Building An Open Progressive Community

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


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)


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


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


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


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


Local Blogs Impact in 2006• Ned Lamont campaign

• Jon Tester for Senate

• Other examples: Virginia, New York,Northern California, New Hampshire


Listener Submitted QuestionsGet in on the discussion – The Night School Blog:

www.dfalink.com/nightschool


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


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’


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?


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



Philadelphia, 2005-2007

• Take back your precinct• 200 progressive activists run• Increased Democratic voter turnout by 74%• Help elect progressive mayor


Benefits of Party Office

• You’ll make new friends• Precinct captains win primaries• Shape the direction of the party• GOTV!


• 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


Dean for DNC Chair

• A 50 state strategy• Online buzz• Offline actions• Grassroots activists swamped

local DNC meetings


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



Coming Soon from DFA:

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September 8-9 - Atlanta, GASeptember 29-30 - Springfield, IL

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Building An Open Progressive Community