Hundreds Attend The People’s Convention in Philadelphia
Hundreds gathered in Philadelphia today, Saturday, July 23rd, at The People’s Convention to kick off a week of people-powered grassroots alternatives to the 2016 DNC convention. The event included the ratification of a political platform, workshops, and a movement building World Cafe. It was held at the Arch Street Meeting House, at 320 Arch St., Philadelphia, PA.
As part of the day’s events, Green party presidential candidate Dr. Jill Stein and former state senator Nina Turner both gave impassioned speeches to attendees. Participants were encouraged to keep the spirit of democracy alive by engaging with the political process beyond the campaign.
The speeches followed a day dedicated, in part, to ratifying a People’s Platform. This platform is a crowdsourced political document developed over the course of months with the input of over 800 activists and grassroots organizations. Advocates spoke in favor of the platform while the audience participated directly in a discussion of issues which included racial justice, wealth and income inequality, getting money out of politics, climate change and healthcare as a human right.
Voting on the platform was done through text message, and included people from around the country who were watching the event as it was streamed live on the People’s Revolution website.
In another room, the World Cafe, facilitators encouraged folks from around the country to engage in conversations with each other. Talk touched on the political work done over the past year and how people want to build on that work to establish an ongoing grassroots movement. The space also saw an hour of programming dedicated to elevating black voices.
Attendees also had the option to attend a range of workshops over the course of the day. Some of the topics included information about establishing community organizations, building power in the environmental justice movement and working to get big money out of politics.
People interested in building political power are encouraged to visit the People’s Revolution’s website to set up gatherings in their local communities to build for the future: thepeoplesrevolution.org
The People’s Convention is endorsed by: Occupy Wall St. NYC, People of Color for Bernie Sanders, Philly Coalition for REAL Justice, Poor People’s Economic Human Rights Campaign, Commonomics USA, DNC Action Committee, Move to Amend, Philly Socialists, Popular Resistance, College Students for Bernie, Green Jobs Philly and EDGE Philly
The People’s Convention is sponsored by: The People’s Revolution, an initiative of InterOccupy — a fiscally sponsored project of the Alliance for Global Justice (AfGJ). AfGJ is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
In the News:
July 23, WHYY: Before the DNC, a ‘people’s convention’ sets its own, progressive agenda
July 23, The Fresno Bee: At People’s Convention, Fresno delegate stresses racial justice
July 23, Dallas Morning News: Progressives blast Clinton-Kaine ticket as they hold the People’s Convention in Philadelphia
July 22, Chicagoist: Sanders Supporters Are Holding ‘People’s Convention’ In Philly To Plan Next Steps
July 22, The Fresno Bee: People’s Convention Saturday in Philadelphia speaks to third party
July 22, CBS Philly: One-Day People’s Convention Held In Philadelphia, Days Before DNC Rolls In
June 28, WFMZ: Sanders supporters to hold ‘The People’s Convention’ in Philadelphia. ‘People’s Platform’ to be voted on, ratified 2 days before Democratic convention
May 8, In These Times: The Political Revolution Will Continue Long After Bernie Sanders’ Campaign. Here’s How.
