Sarah Burris

Name:	Sarah Burris
Location:	Prairie Village, KS
Where I blog:	Everyday Citizen Future Majority Wiretap Magazine

My Experience in progressive politics:

I started out working in fundraising specifically for candidates, but became the Development Director at Skyline Public Works (my first org) in 2007 where I got my first exposure to Web 2.0 and ways to integrate technology to do traditional forms of outreach in non-traditional ways all from the amazing people I met who have taught me an enormous amount!

My personal volunteering highlight:

I've worked on campaigns in Kansas, Oklahoma, Nevada, and California and with organizations in Washington State, Montana, and Colorado - all in just 4 years!

Steps I've taken to combine on-line and off-line action:

I am quickly trying to learn more about utilizing new technologies to create offline activities. Using social networking sites, anchor sites through advertising, and creating online relationships with supporters that build a lasting connection to encourage offline action. Creating lasting and meaningful relationships with supporters online is the best way I've found to create offline commitments to a candidate or organization.

Why I want to attend Netroots Nation:

I have been blogging for quite a while, but never felt like I was as serious or should be taken as seriously until about a year ago. I couldn't attend last year because I couldn't afford it. While, I have never been before I always watch it streaming on the web or on CSPAN if available. I'm eager to learn more and meet some of the people I've long admired and read in person to build relationships that can help us get our progressive message out online.

What I want to get out of Netroots Nation:

I would like to gain lasting skills and relationships that can help me grow in my experience and knowledge of our important service.

What is a progressive activist:

Someone that furthers ideas, values, issues, causes, or candidates that fit under the tent of the progressive agenda through fundraising, media, outreach, and education.

How I think blogs fit into the progressive movement:

The internet is no longer a passive medium the way television has become. More people go online to convey an opinion or make a statement about the news, issues, campaigns, and more. Blogs are a great part of that. We bring a kind of reporting that is sometimes missed or ignored by traditional media outlets in a way that conveys a meaningful voice from an active citizen. We can verify information, refute information, and continuously address issues or candidates that are important to us and our movement.

In a time where conglomerations own media outlets and push their own agendas through reporting, it is essential that we continue to dominate the online world with our message.

How I think Democracy For America fits into the progressive movement:

DFA was the pioneering organization to continue the collective action of the Dean campaign into other local candidates, issues, policy, legislation, and most importantly training. DFA has built the progressive movement that others now utilize to get candidates elected in every state of this country. We have a force of progressive soldiers well trained and prepared to work on campaigns, become super volunteers, take up causes when others will not, and even run for office themselves.

Similarly, the technology movement in campaigns and politics was begun and encouraged by DFA and DFA supporters.

Without the leadership of DFA and the continued action to build this movement I don't believe we would be as successful as we are today. Our technique has been pioneering and I know will continue to be even more innovative for years to come.

In 10 words or less, create a bumper-sticker slogan against John McCain:

John McCain - He's What's New for 1952!