Our Revolution

Our Revolution
Name	Our Revolution
Formation	2016
Founder	Bernie Sanders, Jane Sanders
Type	Political action organization
Headquarters	Burlington, Vermont
Region served	United States
Leader title	President
Leader name	Nina Turner

Our Revolution is an American political organization formed in 2016 following the 2016 United States presidential election primary campaign of Bernie Sanders. The group emerged amid debates around the influence of Democratic Party politics, progressive policy proposals like Medicare for All, and grassroots organizing strategies inspired by movements such as the Occupy Wall Street protests and the Tea Party activism. It has worked on candidate endorsements, voter mobilization, and advocacy around issues including crimson financial reform, climate change initiatives linked to the Paris Agreement, and campaign finance reform after decisions like Citizens United v. FEC.

History

The organization traces its origins to the aftermath of the 2016 Democratic National Convention and the broad popular support for the platform promoted during Sanders's campaign. Early activity connected to prominent events such as the 2016 United States presidential election aftermath, the surge in progressive candidacies in the 2017 United States elections, and alliances with unions like Service Employees International Union and community groups involved in the Fight for $15. Founders and early board members included figures tied to the Vermont Senate and activist networks from cities including New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. The group publicly announced initiatives aligned with legislative efforts such as pushing for expansions of Affordable Care Act provisions and opposing trade agreements like the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

Organization and Leadership

The group's leadership has included elected officers, a national committee, and regional chapters organized in states such as California, Texas, Ohio, Florida, and Michigan. Leaders have moved between roles in municipal campaigns, state legislatures, and national advocacy groups including MoveOn.org Political Action and the Progressive Change Campaign Committee. Notable leaders and surrogates have interacted with figures like Elizabeth Warren, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Pramila Jayapal, and local officials from cities such as Seattle, Portland, Oregon, and Boston. Organizational governance models referenced nonprofit structures similar to those used by groups like Democratic Socialists of America and policy shops such as the Center for American Progress.

Political Activities and Campaigns

The organization has endorsed and supported candidates in federal, state, and local races, targeting contests in battlegrounds like Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Arizona. Campaign activity has involved canvassing, phone banking, training programs modeled after New Organizing Institute curricula, and coalition work with entities such as the NAACP and labor groups including the AFL–CIO. Endorsement strategies have sometimes converged with progressive insurgent campaigns like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's 2018 run and mayoral contests in Detroit and St. Louis. The group has also been active in ballot initiatives and referenda similar to campaigns surrounding Medicaid expansion and municipal wage measures in cities like Seattle and San Francisco.

Policy Positions and Platform

Positions promoted include universal health coverage akin to Medicare for All, debt relief proposals echoing calls associated with movements surrounding the 2008 financial crisis, and comprehensive climate policy aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement and advocated by coalitions including Sunrise Movement. Economic stances emphasize progressive taxation policies comparable to proposals advanced by Elizabeth Warren and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, support for labor rights championed by unions like United Auto Workers, and opposition to trade agreements such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership. Criminal justice reforms reference bipartisan measures debated in the United States Congress, while immigration positions advocate pathways to citizenship resonant with legislation like the DREAM Act.

Funding and Financials

Funding sources have included small-dollar contributions from individual donors modeled after digital fundraising techniques popularized during the 2008 Barack Obama presidential campaign and recurring donations similar to strategies used by organizations such as ActBlue. The organization has also reported support from grassroots fundraising events, merchandise sales, and transfers from allied political action committees and nonprofit entities. Financial oversight and reporting practices have been compared to standards followed by groups like the Federal Election Commission-registered committees and nonprofit advocacy groups operating under Internal Revenue Service regulations.

Criticism and Controversies

The organization has faced internal disputes over endorsement decisions, governance, and strategic direction, echoing tensions seen in progressive coalitions including factions within the Democratic Party and controversies resembling disagreements in groups like the Working Families Party. Critics from establishment wings referenced alliances with figures associated with moderate policy positions such as Hillary Clinton, while others debated the efficacy of endorsing primary challengers in races involving incumbents like members of the United States House of Representatives. Media coverage of these tensions appeared in outlets that have reported on similar intra-movement disputes involving organizations such as MoveOn.org Political Action and labor-backed political committees.

Category:Political organizations based in the United States