building an open progressive community
DESCRIPTION
On Line Training For Progressive PoliticsTRANSCRIPT
Building an Open ProgressiveCommunity
August 2nd, 2007Paid for by Democracy for America, www.democracyforamerica.com,
and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee.
2 Questions? Email [email protected]
Tonight’s Trainers
Chris Bowerswww.openleft.com
Katrina Bakerwww.cosmopolity.org
Arshad HasanDFA Training Director
3 Questions? Email [email protected]
Objectives for this Session
1) Build a local and active blogosphere
2) Organize offline groups using online tools
3) Engage your local Democratic Party (using 1 & 2)
4 Questions? Email [email protected]
Online and Offline ProgressiveCommunities
What is an “Open Left”?
Online tools:blogs, social
networks,email lists
Democratic Partyactivism
Offline action:DFA groups,
Living Liberally,blogger brunches
5 Questions? Email [email protected]
Benefits of Your Friendly LocalBlogosphere
• All politics is local• Amplifies your message• Builds a ‘buzz’• Open source opposition research• Directs resources to local campaigns
– Money– People
6 Questions? Email [email protected]
Creating a Local BlogosphereGetting Noticed
• Write original content and post often• Be a good news filter• Find a niche and become the expert• Cross-post at other larger blogs• Be easy to find
• Have contact info visible• Google & Yahoo searches• Technorati• LeftyBlogs
7 Questions? Email [email protected]
Creating a Local BlogosphereBuilding Community
• Get together (online & offline)– Create an email list of local bloggers– Have regular caucuses, brunches, etc
• Link to each other• Start a local blogroll• Build a community blog
8 Questions? Email [email protected]
Local Blogs Impact in 2006• Ned Lamont campaign
• Jon Tester for Senate
• Other examples: Virginia, New York,Northern California, New Hampshire
9 Questions? Email [email protected]
Listener Submitted QuestionsGet in on the discussion – The Night School Blog:
www.dfalink.com/nightschool
10 Questions? Email [email protected]
Political Communities• Historical Context
– Community is an effective catalyst for change• Cesar Chavez-United Farm Workers• Lois Gibbs-Love Canal
– Decline of community groups in America-Late 20th Century• Internet redefines community organizing
– Dean Meetups– Emails, listserves, early blogs
• The Next Generation– Social Networking sites--DFA-Link– Living Liberally chapters
11 Questions? Email [email protected]
Taking It OfflineGetting Started
What’s the point?– What is your groups’ purpose– Why should people be interested– For example: Why Drink Liberally?
Just do it– Don’t be afraid of making mistakes– Avoid ‘analysis paralysis’
12 Questions? Email [email protected]
Taking It OfflineBuilding a Community
1) Pick your time and place- Should be open, accessible and fun
2) Recruit, Recruit, Recruit- Be inviting and open to anyone- Low entry barriers = greater participation
3) Be engaging and unique- What sets you apart from other groups?- What is your draw?
13 Questions? Email [email protected]
Taking It OfflineBuilding a Community
4) Open lines of communication- Set up a group blog or email list
5) Ritual and regularity- Avoid rescheduling or moving meetings- What can people expect?- What characterizes your gatherings?
The Silent Revolution• Progressive activists winning seats as
Democratic Party precinct captains,committeepersons or chairs
• Prominent Examples– Kentucky– California– North Carolina– Philadelphia
14 Questions? Email [email protected]
15 Questions? Email [email protected]
Philadelphia, 2005-2007
• Take back your precinct• 200 progressive activists run• Increased Democratic voter turnout by 74%• Help elect progressive mayor
16 Questions? Email [email protected]
Benefits of Party Office
• You’ll make new friends• Precinct captains win primaries• Shape the direction of the party• GOTV!
17 Questions? Email [email protected]
• 80% is just showing up• Know the rules, Follow the rules• Do your job well• Keep an open mind, but be ready to fight• Have fun!
How to do it
18 Questions? Email [email protected]
Dean for DNC Chair
• A 50 state strategy• Online buzz• Offline actions• Grassroots activists swamped
local DNC meetings
19 Questions? Email [email protected]
Listener Submitted QuestionsGet in on the discussion – The Night School Blog:
www.dfalink.com/nightschool
Homework1) Engage your local Blogosphere
Click Here for a guide2) Attend the next DFA or Drinking Liberally in
your area…or start one up.-Ilya Sheyman: [email protected] Baker: [email protected]
3) Become a Precinct Captain in yourneighborhood
20 Questions? Email [email protected]
21 Questions? Email [email protected]
Coming Soon from DFA:
Want the DFA Training Academy to come to your town?
Request a 2008 Training!
http://www.democracyforamerica.com/training/requests
Coming in September:DFA Night School onPrecinct Organizing
September 8-9 - Atlanta, GASeptember 29-30 - Springfield, IL
Attend a DFA Training Academy weekend training near you:
www.democracyforamerica.com/training
Thank you for joining us!
22 Questions? Email [email protected]
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