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N4P's 5th Anniversary Progress Party & Dem Debate Watch!

2/11/2016

#N4P5 PROGRESS PARTY:
5th Anniversary Mixer & Debate Watch!
(the debate will air on PBS & CNN & YouTube)

SPECIAL MOVEMENT-BUILDING PROGRAM:
“Don’t be afraid of being AND doing anything!”

MATTHEW LESKO
("The Question Mark Guy")
2015 TED Talk: "Don't Be Afraid of Being Anything!"
2014 VICE Profile
(Matthew will talk to us about the importance of political & civic leaders of having fun in your endeavors by not being afraid to be bold, resourceful and entrepreneurial to make the system work for YOU)

Raffle Prizes:

Boomerang Party Bus & Party Yacht & Pirate Ship

Ladies DC Summer Conference

7pm-11pm Thursday, February 11th
(7:00 Mixer, 8:30 Program, 9:00 Debate)

Irish Whiskey
(upstairs bar)
1207 19th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
@ Farragut & Dupont

*7PM-12AM: "Irish" Happy Hour with $4 select beers and wine
*9:30P-12:30AM: Phil Kominski from Lloyd Dobler Effect with your favorite tunes downstairs

Please join Network For Progress, a social and media-savvy community for those inspired by the "Yes We Can" Movement, as we celebrate FIVE YEARS of networking for progress then watch the 5th Democratic Debate at 9pm, the first showdown after the New Hampshire Primary in this hot two-candidate race, with our fellow Progressives, Democrats, Hope Mongers and Change Makers who support all of the candidates. As usual, we will have some appetizers and raffle prizes too.

7:00-8:00 “OPEN MIC” NETWORKING SHOWCASE
Every attendee and organizational representative will be invited to give themselves a “Me in a Minute” shout-out where you can discuss your interests and expertise that you can share with other attendees.

If you want to meet new people we will also make it easier with name tags + Networking Bingo and Networking Potluck buckets so you can feel comfortable to introduce yourself to attendees with similar interests in causes AND candidates!

8:30-9:00 MAIN PROGRAM & “OPEN MIC” PITCH CONTEST
After we hear from Matthew Lesko on his philosophy of success, in the interest of creating a dialogue about what effective message and outreach techniques are, everyone is welcome to give their best 30-second pitch for either candidate via a specific issue or general closing statement.

Want to be a Co-Host or Sponsor? Questions/Comments?
Contact us at network4progress@gmail.com

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PROGRESS PARTY: Iowa Caucus “Unity” Mixer & Watch Event + 2016 Campaign News & Info!

1/29/2016

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PROGRESS PARTY:
Iowa Caucus “Unity” Mixer & Watch Event

7pm-10pm Monday, February 1st
(event will last until the final concession speech)

1831 M Bar
1831 M Street NW, Washington, DC
@ Farragut & Dupont

*** Happy Hour until 8 PM ***
$1 Natural Light - $2 Shooters
$3 Coors Light, Bud Light, Yuengling, Miller Lite
$6 Margaritas
1/2 Off Select Chardonnay, Red Wine, Whiskey
$15 Tecate & $18 Coors Light (5-Can Buckets)

Please join DC Network For Progress (our community facebook group), a social and media-savvy community for those inspired by the "Yes We Can" Movement, as we congregate with Progressives, Democrats, Hope Mongers and Change Makers who support all of the candidates to watch the results of the Iowa Caucus!

As you might have seen the democratic race is very tight in Iowa, New Hampshire and even in the National Polls so this will be a huge battle before the voters decide on our 2016 nominee. And in addition to victory and concession speeches by Hillary, Bernie and Martin, you will also get to watch the GOP implode with remarks by Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and more!

Questions/Comments? Contact us at network4progress@gmail.com

*** 2016 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY EVENTS & INFO ***
Democratic Debate Schedule & Videos
(including 1/17 NBC Debate & 1/25 CNN Town Hall)
Fusion’s “Black & Brown” Democratic Forum

FIND HILLARY WATCH PARTY & CAMPAIGN EVENTS

FIND SANDERS WATCH PARTY & CAMPAIGN EVENTS

FIND O’MALLEY WATCH PARTY & CAMPAIGN EVENTS

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FWD BLOG: With “America” ad, Bernie champions “Yes We Can!” politics and wins with 5 M's of the 2016 campaign

1/27/2016

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As a long-time supporter of President Obama it would have been hard for me to match my enthusiasm for another candidate in 2016 and hence I have been somewhat open-minded….but there is a clear difference right now that is reminding of 2008 all over again.

Regardless of which candidate you support, the bottom line is we have another matchup between a “Hope” and “Change” candidate and a Status Quo candidate. Frankly, I thought the passion-driven Joe Biden and even the future-driven Martin O’Malley could have filled that role better than a 74 year-old “Democratic Socialist” but I must admit Bernie Sanders is finally embracing the mantle in his own way with a “Yes We Can” approach to politics that is truly the more “pragmatic” course to win elections and move forward a progressive agenda.

And there is ample proof that it works besides the poll numbers and the quality of the policies of his ideology.

There is a saying that there are 4 M’s in campaigns and it seems that Bernie has advantages with all of them. Obama’s version included Management instead of the more common category of Media which I think deserves more attention in today’s new media-centric world and because all these elements are just bi-products of good management.

I would also add Movement because if you’re running for President of the United States you’re also running to be the leader of the Democratic Party which needs to succeed in Congress and in state elections for your administration to succeed.

#1 MESSAGE: Bernie is offering voters an uplifting theme that excites people to participate rather than make a pitch that is seen as inauthentic or defeatist by asking for non-supporters to change their tune in the general election...as if their vote wasn’t needed now.

#2 MEDIA: Bernie is a regular on news shows and is surging on social media and hasn’t tried to limit debates or press appearances.

#3 MOBILIZATION: Bernie has built a larger grassroots operation in Iowa with 50% more offices.

#4 MONEY: Bernie might have 50% in less total donations but he has a fundraising operation that is more scalable by attracting millions of low-dollar donors who can make several repeat contributions. But also, this includes how money is SPENT and based on how many offices each candidate has in Iowa he also has an advantage there.

#5 MOVEMENT: Even though he is not a fan of the party establishment, Bernie is asking Democrats to vote in larger numbers to create Majorities locally and nationally again. His opponent rarely brings up this reality even though DNC Chair Howard Dean’s 50-State Strategy in 2005 helped lead to the Democratic dominance of 2008.

BACKGROUND:

With his new “America” ad, as Howard Dean and Barack Obama did before him, Bernie Sanders is showing us an uplifting vision that celebrates our country AND our democracy. We see people coming together who have the power to create change and aren’t just victims of corporate or ideological interests that want to take our democracy backward.

This is where Hillary Clinton doesn’t bother to go and really is a weakness if she is going to grab the Obama voters who may be more pragmatic but still yearn for a idealistic movement they can believe in. But in a world where a majority of elected officials are Republicans, “establishment” candidates should be out-flanking their insurgent counterparts to inspire people to join a “Democratic” movement of Hope and Change.

Despite his kind comments about Hillary recently, Obama said in the same Politico interview, "My bet — and I may end up being wrong about this — my bet is that the candidate who can project hope still is the candidate who the American people, over the long term, will gravitate toward."

From my perspective, despite the peaceful socialist rhetoric, Bernie Sanders seems to be pretty level-headed on foreign policy and capitalism but has little interest in either. He also has some wild-eyed ideas on policy that go beyond the concept of a “progressive” system that asks us to pay our “fair share” of what we can afford for services like healthcare and education….as opposed to a plan for somehow getting the rich to pay for it all.

On the other hand, is it worse to not have any wild-eyed ideas at all? If Bernie Sanders pursued a single-payer system but got a “Medicare For All” public option in the Obamacare exchanges as a compromise wouldn’t that be better than the vague call for improving Obamacare without telling us how you can win enough elections to do it?

Where Hillary says “Yes I Can!” manage things as they are and protect Obama’s progress because “No We Can’t!” do any more and we need to tell Republicans that “No, They Can’t!”….Bernie focuses on his message and says “Yes We Can!”

Matt Yglesias notes that Bernie is selling “Hope that yes we can make enormous change happen if individual people believe things can get better ... and come together to make it so. Sanders has a story that channels these emotions. Not everyone finds that story plausible, but it's a story. And Clinton really doesn't have one."

How much would it have cost Hillary to create a theme for her campaign? Her 2008 launch told us she was “In It To Win It” and her 2014 book was summed up as “Hard Choices.” In 2016, I have read about how Hillary’s theme is “Love & Kindness”, but officially she has been “Fighting For You” which tells voters to sit back and let her handle everything. Ironically, this has little to do with FDR’s “Four Fights” that were highlighted as part of her campaign launch at “Four Freedoms Park” on Roosevelt Island then never discussed again.

As recently as the 1/17 NBC Debate and the 1/25 CNN Town Hall, Hillary still had trouble making a pitch to young voters where she could articulate why her campaign would appeal to them policy-wise or outreach-wise. That’s kind of surprising considering that Bernie is pulling in about 60% of the millennial vote in many polls and has been a huge weakness for her campaign for months.

A presidential campaign is not simply a job interview where we compare resumes...it is a call for Americans to participate in our democracy. If Democrats vote at the same rate as Republicans, they win….but they need to be challenged to act on behalf of their dreams. To me, that is the essence of Bernie’s political revolution regardless of whether compromises will be necessary. As they say in football, the only thing the “prevent” defense does is prevent you from winning.

You won’t ever win back a majority in the Congress to get anything done unless you expand your base and the total electorate with big ideas and big outreach. That means you need candidates with the mindset that they will work to mobilize Democrats not expect Democrats to magically mobilize for a candidate.

In 2016, Bernie is stealing a little bit of the Obama playbook and asking us to look forward to a “Future To Believe In” and popular progressive economist Robert Reich makes a good case that it is possible. If only more folks stuck with that playbook in the first place!

