|
Progressive causes don't just happen on their own. They take work. They take effort. They require people. You can't sit by, hope the poo poo people in the world will just go away somehow and have things improve by magic. Donald Trump and the GOP MUST be fought. UKIP and The Tories MUST be fought. Marine le Pen and the National Front MUST be fought. The Golden Dawn MUST be fought. etc etc These people are poo poo. The people want power. In many cases they already have it. They people want to gently caress you over and they are not going to go away. If we want the world to be a better place we have to fight for it and this is thread is to facilitate and share how best to do that. THIS THREAD IS FOR: Sharing stories about the fight for progressive politics and encouraging others to get involved in the fight for the same. Posting details on upcoming policy you think people should support. Posting information on how to join and aid your local political parties that are trying to enact worthy causes. Sharing links and donation information for human rights charities and other such organisations. Sharing information about protests and rallies against injustices being committed and how you can support them. THREAD RULES America is not the only country in the world. I recognise the majority of Goons are American and American issues are going to dominate but this is a thread for promoting Leftism wherever you live. Not just America. No dogpiling or shouting someone down because they want to talk about their own country. Progress is Progress:Anything we can get is a good thing. If someone is helping then they're helping. No bitching how they're not going far enough, how they're not true leftists or how anything short of "Full Communism Now" is failure. This thread is about what we can do moving forward: This thread is not for arguing about the past and what may have been. Not one loving word about how "It should have been Bernie" or whatever. Hindsight is 20/20. ACCELERATIONISM IS BULLSHIT. KINDLY gently caress THE HELL OFF IF YOU EVEN WANT TO HINT AT IT To get everyone started here's an excellent video about getting in touch with your local representatives: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KXXYkLa-HHI LINKS Amnesty International, a universal human rights campaign group: https://www.amnesty.org/en/ Anti Fascism Network, self explanatory https://antifascistnetwork.org/ America Based American Civil Liberties Union, a federal advocacy organisation focused primarily on challenging unjust laws in court: https://www.aclu.org/ Southern Poverty Law Center, a group dedicated to identifying and fighting hate crimes: https://www.splcenter.org Democratic Socialists of America, a group promoting grassroots organisation of the political left in America: https://dsausa.nationbuilder.com/join encuentro 5, a collaboration of several groups in Boston, Massachusetts that that are fighting for numerous causes at home and abroad: http://encuentro5.org/home/node/9 Socialist Alternative, a group that focuses heavily on protest organisation http://www.socialistalternative.org/ Information On staying safe while protesting: http://www.crimethinc.com/blog/2014/08/14/staying-safe-in-the-streets/ On dealing with tear gas: https://www.patreon.com/posts/quick-and-dirty-6057497 This list will be updated as the thread progresses. STANDING ROCK PROTESTS This is an ongoing protest by Native Americans and allied environmentalist groups against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline. The US Government and various oil companies are attempting to force the construction of this pipeline across the ancestral land of the Lakota people, most importantly across a river which serves as the primary water source for those still living there. They fear contamination of such a vital resource and are rightfully pissed off at having what little they still have left being run roughshod over. http://sacredstonecamp.org/supply-list/ This link includes information on what supplies they need to continue their protest along with where and how to send them. EDIT: Since it was suggested that the following excellent advice is against the spirit of the OP I've decided to add it here to prevent any further such misgivings. https://twitter.com/HarryGiles/status/796254688622604289 https://twitter.com/HarryGiles/status/796254860513603587 https://twitter.com/HarryGiles/status/796255194015289344 https://twitter.com/HarryGiles/status/796255505933094912 https://twitter.com/HarryGiles/status/796255828525387776 https://twitter.com/HarryGiles/status/796256180108660736 https://twitter.com/HarryGiles/status/796256714882510848 https://twitter.com/HarryGiles/status/796256881626976256 https://twitter.com/HarryGiles/status/796257368229249024 https://twitter.com/HarryGiles/status/796257617324675072 Captain Fargle fucked around with this message at 18:33 on Nov 15, 2016 |
#
?
