Living in Baton Rouge as a leftist, sometimes one can feel like a fish out of water with all the apathy and conservatism in the state. But over the weekend, progressive activists and leaders held a convention-like networking session in Baton Rouge called Roots Camp.
The purpose of Roots Camp was to rally and connect local and state activists in order to push for liberal causes. It was refreshing to see progressives organizing for many causes that affect everyone. Gatherings like Roots Camp should be better attended and happen more often. Events like this provide an outlet for progressive and liberal activists to come together outside of blogs and Facebook.
The 4th Annual Roots Camp brought together more than 68 activists from across the state. The event was structured into lectures, discussion sessions and Q-and-A’s. Some of the causes represented include environmental issues, LGBT issues, women’s issues, voter rights, transit, housing, education among other progressive causes.
The Solidarity Project Advocacy Network, SPAN, started Roots Camp four years ago to make a mark in this red state. When SPAN’s executive director, Dawn Collins, was asked about why Roots Camp is important, she replied, “It’s a vital part of getting people together to collaborate, organize, and share skills.”
Among those attended Roots Camp were the heads of many progressive activist groups, students, Democratic Party organizers and union members. In addition to the camp’s participants, there were several guest speakers including several state representatives.
In a state where pro-life rallies are common, it is encouraging to see activists young and old, black and white, experienced and new getting together and working to make the lives of the poor and neglected better.
If there is one word to describe the overall experience of Roots Camp, it would be solidarity. Everyone who attended the event had a spirit of unanimity for everyone else’s causes.
Students and youths who are interested in getting involved in environmental, LGBT, voter rights, women’s rights or other Progressive causes should attend events like Roots Camp and organize other such events in the local community.
When Collins was asked why young people should get involved she replied, “They need to know that they should get involved now. Young people have energy, drive and innovation that most ‘grownups’ don’t have and it is never too early to start.”
Democracy depends on the grassroots efforts of the people. If big business can run the Tea Party, then maybe the people should have a movement of our own.