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Hi there,
Nearly 20 years ago, I showed up at my first Netroots Nation as a leadership aide for then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and I immediately knew I was home — in community with friends, colleagues, advocates, communicators and fellow progressives. Just like I was then, I am fired up and ready to go for next month's 20th annual conference in New Orleans.
Right now people across the country have been showing up in massive numbers to reject authoritarianism, defend communities under attack, and ensure our democracy remains intact. Despite what you may be reading in the traditional media outlets, the base of the Democratic party is incredibly energized. This is evident in special election races across the country, where 27 of the 31 special elections this year showed a swing favoring Democrats.
The energy is visible not just in polling booths, but also on the street, with 7 to 11 million people showing up for the recent No Kings protests. There is also progressive momentum in the stunning victory of Zohran Mamdani’s unapologetically populist campaign in New York City.
Over 3 days, this conference will offer inspiring keynotes, panels, training sessions, and opportunities to strategize on issues like immigration, abortion access, trans rights, climate and economic justice, civil rights, freedom of speech, democracy and more. We'll hear from some of the sharpest communicators, campaigners and organizers huddling over 150+ breakout sessions and daily keynotes. And the conference will offer opportunities to collaborate and network via social events, film screenings, caucuses, and more.
This year's gathering being held in New Orleans couldn't be more appropriate, as the Crescent City marks the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. As we’re witnessing the alarming rollbacks of environmental protections and the rise of authoritarianism ahead of the 20th commemoration of Katrina — and the 20th anniversary of this conference — the importance of organizing around climate change and disastrous threats to the fabric of our democracy prove more important than ever.
The substance of this event will be rich, but just as important: it's going to be a lot of fun with good humans, great food and music, and more.
I hope you will join us. My firm Pacifica Strategies is proud to be a sponsor, and we're so excited to be see longtime friends and make new ones — and some good trouble.
I hope to see you in New Orleans!
Murshed Zaheed
Pacifica Strategies
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