Nov 14, 2016 21:17
|
|
|
|
| # ? Apr 26, 2024 14:38 |
|
|
Sorry for starting US Centric at the outset, but I think it's vitally important to amplify the DLCC's program to take back statehouses. This is their 2016 map, I'm sure after this rear end whupping it'll change for 2018: http://www.dlcc.org/2016-majorities-project I just bought a book called Ratfucked, which goes into the GOP's REDMAP program. This is their program to Moneyball the State House, in use since 2010. The book goes over their efforts and they've been incredibly successful. Another article here quote:All told, in 2010 Republicans gained nearly seven hundred state legislative seats, which, as a report from redmap crowed, was a larger increase “than either party has seen in modern history.” The wins were sufficient to push twenty chambers from a Democratic to a Republican majority. Most significantly, they gave the G.O.P. control over both houses of the legislature in twenty-five states. (One was Pennsylvania.) The blue map was now red. I feel like a statehouse strategy is one that has numerous "knock-on" effects down the chain--it helps with local organizing, Senate races, GOTV efforts, and can roll back gains in places like WI, IA, and MI. I talked to the Ratfucked author, his advice was find ppl who have state districting experience and predicitive analytics skills. I have the second but not the first. If anybody is interested please let me know. Again I feel like starting with statehouses is a really good starting point because it reverberates all the way down. Starting now can harness ppl's enthusiasm who feel like they can't do anything.
|
|
#
?
Nov 14, 2016 21:25
|
|
|
My plan is to just start showing up at any and all city hall meetings I can attend, whatever the subject matter. I want to listen and learn and be seen before I really start to participate. I'm unemployed and likely to remain so for a while, so material wealth is not something I can really contribute. I'm loving destitute and living off the generosity of a much more successful family member. It seems to me like the best thing I can do is turn the idle time into some sort of good works, and trying to inject a more progressive view into my local government seems like a reasonable place to start. Any tips from those with more experience? I'd love to hear folks' stories on their beginnings in political engagement. I live in a white suburban dream land in blue as gently caress metropolitan Chicago, but I imagine even vastly disparate locales can offer some sort of insight into how to be a helpful contributor.
|
|
#
?
Nov 14, 2016 21:35
|
|
|
Can I just say that it's super exciting how there are signs of a mass awakening of the body politic of young people? I honestly thought this whole thing would be shrugged off, but I'm seeing people give a poo poo in a way that I didn't expect. I dunno maybe it will die down but still seeing people fly into a rage and even wishy washy celebrities actually angry in a way that's not normal might be encouraging.
|
|
#
?
Nov 14, 2016 21:40
|
|
|
Hey cool, was hoping we'd have a thread like this. My wife and I are both pretty involved in the local Democratic groups, but I feel like we've got to get a whole lot better at turning some folks blue in our county.
|
|
#
?
Nov 14, 2016 21:45
|
|
|
Kekekela posted:Hey cool, was hoping we'd have a thread like this. My wife and I are both pretty involved in the local Democratic groups, but I feel like we've got to get a whole lot better at turning some folks blue in our county. Do you have any stories about it that you want to share?
|
|
#
?
Nov 14, 2016 21:47
|
|
|
I joined DSA on Monday, thinking I'd be helping push farther left. Now it looks like a good starting point to organize. Not a party, not really much to say on FP or LGBTQ, but firm emphasis on organization. I don't get any money from this, just think they look good. $40 for new members, less for students I think. https://dsausa.nationbuilder.com/join
|
|
#
?
