1	Building an Open Progressive Community
2	Tonight’s Trainers
3	Objectives for this Session
4	Online and Offline Progressive Communities What is an “Open Left”?
5	Benefits of Your Friendly Local Blogosphere All politics is local Amplifies your message Builds a ‘buzz’ Open source opposition research Directs resources to local campaigns Money People
6	Creating a Local Blogosphere Getting Noticed Write original content and post often Be a good news filter Find a niche and become the expert Cross-post at other larger blogs Be easy to find Have contact info visible Google & Yahoo searches Technorati LeftyBlogs
7	Creating a Local Blogosphere Building Community Get together (online & offline) Create an email list of local bloggers Have regular caucuses, brunches, etc Link to each other Start a local blogroll Build a community blog
8	Local Blogs Impact in 2006 Ned Lamont campaign Jon Tester for Senate Other examples: Virginia, New York, Northern California, New Hampshire
9	Listener Submitted Questions Get in on the discussion – The Night School Blog: www.dfalink.com/nightschool
10	Political Communities Historical Context Community is an effective catalyst for change Cesar Chavez-United Farm Workers Lois Gibbs-Love Canal Decline of community groups in America-Late 20^th Century Internet redefines community organizing Dean Meetups Emails, listserves, early blogs The Next Generation Social Networking sites--DFA-Link Living Liberally chapters
11	Taking It Offline Getting Started What’s the point? What is your groups’ purpose Why should people be interested For example: Why Drink Liberally? Just do it Don’t be afraid of making mistakes Avoid ‘analysis paralysis’
12	Taking It Offline Building a Community Pick your time and place - Should be open, accessible and fun Recruit, Recruit, Recruit - Be inviting and open to anyone - Low entry barriers = greater participation Be engaging and unique - What sets you apart from other groups? - What is your draw?
13	Taking It Offline Building a Community 4) Open lines of communication - Set up a group blog or email list 5) Ritual and regularity - Avoid rescheduling or moving meetings - What can people expect? - What characterizes your gatherings?
14	The Silent Revolution Progressive activists winning seats as Democratic Party precinct captains, committeepersons or chairs Prominent Examples Kentucky California North Carolina Philadelphia
15	Philadelphia, 2005-2007 Take back your precinct 200 progressive activists run Increased Democratic voter turnout by 74% Help elect progressive mayor
16	Benefits of Party Office You’ll make new friends Precinct captains win primaries Shape the direction of the party GOTV!
17	How to do it 80% is just showing up Know the rules, Follow the rules Do your job well Keep an open mind, but be ready to fight Have fun!
18	Dean for DNC Chair A 50 state strategy Online buzz Offline actions Grassroots activists swamped local DNC meetings
19	Listener Submitted Questions Get in on the discussion – The Night School Blog: www.dfalink.com/nightschool
20	Homework Engage your local Blogosphere Click Here for a guide Attend the next DFA or Drinking Liberally in your area…or start one up. -Ilya Sheyman: field@democracyforamerica.com -Kristina Baker: info@drinkingliberally.org Become a Precinct Captain in your neighborhood
21	Coming Soon from DFA:
22	Thank you for joining us!