exme arden

Name:	exme arden
Location:	Kirkland, WA
Where I blog:	Dailykos Docudharma exmearden Bits of News

My Experience in progressive politics:

*Precinct-elected delegate for Obama at 41 LD caucus in Washington State in February.
*Blogger for four years on Dailykos
*Previously taught political history to young minds, with a heavy emphasis on increasing their involvement in the process, no matter what their political leanings were, through interactive curriculum.

Additionally:

*registered voters on GOTV at local schools.
*canvassed and installed yard signs for Darcy Burner's most recent campaign in 2006.
*was a Wes Clark supporter in the 2004 election and blogger on his campaign site (not under this pseudonym.)
*letters to the editor.
*calls and emails to Congress.
*contribute when I can to candidates.

My personal volunteering highlight:

Most recently, I was a precinct-elected delegate for Obama at the 41st LD in Washington State. I lobbied to become a district delegate, but sadly failed - I have the fortune of living in a district with a lot of local pols, and several local folks who are for more active in the local political landscape.

My main contribution to political activity is attending events when possible, and blogging at every available moment. As single parent and a fulltime employee at a corporation renowned for long hours and crushing deadlines, my time has not been my own these past 12 months, but this is now improving as I am starting to achieve some work-life balance.

Steps I've taken to combine on-line and off-line action:

I have attended public events and appearances for several candidates, try to participate in local gatherings when i can - meetups, Drinking Liberally, house parties, etc. I also acknowledged that I was a blogger on a progressive site when I lobbied and spoke to convince other delegates that I should be a District delegate. Obviously I failed, but I am finding ways to join the two so that there is synchronicity in my political involvement.

Why I want to attend Netroots Nation:

I've missed going to Yearlykos the past two years due to finances, and I have a deep desire to meet others I've communicated with. I have some questions to ask and I think Netroots Nation is the best possible place for me to seek answers and become increasingly involved. How do we continue the incredible involvement of the young voter and continue to motivate folks on the ground in each state to remain involved?

I think Netroots Nation will be ripe with opportunities to discuss the future, and how to energize the "base" from the top down, as well as from the bottom up. I want to be a part of it.

What I want to get out of Netroots Nation:

I must contribute more as a writer and activist, and would desperately like to reach out to others to learn how best I can increase the topics and causes I contribute energy to. I'd also like to discover how we can network to grow the passion and activism we're seeing now, all the way through the next nine years - at the county, state, and national level. We can't let our momentum die.

What is a progressive activist:

A progressive activist is one who sees the need to increase opportunities for all individuals across society, regardless of race, religion, cultural, or economic background. There will always be room for increasing progressivism, especially as the world continues to widen the gap between rich and poor, young and old, illiterate and educated.

A progressive activist is one who sees the big picture on how this country needs to act on the world stage - as a country of world citizens who care about the "good neighbor" image of the US, not just a country of rampaging free trade capitalists working for profit.

A progressive activist is one who sees the need to limit, not just the US impact, but the entire developing world's impact on our decreasing natural resources. One who understands that the things we consume are finite and precious, and works to achieve conservation, reclamation, and restoration of the things we take away from the environment.

A progressive activist is one who believes that diplomacy trumps military might in every case, but understands the need of the nation for security - economic security, societal security, and personal security. A progressive activist understands that education, economic dialogue and open communication between allies are the best weapons against inequality, hatred, and terror.

How I think blogs fit into the progressive movement:

Blogs are critical for communication of ideas, news, and the strengthening of political and philosophical platforms. They offer a door to those who might not have the opportunity to become involved in other ways, or who are remote from communities or centers of physical, on-the-ground activism.

Online communities that develop through blogs allow people of "like" mind to network and connect across more boundaries than any other networking vehicle has ever done.

Blogs are changing the face of activism, the media, and grassroots involvement and I have great hope that the future will see blogs grow into something more than just an online sounding board.

As a technology industry writer, I anticipate blogs synchronizing with gaming technology in the virtual space - there will be a day when communities like Dailykos will incorporate technology where users will have personas and can interact and dialogue in a virtual world space (beyond even Second Life, or if you will, World of Warcraft) with politicians and figures from the past, as well as current pols and average joes.

Blog users will be able to game possible future political diplomacy strategy while online, and have instant access to historical diplomatic successes and failures so that online debate can be enhanced and sourcing can be verified.

ct on Dailykos would probably laugh at me.

How I think Democracy For America fits into the progressive movement:

For DFA (and all of us) to survive politically and culturally, it has to remain relevant to as many generations as possible. We need to continue grassroots efforts in the older community, not just the youth. And there has to be continued and strategized collaboration between all progressive blogs so that all of our voices can increase the progressive message.

Working together - DFA with the attendees of Netroots Nation - can only make the progressive voice stronger and more powerful.

In 10 words or less, create a bumper-sticker slogan against John McCain:

Dear John, I voted Obama. P.S., I faked every...