Breaking Down Traditional Issue Silos Encourages Innovation

There is no silver bullet in progressive politics.

I have watched each election cycle where political players place their hopes on one charismatic candidate or one magic organization that will solve all of our political challenges. Progressive giving patterns have reflected this tendency as well.

Yet it has become clear to me that only a network approach will create the political impact that we are all seeking. Information moves too fast, issues have become too complex, and the challenges so vast.

So at New Progressive Coalition, we developed a Sector Approach to help clarify the different roles that individuals and organizations play in politics, and to help people better understand how to navigate this chaotic environment. We believe that a healthy movement is made up of six vibrant sectors that are connected to and dependent on one another:

Advocacy & Organizing: Organizations that work for the widespread support and adoption of progressive positions

Electoral: Organizations that focus on winning progressive electoral victories and encouraging greater civic participation

Idea Generation: Organizations and individuals that generate and encourage the adoption of strong and credible progressive ideas

Infrastructure & Capacity: A robust network of technical assistance and service providers who improve the impact and efficiency within the other sectors

Leadership Development: Organizations that build a continuous pipeline of progressive leaders

Media: Distribution channels that disseminate progressive content and ideas and expand the market for consumption of progressive thoughts and opinions

This sector approach is the basis for much of what we do at NPC. In a sense it is an organizing principle that allows us to foster collaboration by breaking down the traditional issue and constituency silos that exist. Not only does this help organizations reduce duplication of effort and the time spent reinventing the wheel, but it encourages political innovation where real breakthroughs can occur.