes issue with extremists in the movement who critics say harbor racist views . Still , Jealous says he invited a well-known conservative to speak at Saturday 's rally . He refused to name the person , who did not address the group . It was not immediately clear why . Jealous said the coalition of liberal organizations came together to offer a positive alternative to negative rhetoric , and to demand better education and more economic opportunities . The `` One Nation '' movement , he said , would rather see jobs for 99 percent of Americans instead of tax cuts for one percent of Americans . `` We want America to be something that represents every kind of diversity in this country , '' said Sergio Sanchez , with the Farm Labor Organizing Committee , who attended the rally . `` We 're here because we want to show that we have a presence and that we want America to head in the right direction . '' The rally began with an Interfaith service at 11 a.m . ET . As the service started , crowds were already beginning to thicken at the National Mall near the Lincoln Memorial , where the rally took place . Rally signs range from benign to fiery . They include : `` The Left is What 's Right , '' `` Stop Racism Now , '' We March for Hope Not Hate , '' `` Proud to be a Democrat , '' `` Stand with Obama , '' `` Silence GOP Lies , '' '' No Cuts to Social Security '' and `` Axis of Ignorance - Tea Party , Republicans , Fox News . '' Organizers claim a wide range of supporters , some of whom are already associated with liberal causes -- like union workers , environmentalists , gay activists and student leaders . But `` One Nation '' also claims backing from less obvious quarters -- like senior citizens , veterans and faith leaders . The group 's website sets out a list of basic principles and priorities . These include direct assistance for unemployed workers and assistance for small businesses and local governments trying to hire new workers ; a minimum wage increase ; health care reform ; immigration policy changes ; increased bankruptcy and foreclosure protection ; and more money for education , from kindergarten through college . The rally comes on the heels of another rally by conservatives in August . Commentator Glenn Beck drew Tea Party activists to the Lincoln Memorial for his revival-style rally August 28 . The timing and site of the rally provoked controversy among civil rights activists because it was on the 47th anniversary of the Rev . Martin Luther King Jr. 's `` I Have a Dream '' speech and in the same place . Around noon Saturday , a variety of speakers and performers began to take the stage . The program mixed speeches by activists and orators with music , historical readings , and even video clips . Among those who spoke was the Rev . Al Sharpton , who used the opportunity to urge people to get involved and vote in the next election . `` We 've got to get ready for the midterm exam . We ca n't stop in '08 ! '' he said to roaring applause .
` ` One Nation Working Together '' activists rally at the Lincoln Memorial . NAACP president says it is an ` ` antidote to the Republican Party '' Liberal Party wants more economic opportunities and better education .