The Rockridge Institute, according to a
press release on their web site, has launched an ambitious and innovative initiative they call the "Progressive Manual Project." Rockridge is the insitutional extension of the work of linguist
George Lakoff, whose notion of "framing" is an integral part of the current reshaping of progressive Democratic politics. Framing is most famously presented in his book,
Don't Think of An Elephant, which discusses important differences between the worldviews of conservatives and liberals.
Rockridge is trying to help close the think tank gap. The conservative movement has methodically built
many such institutions while the liberal left did, well, whatever it was they were doing while the right marched to power over the past few decades.
The Progressive Manual Project will provide a concise summary of core progressive concepts and values. It will show how those concepts and values support a broad range of policy directions spanning environment, education, health care, jobs, security, and other areas. It will provide practical tools, ideas, and suggested language for those working day-to-day to educate the public and build support for the progressive agenda. The project will include:
A multi-chapter printed reference book
A dynamic, interactive on-line resource that we update regularly
A robust support structure to train, support, educate and empower issue advocates and activists across the U.S.
To undertake this project, Rockridge is "borrowing approaches proven in the open source software movement." Rockridge says it will be "collaborating with people who work day-to-day for progressive change" and thereby "validate the ideas as they are developed, and ensure the usefulness and relevance of our written product. This open-source approach distinguishes Rockridge from many think tanks in which the research and writing is done by a small, closed group."
They plan to finish two chapters by next spring. "One will focus on the foundation of ideas from which all progressive policy follows; the other will focus specifically on the environment." After this first phase, they feel they can "ramp up our organizational capability to work on four to six chapters simultaneously. We will release chapters one by one as they are completed."
But then, of course, this thing has to be funded. They say they need $500,000 to complete the first two chapters. In addition to direct contritutions, they are looking for "chapter sponsors" and other ideas.