Beginning last April, social and political activists began meeting, talking on the phone, creating a Web site and sharing mailings in an effort to put together a progressive coalition. The Progressive Network is growing quietly, with members signing on in the hopes of building a unified front to fight the erosion of gains they have worked for decades to secure. They believe that by joining forces they can help leverage each other's work and strengthen the progressive community in South Carolina. Individuals who don't belong to any group also support the Network. While members of the Network serve a variety of interests, they share a lot in common.
Diversity is the strength of the coalition, but their commonality is the glue.
Are Family, a nonprofit group in Charleston that works to educate the straight public about gay issues. Discrimination against women is the same issue as racism. It is all about people trying to impose control on another group of people because they don't have as much power. The conference is the first time that members of the Network have met in a large group. Before they do anything, they move the chairs from rows into a circle.