Kristina Fox, erstwhile of Ocean State Action and a champion for so many progressive causes, is the newly elected president of the Young Democrats of Rhode Island. I caught up with her on Facebook earlier today as she was waiting at TF Green to fly to the Young Democrats national conference in San Antonio, Texas.
Here’s most of our conversation:
With the exciting news that Kate Brock is moving on from Ocean State Action to take a policy position in Governor Chafee’s administration, I was thinking about who could be the next Director of Ocean State Action. I say this because Ocean State Action is probably one of the most important, if not the most important, progressive organizations in the state. Over the years, they have been able to shape the debate in Rhode Island, elect progressive candidates to the General Assembly, and push for more progressive policies that benefit all Rhode Islanders. Admittedly, they have not been 100% successful, but more often than not their success lies in advocacy, movement building, and adding the progressive perspective to policy debates.
Here are some of my thoughts about who (in alphabetical order).
This is not at all a full list, and I’m certain that potential candidates will come out of the woodwork for this important position. What’s top of mind for me is that I hope the next Director does NOT come at the expense of the good work being done at another organization. Whoever the next director is, we need to keep building the Progressive movement in the state.
]]>On the Docket for next Wednesday:
Jamie Rhodes, RI State Director, Clean Water Action
Jamie formerly served as Clean Water Action’s canvas director from 2006 – 2009 before heading to law school in 2009. For now, he’ll be splitting time between the Clean Water Action office on Westminster Street and his final semester at Roger Williams University School of Law in Bristol until he graduates in May. Rhodes has also worked for Ocean State Action and for David Segal’s Congressional Campaign.
Paula Hodges, RI Public Policy & Advocacy Director, Planned Parenthood of Southern New England
Paula is a Missouri native who just relocated to Rhode Island in December. She last worked as Political Director for Missouri National Education Association (MNEA), the state’s largest public employee union and prior to that coordinated progressive labor, environmental and women’s groups’ electoral plans at the America Votes – Missouri table. Paula previously served as deputy director of policy for Missouri Secretary of State Robin Carnahan.
Kristina Fox, Organizing Director, Ocean State Action
Kristina is a native Rhode Islander now living in Providence. After serving two years in AmeriCorps she organized with UNITE HERE! Local 217 and helped win contract victories at the Westin Hotel, Dunkin Donuts Center and East Bay School Lunch Collaborative. Before coming to Ocean State Action she co-managed a nutrition education program for low-income families with Farm Fresh Rhode Island.
So, please join your new hosts in welcoming new faces and Drinking Liberally at a new (slightly earlier) time 7-9pm, and the same great location (Wild Colonial).
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