Cutting-Edge Politics: Netroots Nation 2009

Executive Director Barry Kendall was joined by Commonweal Institute fellows Chris Bowers, Dave Johnson, Jill Richardson, and Nezua at the 2009 Netroots Nation convention from August 13 through 16 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As a sponsor of Netroots Nation, the Commonweal Institute is a firm believer in the power of blogs and new media to advance the progressive agenda. Holding to this idea, Commonweal fellows and staff took part in discussions and attended lectures which addressed the emergence of technology as an ally in the fight for progressive change. The conference proved a successful platform for Commonweal, as Kendall and fellows were well received on a total of seven panels ranging in discussion from food policy and economics to environmentalism and media problem solving. In his panel about connecting think tanks to the Netroots, Dr. Kendall offered insight about how policy idea factories can effectively engage and collaborate through blogs and the social web to more effectively advance a progressive agenda.

Commonweal fellows and staff also had the opportunity to sit in on lectures and forums directed by some of our nation's top leaders, including former President Bill Clinton, Governor Howard Dean, Pennsylvania Senator Arlen Specter, and White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett. In an effort to capture both the excitement surrounding the convention's agenda and the growing importance of the Netroots, Commonweal intern Raquel Castellanos conducted on-site interviews with attendees, which can be heard here via podcast.

We here at Commonweal Institute learned some invaluable lessons at this year's Netroots Nation about how we might amplify our progressive voice using technology. As we move forward, we do so more aware of the role the Netroots shares in strengthening public debate. Commonweal Institute will continue to extend its reach and progressive values, keeping in mind the empowering tools that the Netroots community offers.