One of my favorite slogans about the People's Climate March a few weeks ago came from the Global Climate Convergence: “Every March Needs A Movement.”
Events like marches and rallies are great, but they're the one night stands to a long-lasting relationship. Movements are what change things, shift paradigms, define the times and often people's lives. The best of both worlds is, of course, when you can infuse the strong foundation of a long lasting relationship with the excitement of a one night stand.
By using these big events as a tool for further action instead of just a one-off, you give depth to the party and a spark to the movement. It's PR for your cause. As activists know, politics can sometimes be heavy and abstract – which aren't two adjectives that lend themselves well to outreach, particularly to the younger generations. Marches and big events offer a tangible way for people to become part of the movement. The Global Climate Convergence's role in the People's Climate March was an example of this. The Netroots Music Project is another.
Netroots Nation is the largest progressive conference in the country with more than 3,000 attendees every year and many more participating online. For the past decade, Netroots has met in various cities across the country to discuss progressive issues, organize, brainstorm and act. This summer, it brought major press to the Detroit convention – only to spill the story out into the streets as people marched with local activists in protest against the city's water shut-offs.
This is your long standing relationship, your solid foundation. Now, the conference itself could be seen as that exciting one night stand – a three-day fun fest involving everything from grassroots to global activism. However, in next year's program, that'll just be foreplay.
Taking a cue from the Detroit water shut-off actions, the Netroots Nation 2015 conference will highlight yet another controversial and political “hot button” issue: immigration. Next July in Phoenix, Ariz., Netroots will take on immigrant rights with something more than just a conference: a concert.
Yep, it's time to bring pop culture and politics back together again – by bringing a soundtrack to the movement while infusing it with the spark of a full night of activist music. Using its platform as the country's largest progressive convention, Netroots will highlight political bands and artists in today's music as well as music from the past.
Add to this a long list of local activist organizations ready to stand up on the issue of immigrant rights and it's clear this event has quite the movement behind it.
The Role of Music in the Movement
The thinking behind the new endeavor is pretty simple: music and politics are a powerful combination. Historically speaking, when music has gotten up on the political stage, people listen. And more importantly, they act.
Music has a unique way of engaging people regardless of class, race, social standing, background or political affiliation. Music is a universal language that brings people together. It's the protest song you can't stop singing, it's the beat you march to and the party after the march.
It's hope and raw unfettered emotion, pointed anger and power. It's louder than the din of political hectoring and a violent wake-up call to an apathetic youth. Political movements need a soundtrack. This generation needs a soundtrack. Netroots Nation wants to help foster that.
Several great artists have already signed on to be a part of the project including Latin-fusion artists who deal directly with immigrant rights daily. The concert will also feature artists from multiple genres and with varied social and political messages, sharing the core concept in common: progressive change through music.
To further ensure this one night stand doesn't become just another notch on the activist belt, Netroots plans to also create an entire Music Track complete with panels, showcases and workshops. Activist music won't be just a fleeting fancy. The concert will become an annual event, continuously bringing new activist artists and bands to the fore, growing and evolving this generation's political soundtrack.
Furthermore, Netroots plans to create a Progressive Music Awards show – the Grammys with a conscience, if you will. Considering the press that Netroots has already gotten – from alternative to mainstream outlets such as MSNBC, Huffington Post and CNN – the stage is set to make this blend of “march” and “movement” a powerful political push towards activism in pop culture.
At this point, the Netroots Music Project is using crowd-funding to raise the initial money required to produce the show. As with any crowd-funding endeavor, you get when you give. Perks include backstage passes, signed swag, free bar tabs (at a concert, yes) and reserved seats. Since Netroots is a non-profit, your donation is tax deductible.
But before this starts sounding too much like an infomercial, let me get back to the meaningful one night stand idea.
As someone who grew up listening to activist music, from punk to early rap to 60s folk to System of a Down and Rage Against The Machine, I know firsthand what music can do for the younger generation. Art has been the catalyst for many political shifts in our society. And for those it hasn't directly moved, it has helped garner support, promote dissent and mobilize the people in other ways. Art killing apathy.
Check out the EPK for more information and music samples from participating artists. Then help make this political music event a reality.
3 WAYS TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT
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