Masses of everyday people around the country are taking to the streets in protest. They are calling out lawmakers, showing up at town halls, holding rallies, signing petitions and becoming activists for the first time in their lives in response to one of the most indecent and dishonest presidents and corrupt Republican-led Congresses in our nation’s history.
The Resistance is strong and the PEOPLE are making a difference. Admittedly, it can be frustrating at times when change doesn’t happen fast enough and when the battles feel like they are nonstop. That’s why we also need to work on preventing thugs like Donald Trump from ever taking the Oval Office again. And we need ways to stop a self-serving, pseudo-Christian, reckless and complicit GOP, that we now see every day, from ever holding the majority in government again.
There are ways we can do this.
In an email, Daily Kos recently highlighted Run For Something, a new Resistance battle that could change everything. The Run For Something progressive organization is seeking: “Fresh ideas. Fresh energy. And we need fresh blood.”
The information below helps to explain how you can get involved from the inside out. Consider running for office yourself. It’s not as far-fetched as you might think and there is support. If you choose not to run, you can make a fierce difference by getting behind and supporting the young progressives who want to take on a tough, powerful and triumphant campaign. These new candidates need volunteers, seed money, tools to organize and access to sound training in order to be successful.
Let’s be honest: the 2016 election was devastating. We watched Donald Trump lie and bully his way to the nomination and toss aside our democratic principles. And then he won. But worst of all, conservatives grabbed power at every level of government while kicking the progressive movement to the curb.
It’s time to fight back.
We need fresh ideas. Fresh energy. And we need fresh blood. That’s why Run for Something is working to recruit, train, and fundraise for diverse progressive candidates under 35 in down-ballot races around the country. But we need your help.
It starts with a desire for change.
Help us rebuild the Democratic bench. Let’s put young progressives on our school boards. Let’s fight for city council seats and fill state assemblies. Let’s elect some amazing, diverse mayors. The folks who we support now could end up as members of the House, Senators, or maybe even President one day.
The Daily Kos email includes a petition link where you can sign/join/donate: “Let’s build a progressive bench that will lead America forward for generations. Sign Now.”
We’re fighting to lower the barriers to entry for these candidates. We’ll give them seed money, tools to organize their campaigns, and access to the trainings they need to be successful. These aren’t professional politicians; they’re passionate progressives like you who are ready to fight. Let’s fight with them. Trump won’t know what hit him.
Thank you,
The Run for Something Team
Of course, those of us progressives and potential candidates over 35 can—and should run as well. There are a good number of organizations that will help interested parties of all ages decide if running for an elected office is for them. And they offer ways to get the tools and support. Osita Nwanevu with Slate put out a decent guide entitled:
If You Want To Run For Office (And You Should) Start With These Resources
Some of Slate’s sources include:
Emerge America offers an in-depth, seven-month training program in 17 states. It has a track record of success in electing progressive candidates.
Veterans Campaign offers weekend workshops for veterans considering a run for office.
There is also:
Emily’s List: Driven by the Power of Driven Women
And there are more organizations. Ask around. Research. Many of us are led to believe we’d never be able to run because we don’t have the credentials, don’t have the money, don’t have the experience... Don’t sell yourself short. If you’re reading this, you’re reading Daily Kos and that means you care about what’s happening in this country—or you’re a Republican troll looking to find out what the Left is doing. Here you go.
Change your community, change your city, change your country—change your world. Run for office. Support those who run. This is how it begins.