Local and state elected officials from across the country gathered at SEIU International in Washington, DC, for the first-ever Governing as a Pro-Labor Progressive Workshop. Wellstone Action facilitated conversations around what makes a vote "tough" and the best advice on how to work through balancing your values and the interests of your district and party.
Participants developed goals for their next term and discussed how to best engage the community and go beyond just representing their interests. Progressive values were put to the test when individuals had to work in teams to balance a state budget that was in the red.
Over two intensive days, newly-elected officials and incumbents developed new approaches to how they will serve. More importantly, how their work can help shape their governments into a transformative body rather than a place of transactional politics.
While this was the first governing training, Wellstone Action is gearing up to offer many more in 2011.
"I know how important it is to be willing to listen and make smart compromises for the future. This [experience] helps us be more effective at governing--it's an additional set of tools to build a base and support the progressive movement." Mayor of El Monte, CA, Andre Quintero
All photos by David Sachs / SEIU