Passing the Baton
Nearly a year ago, I announced my decision to transition out of the role of WFP National Director. I was elected to serve as Chair of the WFP National Committee, and I’m excited to take on this new job.
With this transition, we launched a search for my successor. It took a while, but I’m delighted to say that we found the right person. It is with enormous pride that I write to introduce you to Maurice Mitchell.
You can read a short bio about Maurice here. As you come to know him, I am confident you will understand why our National Executive Committee chose him to take the helm at the WFP. He comes to us most recently from Blackbird, an anchor organization within the Movement for Black Lives. He brings an unusual, and unusually important, set of experiences, skills, and relationships. He combines that talent and background with a deep understanding of American history, both the tragic and the glorious. Plus, he’s got an excellent sense of humor, which, if you ask me, is every bit as important as ideological clarity.
All in all, we are thrilled to bring him on board. He’ll start full-time in a few months. (You should definitely check out these comments about Maurice, both what’s being said and who’s saying it!)
It’s no easy task to build a new political party that is principled and effective. One that makes a difference today, and fights to transform what’s possible tomorrow. One that wants to govern — to actually put the power of the state at the service of egalitarian democracy. To advance a multi-racial populism and limit the obscene power and corruption of the big-money crowd. All of which is to say — it’s not exactly a day at the beach.
But it’s by no means drudgery. Politics is hard, but it’s also fun. It’s the work of a lifetime — indeed many lifetimes. And each of us does this work in whatever way we can, because we believe that a better world is indeed possible, and that the route to that better world runs in part through sustained, creative, love-filled political engagement.
I’ve had a good run as the party’s director, mostly because of the wonderful, funny people I’ve had the privilege to work with over these many years. We made our share of mistakes, but we got some seriously good stuff done. The party is much bigger than we ever expected it to be, with operations in 19 states and members in all 50. We’re growing fast, and we have big plans.
It has been a great honor to serve in this role, and I think Maurice knows that he will be leading a remarkable group of staff, members and leaders. There’s an old cliche in organizing that “it’s a marathon, not a sprint.” That’s definitely true. But what it really is, is a relay race.
I am excited to see where Maurice will take us. Please join me in welcoming him.
In solidarity and with gratitude,
Dan Cantor
Chair, WFP National Committee
