I used to run PeoplePoweredRochester.com. Since that website is defunct, I’m importing some older posts over here. Below is the text of the about page.
The situation:
The progressive/populist/people-powered movement in Rochester is stronger than many know, but weaker than it can be.
All too often, liberal reformists don’t talk to radical organizers. Electoral-focused progressives are unaware of grassroots associations. Enthusiastic newcomers aren’t matched with experienced activists looking for new blood. All the while, the great bulk of the city is woefully unaware of our presence. The silos of tactics, nominal ideology, and issue area divide and diminish us.
There’s a flourishing ecosystem of different grassroots groups in our neighborhoods. Dedicated and smart people are experimenting with new tactics and organizing models every day. However, these groups often aren’t aware of each other, can’t learn from each other, and don’t work together. There’s a real lack of movement communication and movement consciousness. We’ll need much more of both if we want to succeed.
Our mission in short:
We want the best parts of the political left in Rochester to grow. We want them to strengthen. And we want them to win.
Our initial strategy:
We’re going to build a community online that consists of the broad left in Monroe County. Organizers and onlookers, center-left and radical left, electoral and direct action. As the community grows in numbers and coherence, so will our power. Specifically, as the community grows, we’ll draw more people to get involved in “meatspace”, connect disparate parts of the movement together, and push existing organizations towards excellence and accountability.
Don’t forget applauding great projects as they happen. That’s also really important.
Our proposed tactics:
- Breaking news
- Introducing readers to the exciting and positive world of people-powered organizations in Rochester
- Asking critical questions from a position of respect and kindness
- Provoking intra-movement discussion and debate
- Explaining or exploring the context of the different news of the day
- Sharing best practices
In short, we will be curious, we will be opinionated, and we will be passionate. Enjoy!