posted by Jeff Blodgett
As progressives, we love to recycle. But when it comes to creating change, the dominant wisdom used to be downright wasteful. In the past, year after year, election cycle after election cycle and advocacy campaign after advocacy campaign, we were taught to remake ourselves and our plans every two years, in the process throwing away all the infrastructure, leadership, and power we've built along the way.
In 2009, we threw away that old paradigm. That's why I'm so excited to show you the Wellstone Action 2009 Annual Report. Building off of an historic election, unprecedented rates of voter participation, and partisan majorities in Congress, our movement set about pivoting that momentum into a plan for lasting power for social change.
Click here to view our interactive online Annual Report!
It was a rocky year, but it proved that politics is not about predictions - it's about what we do. There were times in 2009 when our movement struggled to move an agenda for change, hold elected officials accountable, and win elections and policy victories.
We are at a critical juncture, and the future success of the progressive movement depends on our ability to more deftly build lasting power so that we can effectively create and move progressive public policy, mobilize voters, elect truly representative leaders, and empower communities to organize for change.
In 2009, we learned that we need more of our own champions, and we need our allies to be accountable. We need to start getting concrete about what has to happen in 2010, 2011, and 2012 so we reach our goals and agenda in 2013. We need a realistic assessment of where we are now, and a clear view of the bigger picture on why we haven't been winning - we need to build great progressive political power.
Over the next three years the progressive movement will move cyclically from policy advancement into the electoral season, back into advocacy and once again into another electoral season.
So we fight hard today, while building lasting power for tomorrow. Let's get to work!
Posted on July 27, 2010 - 11:31am by Jeff Blodgett
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COMMENTS
Voters Alert!
Effective advocacy, good education and successful organizing certainly can lead to elect truly representative leaders. If we are serious about winning, building great progressive political power, voters need to and must learn how to identify the best and the most genuine so we can elect them. Once they are elected, we ought to value, appreciate , protect and reward them for their lasting quality work. This is my way of building lasting power for tomorrow. It is a lot of work but workable without a doubt!
My Promise
I promise that my monthly contributions to Wellstone Action will continue for years to come. However, as soon as Minnesotans elect a new governor, who hopefully generates the necessary revenue as promised for our state and puts money into areas where it belongs, only then will we be able to prosper. You have my assurance that I will further share my "common wealth" by increasing the monthly contributions every year with no delay or interruption!
Don't Forget To Vote In The Primary Today!
I have decided: I believe Mark Dayton will be the best to win in November election and I am voting for him today. Would you please join me? Go for it Minnesotans!
I think
Once they are elected, we ought to value, appreciate , protect and reward them for their lasting quality work Compaq 350221-001 AC Adapter(Output: DC19V 6.3A;Power: 120W).
Dare to ask thoughtful and wise questions
Voters in our community scratch their heads and want to know what have lead us to a deficit of six billion dollars in our state. In general, people are tired of the same old, same old. People want change and November election is just around the corner!
Support Mark Dayton!
Where is the Wellstone alliance when we need them? Mark Dayton has a fight on his hands. Paul would be outgoing in support of Mark, helping with his much needed charisma. Where is the alliance? Please get it together and help us win this critical election!!!
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