Days 21 through 23--Netroots Nation & Phoenix

For the past three days, I have not been driving. Instead, I have been attending the Netroots Nation convention here in Phoenix, AZ. Netroots Nation is likely the largest annual gathering of progressives in the country (around 3,000 progressive activists, organizers, bloggers, etc.). As I have a strong interest in politics and political involvement (even if I don't see much of my professional life being in the political world), I decided to attend this year's convention. The convention started Thursday morning.

On Thursday, I attended a workshop on New Digital Organizing Trends (nothing seemed that new), fundraising (gave a very interesting perspective in emphasizing personal relationships over donor lists), a Southern States caucus  (organized at the last minute--the conference organizers didn't plan it despite a strong cohort from North Carolina and several people from each of the other southern states. I was one of three or four Floridians attending), a workshop on reversing Democratic Collapse in the states, and one on gerrymandering and the importance of regaining state legislatures by 2020. After that busy day, I attended the Thursday evening keynote, which was headlined by Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD) and where many impressive organizers spoke.

On Friday,  I attended a workshop on the future of health reform (one of my favorite political topics). After that first workshop, it was time for Sen. Elizabeth Warren's (D-MA) keynote address to the Netroots Nation, which was a powerful and motivating address.

Following Sen. Warren's speech, many participants participated in a protest to Sheriff Joe Arpaio, the atrocious sheriff to Maricopa County, AZ (where Phoenix is located).  I participated for part of it then grabbed lunch. Following lunch, I attended a workshop about rural organizing, which is something I feel urban progressives often ignore the importance of, especially in big elections (such as the Florida Governor's race) but this workshop focused more on advocacy issues. There was then a short afternoon keynote which reiterated many of the same messages about immigration reform and equality that have been so prevalent at the conference. After that keynote, I attended an entertaining workshop on organizing failures.

All of that was over by 5:30pm, so I then headed down the street to Chase Field to see the Diamondbacks take on the San Francisco Giants. Chase Field is quite a nice place to see a game and its easy to get a good view for cheap (my ticket cost $16). The game was very long, going to twelve innings and lasting over 5 hours, but was very enjoyable. The Giants eventually won 6-5. Following the game, there was a fireworks presentation set to Star Wars music.

Today, Saturday, was another jampacked exciting day. First, I attended a very helpful workshop on building an issue campaign. Then, it was time for the Presidential Candidate Town Hall featuring former Gov. Martin O' Malley and Sen. Bernie Sanders. I had high expectations for this event but ended up a bit disappointed in both of the candidates. Early in Gov. O' Malley's interview (the format which this Town Hall took), a #BlackLivesMatter protest occured in response to his record of incarcerating individuals (100,000 arrests a year) as Mayor of Baltimore. The protest took much of his time away and he responded poorly. When Bernie Sanders came to the stage in the midst of this, he decided to give his pre-planned address rather than to address the protestors directly. The Town Hall quickly came to a close and then it was lunchtime. Following lunch, I attended the Youth Caucus and #FutureForum with Reps. Gallego and Swalwell (both were impressive and Rep. Swalweel made a point to introduce himself to everyone in the room.  When I met him, I didn't realize he was one of the panelists and a member of Congress) dealing with the crisis of skyrocketing tuition and student debt.

Then, it was on to Bernie Sanders' evening rally in the convention center, which estimates say 11,000 people attended. It was an energizing room to say the least.

I'm exhausted right now. Tomorrow, I may or may not attend the Netroots Brunch and explore the Phoenix area for a bit. Then, it's on to go see my uncle Andy in Tucson.

Next Stop: Tucson, AZ