I agree with Bernie Sanders that the biggest mistake of President Obama and the Democratic Party in recent years has been their political strategy.

“The major political, strategic difference I have with Obama is it’s too late to do anything inside the Beltway,” he told Andrew Prokop. “You gotta take your case to the American people, mobilize them, and organize them at the grassroots level in a way that we have never done before.”

Even though candidates have to debate this reality once again, regardless of the effectiveness of the governing approach and some of the post-election organizing efforts like Organizing For America, it wasn’t inspiring enough to translate into votes when Barack Obama isn’t on the ballot.

Most notably, the 2014 mid-term election was a historic defeat despite an improving economy yet DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman-Schultz wasn’t replaced with new leadership. In 2015, we were told to expect a game-changing DNC Report on how we can do better but got a short list of minor adjustments rather than a real strategy for long-term success.

We also expected a more modern, Obama-influenced campaign organization by Hillary Clinton, but more investments in local field operations and digital tools from low-dollar fundraising to big data analytics to Snapchat accounts are just the beginning.

But as it stands today, even though he hasn’t reached Obama levels, Bernie still has 50% more offices in Iowa than Hillary does (26-17). There is no point in raising money if you don’t use it for winning the election.

As a DNC Chair or President of the United States, you are the LEADERS OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY. Your priority shouldn’t be raising money because it is only a tool...it should be Movement-building through authentic engagement of your supporters. Otherwise, your outreach efforts ring hollow.

At minimum, the strategy shouldn’t include alienation of the voters by shutting a huge chunk of them out of the process, which some Democratic Party officials believe is necessary to support the Clinton campaign right now.

The fix was in among some party committees, as in Virginia thanks to Clinton loyalist Governor Terry McAuliffe, the annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner that normally celebrates ALL Democrats was transformed into a Hillary Rally without Bernie Sanders or Martin O’Malley invited.

Then there has been the attempt to “run out the clock” on primary reason by avoiding media opportunities. Aside from avoiding the press to an extent that even former Obama adviser David Axelrod has criticized, the Clinton campaign called for less debates as part of their “under-the-radar” strategy

The DNC debate schedule was dreamed up by the Chairwoman without consultation and beyond the mocking the political press it turned into a late night talk show punchline, due to two Saturday and one holiday weekend event despite only FOUR total matchups before Iowa and New Hampshire. When the plan was sold as an effort to maximize exposure, even Politifact stepped in and rated the claim as FALSE.

Regardless of the Trump-led ratings boost of the jam-packed GOP field, in 2008, there were 25 debates as the DNC didn’t threaten to ban candidates who participated in un-sanctioned affairs as the candidates gave voters many more opportunities to hear our message and it worked. That is, if you think Barack Obama deserved a fair shot to become President.

Meanwhile. when two DNC Vice Chairs spoke up about the schedule, one of them was allegedly told not to attend the first debate.

This is just the tip of the iceberg of the crony party politics that supporters of Barack Obama felt we were fighting against….and frankly it is a sign of weakness for the establishment choice that encourages more doubt in the candidate.

As David Axelrod has said, “There are two kinds of people in politics...people who want to Do Something and people who want to Be Something.” He decided to work for Barack Obama because he thought he was the kind of politician who was the former.

Sadly, many of the powers that be could care less about “Yes We Can!” as long as they win easy elections and get their plum party titles.

But this essay isn’t about blame…..this is a wake up call to Democrats if they really want to win and grow the party. I am not sure where they are getting advice from, but Secretary Clinton, Congresswoman Wasserman-Schultz and their allies need to understand that to inspire Americans to participate in national, state and local elections in numbers will win majorities again requires a belief in the old Obama For America mantra, “Respect. Empower, Include.”

In other words, as I wrote about recently, we need to recapture this spirit with a Progressive vision and Democratic values from our leaders not just their policy proposals. I mean, how are you going to recruit enough voters to pass a $15 minimum wage when you won’t invest in a staff that makes the current minimum wage?

As we witnessed with President Obama and now Bernie Sanders, the voters respond when called upon. And I would rather rely on a network of millions of donors with skin in the game than a few billionaires who barely lifted a finger to help my campaign any day.

With that in mind, i think our first priority in 2016 is simple. Although I won’t scream on a rooftop that I am “Feeling the Bern!,” I will tell you that we need to follow candidates who inspire voters to declare once again….“Yes We Can!”

It’s time to remember what being a Democrat is all about….

“Other people see things and say why? But I dream things that never were and I say, why not?"
- George Bernard Shaw (later quoted by JFK & RFK)

ABOUT "FORWARD PROGRESSIVE" BLOG:
Jim McBride discusses forward-minded messaging, outreach and other grassroots organizing techniques. the former President of the award-winning Arlington Young Democrats, the 1st Volunteer Database Coordinator for Virginia for Obama, Founder of Generation of Obama-Washington, DC, the predecessor group to his current organization Network For Progress that brings together thousands of young professionals and grassroots activists both online and offline.

Follow @fwdprogress!

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PROGRESS PARTY: FINAL #DEMDEBATE & MORE 2016 HAPPENINGS!

1/15/2016

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PROGRESS PARTY:
Mixer & Democratic Debate Watch
(the final face off before Iowa & New Hampshire!)

#demdebate #progressparty

8pm-11pm Sunday, January 17th
(debate starts at 9pm)

Black Finn Ameripub
1620 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20006
@ Farragut & McPherson Square
(under 21 are welcome)

*** Drink Specials available ***
$3 Bud Light Bottles
$4 Wells
$5 Sam Seasonal Drafts
$5 Fireball

Please join DC Network For Progress (our facebook group), a social and media-savvy community for those inspired by the "Yes We Can" Movement, as we mix and mingle then watch the 4th and Final Democratic Debate before the Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire Primary!

As you might have seen the race is very tight in Iowa, New Hampshire and even in the National Polls so this will be a huge battle before the voters decide on our 2016 nominee.

We will join forces with the DC For Hillary folks at their regular venue but will have our own section for you to congregate with Progressives, Democrats, Hope Mongers and Change Makers who support all of the candidates.

This event will be free and pretty casual affair but feel free to RSVP & Share the event
….and even come by early to watch Peyton Manning take one last crack at another Super Bowl run.

Want to be a Co-Host? Questions/Comments?
Contact us at network4progress@gmail.com

DC For Hillary RSVP
(facebook)

*** 2016 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY EVENTS ***

FIND HILLARY WATCH PARTY & CAMPAIGN EVENTS

FIND SANDERS DEBATE PARTY & CAMPAIGN EVENTS

FIND O’MALLEY WATCH PARTY & CAMPAIGN EVENTS

*** OTHER HAPPENINGS FOR PROGRESS ***
1/15: Post-White House Summit “I Have A Dream” Mixer @ Google DC
1/15-18: YDA Black Caucus Progressive Leadership Summit (facebook)
1/18: Martin Luther King Day
1/18: Wreath-Laying Ceremony @ MLK Memorial (facebook)
1/18: Project Management for Day of Service Pro Bono Lab!
@ UMD-College Park
1/19: Millennial Women For Hillary Kickoff @ Dirty Martini
(with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand & Olympic Medalist Michelle Kwan)
1/19: Women’s Democratic Club of Montgomery County Dinner
with Senator Amy Klobuchar
1/21: Feminist Majority’s Roe Day Lobby Session
1/21: Roe Day Press Conference with Rep. Donna Edwards
1/21: Roe Day “Celebrate Choice” Social @ Mad Hatter
1/22: Roe Day Supreme Court Rally
1/23: Bossed Up Bootcamp
1/24: DNC Hope Institute winter application deadline (for ages 20-24)

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FWD BLOG: What we can learn from President Obama to create a “Yes We Can 2.0” movement

1/11/2016

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Now that we’re officially about to decide who will be the next President i want to share some thoughts on the lessons of how Barack Obama was elected and what we lost since then in terms of embracing the concept of a movement driven by the words “Yes We Can!”

Sadly, I think the term sounded corny for awhile but I really hope we take stock this year to emulate what this meant because the themes i hear more right now boil down to either “Yes I Can!” or “No, They Can’t!”

To me "Yes We Can" means….

we need to start by integrating a progressive vision and democratic values into our Leadership not just our Policy-making. As Simon Sinek discusses in his famous TED talk the methods of both Dr. Martin Luther King and Apple center on the “Why” not just the “Who” or “What” for our calls to action.

There are many great candidates and issues that we think are priorities but they will get more traction if we must remember our core principles in every step we take. Although many of our leaders lament our broken political discourse and the need for less money in politics or gerrymandering of congressional districts, before we “change the system” in our democracy we need to first “change the system” at home. By investing in forward-minded innovation in our engagement and a support system that expands the diversity and talent pool of activists by providing the same wages that we demand for workers in other industries.

And by investing more in THEM we will be able to ask them to invest more into US by utilizing more sophisticated leadership and relationship-building techniques where they spend more time listening and getting to know the voters we want to inspire and mobilize.
And this is a bi-partisan concept rooted in simple philosophies of the similar disciplines of both Marketing and Movement-building, as instead of embracing the values of innovation and open-ness in Government, Republicans embrace them in the conservative community where young people are groomed to be among the next generation of ambitious leaders that will demand to be heard and refuse to settle for the Kiddie Table Debate.

THAT is how we can overcome the deep-seeded cultural and ideological battles that have existed in America for centuries well before Super PACs or Koch Brothers roamed the Earth….like the LGBT Rights community has done with a more compelling rationale for change than arguing about which side is playing fair.

At minimum, it is about fighting for a movement infrastructure that won’t implode due to the outright betrayal of our values. Like rampant sexual harassment allegations against the owner of one of our top communications firms, charging rich foreigners to participate in American campaigns by working full-time for no pay, mass layoffs at a respect political journal and our top digital-savvy training organization due to gross mismanagement….or blatant arrogance and hypocrisy by national party officials ranging from a digital operative bragging about his prowess in areas where he statistically is far behind his GOP rival and his boss accusing young women of being “complacent” on their health issues without ever making the effort to inspire them herself.

