Send A Message.
Let’s start with the outcome: I want the grassroots/netroots community to do something that will make it clear that we’re not happy with the way Congress is operating, that this unhappiness is not something Democrats in Congress can safely ignore, that’s big enough to be noticed, and doesn’t penalize individual candidates, or hurt chances for expanding the Democratic majorities in the House and Senate.
Some thoughts:
As a community, we give small amounts, but in large numbers, so using existing mechanisms (Act Blue pages, for example) or some new one, could we organize a campaign to emphasize the message and do it in a way that benefits those who resist the leadership’s pressure to cave on important issues and supports challenges to DINO incumbents?
We also give our time and talent — campaigns depend on that and take it for granted. They use us and then ignore us until they need us again. Is there a way we can make it clear that we’ll work only for those who will be responsive after they’re elected and commit ourselves to doing just that?
I don’t want this to just be about money. Raising money is great, but not the only — or even most important thing that activists do.
So in addition to using Act Blue, I want to aggregate volunteer hours for progressive candidates that will help change the Democratic culture in Congress. By that I mean an Act Blue-like mechanism where volunteers can pledge hours to progressive candidates.
I can’t do it myself. I need your help.
More to come….