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The Power of the People: Organizing for Change from the Ground Up
We are no longer relying on Bernie Sanders; we’re relying on the movement that Bernie has asked us to build.
Sean’s Monologue: America the Militarized
Today Sean speaks with author and campaign activist Kacey Carpenter about the grassroots fight for progressive change. First, Kacey tells us his story of meeting Bernie Sanders and explains the event that helped him realize that the privilege he’d enjoyed in life was tenuous and the fight for democracy belongs in the hands of the people. With his eyes open to the problems in the world, Kacey was inspired to become a campaign volunteer and to write the book My Journey with Bernie: The Revolution Starts with Us.
Sean shares the moment when Bernie Sanders won his heart, and he talks with Kacey about Bernie’s policies, how Bernie prevented Trump from winning the 2020 election, and overcoming the neoliberalism of the DNC. “The solution to the corruption of the Democratic Party is to literally stop taking the money,” Kacey says, a concept that he expands upon in his book Ready, Set, Go! Playbook for Campaigns, Candidates, and Causes.
Sean asks Kacey about his biggest fear for Donald Trump 2.0, and Kacey warns about the biggest obstacle Trump will face in his second term. Kacey tells us about his involvement in local government elections, supporting corporate-free candidates, building a coalition independent of the 2-party system, rank choice voting, and “Bernie math.”
After discussing the possibility of AOC as president, Sean and Kacey talk about the playbook for building a successful movement, then Kacey shares a pivotal moment while canvassing for Bernie in rural Pennsylvania that taught him how to talk effectively with people and convert them to action.
Now that he has shifting his focus from running for office to supporting and mentoring other candidates, Kacey has plenty of insight to share about sustaining momentum in the face of setbacks and the power of different generations coming together to teach each other new skills. Listen to find out an easy way to get a free hour of campaign coaching from Kacey!
Next, Kacey talks about separating your personal life from your political life, the power of storytelling in effecting change, and what it means to be a “conservative progressive.” He tells us about his support of local organizations that don’t take corporate money (for example – fruit gleaners) and he gives tips for organizations forming partnerships.
Kacey talks about finding commonality with your enemies and how being open to others’ beliefs is the way to dial back the MAGA movement and create a People’s Movement in its place. He and Sean discuss how misinformation has divided us and how we can find truth despite obstacles like AI and a mainstream media with corporate interests. After Kacey tells us about his experiences as a union organizer, he and Sean end the episode by talking about the time they met in person.
Subscribe to Kacey Carpenter’s free weekly newsletter at:
https://lifeisajourney.substack.com/
Learn more about Kacey’s books:
READY, SET, GO! Playbook for Campaigns, Candidates, and Causes
Connect with Kacey on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/kacey.carpenter.104/
https://www.instagram.com/kaceycarpenter1/
Kacey Carpenter
Author, Organizer, Volunteer
Kacey Carpenter is an author, community volunteer, and speaker with experience in digital engagement and community organizing.
He has published two non-fiction books: READY, SET, GO! Playbook for Campaigns, Candidates, and Causes and My Journey with Bernie. He also curates a weekly newsletter, “Life is a Journey”, and is working on his first mystery fiction book set in Joshua Tree National Park. Kacey leads the National Writers Union Oregon Writers Corner Program.
With a career spanning three decades in the technology industry, he led global teams focused on the intersection of technology innovation and public sector transformation. He collaborated with local, state, and national government organizations leading initiatives for healthcare, justice, community policing, and smart communities around the world.
Kacey’s passion for life, family, and friends is evident in his love for the outdoors, coaching, teaching, traveling, and volunteering. Residing in Oregon, he serves candidates, campaigns, and causes to ensure democracy, protect our planet, and fight for equity, inclusion, and justice for all.
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