Nov 14, 2016 21:48
|
|
|
Al-Saqr posted:Can I just say that it's super exciting how there are signs of a mass awakening of the body politic of young people? I honestly thought this whole thing would be shrugged off, but I'm seeing people give a poo poo in a way that I didn't expect. I dunno maybe it will die down but still seeing people fly into a rage and even wishy washy celebrities actually angry in a way that's not normal might be encouraging. It turns out when you take for granted the belief that people would take one look at Trump and go "oh goodness no", you start to realize you might have to do more. I'm glad this thread exists because I got tired of the USPol thread having people just going "feh, neoliberals  " and not offering real suggestions or solutions, while also denigrating the people who honestly tried to offer real solutions or ideas for a way forward.I really feel equal parts of shame, anger, and panic at the way things have turned out, and how I took for granted the idea that in the year 2016 we would not elect somebody so out of touch with the entire way the world works and somebody so against the Constitution he was gleefully talking about throwing the press in prison, throwing political opponents in prison, and instituting a nationwide violation of the 4th amendment. Ultimately that was a mistake on my part and many others. I also think I did a bad job understanding just how badly the American working class is willing to screw themselves over because they see people less fortunate than them getting help and think "well gently caress you I need help too", even if someone is offering to help them. I took for granted the fact that I try to look at the biggest possible picture of how things affect everybody, and not realizing that, at the core, people ultimately want to look out for themselves first. Anyway...I don't really know what I can do to help. I live in Massachusetts which at times seems so Blue that even our Republicans aren't all that terrible (which I know is not true but I'm being hyperbolic here). I can write to my senators and representatives of course but I want to do more. I don't have a lot of money, I don't have a lot of time (still need to work unfortunately), and the town I live in is small so even on a local level I can't affect much. Does anybody know of any New England-based or even nationally based progressive groups I could try getting involved in? Also I know this is mostly about larger action but has anyone ever experienced talking to people they know who, out of misunderstanding or self-interest, supported ideas that would affect people who aren't them disproportionately? And if so, how did you talk to them about it, and were you able to convince them of anything? If that sounds too vague I can provide the anecdote about this as it relates to me. I ask because I suppose I worry that, if I can't even convince friends of progressive ideals, then there isn't much hope of me helping to convince strangers. Angry_Ed fucked around with this message at 22:19 on Nov 14, 2016 |
|
#
?
Nov 14, 2016 21:55
|
|
|
Captain Fargle posted:Do you have any stories about it that you want to share? A guy that I really really liked only got 35% of the vote running for Congress against a 2nd generation holder of the seat. My wife is way more active in going to the meetings and whatnot (although I've been trying to go more), I built and maintain their website. I'd definitely like to be more proactive in publishing anything that can help the cause going forward, whereas I've been more passive and just posted what they sent me in the past. Our leadership is well-intentioned but I think more interested in socializing than strategizing when they get together (which is not to imply that they don't put forth a great deal of effort, because they do) Also, we're in a very white, very poor county.
|
|
#
?
Nov 14, 2016 22:09
|
|
|
Angry_Ed posted:It turns out when you take for granted the belief that people would take one look at Trump and go "oh goodness no", you start to realize you might have to do more. There is always more to be done. Even if your state is the bluest of the blue. Especially right now with the sheer disaster that is Trump. Your state is going to need help pushing back against him and getting through this with as little damage as possible. Climate change is a real and present threat too. Trump being elected seems like it's only going to make that worse. Boston is a coastal city. See if you can get involved in building defenses against rising sea levels. See if there's any charities you can get involved in that help Americans with healthcare issues maybe? Push for lighter criminal sentencing for misdemeanour offences. Is weed legal in Massachusetts? You could try pushing for that. There's a lot of things to do even in blue country.
|
|
#
?
Nov 14, 2016 22:19
|
|
|
Captain Fargle posted:There is always more to be done. Even if your state is the bluest of the blue. Especially right now with the sheer disaster that is Trump. Your state is going to need help pushing back against him and getting through this with as little damage as possible. Climate change is a real and present threat too. Trump being elected seems like it's only going to make that worse. Boston is a coastal city. See if you can get involved in building defenses against rising sea levels. See if there's any charities you can get involved in that help Americans with healthcare issues maybe? Push for lighter criminal sentencing for misdemeanour offences. Is weed legal in Massachusetts? You could try pushing for that. Thanks, these are good ideas and to be honest I completely forgot that Question 4 had passed in this state. I guess my biggest issue is just not knowing who to talk to or get involved with and not even really having an idea of where to start looking, but this helps a bit.
|
|
#
?
Nov 14, 2016 22:23
|
|
|
Angry_Ed posted:Anyway...I don't really know what I can do to help. I live in Massachusetts which at times seems so Blue that even our Republicans aren't all that terrible (which I know is not true but I'm being hyperbolic here). I can write to my senators and representatives of course but I want to do more. I don't have a lot of money, I don't have a lot of time (still need to work unfortunately), and the town I live in is small so even on a local level I can't affect much. Does anybody know of any New England-based or even nationally based progressive groups I could try getting involved in? http://encuentro5.org/home/node/9
|
|
#
?
