Dozens more, many of them front page, in the two county papers. Constant coverage on local radio and television. Six months ago, the public profile of Progressive Montgomery was pretty pathetic. Now we're perceived as a real player in county politics and as the leading progressive force in the MD suburbs. Training and experience.
Nothing tests the mettle of organizers and leaders like a high-profile, hotly contested campaign.
Relatively inexperienced organizers were suddenly put in positions where they needed to prep leaders for an unpredictable and ever-changing series of press conferences, actions, and interviews and we adjusted our tactics both to respond to attacks, and take the initiative. The same is true for our members. And groups ranging from the Center for Poverty Solutions to CASA De Maryland have remarked that this experience has demonstrated to them the need to increase their organizing and advocacy work in coalition with other groups. Simply put, our allies were both angered and, frankly, somewhat surprised that they didn't prevail. They are now more committed than ever to building broad coalitions and doing the necessary grassroots organizing to build a progressive political vehicle that can win real power.