We talk a lot about the idea of revitalizing our democracy with courageous leadership — our former service members who won elected office are actually doing it. So today I want to tell you more about some of our New Politics leaders making a difference nationwide and at all levels of government.
Let's start local and take a look at what James Talarico, Shenna Bellows, and Mary Tobin are up to…
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As a Peace Corps volunteer, Shenna helped establish micro-lending programs in Panama and worked on economic empowerment programs for public housing residents through AmeriCorps.
Now, she’s defending democracy as Maine’s Secretary of State: she fought back when a third-party organization, No Labels, misled voters into changing their party affiliation and infringed on their freedom to associate with the political party of their choice. Read more about Shenna’s valiant voter protection effort here:
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After two combat tours in Iraq, Mary was a part of the first-ever cohort of New Politics. Mary is an active leader in her community, sitting on the boards of the Black Veterans Project and New Politics Leadership Academy – that’s in addition to co-founding West Point’s African-American Alumni Association.
Mary’s work since her military service ended has focused on developing solutions that have a positive impact on communities. Her forward-thinking work is invaluable as civil-military relations continue to evolve.
Following June’s Supreme Court decision to effectively ban affirmative action while exempting military academies like her alma mater, West Point, Mary spoke to Rolling Stone:
“What that decision said to me was: It is okay for black and brown officers to be produced in these institutions of higher education for the purposes of defending and or dying for their country, if necessary. However, we do not deem it important to ensure that there is a diversity of doctors, lawyers, teachers, engineers, artists… It is incredibly insulting to the millions of black veterans who have served this country voluntarily — because they believed in the promise of this country.”
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These leaders are the New Politics mission in action: to make our democracy, country and communities stronger by standing up for what’s right and working together towards a future for all of us.
Our New Politics leaders are also a stark contrast to the hyper-partisan and self-interest brand of politics we have seen. We need more leaders like James, Shenna, and Mary. Do you agree? Your grassroots donation allows us to put more folks like them in the position to make real, lasting change in our politics.
More soon,
Tiffani
Tiffani Sykhammountry
Director of Development
New Politics
