Candidate Statement for Cultural Outreach Chair

A bylaw amendment to include a Cultural Outreach position on the Board will be voted on at our 2008 Annual Convention in December.

6th Vice President (Cultural Outreach Chair) shall develop and coordinate a strategy for identifying and reaching out to cultural workers (musicians, writers/poets, storytellers, dancers, visual artists, dramatists, etc.) and Arts organizations in NC who are working at the intersection of the Arts, creativity and social/political activism. The Cultural Outreach Committee shall work to integrate NC cultural workers in all PDNC events and actions; seek their advice and help in defining and communicating a progressive vision; and invite their collaboration in educational and networking efforts. Cultural Outreach will serve to bridge communities of youth and elders; LGBT and straight; black, white and brown; English speaking and non-English speaking persons, etc. around issues of common concern.

Candidate Statement for Cultural Outreach Chair

Susan Reed

I am a founding member of PDNC, and have served on its board since its inception in 2004. I am “coming back for more” in 2008 because I see how the slow but steady work of our all-volunteer board and the organization at large has developed and matured, and how we have begun to make a difference in NC politics.

With the 2008 election behind us and Democrats now taking a bigger lead in governance —- with the new, full-of-potential “Obama era” upon us —- our work is more important than ever as we continue to build a strong social movement, and apply necessary pressure on our government leaders and legislators to move policy in a progressive direction. PDNC is poised to be an important part of this push for change.

I have been a cultural worker, and social activist and organizer for most of my adult life. Peace and social justice, and environmental and economic justice movements have shaped my worldview, my work and lifestyle choices. I am currently working toward a post-graduate certificate in Expressive Arts at ASU; my particular focus is Integrative Arts and Social Change.

I am excited about the potential new component of Cultural Outreach to PDNC’s organizational strategy. Having studied and witnessed the Highlander model of political organizing, where the Arts are integrated into so many aspects of their work, I am convinced that a social movement without the input of artists, musicians, poets and writers, actors and dancers, is doomed to failure.

Social movements rely on the prophet, the poet, and the dreamer. NC is home to so many talented and committed Artists who are also dedicated to peace and justice. PDNC needs to invite the creativity, vision, talent and energy of this important group as part of an overall organizational strategy of building and strengthening our movement for change.