Beyond the Political 'Sphere
How do we share a progressive message outside of the political space? When the mere mention of politics turns people off, or has them throwing their hands up in frustration, how do we share our vision and grow our movement? Our panelists will talk about the ways in which we can expand the conversation beyond the political space and strengthen the progressive movement in the process.
Andrew Slack is the founder and executive director of the Harry Potter Alliance. He works on innovative ways to mobilize thousands of Potter fans through a vibrant online community. Andrew has co-written, acted in, and produced web videos that have been viewed more than 3 million times. He has trained at an acting conservatory in London, and studied under peace and civil rights activists across Northern Ireland and the US. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of Brandeis University, Andrew is dedicated to learning and extrapolating how modern myth and new media can transform our lives both personally and collectively.
Marcus Williams is the Charlotte, NC host of Drinking Liberally and the NC/SC organizer for Living Liberally. He is the founder of two Charlotte networking groups. One targets new residents, while another works to connect African American professionals. Marcus serves on the board of the Young Affiliates of the Mint Museum, as a government official with the Mecklenburg County Soil and Water Conservation Board, and on the United Way's Financial Stability Council.
A graduate of Davidson College, Marcus works as a financial advisor and focuses on helping young professionals build their net worth in a Socially Responsible way.
Laura Dawn has served as the Creative and Cultural Director of MoveOn.org since 2003. Laura’s campaigns have changed not only the way citizens participate in politics, but how artists instigate social change -- forever altering the political landscape in the process. She co-created the Bush in 30-Seconds Ad Contest, is the editor of "It Takes a Nation: How Strangers Became Family in the Wake of Hurricane Katrina", the story of MoveOn.org Civic Action's Hurricane Housing program, and has organized dozens of the nationally recognized creative campaigns that have combined the power of artists and activists.
Tracy Russo, President of Russo Strategies, specializes in integrating online communications and new media opportunities with traditional organizational operations. She most recently served as John Edwards' chief blogger and Deputy Online Communications Director. Previously, Russo worked at the DNC where she implemented a 50-state online outreach strategy. She has advised Democratic state parties, campaigns and progressive organizations on ways to enhance their online communications and outreach capacities to effectively connect with the progressive blogosphere. Russo has a diverse professional background – she has worked as a field organizer, fundraiser, and press secretary - all of which inform her current work.
