Redeveloping Strategies for a Prosperous Tomorrow

In the midst of a polarised political landscape, progressive movements find themselves in a challenging position. However, by adopting strategic approaches and focusing on key issues, they can regain lost ground and set the stage for a thriving future.

The first strategic lever for creating change is to marry principles with strategy. Having principles is important, but it is not the same as having a strategy. This means understanding the nuances of the issues at hand and finding ways to effectively communicate these principles to a wider audience.

One example of this paradox is withholding support for a political figure like Kamala Harris because she did not fully call for an arms embargo on Israel, leaving less leverage to influence the genocide in Gaza. Instead, it's crucial to engage in dialogue and find common ground to create meaningful change.

Shouting at people that something is right or wrong is rarely an effective way to change minds. The conversation can be shut down before it starts when it begins with shouts to adopt new language or worldviews. A more productive approach is to listen, empathise, and persuade, not just present evidence.

The need is to look critically at what has not been working for the movement and re-strategize. This means shifting from all or nothing thinking. Adopting an all-or-nothing approach to issues like the climate crisis can lead the public to believe that progress is impossible, when in reality every degree of progress matters.

Another strategic lever is to avoid echo chambers. Building broad coalitions doesn't have to mean compromising on causes. Highlighting the areas where causes overlap can help build broad coalitions without compromising on principles.

The third strategic lever is to learn the art of persuasion. Persuasion requires empathy and listening, not just evidence. This is evident in the fight for trans rights, where sharing personal experiences has been found to be more effective than demanding others change their behaviour.

Progressive movements can effectively re-strategize to regain lost ground by focusing on grassroots empowerment, coalition-building across borders, direct action, and refining their messaging around key issues such as affordability and sustainability. Strengthening local and state-level efforts, embracing international solidarity, and addressing internal challenges like fundraising transparency are also vital components.

Embracing the strategic nature of life and adapting to survive is essential for the movement's success. The goal is to regain lost ground and set up a future where ground is not easily ceded. To create a bigger movement, it's necessary to expand the demographic representation and speak to the issues that the majority of Americans care about.

By embracing the best of human nature—messaging values effectively, acting with purpose, avoiding extremism, and holding a long view to create a thriving future—progressive movements can reclaim influence after setbacks and cultivate durable political power. Abandoning purity politics and engaging in dialogue within progressive circles, despite differences in views, is also crucial to avoid alienation of potential allies.

References:

Sister District’s 2025 efforts helped defeat anti-immigrant bills and advance affordable housing by supporting local groups in key states
Progressive Alliance in the Americas fosters shared strategies and cooperative defense of democratic values
Progressive leaders like Sarahana Shrestha in the Hudson Valley demonstrate clear, compelling messaging on issues voters care about
Progressive conferences emphasizing a movement mindset beyond established party structures discuss using direct action and grassroots activism alongside electoral politics to pressure for change and maintain momentum
Addressing internal movement issues such as dishonest fundraising practices to build trust and sustain long-term engagement within the progressive base
A successful approach for progressive movements is recognized through grassroots empowerment, as demonstrated by Sister District's 2025 efforts in helping defeat anti-immigrant bills and advance affordable housing by supporting local groups in key states.
International cooperation is a crucial strategic lever for progressive movements, as visible in the Progressive Alliance in the Americas, which fosters shared strategies and cooperative defense of democratic values.
Advocating for issues that resonate with the majority of Americans is vital for expanding the demographic representation and building a bigger movement, a tactic highlighted by progressive leaders like Sarahana Shrestha in the Hudson Valley.
Progressive conferences underline the importance of integrating direct action, grassroots activism, and electoral politics to pressure for change, maintain momentum, and ensure sustainable political power, beyond established party structures.
To create a durable political power, progressive movements must address internal challenges like dishonest fundraising practices to build trust and sustain long-term engagement within the progressive base.