Harnessing the power of Obama by building a movement for change

[prolesunited]

I've been mulling this idea over in my head for a couple of days and thought I would throw it out there to get some input and some insight on how to proceed.

The Obama campaign has re-engaged the public in wanting to improve the country on a level that has not been seen in some time. Not only have they donated millions of dollars, they also have donated countless hours of volunteer time. Through the campaign, we have built networks on state and local levels and brought people together.

Now what? It's great we won the election, but that's not going to be enough to make change happen.

Here's my idea: Use the Web-based technology that's been created and transform it into one that brings about change on all levels of government, with a particular focus on local initiatives. There's so much talent and motivation out there as we've seen and this would help focus it in ways that would help make change happen from the bottom up.

Here's what I envision: Create a Web site much like the campaign site that would serve as a clearinghouse for ideas and central point of focus. Showcase community-based ideas that work, providing rough blueprints for how to implement them, for example, create a community garden, start an alternative energy collective or build a tool-lending "library." The list would grow based on ideas submitted for what's working.

Just like with the campaign, people would build their own "change communities" through the site by setting up house parties and other events attracting a wider audience. Those groups would then decide what projects to tackle based on their abilities and what's needed in their communities. They could document their projects and be included on the site through videos and photos, serving as an inspiration for other groups.

For funding and organization, you would need a number of people to direct the project and coordinate the Web site, but I think administrative overhead costs could be contained. Merchandise with cool logos could be sold and e-mail appeals made to fund the top level, with local levels finding resources for their own projects. Perhaps some projects could be featured at the Web site and people could vote with their dollars to select the top one every month.

This is just the bare bones and it certainly needs more development. I'm looking for feedback. What do you think of the concept and what could I do help make this idea a reality?

[NJCher]

1. I love it!

And I would add, there need to be websites where people can go to track the change--sort of like a project status report, where a person who is interested in a particular type of change can go to see what is being done and what the status of the project is.

Maybe if we get more feedback on this thread, a summary of the idea can be written up and sent to the Obama administration!

I was thinking along these terms, too, but more in the line of political support. I like your idea better because it means actual involvement.



Cher

[happychatter]

2. In this vein, Katrina Vanden Heuvel's article "First 100 Days" might be food for thought

I've been chewing on this since 03. Obama did, what I'd only imagined around the edges. Sweeping reforms are going to require a broad based coalition that includes elements of the right, endeavoring to find common ground. This, for the restoration of representative government. Without shedding hardline ideology, sufficient to make deals with folks from the whole political spectrum, we're dead in the water.

The Constitution is a good place to start... in terms of "shared interests."

This is not the same as "governing from the center." I don't even know what that shit means.

"Here is a list of actions--ones I care deeply about--that President Obama can take in the First 100 Days to immediately achieve real and significant change. Some of these he can literally achieve on Day 1 with the stroke of a pen, others will demand coalition building and an inside-outside strategy to push legislation. Many of these ideas are drawn from good groups like the Center for Constitutional Rights, Amnesty International USA, the Apollo Alliance, and Public Citizen"

Her list goes on. Some legendary progressives are VERY hopeful about Obama's presidency. I think I'll hang out with them on this one.

She gave an interesting interview yesterday with Amy Goodman on DemocracyNow. Check it out.

http://www.thenation.com/blogs/edcut/381701

http://www.democracynow.org/2008/11/10/the_nations_katrina_vanden_heuvel_on

[happychatter]

3. oh, K and R... there's some pretty smart cookies up in this house... I'd like to hear from them - NT

[prolesunited]

4. Thanks for trying

doesn't seem to be gaining any momentum. :-(

Is this such a bad concept or is it just too boring?

[Fire1]

5. I don't think it's boring at all and I think few would. However...........

I believe people get compensated, quite handsomely, I might add, to do what you're suggesting.

[prolesunited]

7. Well, that would be nice

considering I'm "between jobs" right now.

[tigereye]

6. I think it sounds like the "greenhouse" model that a lot of "new- thinking"

communities like to use, but on the web and interactive.

I think it's a great idea- the question would be perhaps linking similar- type organizations who already think and do work like this, with what you envision and then getting it off the ground. It might involve a pretty big server, but then again, it might be based on some of the web activism we have already seen over the past decade.



Well- thought- out and challenging, as usual, Proles. Maybe you ought to get it started!

:hug: :hi:

[abumbyanyothername]

8. Well proles . . . I tried to start a similar thread, but it died quickly

First recall the priorities that Obama laid out in his campaign:

1) End Iraq;
2) Provide healthcare coverage to all who desire it;
3) Eliminate dependence on imported oil (perhaps just middle eastern oil);
4) At the same time create 5 million new non-outsourceable jobs;
5) Educate our youth.

Then divide up the initiatives into consumption side solutions and production side solutions.

For example on the consumption side, I sold my car in protest to the Bush Administration policies in the Middle East. It is not easy riding my bike or taking the bus wherever I go, but it's the least I can do. On the health front, I follow a dietary regimen that many would find Spartan, but it suits me just perfectly and it is the most healthy way I can possibly eat (strictly raw fruits, vegetables and nuts -- no meat, no dairy, no processed or cooked foods of any variety, no beverage other than water). I volunteer and tutor a middle-school student for an hour each week at our local library.

On the production side, I am looking for an opportunity to be involved in the financing or sales side of a distributed solar energy project. Most Southern California homes could produce all the electricity that they need and more. Imagine buildings that are net producers not consumers of energy.

[prolesunited]

9. I admire your personal dedication

but I think such extremes would scare or not be feasible for many. I think there is a middle ground that we have to seek to reach the greatest number of people. Instead of selling the car, perhaps commit to using a bike for trips less than 5 or 10 miles. Or perhaps commit to not eating any meat three days a week.

I really like your idea for the building project. That could be something a local community group could tackle.