Nov 14, 2016 22:23
|
|
|
Another vote for joining the DSA. The organize to both help with independent electoral runs, endorsement of candidates, and to work with and organize other groups like BLM, labor unions, etc. My first meeting's tomorrow and I'm excited.
|
|
#
?
Nov 14, 2016 22:34
|
|
|
Angry_Ed posted:Anyway...I don't really know what I can do to help. I live in Massachusetts which at times seems so Blue that even our Republicans aren't all that terrible (which I know is not true but I'm being hyperbolic here). I can write to my senators and representatives of course but I want to do more. Blue isn't enough. Look at your senators, representatives, governor etc and pressure, pressure, pressure them into fighting against trump's admin as hard as they possibly can. Tell them you'll vote against them forever if they compromise. Tell them you'll back socialists if they fail. They only have motivation to do things that their aides tell them people are calling about.
|
|
#
?
Nov 14, 2016 22:38
|
|
|
This is a great thread idea. If anything, this disastrous election seemed to have served as a sort of wake-up call for the left... Any tips for German goons how to get involved? I guess it's a tad safer here, compared to others in Europe, but - and I don't think I'm alone on this one - Trump has terrified me on a visceral level. I feel like I have to do SOMETHING. I've always hated the strongman type of dictator like Putin and Erdogan, the sheer arrogance and bald-faced lies of it all, and now there's Trump. I always had the feeling Trump was plain and simply running a better campaign (despite being a burning wreck), but I kept hoping such a person cannot, must not be rewarded. Well. I feel I have to do something, and I have no idea where to even start.
|
|
#
?
Nov 14, 2016 22:49
|
|
|
Torquemadras posted:This is a great thread idea. If anything, this disastrous election seemed to have served as a sort of wake-up call for the left... Given what I know about German politics I'd suggest googling for groups that fighting to protect refugee rights in the country. Gay people also don't have full marriage or adoption rights in Germany and I'd suggest joining up with people who will pressure Chancellor Merkel's coalition towards granting it.
|
|
#
?
Nov 14, 2016 23:06
|
|
|
I have already written my Democratic Congressman, but I'm looking for more to do to get involved in my lovely Rust Belt state (Ohio). In fact one of the things I asked him is what specifically I can do to get involved since "get involved" is always the extent of what people say. Any other Ohio goons (especially NE Ohio), I'm all ears if you've got ideas or need an ally.
|
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 00:08
|
|
|
For Americans: http://www.glyphgryph.com/index.html Here's a link made by another goon from CSPAM about how to get involved in the selecting of the new DNC chairperson and making sure they don't repeat the mistakes of Hillary Clinton.
|
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 00:50
|
|
|
Hey all, here's my advice for those just starting out, and what, in my experience, has and hasn't worked. I hope you find it helpful, and I'm happy to answer any questions you've got! I'm an American, so my apologies if this is too America centric. What I am talking about below is also specifically geared towards winning over either entrenched politicians, or middle (specifically rural) Americans who either don't really think too much about politics or are actively conservative. Reading List (in order from most to least important. All are ~300 pages or less) Rules for Radicals by Saul Alinsky -- my Pop gave me this book when I was in the 9th grade, and it changed my life. Alinsky lays out how do do effective agitating, how to maintain an organization, how to interact with the media, etc. By following his simple rules, you will be a better political entity. If you take nothing else away from this post, READ THIS BOOK How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie -- A bizarrely effective manual to endearing yourself to people, even those disinclined to like you. You can probably understand why being more charismatic will help out a lot. Coup D'Etat: a Practical Handbook by Edward Luttwak -- You might think an academic guide about how to take over a third world nation is an odd choice, but the way he systematically lays out how to dismantle a group, remove members that are unruly, keep people on message, plan for contingencies, prioritize which groups are necessary and which can be ignored, is pretty essential advice for anyone in politics. Homage to Catalona by George Orwell -- a firsthand account of the Spanish Civil War, and how a coalition fell apart due to infighting, minor differences in doctrine, and resulted in a dictator ruling the nation. I'd almost rather this one and Down and Out in London and Paris replaced 1984 and Animal Farm as the Orwell of choice on folk's reading lists. Steal This Book by Abbie Hoffman -- While much of its advice is now out of date, other parts are very useful when it comes to living homeless, surviving against a hostile police force, dealing with authority figures, and banding together like-minded individuals. Obviously, don't do some of the stuff he suggests, like