To me "Yes We Can" means….

as the Obama For America mantra stated, we should “Respect, Empower and Include” anyone who would like to join our movement. We be rewarding results NOT lazily leaning on the status quo and titles and mindless, baggage-heavy labels in our organizing. Although they can work to pull some people closer to your cause….it is even worse when they push people away.

And EVERYONE needs to have a voice because if we care about everyone’s right to vote then we should care about every Democrats right to support the leaders of their choosing and not dismiss them.

Even though our party officials think they know who is the right candidate for us the process needs to remain the same in every election cycle….and we shouldn’t bury our message until we run out the clock on primary season at the expense of critical opportunities to break through the media noise machine for free exposure that can fuel our party's growth. Especially if you are going to mock these opportunities then turn around and ask for us to pay for you to buy less effective paid media in the same breath.

It can be pretty tough to win general elections when a significant share of your base has been alienated from enthusiastically donating, volunteering, sharing or otherwise supporting the party’s nominee.

Even across the river from our nation’s capitol in Arlington County, where every elected official was a Democrat, party leaders learned this lesson the hard way when in 2014 they ignored the fact that a sizable minority of Democrats opposed their expensive and complicated streetcar plan….and a Republican-leaning Independent won a County Board seat as a result.
To me "Yes We Can" means….

elevating what it means to be a 21st Century Community Organizer…..by actively encouraging activists to tell their personal stories and bring together their friends and neighbors online and offline to work for change and not just rely on door knocks and cold calls from strangers.
We need to tap into the potential of every one of us to inspire folks to get engaged... and instead of regurgitating the talking points of our enemies we should spend a majority of our time serving as an “Explainer-In-Chief” to share messages that emphasize our common beliefs and inform or persuade people with talking points for both the “head” and “heart” that can appeal to those in the Left and the Right.

Even if it is just a facebook like or retweet….we need to remember that there is no action that is too small.

But conversely, we should encourage activists to be creative and not be shy about an action being too big either….like developing new platforms that can break down the barriers for us to have a voice and build coalitions that strengthen our Movement from the bottom up.
If we look around there are so many great examples of people inspiring others to make a difference in America right now….from the Ice Bucket Challenge to what is probably the most successful grassroots movement in Washington right now: the civic-minded and community-focused DC startup scene.

By creating more interactive events that connect us better offline and reinvigorating the spirit of My.BarackObama.com online, we can build upon a social networking concepts that haven’t been improved on much since 2008 and develop tools like a “Yes We App” that instead of matching people for dates can match YOU with activists, organizations, events and actions by zip code that relate to our favorite campaigns or causes.

I’m going to conclude by practicing the Community Organizer philosophy of which i preach by explaining my inspiration to become active for Democratic causes...the Bush administration. Especially after 8:46am on September 11th when my Dad was on a train commuting to a meeting at World Trade Center 1.

Since that day I have joined millions of people who finally understood how important it was to fight for leaders who will truly make us stronger at home and abroad.

But I have become more and more concerned that, especially considering the devastating national, state and local elections results in 2014 and the Democratic National Committee’s tepid attempt at an “autopsy” of what happened, we have mostly forgotten our simple and sound 50-State Strategy for growing the movement. But we can’t just settle on inspiring people with fear of the other guy.

I hope you will join me in advocating for and building a “Yes We Can 2.0” strategy to bring together all of us who, as David Axelrod once said inspired him to work for Barack Obama, are the kind of people who care more about “Doing Something” than “Being Something.”
Now let’s go make America...greater.

ABOUT "FORWARD PROGRESSIVE" BLOG:
Jim McBride discusses forward-minded messaging, outreach and other grassroots organizing techniques. the former President of the award-winning Arlington Young Democrats, the 1st Volunteer Database Coordinator for Virginia for Obama, Founder of Generation of Obama-Washington, DC, the predecessor group to his current organization Network For Progress that brings together thousands of young professionals and grassroots activists both online and offline.

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1/12 PROGRESS PARTY: "Open Mic" Networking Mixer & President Obama's FINAL State of the Union Address @ Local Sixteen!

1/6/2016

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Network For Progress
presents
7th Annual
SOTU PROGRESS PARTY:
“Open Mic” Networking Mixer &
President Obama’s FINAL State of the Union Address

#SOTUProgressParty #SOTU

($5 with Advance RSVP)

(please share with friends & colleagues)

including pizza served while supplies last sponsored by

Veracity Media
(cutting edge digital strategy for political campaigns and non-profit advocacy)

8:30PM MAIN PROGRAM GUESTS INCLUDE:

DC City Council Member David Grosso
DC Shadow Senator Paul Strauss
DC Shadow Representative Franklin Garcia
Sierra Jackson, Change.org
DC For Obama Co-Founder Howard Park
GO-DC Founder & Virginia For Obama Pioneer Jim McBride

7:00PM NETWORKING HOUR GUESTS INCLUDE:
Ryan Morgan, Veracity Media (they’re hiring!)
Lindsey Mask, Ladies America: “Women Helping Women”
Margaret Sampson, DC Connect
Jennifer Farmer, Communications Consultant
Eliana Stanislawski, NARAL Pro-Choice America
Natalia Penedo, Latinos for President Hillary 2016
Kaitlin Cooke, Hillary For America’s National Finance Committee
Kishan Putta, DC Health Link
+ “open mic” announcements from our partners and
other “networkers for progress” like YOU!

6:30pm-10:30pm Tuesday, January 12th
(7:00 “Open Mic” Networking Hour + 8:30 Program & Speech)

Local Sixteen
(upstairs lounge and heated deck)
1602 U Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
@ U Street metro

Early Bird Drink Tickets + Raffle Gifts +
+ $5 Drink & Appetizer Specials ALL NIGHT courtesy of Local 16!

partners include:
Network For Progress
Democratic GAIN
DC For Bernie Sanders
DC Young Democrats
DC Young Progressive Professionals
America’s Impact
DC Young Politicos
Public Policy Professionals
DC Latino Caucus
Gertude Stein Democratic Club
New Leaders Council - DC
DC Students for Statehood
Generation Obama-DC

Please join DC Network For Progress (facebook group), a social and media-savvy community for those inspired by the "Yes We Can" Movement, and several great partners for our 7th Annual & FINAL State of the Union Watch Party where Progressives, Democrats, Hope Mongers and Change Makers can watch and celebrate the President’s Address to Congress at 9pm while mingling for friends, careers and PROGRESS starting at 6:30pm!

The event will also feature a 2016 straw poll and raffle prizes!

7:00-8:00 “OPEN MIC” NETWORKING MIXER & SHOWCASE
In addition to a few special guests, every attendee will be invited to give themselves and their organizations a “Me in a Minute” shout-out at the DJ booth where you can discuss your interests and expertise that you can share with other attendees.

If you want to meet new people we will also make it easier with name tags and Networking Potluck buckets so you can feel comfortable to introduce yourself to attendees with similar interests in causes AND candidates!

#SOTU16 preview and live-stream information:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/sotu
(watch online for infographics, photos and more)

White House Year-In-Review:
http://go.wh.gov/2015InReview

Want to be a Co-Host or Sponsor? Questions/Comments?
Contact us at network4progress@gmail.com

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CAREER PROGRESS UPDATE!

12/24/2015

1 Comment

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NEWS 4 PROGRESS: Holiday Events & Parties!

12/2/2015

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Cloture Club’s Epic Holiday Party List
http://www.clotureclub.com/2015/12/2015-epic-holiday-party-list
(many of these events are Invite-Only but might be worth checking out)

Did you take action for #GivingTuesday?
http://www.givingtuesday.org

Timely Causes:
Planned Parenthood of Metro DC
Syrian Refugees
Newtown Action Alliance
League of Women Voters
More Charities

Did you take action for #WorldAIDSDay?
http://www.worldaidsday.org

Donate to the RED Campaign and fight AIDS with a chance to win experiences with celebrities like Bono, George Clooney, Shaq, Matt Damon, Snoop Dogg, Meryl Streep and more!
https://red.org
(donations will be matched by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation)

*** UPCOMING EVENTS 4 PROGRESS ***

12/3: Progressive Communicator’s Holiday Party
@ Dirty Martini (Dupont & Farragut)

REGISTER

12/3: International Organization’s Holiday Party
with World Bank, International Monetary Fund, Inter-American Development Bank,
Young Professionals in Foreign Policy and Sister Cities International
@ Howard Theater (Shaw)

JOIN ON FACEBOOK

12/7: DC Young Democrats’ Holiday Reception
@ Mango Tree (Gallery Place)

12/7: American Association of Political Consultant’s Holiday Party
@ Shelly’s Back Room (Metro Center)

JOIN ON FACEBOOK

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FWD BLOG: We should respond to Paris attacks with UNITY not FEAR....otherwise we are no longer exceptional.

11/20/2015

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The Paris terror attacks have proven that the era of the cable news and social media “Fear & Hysteria Complex” has hit critical levels.

Imagine if 9/11-type attack occurred on U.S. soil today. In 2001, there was no call from Democrats to blame the Republican President or call from Republicans to blame Muslims for the attack….today an attack of smaller size than the Oklahoma City bombing on Europe has inspired both.

First off, despite the criticism, the President is already pretty engaged with ISIS as most of the things that the Monday Morning Quarterbacks want like airstrikes and special forces working with indigenous forces on the ground are already being done. Otherwise, not many folks have the guts to suggest another U.S. occupation of territory in the Middle East that could mean once again TRILLIONS of taxpayer dollars spent and tens of thousands of soldiers dead or injured with little to show for it.

But even worse, a chorus is being led by Republican presidential frontrunner Donald Trump, who once demanded the President of the United States prove he was an American for absolutely no reason, to reject the victims of terrorism and even openly wonder whether we should close mosques in response to the acts of people who are often not even familiar with the teachings of Islam.

