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JasonThe
| Name: | JasonThe |
| Location: | Hyrum, UT |
My personal volunteering highlight:
Recently I was able to organize a small effort to film, edit, and upload to youtube speeches from as many county conventions and other events as possible throughout the state. It was a small, barely successful two month project, but the dialog it encouraged with party leaders and the excitement we (it was a team effort) received from county party officers and delegates was energizing and mutually encouraging. Being part of the 2008 DNC Blogger Press Corp. in Denver last August, though not specifically an activist effort, was a definite recent highlight of my political involvement as well.
More about my volunteering with DFA:
I am currently a member of DFA, and have used the podcast and downloadable training materials extensively in work with several local volunteer groups and fellow bloggers hoping to become more involved. DFA trainings were also key in my consulting and online outreach development for the 2008 Morgan Bowen for Congress Campaign (UT-1).
More about my volunteering with progressive organizations:
My most recent volunteer work has been for the ACLU of Utah in their preparations for Rachel Maddow's appearance at the BOR celebration, the Utah State Democratic Party and county/state party conventions (media production), campaign consulting and online outreach for the Morgan Bowen for Congress Campaign (UT-1, 2008). Currently, I am working with various county party leaders in developing their online presence, editing/publishing a bi-weekly front page diary rescue at MyDD.com (as JasonThe), and organizing "get involved" efforts for state party races and the upcoming state convention in June.
More about my work on current campaigns and issues:
Jeff Bell for State Party Chair - volunteer. (http://jmbell.org)
Bring the Utah State Democratic Party Online - founder.
Draft Morgan Bowen 2010 - supporter, volunteer.
Draft Pete Corroon for Governor 2010 - supporter.
MoveOn.org - Power Up America: Small Business Outreach
Sundance Film Festival - Volunteer Corps.
What motivates me:
My entire life I have watched my fellow Utahns vote against what is best for their own future, the future of their families, and the future of their state in blind allegiance to the Republican Party, because of two issues: abortion, gay rights. Doing what I can to raise the bar, increase the information absorbed, and encourage real discussion, dialog and populist activism until this state is a lot less red motivates me almost every day to play a part.
How I try to motivate others:
I try to lead by example, and never assume I have all the answers. The most effective tool for energizing potential activists is challenging the status quo, and supporting others in doing the same. If I can do it, anyone can.
Where I see myself in five years:
Heading up a more cohesive, organized coalition here in Utah, working continually to raise the informed voter bar with the use of technology to better engage the electorate and challenge a stagnant media. And obviously, still blogging.
My suggested bumper sticker slogan for the Stand with Dr. Dean campaign:
If I'd known I was going to live so long, I'd have voted for a Democrat.
Blogging
I run/manage these blogs:
The SideTrack
KVNU's For the People
I contribute posts to these blogs:
MyDD
The Utah Amicus
Check out my writing sample(s):
http://thesidetrack.blogspot.com/2009/05/singletons-plan-for-trib-math.html
http://thesidetrack.blogspot.com/2009/05/celebrating-gains-in-utah-county.html
I read these blogs often:
Talking Points Memo
The Monkey Cage
Participation in the blogosphere is important because...
Participation in "the discussion," whatever it may be, is important because it is the only real opportunity we have to influence the conversations happening around us, and the information that influences elected officials, the voters that elect them, and the parties that back them. New media has increased the opportunities for participation so immensely, there is no longer an excuse for anyone remaining disengaged from the process of governance and representation and being an activist for the change you desire.
A Little Bit About JasonThe
In addition to various paid and volunteer activist projects in my home (RED!) state, I co-host a local talk radio show, KVNU’s For the People, which runs each day smack-dab between Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity, offering one of very few outlets for liberal/progressive views on Utah’s airwaves. I own and operate a small technology consulting firm, helping small business owners grow through creative web practices and social networking strategies. I have been blogging at The SideTrack since 2005.
Being a progressive Democrat in one of the most socially conservative states in the nation, I have learned the value of building coalitions, appreciating small gains, and never backing down from a political fight or overwhelming uphill battle. Through blogging, campaign staffing, grassroots volunteer work, and tennacious – often bordering on badgering – idealism, I spend much of my free time pushing progressive ideas to the forefront of Utah’s political narrative, with the modest skills and microphones (figurative and literal) at my disposal.
Why I Deserve a Scholarship to Attend
I am often frustrated that Utah’s very vibrant and intelligent blogging community is often overshadowed handily by the mindless noise machine of our conservative legislature and self-aggrandizing federal GOP delegates. Yet more and more often, I see bloggers and activists stepping up to that machine and enjoying more success than our state and county party leaders have chance to. If I had to list one thing I would hope to learn and bring back home with me should I get this opportunity, it would be gaining information, access and understanding from those who have been this way before me. States like Idaho, Utah, Wyoming and even Montana are where the real fight for the west still waits to be had. I’d hope to learn more about galvanizing resources as a catalyst to starting, and eventually winning that fight.
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Curtis Haring
Jason has always been a strong supporter of not only the Democratic Party, but of stronger Democracy in general. I can't over-st -
DV K
As a three time attendee of Netroots Nation, and looking forward to # 4. I support Jason. He's from Utah! -
Becky S
I have followed Jason's blog posts on several Utah blogs, and I found those posts to be thoughtful, well-stated, and on point.
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