stealing a plane and holding the passengers hostage, then flying to South America. Things to do Learn Public Speaking -- this is huge. Take a class, join Toastmasters, join an amateur theatre group... However you do it, get comfortable talking to strangers in groups. You need to be able to articulate your points clearly, calmly, evenly, and naturally. If you cannot express yourself, and teach others, you are incapable of doing any sort of politics. You will need to learn "multiple languages", in order to address different groups. Understand their priorities, and how to use those to get your message across. For example, if you are talking to poorer, more rural folks, use biblical analogies, talk about how policies will affect the troops, how it hurts the working man. The talking points I have for speaking with a factory owner are different for those when speaking with a farmer, or the owner of the local bowling alley, or the president of the chamber of commerce. Keep the core the same, but massage how you deliver it. Put them into a position where they cannot disagree with you due to the strictures of their world view. Over time, this works! Learn to control yourself -- Let's watch a painful video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTOoYxOf92s Ow. So, who won that exchange? Did the student in the black t-shirt convince anyone? Did anyone watching the exchange think that the student was right to attack the guy with the sign? Would you have come to the student's aid? Being angry is good. Being passionate is good. Being fired up and energetic is good. But having self-control is necessary. The first person in politics to show anger loses. Paradoxically, shows of anger allows people to block you out and dismiss you. You are going to have to talk to people who disagree with you. You are going to have to talk to people you actively dislike and want to smash in the face with a crowbar. You are going to have to address the living embodiment of privilege and pride, and explain yourself in such a manner that it doesn't lash out and curl back into a hedgehog like spiny ball. Look Normal -- Let's watch another painful video, one that I'm sure many of you have seen before. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nvYyGTmcP80 I agree with most of the points the feminists in this video are making, but they've insured that no one will listen to them except their own clique, or folks who already agree with them. Can you imagine any of them talking to a senator? to a congressperson? Go get a normal suit, in a subdued color (grey or navy are the easiest, and match just about every situation), along with comfortable dress shoes, a white shirt or blouse, and a coordinating tie/scarf. Get a regular, fashionable haircut. This is what you will wear to any meeting or assembly. Combined with the above, you've just granted yourself an immense amount of authority over any situation you're in, because not only do you look like someone the average person is used to listening to, but you're also not shouting at them. You'll have your talking points, you'll look professional, and you'll come off much better than any of your sign waving, screaming opponents. If you need an analogy, consider this: which is the better vehicle for transporting drugs and avoiding the cops: a beat up Geo Metro covered with ICP stickers? or a clean Chevy Suburban with a Romney/Ryan 2012 sticker on the back? Join Community Groups, Especially Those With a Traditionally Conservative Bent -- I'm sure you're scratching your heads at this one, but hear me out. Find your local Rotary, Lions Club, Elks Lodge, Freemason Temple, etc. and get yourself invited in. Almost all of these clubs are desperate for newer, younger members, especially those with any sort of computer skills, so if you seek them out, odds are you can apply for membership pretty easily if you work in something above fast food/retail. This is where the rich people are. This is where a lot of assemblymen, state senators, folks who work at city hall, people who own factories, hospitals, law practices, etc. hangout. And, by being a member, you will have access to them regularly, multiple times a week over lunch/dinner/drinks, in a casual setting. You can chat and just discuss things, and they listen if you just discuss stuff rationally and happily, like you're just shooting the poo poo. You can discuss proposals without the awkwardness of a service desk, secretaries, and multiple layers of government between you. Your presence there will pull them leftward. I understand that not everyone will be able to do this, but if you can, it's worth it. People's Reasons Don't Matter Too Much -- One of the reasons I'm so opposed to smoking is that is was responsible for the deaths of most of my grandparents. If they hadn't smoked, they'd probably still be alive, would have gotten to know my family, seen me graduate from college, etc. I miss them dearly. I am strongly anti-tobacco for this reason. If someone told me that this was a bad reason, and I needed to be anti-tobacco because it was an intrinsic moral wrong, that I shouldn't need some personal connection in order to see that it was wrong, that I shouldn't tell people that that's the reason why I'm against smoking, etc. I'd laugh