A large majority of the House, including 47 Democrats, is bucking the minimal plan to allow 10,000 Syrian refugees to come to America by adding outrageous new vetting restrictions on top of a nearly two-year process that involves several federal agencies like the FBI and DHS. According to the New York Times, when asked what the weakness in the program was, “most Republicans could not specify which aspects of the rigorous refugee vetting program that they found inadequate.”

Somehow these politicians still don’t have the time to declare War on ISIS or confirm nominees in key anti-terrorism posts…..or make it illegal for terrorists to buy a gun in America through universal background checks which has led to 2,000 terror suspects getting arms legally since 2004.

Even though a majority of Americans are supporting the decision, they felt the same way toward Jewish refugees before WWII. As a result, thousands were turned away including the family of Anne Frank.

Now, as George Takei's show "Allegiance" runs on Broadway, the Mayor of Roanoke used the internment of Japanese during World War II as an argument FOR rejecting refugees.

In 2015, even 3-year old orphans are too dangerous…..but as President Obama has said it needs to stop because it send a terrible message to people we need as friends.

Hence, this group of politicians espousing “christian” values ignored the words of generosity spoken by the Pope, despite calling on more U.S. “leadership” during this crisis, and won’t accept a fraction of the more than 4 million people who have escaped death from either dictator Bashar Assad from one direction or ISIS on the other.

Weren’t they aware that we have been accepting refugees from war-torn countries for years….including over 30,000 people from Iraq, Iran, Sudan and Somalia in FY2013 and more than 2,000 Syrians since FY2014 alone?

Since 9/11, the U.S. had accepted 859,000 refugees with only 3 being arrested due to terrorist activity….in comparison, 1 in every 22,000 Americans committed murder in 2014 alone.

What about the millions of people from any country who come to America each year on simple travel visas?

Since all the identified Paris attackers were of French and Belgian origin the reality is our enemies are often homegrown as ISIS now has over 20,000 foreign fighters.

Even the conservative Washington Times concedes that Americans have been more likely to be murdered by white supremacists than Muslim radicals since 9/11. That isn’t even including most of the mass shooting acts of terror that are occurring on a regular basis now.

But let’s be honest there isn’t a Super PAC behind blocking Syrian refugees, as House Republicans took a cue from 30 Governors who claim they won’t accept them and a flurry of phone calls from their constituents.

The real Silent Majority are the millions of Americans who know better….like the 7-year old boy who donated $20 in his piggy bank to a mosque that was defaced in Texas after the Paris attacks.

During this holiday season, we should even recall the lesson from Who’s from Whoville about how compassion can heal wounds by focusing on unity over the anger and hate that would make innocent people feel alienated from society.

We need to solve problems not just find scapegoats if we want to stay the world's "indispensible" nation.

TAKE ACTION: Send a message to your Governor and Congress Members know you support the Syrian refugees and Call your Congress Members too.

0 Comments

NOVEMBER PROGRESS PARTY: Mixer & #DemDebate II (with pre-party Networking & Brainstorm Forum) @ Cambria Suites!

11/14/2015

2 Comments

NOVEMBER PROGRESS PARTY:
Rooftop Mixer & #DemDebate Watch II
with pre-party Networking & Brainstorming Forum

#progressparty

(FREE with Early Bird RSVP)

$4 domestics & $6 wine happy hour specials
and pizza at 7pm until supplies last!

Saturday, November 14th
(3:00 Forum, 7:00 Mixer, 9:00 Debate Watch, 11:00 After-Party)

Cambria Suites
899 O Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
@ Mt. Vernon/Convention Center

VENUE UPGRADE REMINDER:
We had so many people order drinks at one time at the 8/6 event that Cambria's payment system crashed so they got a whole new system because of us for our 9/16 event! They also set up speakers to hear the TVs better too.

partners include:

Network For Progress
DC For Bernie Sanders
America’s Impact
DC Young Progressive Professionals
DC Young Politicos
Public Policy Professionals
GWU School of Political Management
Generation Obama-DC

Join Network For Progress for a networking mixer and the 2nd Democratic Debate between Hillary, Bernie and Martin with your fellow Progressives, Democrats, Hope Mongers and Change Makers! 50% of the proceeds will benefit the charity of YOUR choice...as voted on by the majority of attendees! We also plan to try a straw poll again.

If you want to meet new people we will make it easier with name tags and Networking Potluck buckets so you can feel comfortable to introduce yourself to attendees with similar interests in causes AND candidates!

3:00-7:00 NETWORKING & BRAINSTORMING FORUM
Before the networking mixer, we will do some small group networking and brainstorming sessions to help attendees connect with potential colleagues and share their ideas on how we can do it even better by utilizing “progressive” and “democratic” strategies that are both continually more innovative and inclusive so we can develop the next my.barackobama.com-type app online or CPAC-type event offline that can help us work together to create a Majority Mandate for our values in 2016 and beyond. More Details TBA.

Contact Jim @ network4progress@gmail.com if you would like to nominate a Cause or Forum Topic and join as a Co-Host or Partner Organization as well as submit questions/comments.

2 Comments

EVENTS 4 PROGRESS - 10/22: NLC-DC, DSA, NTEN 10/23: Congresssional Hackathon 10/24: TEDxGeorgetown, 10/28: Open Source Caucus, Social Giving Forum, MCYD Comedy Show

10/22/2015

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*** EVENTS 4 PROGRESS ***

TONIGHT: New Leaders Council-DC Happy Hour
& 2016 Training Program Deadline

@ Local Sixteen (U Street)

REGISTER
JOIN ON FACEBOOK

(Apply by November 1)

TONIGHT: “We Need Bernie!”
featuring Activist Jim Hightower & Communications Worker of America President Larry Cohen

(hosted by Democratic Socialists of America)

@ Busboys & Poets (5th & K)

JOIN ON FACEBOOK

TONIGHT: October Non-Profit Tech Happy Hour
“Digital Fundraising” with Commit Change

(hosted by NTEN & 501cTech)

@ Amazon Web Services (Union Station)

RSVP

10/23: Congressional Hackathon
(co-hosted by House Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer)

@ U.S. Capitol

REGISTER
JOIN ON FACEBOOK

10/28: Open Source Caucus’ Launch Reception
with Rep. Jared Polis
(hosted by Open Gov Foundation)

@ Innovation House (Capitol South)

REGISTER

10/28: #GivingTuesday Social Giving Forum
with Good World & Generosity Inc.

(hosted by General Assembly)

@ 1776 (McPherson Square)

REGISTER

10/28: “GOP Clown Car Comedy Show” debate watch party
(hosted by Montgomery County Young Democrats)

@ AFI Silver Theater (Silver Spring)

0 Comments

10/23 Changemakers TGIF (a food tasting & networking event) hosted by N4P & Runinout @ Manor!

10/20/2015

1 Comment

Changemakers TGIF
(a food tasting and networking event)

#changemakersTGIF

Runinout
&

Network For Progress
(including Career Progress, Comm Tech 4 Progress & more)

6pm-9pm Friday, October 23rd

Manor
1327 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20036
@ Dupont Circle

*** Drink Specials ***
$4 premium bottle beer
$4 premium draft beer
$5 premium well drinks
$5 house white and red wine

Join Network For Progress, a grassroots movement-building community to connect with Progressives, Democrats, Hope Mongers and Change Makers, for a food tasting and networking event with Runinout - the Food, Fun and Fashion resource for the DC-metro area!

Enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres prepared by Master Chef Russell, while mixing and mingling with DC young professional movers & shakers.

Following up on our discussion at the “Yes YOU Can” program before the debate on tuesday, we will also welcome hearing your feedback and interest on how we can all create a more “Open Politics” through platforms like a changemaker-themed N4P activist app and un-conference in the coming months to help engage ALL citizens interested in ALL forms of progress for America in 2016 and beyond.

Contact: Jim @ network4progress@gmail.com

($5 with Advance RSVP by 5pm Friday)

FOLLOW OUR NETWORKS:

(includes Progress USA national posts, DC Career Progress, DC Comm Tech For Progress, Campaign 4 Progress DC, Advocate 4 Progress DC, Serve 4 Progress DC and Jim's Forward Progressive blog)

1 Comment

PROGRESS PARTY: "Yes YOU Can" Movement Mixer & Democratic Debate Watch @ Open Gov Hub! (sponsored by GA & GWU)

10/13/2015

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OCTOBER PROGRESS PARTY:
“Yes YOU Can” Movement Mixer & Democratic Debate Watch

#progressparty #demdebate #cnndebate

(Early Bird Tix end 5pm Friday, 10/9)

drinks sponsored by

General Assembly
business and technology school

food sponsored by

GWU's The School of Political Management

featuring a discussion of 2016 Democratic Party strategy and trends

with

BRIANNE NADEAU
@briannefordc
DC City Council Member

SIMON ROSENBERG
@simonwdc

“The Democratic Debate Schedule is a mess. This is how to fix it.” (MSNBC Op-Ed)

Founder & President, New Democrat Network
FOX News Contributor (Watch: 9/25/15 O’Reilly Factor)
Former Adviser, Clinton “War Room”
GQ’s “50 Most Powerful People in D.C” (2007)

partners include:

Network For Progress

America's Impact

Progressive Communicators of DC

Young Progressive Professionals

Gertude Stein Democratic Club

DC Young Politicos
&
Public Policy Professionals

DC Future

Generation Obama-Washington, DC

6:30pm-10:30pm Tuesday, October 13th
(7:00 Program, 7:30 Networking, 9:00 Debate)

Open Gov Hub
1110 Vermont Avenue, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20005
@ McPherson Square

Join Network For Progress, a grassroots movement-building community to connect with Progressives, Democrats, Hope Mongers and Change Makers, for a mixer and watch party for the 1st & Final? weeknight Democratic debate before the Iowa Caucus with beer/wine and pizza sponsored by General Assembly.

