Engaging Power! RTTC's Civic Engagement Newsletter

Engaging Power! RTTC's Civic Engagement Newsletter

Since the 2000 presidential election, there has been a surge of reflection, exploration and innovation with regard to voter work. Books and essays across the country surfaced about “red states and blue states” and an impending rift within the nation. New organizations formed, distinct from the traditional non- profit 501(c)3 formation, in the form of 501(c)4s, 501(c)5s, 527s and PACs that expanded (and sometimes exploited) new voting blocks and ideological groups. Until recently, these were largely explored by the political parties or specific candidates running for office.

Simultaneously, there were dramatic demographic shifts in U.S. cities. Cit- ies began shifting to majority people of color. And, cities were recognized as representing the majority of the country’s population. The U.S. Conference of Mayors in 2008 cited that 85% of the U.S. population resides in metropolitan areas. As a result, some organizations contem- plated how to recognize new ideological rifts, harness new forms of organization, and articulate new strategies for organizing.

Want more? Download the full newsletter now!