“I try to get to Netroots every year because Netroots Nation is my church.”
It’s almost time for Netroots Nation 2017! This year we’re headed to Atlanta, Georgia! As the convention approaches, we’re digging into what the convention really means to attendees. Today we’re interviewing long-time Netroots community member and self-professed nerdette Tanya Tarr.
What’s your funniest Netroots Nation story?
In 2009, I was invited to help co-moderate a big session with Governor Dean. It was the first time I had ever used a teleprompter, and it was being broadcast by C-SPAN, so I was pretty nervous. The main stage event went off without a hitch. At the time, I was working for a union, and across the Labor and progressive world, we were working on a large healthcare coverage mobilization. I’m an organizer and an activist in my heart, and at the end of our conversation with Governor Dean, I couldn’t help but put him on the spot and ask him if he would be willing to stop by the booth and make a few calls to help pass healthcare coverage. Graciously, he said he would, and as we were walking off the stage, he grumbled, “you damn organizers, always hustling.” I’d like to think he said it with humor. Truly, I can’t pass up an opportunity to make the ask.
What’s one lesson or skill you learned at Netroots Nation?
There was a training session lead by Matt Stempeck and Lola Elfman many years ago — I don’t actually remember which year it was — at least 4 or 5 years ago. They were co-leading a training on ladder of engagement. I remember at the time walking in to the session slightly skeptical of the usefulness of this training (since I incorrectly thought I knew everything I needed to know about building a ladder of engagement.) I remember being absolutely floored by the training and being so impressed and encouraged by Matt and Lola. Lola is a long-time friend. This is why I love the NN community so much. There is such a wealth of knowledge and of sharing that knowledge. It’s an amazing culture of learning to be surrounded by — and it’s also a place where you can relearn new skills in — including ones you thought you knew everything about.
Tell us about your most meaningful Netroots moment.
The first women’s pre-conference in Rhode Island, NN12. It was a gonzo trip — I only could come in for the pre-conference, but this was one powerful day. I got to meet all sorts of amazing women across the movement, and we had some powerful and transformative conversations about where we as women leaders needed to go and where we could guide the movement to go next. I made some very strong friendships at that pre-conference meeting, people I still keep very close contact with today (even if I haven’t seem them in person. Social media is so amazing that way!)
Tell us about a connection or friendship you made at Netroots Nation.
You know how people say a good place to meet your future spouse is at a place of worship? I don’t have a church, but I try to get to Netroots every year because Netroots Nation is my church. It’s also where I met my husband. In 2009, I was watching President Bill Clinton give a main stage speech, and someone from the audience started to heckle him. I tweeted:
and someone named MykleT “liked” the tweet (or whatever it was in 2009).
Later that night, I met Mykle (pronounced “Michael”, but I thought it was pronounced “Meee-kle”) anyway I met him at a very loud Irish bar down the street from the Convention hall. We didn’t do much talking because some of my friends were leading the bar in a very loud, very raunchy drinking song. But when we both got back to Austin (where I had just moved), we hung out and eventually got together. I’ve made so many deep friendships through Netroots, and meeting Mykle is my favorite one. I feel very fortunate to have met and married my best friend. I might not have met him had I not gone to Pittsburgh and Netroots Nation 2009.
What’s your best Netroots Nation survival tip?
Hydrate yourself. Seriously. And wear comfy shoes. I also wrote a piece on how to pack a perfect conference suitcase that might also be useful. If you tend to feel cold, I cannot overstate the usefulness of a light scarf. And comfy shoes. I think I already wrote that, but I mean — you’re going to do a LOT of walking.
What are you looking forward to the most about NN16 in St. Louis?
I’m looking forward to extraordinary programming, and the chance to reconnect with my friends across the movement. I’m also leading a training on Ladder of Engagement that I am really excited about. I hope that I can help people reconnect with the power of strategy and building leaders, just like Matt and Lola inspired me so many years ago. Our community and the technology is always changing, and it’s an exciting time to be a part of this movement. Netroots Nation is such an important time for us to reconnect and learn from one another, and NN16 is going to be amazing. I can’t wait!