The theme of our event is that “Yes YOU Can” grab the torch to help create the next generation of 21st Century Movement-building as our program will focus on educating ourselves on how our party, campaigns and related organizations are moving us forward in the post-Obama era.

This includes evaluating and utilizing progressive and democratic strategies that are both continually more innovative and inclusive with the help of modern tools and the next my.barackobama.com that can help us work together to create a Majority Mandate for progressive and democratic values in 2016 and beyond.

And what better place to discuss a more “Open Politics” than at the Open Gov Hub (video tour), home of many great civic organizations like the National Democratic Institute, which has several big TVs in a presentation room and a great meeting/kitchen areas.

If you want to meet new people we will make it easier with name tags and Networking Potluck buckets so you can feel comfortable to introduce yourself to attendees with similar interests.

50% of the proceeds will benefit the charity of YOUR choice...as voted on by the majority of attendees!

Contact Jim @ network4progress@gmail.com if you would like to nominate a cause join as a Co-Host or Partner Organization as well as submit questions/comments.

(Early Bird Tix end 5pm Friday, 10/9)

Join our NEW

FOLLOW OUR NETWORKS:

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ROUND-UP: DC & NATIONWIDE DEBATE WATCH PARTIES

10/11/2015

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*** 10/13: DC & Nationwide Debate Watch Parties ***

with America’s Impact, Young Progressive Professionals. Progressive Communicators of DC, DC Young Politicos, DC Policy Professionals, Gertude Stein Democratic Club, DC Future & Generation Obama-DC @ Open Gov Hub
(sponsored by General Assembly & GWU’s Graduate School of Political Management)
REGISTER
JOIN ON FACEBOOK

DC Young Dems, DNC Youth Council, Democratic GAIN, DC NAACP,
DC NOW & DASS @ Local Sixteen
REGISTER
JOIN ON FACEBOOK

Arlington Young Democrats @ Mad Rose Tavern
JOIN ON FACEBOOK

Alexandria Democrats @ T.J. Stone’s
JOIN ON FACEBOOK

Campaigns & Elections @ Claudia’s Steakhouse
REGISTER

FIND A HILLARY WATCH PARTY NEAR YOU

FIND A SANDERS DEBATE PARTY NEAR YOU

FIND A O’MALLEY WATCH PARTY NEAR YOU

Jim Webb Debate Watching Party
Webb 2016 Alexandria Office, 203 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA

RSVP Contact: Kyle Grantier, kgrantier@webb2016.com

FOLLOW OUR NETWORKS:

http://networkforprogress.weebly.com/follow-us.html

(includes Progress USA national posts, DC Career Progress, DC Comm Tech For Progress, Campaign 4 Progress DC, Advocate 4 Progress DC, Serve 4 Progress DC and Jim's Forward Progressive blog)

0 Comments

TGIF = FOUR-WARD FRIDAY! Take Action on Joe, MD Voting, Guns etc.

10/9/2015

0 Comments

#FWDFRI
(N4P invites you to have your voice heard on key issues by 4pm or your COB this week)

Stop Gov. Hogan from closing MD Early Voting Centers!
sign the Delegate Hucker petition
email the State Board of Elections (info.sbe@maryland.gov) by 10/15

Answer the President’s Call to Action to demand Congress pass gun safety laws!
watch his remarks & sign the DFA petition
tell your Senators & House Members you support reform

Encourage the President to take 5 Executive Actions on gun violence!
sign the Everytown petition

Learn how you can #AidRefugees:
http://go.wh.gov/AidRefugees

Learn about the Trans-Pacific Partnership:
http://go.wh.gov/trade
tell your Senators & House Members whether you support it or not
(11 nations agreed to a trade deal and the White House feels their leverage helped ensure new labor and environmental protections…you decide!)

Is your Voter Registration updated?
http://www.vote411.org
(Virginia deadline: 10/13)

*** INTERVIEW: Barack Obama on #ActOnClimate (Rolling Stone) ***

*** OBAMA’S NUMBERS: 3Q 2015 Update (factcheck.org) ***
(see economic trends graphic below)

0 Comments

FWD BLOG: "Joe, Yes You Can RUN."

10/8/2015

0 Comments

I don't think the 1st Democratic Debate changed much in terms of whether Joe Biden should run....all the candidates performed as expected but in a high stakes atmosphere this time so people had an opportunity to grade them on the issues and their ability to talk the American people.

Joe is understandably deliberating more cautiously because of the loss of his son Beau, but as we witnessed with his appearance on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the bright spot we have seen from this tragedy is it has shined a light on Joe’s incredible heart and how special the family he raised is. And Draft Biden’s new videos (above and below) exemplify how this translates to his commitment to focusing on what matters...that means treating politics with integrity and not like its a game especially when millions of lives are in the balance.

But that is just the tip of the iceberg, as in a election being ruled by “authenticity” there isn’t anyone as authentic as Joe Biden in terms of his passion and honesty.

He can still provide Democratic Primary voters like myself with kind of a “Goldilocks” scenario this campaign season. Think Bernie is too hot and Hillary is too cold? Maybe Joe is for you.

Regardless of their strengths, Bernie is positioned as a Socialist fighting the “Billionaire Class” and Hillary is positioned as a Partisan Democrat fighting the entire Republican Party…..but most Democrats are interested in neither. They’re interested in working with EVERYONE to get things done and taking the high road with our opponents like President Obama did to show he was a pragmatic leader who was above the behavior of his reckless adversaries.

Joe’s work on the Economic Recovery Act, congressional budget negotiations and other special assignments have proved that he is both an effective deal maker and very competent at governing...but he’s not afraid of stepping out front on issues like with the Violence Against Women Act and Marriage Equality either.

I would say that for those of us who still want #fourmoreyears the candidacy of President Obama’s loyal Vice President could be a great way to maintain the values and overall continuity for one of the most successful Democratic Administration’s in history.

Both establishment and progressive activist types tend to be fans of Joe...and hence will both have an electable alternatives in mind besides their current flag bearers if they want a choice.

Hence, his popularity numbers are better than any Democratic candidate and he generally performs better than any Democrat against the Republican field in general election match-ups.

Most importantly though, I hope Joe’s unique talents can translate to rebuilding a Democratic Party that was devastated in 2010 and lost further ground on both the congressional, state and local levels again in 2014. I don't think either front runner would make such a commitment or be able to make it happen.

Joe has discussed the importance of getting rid of money in politics but he could be part of the solution because he is a unifying force who understands that this is a People Business not just a Money Business. He could be the proper messenger to remind us that “Yes We Can” move forward our Movement of Hope and Change and can create a new era of increased civic engagement in the process as we all believed would happen in 2008.

It goes without saying that Joe’s optimism about the future, love of citizenship and belief in service to our country of all kinds are some of his greatest strengths….especially inspired by the selfless duty of Beau in Iraq.

I am not endorsing Joe Biden for President quite yet since his campaign has not begun and we haven’t seen how much he has learned from his previous runs in how to translate his skills to leading a national campaign but I have a hunch that when he participates in his first debate we will be truly glad we have another choice.

Join me in asking Joe to RUN. Sign the petition and let him know on facebook and twitter before your work day ends this week so he hears from some more voices.

Jim McBride, Forward Progressive
@fwdprogress

0 Comments

9/19-10/3: EVENTS & OPPS 4 PROGRESS: 9/19 Solar Party & YPFP Gala, 9/22: National Voter Reg Day, 9/22 NLC-MD, 9/24 Climate Rally, Politico, Mayor Bowser events, Global Citizen Fest & Social Good Summit (NYC) and more!

9/18/2015

0 Comments

*** EVENTS & OPPS 4 PROGRESS ***
(September 19-October 3)

9/19: Solar House Party
(co-hosted by Solar City, Prince George’s County Young Democrats, Progressive Maryland,
Chesapeake Climate Action Network & Next Step)

RSVP
JOIN & SHARE ON FACEBOOK

9/19: State of Affairs Gala
(hosted by Young Professionals in Foreign Policy)

BUY TICKETS

9/22: New Leaders Council- Maryland’s Happy Hour
& Information Session @ Denizen Brewing Company

http://nationalvoterregistrationday.org

9/24: Earth Day Network’s Pope Frances Visit “Climate” Rally
@ Capitol Hill

RSVP

9/24: Politico’s Generation Next: The Future of Work @ Newseum
(with Senator Mark Warner)

RSVP

9/24: Bossed Up’s Power Hour with She Should Run
@ Science Club

9/24: September NonProfit Tech Happy Hour @ 501c Tech Offices!

RSVP

9/25-26: TEDxMid-Atlantic
(featuring Dem Presidential Candidate Lawrence Lessig & Senator Mark Warner)

BUY TICKETS
(20% off with “startupgrind” promo code)

9/26: Democracy For America’s Campaign Academy
(Alexandria, VA)

REGISTER

9/26: Global Citizen Festival (NYC)

BUY TICKETS

9/27: “Women for Jamie Raskin” Rally
(open seat in Chris Van Hollen’s District due to his senate race)

REGISTER

JOIN & SHARE ON FACEBOO

9/27-28: UN Foundation & Mashable’s Social Good Summit (NYC)
(featuring Charlize Theron & Sienna Miller)

BUY TICKETS

9/28-10/3 Media Rise Festival
“Elevating Media for Social Good”

BUY TICKETS

9/28: Center for Non-Profit Advancement’s
Public-Private Partnership Conference

BUY TICKETS

JOIN ON FACEBOOK

9/29: Stand with Planned Parenthood!

