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Take a bow. Pat yourself on the shoulder.

In recent years, the progressive movement in our country has had enormous success. Ideas and initiatives that just a few years ago were unthinkable are now mainstream and are being implemented. As a result of the $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan (ARPA) alone, we have reduced childhood poverty by 61% as millions of working class families receive a monthly $300 per child check. And, if we have anything to say about it, that's just the beginning. We will, step by step, create a government that works for low and moderate income families, and not just the 1%.

But let's be clear. Transformative change does not take place by accident. It occurs because progressive elected officials, the people whom you helped elect, are making it happen. Today, the Congressional Progressive Caucus is one of the most powerful and influential bodies in the U.S. House. And they are leading the way in Washington.

But here's the simple truth. While we are making real progress, we need to do better. What that means is that in order for our movement to continue to grow, a major part of our work must involve finding and recruiting strong progressive candidates for office, supporting them, and giving them the tools and resources they need to run winning campaigns.

We need more local leaders, activists, and working people to run for office who will represent the communities they come from. People like India Walton who recently won a stunning upset victory in the primary mayoral election in Buffalo, New York. Or Cori Bush and Marie Newman who were first elected to Congress last year.

Nothing is too big or small — it could be for a seat on the local city council, the school board, the state legislature or even for Congress.

That's why today Bernie would like to know if you've ever considered running for office. Because the truth is that real change never comes from the top on down, but from the bottom on up.

Does this sound like you, or someone you know? It could be anyone — a friend, family member, a neighbor or local community leader — who you think would be a champion of our movement's values and fight to make the kind of change we need in neighborhoods, towns, and cities all across the country.

Take our brief candidate recruitment survey:

Add your name today if you are thinking about running for office, or if you'd like to recruit someone you know.

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When Bernie became mayor of Burlington, Vermont in 1981, he won by just 10 votes against a long-term incumbent. That victory happened against all odds – everyone said it couldn't be done.

Bernie's victory, and many similar types of progressive victories across the country, prove what is possible when you engage in grassroots organizing at the local level and put forth an agenda that puts working people first.

The American people want change, real change. They are sick and tired of working for starvation wages, and struggling with inadequate health care and unaffordable housing. They are also deeply worried about climate change destroying our planet.

The bottom line is that we face more crises right now than at any other point in the modern history of this country. And it is imperative that we have candidates who are ready to create the change that we need in this moment.

Recruiting members of our movement to run for office will be a huge step forward in creating a government that is once again responsive to the needs of working people.

That's why we're asking:

Take our brief candidate recruitment survey if you are considering running for office, or if you'd like to recruit someone you know.

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There is an incredible amount of work ahead of us, but we can get it done if we stand together. Thank you for all you've done — and will continue to do — for our movement.

In solidarity,

Team Bernie

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