in their face. gently caress them, right? Who are they to tell me that my being moved by my emotions for my dead grandparents can't be turned into a personal decision, and some light advocacy if people ask why I don't smoke? So, why do this for something else? I know we laughed when Samantha Bee did her compilation of Republicans mentioning their wives, daughters, sisters, etc. after the Trump video came out, but, if it actually leads to any action, why isn't that a good enough reason to do something positive? Basically, if they're doing what you want, don't punish them for doing it for the "wrong reason". Maintain the Moral High Ground -- If you lose the moral high ground, you lose a lot of the audience you are trying to win over. I know it's cliche to talk about, but take MLK Jr. He had his people show up in their church clothes, stand there not fighting back, while the cops beat the poo poo out of them, for what seemed like really really petty things -- sitting at a diner counter, drinking from a water fountain, sitting on a bus. The optics for this could not have been worse for the cops -- they looked like monsters, beating up on those poor defenseless black folks. He could be annoying as hell (for example, having his people go to a fancy store owned by a racist, dressed real nice so they wouldn't be refused service, order a ton of expensive clothes CoD, and then refuse delivery of the purchase, so the store's balance sheet would look like poo poo that day, their delivery schedule would be hosed, and they'd have to restock and retailer a ton), but he also knew optics (choosing Rosa Parks over Claudette Colvin for the lawsuit, because they an adult was more likely to win than a teenager). You need to be better than Them. Anything "low" will be leaked, will be done on the sly, will be done in such a manner than it cannot be traced back to you. This is one of the reasons Hilary lost the election: people who weren't paying as much attention as we were heard "Lies Benghazi Bill Clinton Rape Emails" and assumed she was as bad as Trump, and therefore stayed home. She wasn't better than him. She wasn't "pure". She was one millionaire attacking another for "being too rich" or "being out of touch" Have Clear Goals in Mind -- On Facebook over the weekend, I got to witness an argument between a Black woman and an Indian man over whether white people wearing a safety pin to show they were on the liberals side was okay, or was just another attempt by white america to assuage the guilt they all feel. During this exchange, I learned that Indians are white people, they are less oppressed than the black community, and that because they received land from the federal government, while black folks did not receive reparations for slavery, so therefore... what exactly? What point was she trying to make? She was certainly expressing her anger, and managed to drop multiple slurs against American Indians in the process, but to what end? In fairness, she could have chosen her target better; the guy she was yelling at doesn't look very American Indian, but even if he had been white, he was already liberal, already supported Black Lives Matter, was already a feminist... Why was she yelling at him? Always make sure you know what you are doing before you do it. Don't lose sight of what you are trying to do. Don't get petty or prideful or stupid. Deeds, not words. Along those same lines, Pick Your Battles -- you cannot win over everyone, you cannot win every fight, you should not bother with some of them. They aren't worth your time or energy, and, in fact, your attendance there will make you look worse. Remember the folks in the videos up above? They played right into their opponent's hands. They did exactly what the people on the other side wanted them to do. They made fools of themselves, publicly, and now anyone who goes looking on youtube can find them looking like idiots. A lot of people need hecklers, need to be hated; they thrive on it, and if you give it to them, they'll find ways to turn your attempt at protest or action against you. For example, Milo Yindianapolis is a master at this. He's not worth protesting because he's a buffoon, a joke, a caricature, but still some folks assume that they'll be the one who, if they yell at the man with all the dildos being led in on a golden litter, talking about how Trump is his daddy and happily calling himself a "dangerous human being", maybe this time, you'll be the one get one over on him and the whole crowd will stand up and applaud like they did with that marine who punched out the atheist liberal arts professor... I'm sure I'll have more to add eventually, and i'm happy to answer questions. Feel free to critique, add examples of your own, share your own experiences, etc.
|
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 01:37
|
|
|
Toph Bei Fong posted:Politics 101 Great post. A+ All of things should be taken to heart.
|
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 02:42
|
|
|
Thanks for that list, will check some of those out. Just went to a county meeting and god it was .... ineffectual. "They'll love us in 2020 after 4 years of the bad man" and attempting to bore the crap out of the influx of guests (who will never attend again) were the two themes.