#standwithPP #pinkoutday

GET INVOLVED

9/29: Netsquared & PCDC's "Non-Profit Tech & Comm" Speed Dating

RSVP

9/30: New Leaders Council-DC Preview

JOIN ON FACEBOOK

10/9-10: Politicon (Los Angeles)
featuring David Axelrod, James Carville, Bill Burton, Reggie Love, Paul Begala, Cenk Uyger...and some Republicans too

BUY TICKETS

0 Comments

9/15-17 EVENTS & OPPS 4 PROGRESS

9/15/2015

0 Comments

Buy 9/15 Tickets
(10% off with promo code: "progress")

9/15: Tech Change’s #Tech4Dem Happy Hour

9/15: Ezra Klein of Vox @ GWU

9/16: Technoir Black Innovation Celebration & Lobby Day

9/16: NARAL’s “Men For Choice” Happy Hour
with special guest Moby
Buy Tickets

9/16: Young Professional Party for Hillary
with Rep. Cedric Richmond
Buy Tickets

9/16: Young Democrats’ Congressional Black Caucus Mixer
(co-hosted by DC Young Dems & Young Dems of Maryland)
Register

9/17: Voices For National Service’s Capitol Hill Day

9/17: Politico’s 2016 & Mobile Revolution
with Facebook, Twitter, Brigade & NGP VAN

9/17: “State of the Constitution” Young Madisons Lecture
& 2nd Anniversary of the Millenial Action Project
with DNC Vice Chair & Rep. Tulsi Gabbard

9/17: “Welcome Back To Congress” Party
(honoring Rep. Brendan Boyle)

0 Comments

SEPTEMBER PROGRESS PARTY: Rooftop Mixer & GOP Debate Watch II

9/10/2015

0 Comments

SEPTEMBER PROGRESS PARTY:
Rooftop Mixer & GOP Debate Watch II

#progressparty #gopdebate

(FREE with Early Bird RSVP)

6pm-10pm Wednesday, September 16th
(6:00 21+ Rooftop Mixer, 8:00 Lobby Bar Debate Watch)

Cambria Suites
(rooftop patio & lobby bar)
899 O Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
@ Mt. Vernon/Convention Center

VENUE UPGRADES:
We had so many people order drinks at one time last time that Cambria's payment system crashed so they got a whole new system because of us!

And they will set up speakers to hear the TVs better...but this time the debate will be live-streamed on CNN.com and the CNN app so we can use our phones too.

*** $4 domestics & $6 wine happy hour specials and light appetizers until 7pm ***

featuring the music of

Fran Scuderi

partners include:

Network For Progress

America’s Impact

DC Latino Caucus

DC For Bernie Sanders facebook page
&
DC Youth for Bernie 2016 facebook page

New Leaders Council - DC

GWU School of Political Management

Generation Obama-DC

Join Network For Progress for our final rooftop happy hour of the summer to connect with your fellow Progressives, Democrats, Hope Mongers and Change Makers!

At 8pm, we welcome everyone to come down to the lobby bar to watch CNN's 2nd Republican Presidential Debate starring their invincible front runner Donald Trump, surging neuro-surgeon Ben Carson, "low energy" has-been Jeb Bush, totally clueless Scott Walker and more. If you want to meet new people but need a nudge we will even have Networking Potluck buckets so you can find attendees with similar interests.

Contact Jim @ network4progress@gmail.com if you would like to join as a Co-Host or Partner Organization as well as questions/comments.

(FREE with Early Bird RSVP)

FOLLOW OUR NETWORKS!

(includes Progress USA national posts, DC Network For Progress regional posts, DC Career Progress, DC Comm Tech For Progress, Jim's Forward Progressive Blog and more!)

0 Comments

#NerdsAreSexyDC Auctionee Previews!

8/19/2015

2 Comments

PLEASE NOTE:
The ratio will even out more...gentleman tend to take longer to recruit!
LGBT Auctionees are welcome...as seen below!

Join us on August 26th!

Here are some of the lovely ladies and charming gentleman
that you will be able to bid on for a date...

Sara Geist
Marketing, Renewable Energy Industry

What cause do you care the most about?
Autism, Civil Rights, Climate

What is the nerdiest thing about you that you can tell us?
I'm obsessed with paleontology and urban agriculture.

What kind of date can we expect?
A walk around the monuments at night

Anything else we should know that might entice bidders?
I'm a great kisser!

Audrey Pichy
Market Research

What cause do you care the most about?
Human trafficking

What is the nerdiest thing about you that you can tell us?
Huge Harry Potter fan

What kind of date can we expect?
fun, dinner

Anything else we should know that might entice bidders?
French native

David Shor
Civis Analytics

What cause do you care the most about?
Politics

What is the nerdiest thing about you that you can tell us?
There's a nerdy campaign operative in Amazon’s “Alpha House” based on me

Anything else we should know that might entice bidders?
I know how to implement gaussian mixture models in STAN

Ritu Maghera
UX Design

What cause do you care the most about?
Free K-12 STEM Education

What is the nerdiest thing about you that you can tell us?
I am trying to learn data visualization, 3D printers make me swoon.

What kind of date can we expect?
Informal food, drinks, and good conversation... like an happy hour or something

Anything else we should know that might entice bidders?
I love to dance, anywhere, anytime, to almost anything..

Thayer Sorette
Fundraiser, National 4-H Council

What cause do you care the most about?
Education

What is the nerdiest thing about you that you can tell us?
When given the opportunity to select a category for Trivia, I picked "Gilbert and Sullivan"

What kind of date can we expect?
I like to keep things classy but fun - an activity on a first date is always positive! For example bowling at pinstripes and then drinks of the Georgetown waterfront.

Anything else we should know that might entice bidders?
I am excellent at both flip cup and hula hooping

Adam Tabaka
Security Industry

What cause do you care the most about?
Politics

What is the nerdiest thing about you that you can tell us?
Came in second place twice (5th and 8th grades) in the geography bee.

What kind of date can we expect?
dinner, drinks

Anything else we should know that might entice bidders?
I can dance (for a white guy).

Chezia Cager
Politics

What cause do you care the most about?
uplifting and educating urban communities as they relate to lawmaking and youth engagement

What is the nerdiest thing about you that you can tell us?
Recently was published in an Humanistic Studies academic textbook for undergrads.

What kind of date can we expect?
All around DC!

Anything else we should know that might entice bidders?
Danced with Alvin Ailey as a teenager during my ballerina days and I love football.

Rachel Plett
U.S. Peace Corps

What cause do you care the most about?
Environmental/Social Justice

What is the nerdiest thing about you that you can tell us?
My favorite Nintendo game is Super Smash Brothers; I can probably beat you at MTG; and I have cried tears of joy over a successfully executed synthesis in Organic Chemistry

What kind of date can we expect?
Fine wine to base-jumping; I'm into it. I'll let my buyer decide what (within the bounds of good taste) they would like most to do with our time together.

Anything else we should know that might entice bidders?
I'm smart, sexy, creative, capricious, adventurous and a good cook.

Shelvin Simmons
Information Technology

What cause do you care the most about?
I'm a big proponent of scholarships in the inner city and also keeping music and art in the school system.

What is the nerdiest thing about you that you can tell us?
I love anything SciFi, if it flys in space I like it!

What kind of date can we expect?
Two things I love are food and music. Maybe a casual restaurant like Hank's Oyster than a place with good music like 18th Street Lounge.

Anything else we should know that might entice bidders?
I'm a big fan of 80s music and movies. It's still difficult for me to watch when Goose dies on Top Gun.

Courage Kimber
Sales, Audio Visual Tech, Fine Art
(date benefiting St. Jude's Hospital)

What cause do you care the most about?
Housing, Income Inequality, Poverty, Workforce Development

What is the nerdiest thing about you that you can tell us?
I read the newspaper way to much

What kind of date can we expect?
Make it up as we go type of date, a little bit of choose adventure, red pill blue pill ...

Anything else we should know that might entice bidders?
I like to have fun

Brian Alexander
Financial Services Roundtable

What cause do you care the most about?
Civic Engagement -- Political Education

What is the nerdiest thing about you that you can tell us?
Desires to have dinner with Dianne Rehm, of NRP

What kind of date can we expect?
Fun, Funny, Refreshing

Anything else we should know that might entice bidders?
Started political consulting firm while in law school. First client, OFA.

Ginny Hill
Partnership for Public Service

What cause do you care the most about?
Young Government Leaders (YGL). I've been the President for two years.

What is the nerdiest thing about you that you can tell us?
I will beat everyone in Settlers of Catan!

What kind of date can we expect?
Your choice: Beer at a sportsbar, a bike ride and FroYo, Dinner and the walking around the zoo

Anything else we should know that might entice bidders?
I can sing and I play in a local cover band, “The Perfectionists”

Sarah Ali
Physician

What cause do you care the most about?
Health (research and education), Cancer support/research

What is the nerdiest thing about you that you can tell us?
Shiver me timbers, do yer really want to know this, matey?! Ayyye, then m'lad.
Sometimes, me likes to talk to meself and me hearties in pirate slang!!! Tis true.

What kind of date can we expect?
A night of salsa dancing would be fun!

Anything else we should know that might entice bidders?
I'm kind, confident, and have an endless amount of love to give to the world.

Erica Hiar
Communications

What cause do you care the most about?
Women’s Rights

What is the nerdiest thing about you that you can tell us?
I have an ongoing list of countries visited competition with my family. I am winning at 30!

What kind of date can we expect?
Kayaking? Canoeing? Drinks?

Anything else we should know that might entice bidders?
I am very laid back and spontaneous. I love to just go with the flow.

Ally Spector
Speech-language Pathologist

What cause do you care the most about?
Charitable- specifically for children with special needs

What is the nerdiest thing about you that you can tell us?
I am addicted to the Settlers of Catan app.

What kind of date can we expect?
I can kick your butt at tennis... or perhaps a casual drink at a rooftop bar!

Anything else we should know that might entice bidders?
I played division one tennis. I love to cook, eat, paint, and play social sports.

Alex Morash
Economic Policy Researcher
(LGBT)

What cause do you care the most about?
Ending LGBT Youth Homelessness, Labor Rights, Social Justice

What is the nerdiest thing about you that you can tell us?
I ponder the question who would win Data or Darth Vader?

