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Sept. 27, 2022

17. How to Organize Locally to Make Change in Sacramento with Assemblymember Ash Kalra

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Season 2

How do you compel  lawmakers to take the hard votes needed to pass bold worker's rights and  climate action policies when they have Corporate America breathing down  their necks?

 

Last fall I had the honor to interview Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-27 - San Jose) during my advocacy webinar “All Politics is Local”: How Communities can Build Political Power. Mr. Kalra represents the city of San Jose and made history in 2016 as the first Indian-American elected to the California Legislature. An unapologetic champion for workers and their communities, he is Chair of the California Assembly Committee on Labor and Employment and was elected last year Chair of the California Legislative Progressive Caucus.

 

Mr. Kalra offers his  unique insight as a former community advocate turned elected official.  Tune in for actionable advice on organizing voters locally to grow  outsized influence at the California Capitol.

 

We discuss:

 

  • Building real relationships means you don’t just show up when you want something (2:33)
  • Local government is where the real power lies (7:38)
  • Why groups without Political Action Committees (PACs) can be just as influential as big ticket donors (10:03)
  • How to create the space for lawmakers to take courageous votes (13:07)
  • How to make your lobby visits more effective (13:49)
  • How to hold lawmakers accountable (16:19)

 

Read the full transcript here. 

 

Hosted by Kristina Bas Hamilton, founder of KBH Advocacy.

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This episode is sponsored by:

• FastDemocracy is a streamlined and easy-to-use bill tracker that saves you time and allows you to focus on what really matters — advocating for policy. Visit fastdemocracy.com to learn more and don't forget to use the promo code BLUEPRINT.

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