Take Back America 2008

THE PROGRESSIVE CONVENTION


 

March 17-19, 2008 | Omni Shoreham Hotel | Washington D.C.

Gala Awards Dinner Honorees

Norman Lear

We are proud to announce that groundbreaking television producer and progressive activist Norman Lear will be honored with the America's Future Lifetime Leadership Award at the Take Back America Gala Awards Dinner on Tuesday, March 18.

Rep.
Jan Schakowsky

Rep. Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., will receive The America's Future Progressive Champion Award. Environmental activists Van Jones and Majora Carter will receive The Paul Wellstone Citizen Leadership Award.
Actress Kathleen Turner, a progressive champion in her own right, is this year's Gala Dinner host.

Van Jones
Majora Carter

Your Choice for the Next
Maria Leavey Award Recipient


Five finalists competed for our second annual Maria Leavey Award, in honor of the tireless, behind-the-scenes worker who was of priceless value to the progressive movement, and we asked you to pick the winner. We've counted your votes, and we will announce the winner at Take Back America 2008. That person is receiving an all-expense-paid trip to the conference and an opportunity to showcase his or her work. Read the finalists' profiles.

2008 Candidate Development
and Leadership Track


Progressive MajoritySome of the nation’s top political experts will be leading the sixth annual Progressive Majority Candidate Development and Leadership Track. You will gain knowledge and skills you can use to run for public office, support progressive candidates and transform your community’s politics. Advanced sessions will be available to returning participants or those looking to sharpen their campaign skills. Sessions are open to Take Back America attendees on a first-come, first-serve basis.

OUR CONVENTION, OUR TIME

In this critical year, Take Back America will bring together all of the tribes of the progressive movementTake Back America 2008—grassroots and netroots activists, elected officials, business owners, policy experts and more. Together, we will generate new power for our movement for change based on a new vision and bold ideas for an America that works for everyone, not just the few.

Driving the Debate in 2008 and Beyond


Five themes at the heart of the progressive agenda will be the focus of Take Back America 2008:

  • Economic Strategy for America in the Global Economy
  • Green Jobs for a Sustainable Energy Future
  • Quality, Affordable Health Care for All
  • Out of Iraq to Real Security
  • The New Social Justice Agenda

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Use the "tba2008" conference tag on blog posts, photos and videos, and extend the debate throughout the Web. Or post on our site.

NEWS MEDIA: Click here for credential details.

Check Out The Latest Conference Buzz


Click here to read what our community is saying about Take Back America and its issues, and to hear interviews with key conference participants. Then write your own post or comment on others.

"Progressives: Take Back America!"


This song, recorded and produced by Campaign for America's Future, is adapted from Willie Nelson's anthem "A Peaceful Solution." Nelson welcomed people to re-record the song in their own styles, create new lyrics and use the song to promote peace and justice. Check out the video and the lyrics written by the Campaign for America's Future.

NEW! Get a "Take Back America" ringtone, courtesy of Credo Mobile. Take back America one incoming call at a time! Just click this link and follow the instructions.

Who’s Coming to Take Back America 2008?


Dozens of progressive leaders are scheduled to appear at Take Back America 2008. They include:

Andrea Batista-Schlesinger
Jared Bernstein
Deepak Bhargava
Chris Bowers
Taylor Branch
Leslie Cagan
Majora Carter
Joseph Cirincione
Chuck Collins
Digby
Leo Gerard
Mark Green
Robert Greenwald
John Halpin
Jane Hamsher
Van Jones
Michael Kieschnick
Naomi Klein
Robert Kuttner
Celinda Lake
Norman Lear
Tom Matzzie
Mary Beth Maxwell
Al Meyerhoff
Eli Pariser
Rick Perlstein
Cecile Richards
Joel Rogers
Rep. Jan Schakowsky
Krysten Sinema
David Sirota
Ron Stief
Gloria Totten
Cenk Uygur
Drew Westen
Roger Wilkins


Some of the sessions we’re developing include:


  • The Crackup of Conservatism: Left on Right
  • Building our Own Media
  • An Economy that Works for Working People
  • The Emerging New Progressive Majority
  • Empowering Workers
  • Global Warming: The National Security Imperative
  • Green Collar Jobs: The New Green Deal
  • Media Reform
  • A New Social Contract
  • The Politics of Health Care
  • The Strategy to End the War

For up-to-the-minute details, check the "Agenda" and "Speakers" links above.

What is a Take Back America conference like? Check the "Archives" link for video, transcripts and sessions.


Broadcast