What kind of date can we expect?
A tour of the Hirshhorn Museum of modern art.

Anything else we should know that might entice bidders?
I enjoy the city's modern art museums, have a passion for social & economic causes and when it comes to politics I say if your not causing trouble your not doing it right!

Saleema Vellani
Marketing Director, Honeycomb

What cause do you care the most about?
Empowering the developing world through entrepreneurship and technology

What is the nerdiest thing about you that you can tell us?
I speak 5 languages fluently!

What kind of date can we expect?
Dinner on a terrace or drinks and live jazz or hiking or salsa dancing

Anything else we should know that might entice bidders?
I'm Canadian, a serial entrepreneur, world traveller, foodie and dancer!

Anisley Valdes
Social Worker, Community Connections

What cause do you care the most about?
Mental Health, homeless outreach, political and civic causes

What is the nerdiest thing about you that you can tell us?
obsessed with how the brain works, and the psychology of human interactions

What kind of date can we expect?
fun, adventurous, funny, outgoing, preferably outdoors

Anything else we should know that might entice bidders?
Love the outdoors, easygoing, great cook! ;-)

Domonique James
Digital Politics

What cause do you care the most about?
i'm a personal and leadership development junkie!

What is the nerdiest thing about you that you can tell us?
back in the day, my favorite TV show was Roswell (the show about aliens)

What kind of date can we expect?
We're going to have fun...and laugh a lot!

Anything else we should know that might entice bidders?
I'm a Libra

FOLLOW OUR NETWORKS!

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8/26: N4P & GO-DC's 8th & Final SUMMER MIXER & DATE AUCTION

8/11/2015

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Network For Progress & Generation Obama-DC
present

8th & Final
SUMMER MIXER & DATE AUCTION

“Nerds are Sexy” Edition

#nerdsaresexydc

benefiting

(only $5 with Advance RSVP)

+ Join our NEW

Let’s make some hearts collide to help cure the digital divide on Women’s Equality Day!

We have a few auction-related weddings under our belt so this could be the most important decision of your life….check out what you missed in 2011 & 2012!

DATE AUCTIONEE PREVIEWS!

(including the real-life inspiration for a nerdy political character on a TV show as one of our date auctionees)

DATE SPONSORSHIPS INCLUDE:

SPECIAL AUCTION ITEMS INCLUDE:

Networking Lunch with Tom Manatos
Founder, Tom Manatos Jobs
former House Liaison, Speaker Nancy Pelosi
former House Liaison, DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman-Schultz

VIP Ticket for Democratic GAIN Diversity Reception
(includes private meet-and-greet with Harry Reid & John Lewis)

All-Access Pass to 9/25-26 TedxMid-Atlantic (Washington, DC)

Week-long Vacation @ Hacienda Cerritos & Cerritos Surf Colony

FEMALE CELEBRITY MC:

Ginny Hill
Lead Singer, “The Perfectionists”
President, Young Government Leaders

MALE CELEBRITY MC - farewell performance!!!!

Anjon Roy
N4P Senior Adviser
8-Time MC Veteran
(watch a classic clip from 2012)

6:30pm-9:30pm Wednesday, August 26th
(6:30 Mixer, 7:30 Auction)

Tropicalia
2001 14th Street NW, Washington, DC
(under the Subway sandwich shop)
@ U Street

*** $5 Drink Specials ALL NIGHT & Drink Tix courtesy of Tropicalia ***
*** appetizers will be available while supplies last + outside food is welcome ***

Join Network For Progress & Generation Obama-Washington, DC for our 8th & FINAL Mixer & Date Auction: “Nerds Are Sexy” Edition on U Street! That's right, after this climactic meeting of DC’s most seductive political and tech geeks we will retire from the singles business!

After doing some mixing and mingling, attendees will get a chance to bid on dates with several lovely ladies and charming gentleman with the outings sponsored by local businesses including a party excursion on the Boomerang Pirate Ship.

50% of the proceeds will benefit Code for Progress - a progressive coding community that brings new professionals like women and people of color into the field through classroom training and structured alumni programming. 2014 Fellows have been hired by organizations ranging from the DNC to the AFL-CIO to Detention Watch Network. (as seen in Fast Company) and Mayor Bowser’s Connect DC program funded 3 fellowships in 2015

Donate Now: http://www.codeforprogress.org/app/donate (if you do email us to let us know)

The event will also benefit N4P's "Apptivist" initiative based on Founder Jim McBride's Independence Day blog post “The NEXT Revolution will be Super APP-sized!” N4P will create some exciting new digital-savvy grassroots platforms to help changemakers of all kinds to Connect, Communicate, Collaborate, Educate and Activate the community on behalf of their respective causes.

PLEASE INVITE FRIENDS & COLLEAGUES!

Want to nominate a Straight or LGBT Auctioneee (male recruits especially) or join the Host Team or have questions? Email Jim @ network4progress@gmail.com

FOLLOW OUR NETWORKS!

(includes Progress USA national posts, DC Career Progress, DC Comm Tech For Progress, Campaign 4 Progress DC, Advocate 4 Progress DC, Serve 4 Progress DC and Jim's Forward Progressive blog)

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8/6 SUMMER PROGRESS PARTY: Rooftop Mixer & GOP Debate/Jon Stewart Finale Watch Night @ Cambria Suites

7/23/2015

1 Comment

Network For Progress

presents

2nd Annual

SUMMER PROGRESS PARTY:

Rooftop “1st Thursdays” Mixer

& GOP Debate/Jon Stewart Finale

#summerprogressparty

with proceeds benefiting

Sister Cities International

($5 Mixer Tix end 5pm 8/5 & Free Watch Party Tix end 5pm 8/6)

& our NEW

6:30pm-10:30pm Thursday, August 6th
(6:30 21+ Rooftop Mixer, 9:00 Debate Watch, 11:00 Stewart Finale)

Cambria Suites
(rooftop patio)
899 O Street NW, Washington, DC 20001
@ Mt. Vernon/Convention Center

$4 domestics & $6 wine happy hour specials
and free appetizers until 8pm courtesy of

raffle prizes include an overnight stay at Cambria Suites and gifts sponsored by

featuring the music of

Flo Anito

special guests include:

Johanna Berkson

President, Our Time

Toora Arsala

YDA Disability Caucus Candidate
(watch his video & support his convention trip to LA!)

...plus the GOP Clown Show

and their biggest foil!

partners include:

Democratic GAIN

WIN (Women’s Information Network)

Progressive Communicators of DC

Prince George’s County Young Democrats

Fairfax County Young Democrats

Montgomery County Young Democrats

Young Democrats of DC

DC Latino Caucus

DC Democratic Socialists

DC For Bernie Sanders facebook page
&
DC Youth for Bernie 2016 facebook page

DC For Hillary facebook group

DC Young Politicos & Public Policy Professionals

New Leaders Council - DC

New Leaders Council - Maryland

Gertrude Stein Democratic Club

GWU School of Political Management

Generation Obama-DC

host committee includes:
Jim McBride, Chito Peppler, Britton Loftin, Alex Morash, Clayton Keir, Dadly Cordero, Emilie Aries, Gabriela Mossi, Jake Stevens, Jose Gutierrez, Kaitlin Cooke, Katie Breslin, Kouri Marshall, Margot Friedman, Maurice Simpson, Nik Sushka, Ronda Bernstein
(featured on facebook event)

Join Network For Progress and several other organizations for our 2nd Annual rooftop summer happy hour to connect with your fellow Progressives, Democrats, Hope Mongers and Change Makers while enjoying the song stylings of Flo Anito Music and appetizers provided courtesy of Runin Out & Cambria Suites Washington DC Convention Center.

Afterward, we welcome all our sado-masochistic friends to join us at the lobby bar downstairs for some hilarious and jaw-dropping rubbernecking at the Trump-ed up GOP train wreck in their 1st Presidential Primary Debate hosted by FOX News and Facebook at 9pm followed by the retirement of their biggest foil with the finale episode of Jon Stewart on The Daily Show at 11pm.

If you want to meet new people but need a nudge we will even have a Networking Potluck bucket so you can find attendees with similar interests.

50% of event proceeds will benefit Sister Cities International, a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit which serves as the national membership organization for individual sister cities, counties, and states across the U.S. Founded by President Eisenhower in 1956, this network unites tens of thousands of citizen diplomats and volunteers in 545 communities with over 2,100 partnerships in 145 countries on six continents.

Contact Jim @network4progress@gmail.com if you would like to join as a Co-Host or Partner Organization as well as questions/comments.

($5 Mixer Tix end 5pm 8/5 & Free Watch Party Tix end 5pm 8/6)

+ our NEW

(includes Progress USA national posts, DC Career Progress, DC Comm Tech For Progress, Campaign 4 Progress DC, Advocate 4 Progress DC, Serve 4 Progress DC and Jim's Forward Progressive blog)

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7/21: July Progress Meetup with Dean 2004 Campaign Manager & Internet-age Politics Pioneer Joe Trippi!

7/10/2015

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JULY PROGRESS MEETUP:
"The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" Edition

#progressmeetup

($5 + Raffle tix with Early Bird RSVP)

join us for a talk on 2016 Politics with an Internet-age Politics Pioneer

Joe Trippi
Democratic Strategist

Founder & President, Trippi & Associates
Author, “The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”
Campaign Manager, Dean For America 2004

+
“Forward Progressive” Presentation

“The NEXT Revolution will be Super APP-sized!”
(N4P Founder Jim McBride’s take on how tech can transform politics again 2016)

6pm-8pm Tuesday, July 21st
(6:30 networking, 7:00 program, 8:00 networking)

Dupont UberOffices
Suite 700
1200 18th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
@ Farragut & Dupont

*** Food & Beer/Wine provided ***

Please join Network For Progress, a social and media-savvy grassroots community inspired by the "Yes We Can" Movement to engage Progressives, Democrats, Hope Mongers and Change Makers in political and civic participation, at July’s Progress Meetup with Howard Dean’s Presidential Campaign Manager & Online Politics Pioneer Joe Trippi.

