Adjusting Approaches for a Prosperous New Era
In the pursuit of effective change, progressive movements are urged to re-strategize, focusing on building long-term governing power rather than seeking short-term wins. This approach involves developing grassroots coalitions, centering base-building fundamentals, and aligning narratives to shift the terrain of power through durable political influence.
Central to this strategy is prioritizing sustained organizing beyond single election cycles, aiming to transform existing power structures. Campaigns should be centered around well-researched, concrete solutions to issues like homelessness, housing, public safety, and reproductive health, with community input driving priorities. Building coalitions that include diverse allies, focusing on base engagement to maintain energy and votes, and embedding enforcement mechanisms to ensure accountability of political wins are also key elements.
Addressing and managing resistance within the movement is crucial for maintaining unity and focus. This can be achieved through encouraging participation and dialogue, and taking necessary steps against harmful internal opposition to preserve cohesion. Learning from recent progressive successes and adapting strategies to local contexts is another essential aspect of this re-strategizing process.
The science of the climate crisis underscores the importance of this long-term approach. It's clear that every degree of warming matters and carries increased risks in the context of the climate crisis. Shifting from all-or-nothing thinking is necessary when addressing the climate crisis, and persuasion requires empathy and listening, not just evidence.
In the realm of politics, examples of strategic failures can be seen. For instance, withholding support for certain candidates over specific issues, such as the arms embargo with Israel, has led to losses on numerous progressive causes. However, building broad coalitions doesn't have to mean compromising on progressive causes. Instead, it's about widening the tent and ditching purity tests.
The author advocates for messaging progressive values effectively, acting with purpose, avoiding extremism, and embracing the best of human nature to work towards a thriving future. This includes expanding who sees themselves reflected in the movement, fostering ownership and support through broad participation, and addressing internal resistance with empathy and dialogue.
In the spirit of this re-strategizing, the newsletter, The Overview, offers weekly meditations on nature, discussing strategies for creating change. The Editor-in-Chief, Willow Defebaugh, invites readers to join the membership community, Biome, to receive a complimentary subscription to Atmos Magazine and more.
In the fight for trans rights, personal experience has been found more effective than demanding behaviour change. The author encourages progressive movements to embody this approach, listening to the experiences and needs of their base, and working together towards systemic reforms that hold powerful interests accountable.
In conclusion, progressive movements must focus on rooted, people-powered democracy, maintain strong coalition-building, and push for enforceable policies to achieve lasting systemic change rather than fragmented or symbolic victories. The road to effective change is long, but with the right strategies and a commitment to unity, progress is possible.
- The newsletter, The Overview, delves into strategies for creating change by offering weekly meditations on nature.
- In the realm of culture, it's crucial for progressive movements to listen to the experiences and needs of their community while working towards systemic reforms that hold powerful interests accountable.
- Educational resources like Atmos Magazine, available through the membership community Biome, can provide useful insights for understanding and addressing issues like climate change.
- To achieve long-term success in politics, progressive movements should avoid polarizing attitudes and instead focus on bringing diverse allies together, ditching purity tests, and embracing empathy in the pursuit of effective change.
