theory of building political power

In 1994, I returned to the United States, after 4 1/2 years of military duty in Asia (one ship homeported in Sasebo, Japan, one ship homeported in Yokosuka, Japan (greater Tokyo area) and the UN peacekeeping mission in Cambodia).

My final tour in the Navy was Navy Recruiting District Chicago (1994-96). Even during that time I was already engaging in activism and political activity. Since getting out of the Navy, I have interfaced with lots of parts of the nonprofit world, media, political organizations and political campaigns.

The best political organization for empowering people where they are at and letting the members set the direction is Northside DFA in Chicago.

While the organizing model used by Northside DFA is excellent at what NDFA does, it needs to be complemented by organizations motivated by the same valued that do other things.

Four organizations necessary to build political power:

• electoral campaigns
• issue advocacy
• fundraising, foundation-ing
• media

I'll explain below the fold.