|
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 02:43
|
|
|
|
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 02:43
|
|
|
Lol honey bunny. Great list Toph
|
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 02:57
|
|
|
One of the big problems with progressive or left organizing is that its such a broad category. Before this election I had mainly focused my efforts in Socialist Alternative because they were the most active in my area, but now I'm going to try to be involved in as many left groups as I can because its stupid how fractious the community is. I think my main goal will be trying to get these various groups to just. loving. work. together. because thats been a huge problem in the past. Anyways I've found that even just keeping on eye on anarchist and antifa groups is helpful because despite their portrayal as simply teenagers breaking stuff in the media they actually really care a lot and tend to pay close attention to what is going on locally. I'm also of the opinion that even when they're causing property damage its at least getting some protests in the news that might not get a mention which is super important because the media's most effective tactic against movements is simply ignoring them, see the past few months of BLM for a good example.
|
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 02:59
|
|
|
Toph Bei Fong posted:Hey all, here's my advice for those just starting out, and what, in my experience, has and hasn't worked. I hope you find it helpful, and I'm happy to answer any questions you've got! 
|
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 03:38
|
|
|
Now that the election is over my money set aside for monthly campaign contributions has been freed up. I have now set up monthly donations for the following:
-Planned Parenthood -Center for Reproductive Rights -Natural Resources Defense Council -International Refugee Assistance Project -The Trevor Project -NAACP Legal Defense Fund -Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (pending, the donation page isn't working so I'll make the donation by phone in the morning) -Southern Poverty Law Center -American Civil Liberties Union All of these are either 3 or 4 star-rated on Charity Navigator. Several of them were mentioned by John Oliver on his latest episode (it's the basis for my list because I am an unoriginal follower). I also attended 2 protests over the weekend and intend to join more, schedule permitting. I work full-time so I don't have an abundance of free time but at least with the above donations I'll be putting some of the money I earn to good causes.
|
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 03:56
|
|
|
Toph Bei Fong posted:Hey all, here's my advice for those just starting out, and what, in my experience, has and hasn't worked. I hope you find it helpful, and I'm happy to answer any questions you've got! Thank you for this.
|
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 03:57
|
|
|
Thank you for the effort post Toph. I've updated the OP with more links from everyone. EDIT: Taken from Twitter. Pointers for Americans, particularly Jews, who are trying to stop Steve Bannon:  It was accompanied with advice to call congress using their direct number and to avoid using an 800 number as it redirects to a switchboard. I'd encourage everyone reading this to please take some time and go through this. Bannon is one of the absolutely worst things going on with Trump and the more you speak up the harder it's going to be for him to do anything. Captain Fargle fucked around with this message at 06:28 on Nov 15, 2016 |
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 06:19
|
|
|
http://www.vox.com/2016/4/21/11451378/smug-american-liberalism A lot of people are going to have problems with this article and where it came from, but I think it has some valuable points about what no longer works.
|
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 07:20
|
|
|
What value is there in local third parties currently? Not "let's run a useless candidate every four years and do nothing else" third parties, but ones that, in theory, actually do things? I was talking about getting involved in local politics and someone recommended I start a local Peace and Freedom Party group (there isn't one in the Fresno area yet apparently), but given the current situation I'm thinking just joining the local Democrats and trying to pull things further left would be more successful and worthwhile. Is there any reason to do the former instead? It seems like it'd be a lot more effort, what with having to build from the ground up for the most part, for questionable benefit.Toph Bei Fong posted:Hey all, here's my advice for those just starting out, and what, in my experience, has and hasn't worked. I hope you find it helpful, and I'm happy to answer any questions you've got! This is great. Thanks for all this. I'm going to try to check out those books when I get the chance.
|
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 07:33
|
|
|
Roland Jones posted:What value is there in local third parties currently? Not "let's run a useless candidate every four years and do nothing else" third parties, but ones that, in theory, actually do things? I was talking about getting involved in local politics and someone recommended I start a local Peace and Freedom Party group (there isn't one in the Fresno area yet apparently), but given the current situation I'm thinking just joining the local Democrats and trying to pull things further left would be more successful and worthwhile. Is there any reason to do the former instead? It seems like it'd be a lot more effort, what with having to build from the ground up for the most part, for questionable benefit. Pulling the Democrats further left now, as they're rebuilding after Hillary, is going to be infinitely more effective and useful than any third party advocacy you do in the current American political situation.