There is not many people out there better to remind us that the “Revolution Will Not Be Televised!” as Joe will explain how both the Clinton AND Sanders campaigns have yet to maximize their potential by innovating new ways to engage current and potential supporters.

Joe will share with us some background about his career in politics, including what he learned from the 2004 Democratic Primary race and how we can still apply those lessons in 2016. Then he will take your questions.

After the program, Jim will share his insights and we invite you to share your own “Progress Highlights” as we welcome community announcements about relevant events, opportunities and actions. We will also offer a round of introductions and our NEW “Networking Potluck” buckets to find people with common interests!

Questions/Comments? Contact us at network4progress@gmail.com.

($5 + Raffle Tix with Early Bird RSVP)

+ Join our NEW Meetup event:

FOLLOW OUR NETWORKS:

(includes Progress USA national posts, DC Career Progress, DC Comm Tech For Progress, Campaign 4 Progress DC, Advocate 4 Progress DC, Serve 4 Progress DC and Jim's Forward Progressive blog)

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7/14 JULY CAREER PROGRESS MEETUP: "Custom Network-building" Edition with Tom Manatos of Tom Manatos Jobs!

7/7/2015

0 Comments

($5 + Raffle tix with Early Bird RSVP)

JULY CAREER PROGRESS MEETUP:
“Custom Network-building” Edition

#careerprogress

Special Guest:
Tom Manatos

Founder, Tom Manatos Jobs

Director of Government Affairs, Internet Association
former House Liaison, Speaker Nancy Pelosi
former House Liaison, DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman-Schultz

Career Mentors include:
Mollie Katz, Katz Communications
Heather Ratcliff, “How To Reach People” Blog & NetSquared-DC
Resume Expert Kimberlee Steins
*** in formation ***

Employers include:
NGP VAN
(many tech & non-tech openings)
Clean Water Action
(DC/MD/VA Canvass & Grassroots Organizing openings)
Jews United For Justice
(Online & Corps Member openings + Communications Associate)
*** in formation ***

6pm-8pm Tuesday, July 14th
(6pm Open Networking, 6:30pm Program, 7:00 Custom Networking)

201 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002
@ Union Station

*** includes appetizers while supplies last & $12 Bud Light pitchers ***

Please join Network For Progress, a social and media-savvy grassroots community inspired by the "Yes We Can" Movement to engage Progressives, Democrats, Hope Mongers and Change Makers in political and civic participation, at July’s Career Progress Meetup: “Custom Networking” Edition with Tom Manatos, Founder of TomManatosJobs.com and Director of Government Affairs for the Internet Association!

What is Custom Network-building? Well, if you want to connect with people in DC or anywhere it is better not to focus on “speed” and rush your conversations or “networking” like you are looking for the exact fit that will get you your next job...so we’ll try to create a different tone. Instead, we will be helping you find the best matches for developing several great relationships ranging from political and civic to personal and professional.

At 6:30pm, after we introduce attendees around the room to each other, we will hear Tom’s thoughts about getting a job in DC and the Internet economy as well as some mentors and employers with some advice and opportunities. The participant list is still in formation.

At 7pm, we will set up some 1-on-1s with our expert guests (sign ups are first come, first serve) and also divide up by interests based on our Industry, Career Type and Field for up to 10 rounds of 5-Minute conversations. Remember to bring business cards and your resume if you would like it to be reviewed by our Resume Expert and one of the employers in attendance.

Attendees will be encouraged to come early and stay late to continue their connections. If they need a little bit of help we will have Networking Buckets where they can draw names of people with relevant expertise for their interests.

Questions/Comments? Contact us at network4progress@gmail.com

FOLLOW ALL OUR NETWORKS:

(includes Progress USA national posts, Career Progress, Comm Tech 4 Progress, Campaign 4 Progress, Advocate 4 Progress, Serve 4 Progress and more!)

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FWD BLOG: "The NEXT Revolution will be Super APP-sized"

7/4/2015

1 Comment

This Independence Day I hope we take stock of the “State of the Revolution” since 1776 and how we can reinvigorate our democracy before for our next presidential election in 2016.

Of course, we can discuss the amazing gains all day, including most recently on Marriage Equality, yet for reason Americans seem stuck in the past and are fighting old battles left and right with a majority even believing the Confederate Flag is a symbol of “southern pride” not racism.

Despite the power of the Internet that vaulted an unlikely figure like Barack Obama into office, the tools used since 2008 need to keep evolving for progress to keep marching forward and outflanking some serious enemies as they quickly catch up (i.e. ISIS). There have been new developments in the use of weapons like Twitter and Big Data, but this means new strategies for using these tools as well.

In 2016, the most successful movement-building strategy will be focused on one mission: MOVEMENT-BUILDING.

It might sound redundant but what are campaigns and the media and even the public focused on right now? MONEY-BUILDING.

The problem is the greatest advances in MOVEMENT-BUILDING recently have been fueled by the highly-economical use of DIGITAL ENGAGEMENT not the #1 Expenditure of high-profile campaigns: the dying Broadcast TV Advertising complex.

So, in 2016 if you want to build a movement you should make Digital Engagement a priority and invest in Super APPs vs. Super PACs.

In the age of smart phone-driven Mobile tools like Uber and AirBNB that are surpassing social networking by providing “service” networking and “resource” networking, it is time to pioneer “activist” networking and even “citizen” networking for connecting and collaborating in our neighborhoods.

That means innovating to create platforms that enable users to develop more effective relationships and communities for your causes and interests not just driving the trend of using digital as a 21st Century version of a 20th Century campaign focused on fundraising and advertising that barely touches the surface of influencing the electorate.

In 2007, the most important tool that Obama For America created was My.BarackObama.com as it empowered local activists to find and organize grassroots armies on their own.

I know because when Barack Obama essentially clinched the Democratic nomination in February 2008 he did it on the backs of the very well-organized grassroots-led activists in Virginia, DC and Maryland that made up the pivotal Potomac Primary. OFA Staff arrived on the ground one week before that election but the difference in preparation between the campaigns was stark….even though Hillary’s campaign was actually based in Arlington, Virginia.

Nonetheless, MyBO was allowed to die from neglect after the election and it wasn’t revived until the launch of "Dashboard" in June 2008...with limited capability and over a year into President Obama’s re-election campaign.

Lots of grassroots organizers in my area were Democratic Party members who went back to their flock so to keep these communities thriving after Obama won the nomination it was necessary for some OFA organizers and digital stategists to begin showing interest in developing the platform themselves and to lead the new “Hope Mongers” that had been recruited and were considered Obama supporters above all else.

Unfortunately, this never happened and the true grassroots momentum of the Movement for “Hope” and “Change” was lost. To this day, BarackObama.com’s event pages have barely been updated beyond their 2007 form….furthering their sense of dated abandonment.

Now, creating your own platform is hard and that has led to the prevalence of using existing social networks instead to reach supporters online. But they’re generally being used in a traditional top-down fashion and are not designed to be a comprehensive hub for digital-driven grassroots activism. And it doesn’t help when the most effective digital tool to engage with your followers, email, is used as a 24/7 fundraising pitch.

Remember the definition of doing the same thing over and over BUT expecting a different result?

For example, after the 2014 debacle that proved 2010 wasn’t just a post-Great Recession and/or Obamacare fluke, the Democratic Party should be leading the charge toward a true Movement-building Strategy in 2016 to put life into their disaffected base that may be growing demographically and seeing lots of TV ads but won’t show up when Barack Obama isn’t on the ballot.

This also means the rank-and-file recognizing that a large segment of the electorate is not motivated by many or ANY issues, especially when it comes to state and local elections where conservatives have developed an immense edge that has affected redistricting for decades to come because their voters pay closer attention.

Besides, today’s enemy on one issue might be your friend on another so spending a lot of time coming up with memes attacking Ted Cruz is not just a waste of organizing time it also makes collaborating with him due to his support for libertarian-friendly causes like prison reform more difficult.

By understanding the importance of politics as a People Business, activists can focus on offering personal stories and connections to interest new audiences then keep them unified and working together.

When utilized properly, current platforms can help drive crowd-sourced and coalition-driven movements ranging from the “Arab Spring” to “Black Lives Matter,” but imagine if a new Movement-building strategy utilized convenient hand-held consumer applications that could enhance their activism. Currently, these mobile tools are few and far between, as other than the White House they sometimes are briefly used for a conference or special event.

With the help of the customized functionality, an organization can quickly prompt their followers to take ALL kinds of actions on ALL kinds of platforms….whether it be changing their profile pic to watching a training video to signing a petition ONLINE OR attending a fundraiser to volunteering at a festival to voting on Election Day OFFLINE.

Or you could search a network for anyone who likes your cause in your Zip Code AND can donate resources like a spare room for one of your out-of-state interns or volunteers. Now, campaign databases usually utilize location and interest data but don’t encourage users to create and update personal profiles beyond the frequency of emails received.

It’s a win-win for everyone as users can directly follow and give feedback on the essential messages and actions of their favorite cause without the hassle of worrying about reading spammy emails, getting a bunch phone calls and door knocks at home, having to track a fire hose worth of social media posts or having to remember to visit a landing page-consuming web site on a regular basis.

And as Facebook further proved with its recent Pride campaign, EVERYONE is now an APPtivist.

Regardless of whether you’re a long-suffering Democrat or Voting Rights advocate or an underdog for some other political or civic cause the answer is clear:

The NEXT Revolution will be Super APP-sized.

P.S. If you’re interested in working on our Apptivist projects with Network For Progress send an email to network4progress@gmail.com with any ideas or skills you have to offer!

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JIM MCBRIDE
"Forward Progressive" Blog
Founder & President, Network For Progress

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