BERNIE 2016 & BEYOND: NYPAN

July 2015–June 2017

THE CHALLENGE

During Bernie Sanders’s 2016 presidential campaign, grassroots energy across New York was strong but fragmented. Activists were mobilized locally, but in the aftermath of the Sanders’s defeat at the 2016 Democratic National Convention, progressive organizations needed a statewide infrastructure to coordinate efforts, sustain momentum, and build a long-term progressive movement beyond the election.

MY ROLE & APPROACH

  • District-Level Organizing: Co-directed efforts across three congressional districts, mobilizing volunteers and securing victories for Sanders in all three.

  • Coalition Building: Collaborated with grassroots leaders across the state to connect local chapters and organizations, laying the groundwork for a unified statewide network.

  • Organizational Leadership: Elected as a Sanders delegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention, where I joined other activists to catalyze the formation of the New York Progressive Action Network (NYPAN), a coalition designed to carry forward electoral and advocacy campaigns across the state.

  • Communications & Media: During Sanders’s campaign, I served as local spokesperson in the Capital Region, drafted press releases, secured media coverage, and co-organized public events, trainings, and community conversations to expand visibility and credibility.

  • Large-Scale Event Planning: Co-coordinated rallies, assemblies, and statewide gatherings that connected supporters and built momentum for coordinated action.

RESULTS

NYPAN quickly grew into a statewide progressive advocacy network uniting local chapters and aligned organizations. The coalition provides structure for coordinated electoral and advocacy efforts, giving grassroots activists a shared platform and stronger political influence across New York State. What began as district-level campaign organizing evolved into a sustainable, statewide network that continues to shape progressive politics.