Background
BACKGROUND
Over the past 30 years, the American conservative movement has used an effective
infrastructure of coordinated organizations and individuals to market their
ideas and philosophy consistently and effectively to the broad public.
Any analysis that points only to the mechanics of political campaigns, to the
supposed strengths of the Republicans, the weaknesses of the Democrats, and
the influence of minor parties, misses a major factor in the political races.
The political success of the Republican Party rests largely on a network of
right-wing organizations, individuals, and their funders that together formulate
and disseminate ideas and compelling messages that support conservative candidates.
A major driver of Republican victories over the past decade has been this ideologically-oriented
conservative movement infrastructure.
There is no comparable progressive infrastructure. Moderate and progressive candidates are on their own. They have to make their own arguments, they have to develop their own language, they have to educate voters on their issues, and they cannot depend upon an infrastructure and its aligned media for support the way conservative candidates can. Many Democratic candidates have felt they had to move toward more conservative positions in order to get elected, which has led to deep divisions within the Democratic Party. Many citizens have come to feel that neither of the major parties is speaking to the needs of ordinary Americans.
Building Progressive Infrastructure
Moderates and progressives are now starting to take action to counter to the powerful conservative messaging machine, by building progressive infrastructure that can restore balance in the our nation's marketplace of ideas.
Marketing and communications represent essential elements for implementing the long-term vision that is emerging, and moving the nation's policy and values agenda. A strategic marketing approach will greatly enhance the value and reach of new policy ideas. Moderates and progressives already have substantial capabilities in the marketing and communications fields that can be put to good use quickly, if they develop a strategic focus and coordinate their actions. Organizing, planning, and teamwork will be essential, as well as the development of new capacity and sufficient financing.
Progressive RoundtableSM
The Commonweal Institute, a multi-issue think tank and communication organization, promotes the use of modern marketing methods to bring positive progressive messages out to the general public in ways that engage them emotionally as well as intellectually, by speaking to their values, needs and concerns. The Commonweal Institute developed the Progressive RoundtableSM in order to bring together a working group of individuals in the fields of marketing, communications, and philanthropy who will concentrate on how to get progressive ideas out more effectively to the public and those in positions of power. Members of this working group have already begun to address these matters. The Progressive RoundtableSM convening is the first face-to-face meeting of this working group.
The Progressive RoundtableSM is focused on creating marketing, communication, and coordination infrastructure that will be able to serve the interests of entire progressive community. The Progressive RoundtableSM website reflects our awareness that many are likely to be interested in the outcome of this process. Some may want to join as part of the progressive infrastructure network, while others may simply want to know what is happening and how it might affect their own interests. We would like the Progressive RoundtableSM website to become an ongoing resource for the progressive community. If you agree, please consider supporting the ongoing work of the Progressive RoundtableSM.