|
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 07:41
|
|
|
Captain Fargle posted:Pulling the Democrats further left now, as they're rebuilding after Hillary, is going to be infinitely more effective and useful than any third party advocacy you do in the current American political situation. That's what I figured. Given that the party seems to already be moving left, what with Ellison being the most likely new head of the DNC and all, it seems like going for a third party instead of trying to affect one of the two major ones, particularly in a state like California that's already relatively liberal (even if the area I live in particular is kind of purple), would be a waste of time and passing up a huge opportunity. Felt like it was worth asking anyway though, if for no other reason than to get that question out of the way early.
|
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 07:44
|
|
|
I didn't see this thread earlier, it might be a better resource than my stupid goon project thread that I made. The basic gist of mine is specifically on how to get into the Democratic party on a state by state basis and how to get involved in higher level committees.
|
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 07:48
|
|
|
Third parties are more useless than ever right now. Unless they're specifically organizing something that doesn't involve winning an election, your effort is far more needed in strengthening the major left-wing party that already exists in America.
|
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 08:13
|
|
|
HorseRenoir posted:Third parties are more useless than ever right now. Unless they're specifically organizing something that doesn't involve winning an election, your effort is far more needed in strengthening the major left-wing party that already exists in America. If only such a thing existed.
|
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 08:15
|
|
|
My theory is that if even a tiny fraction of angry leftists went through the pain of getting involved in the Democratic party and getting into a leadership position, it'd tip the balance towards a much more progressive vision of the party.
|
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 08:22
|
|
|
Yeah I was involved with some leftist third parties when I was younger and stupider. It wasn't a very positive experience. Anyone I knew from those days who was worth a drat and is still active in politics is either working for the Dems or left-leaning nonprofit. Third parties are trapped in a feedback loop where they have no influence so no one smart or ambitious joins them, so they have no influence, and so on. They also have all (or often more) of the dysfunction of the major parties and none of the actual power. They are not worth your time for the most part. Attempting to pull your local Democratic Party branch in a better direction is a probably a better use of your effort. Fill Baptismal fucked around with this message at 09:01 on Nov 15, 2016 |
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 08:58
|
|
|
Dr. Arbitrary posted:My theory is that if even a tiny fraction of angry leftists went through the pain of getting involved in the Democratic party and getting into a leadership position, it'd tip the balance towards a much more progressive vision of the party. The pain of getting involved in the party here is not insignificant. It generally involves walking liberal baby idiots backwards through every single lie they've ever been told since they were in grade school just so that sentences like "don't torture people and bomb them with robots" can even parse as English. Edit: or "don't join the loving DSA" for that matter. spotlessd fucked around with this message at 09:12 on Nov 15, 2016 |
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 09:02
|
|
|
themrguy posted:Yeah I was involved with some leftist third parties when I was younger and stupider. It wasn't a very positive experience. Anyone I knew from those days who was worth a drat and is still active in politics is either working for the Dems or left-leaning nonprofit. Just in general, I will never see the point in trying to build up a third party in a FPTP system. There's no difference between the Democratic Party and a coalition between a center-left party and smaller fringe left groups that you see in other nations, the only change is that all the discussion and organization is happening within the party instead of between two slightly more independent groups. Unless you live in Maine. In that case, go wild with trying to build a leftist third party because they're switching to a ranked preference voting system soon.
|
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 09:09
|
|
|
|
| # ? Apr 26, 2024 14:38 |
|
|
HorseRenoir posted:Just in general, I will never see the point in trying to build up a third party in a FPTP system. There's no difference between the Democratic Party and a coalition between a center-left party and smaller fringe left groups that you see in other nations, the only change is that all the discussion and organization is happening within the party instead of between two slightly more independent groups. That's actually something I want to do in my state party for choosing delegates to the convention. We spend all goddamned day voting and revoting over and over again until all the slots are filled. It could be done in one blast with iterated IRV.
|
|
#
?
Nov 15, 2016 09:38
|
|