National Conference of Independent Voters

Domonique Edwards, student and activist, UNC-Greensboro and North Carolina Independents, is coming to the conference with a group of student activists from UNC-Greensboro

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This will be my first IndependentVoting.org conference. As Americans and as Independents, we now face unprecedented challenges—and opportunities. So, I decided to do a little preparing, rather than just showing up. I invite you to consider the idea, too.

It involves mainly “priming” my brain to prompt me to listen actively and take away insights that I can use to stimulate others to join in our cause. That’s the intent. The tool is Jackie Salit’s book, Independents Rising.

I read this intriguing book when it first came out and posted an Amazon review. When I stumbled on that review recently, I decided to follow my own advice: read the book—again. I wanted a refresher on how we got to this point in our movement. Only a few pages into this “second time around,” I am finding ideas that will make me a better listener at the conference and ambassador for our cause afterward. Jackie’s lively prose reminds me—again—who Independents are. It’s a simple foundation for the conference. Check it out. I think you’ll find it rewarding.

In a week or so, I’ll be able to let you know what my “takeaways” are after finishing the book. I’d like to hear what yours are, too—on March 18!

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I am independent because the issues grab my attention, ignite my passion and earn my vote. Although I have never been one that likes being labeled and I prefer to think for myself, I enjoy working with others. Therefore, I am super exited about the opportunity to build Independent Voices of Indiana. Now, more than ever, it is time for independents to have a seat at democracy’s table and to let their collective voices be heard. I look forward to attending the upcoming conference in New York City so that I can connect with other independents and I can learn how to be an effective leader in my community.

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Steve Hough of Florida: Why I’m attending the National Conference of Independents (Register for the conference at http://conferenceofindependents.org/register)):

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I  am eager to attend this year’s National Conference of Independents after a long,
contentious and often challenging election year during which many past assumptions about the electoral process were challenged. During my time campaigning for Bernie  Sanders,  it was amazing to see how energized young and old people  alike became regarding  enacting 
fundamental changes to our electoral  system,  starting with issues such as having open primaries in all 50 states as well as creating easier, more flexible voter registration rules.

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Here are statements from 4 students at UNC-Greensboro who will be attending the National Conference of Independents:

My name is Adreanna. I am a student at the University of North Carolina studying Human Development, African American Studies, the African Diaspora, & Business. I chose to get involved with independent politics due to the lack of representation in this country of people that look like me. I feel that at minimal, a government that not only claims to serve a free people, but claims to be a democracy, should consist of representatives that represent not solely the elite minority, but all citizens.
Adreanna Carter

I am attending the conference because I see it being a growthful and developmental experience. This is a fine opportunity for me to meet people from around the country who share a similar passion to engage in a creative approach at making an adjustment in the structure of our political system. I predict there will be a foundation for influential connections to be shaped, and I look forward to what can be created as a result of working with other people.

Dominique Edwards

I’m going because the queer community can’t simply rely on Democrats to create change in a gridlocked congress which politicizes my basic rights.
Catie Byrne

I am extremely excited to be attending the National Conference of Independents in March. I am interested in meeting independents from all across the nation and working towards reforming the current political process.

Emily McNair

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I’m going to the upcoming Conference of Independent voters because I need to surround myself with some real positive,  politically astute,  and determined people who are serious about changing the political arena in this country so that every U.S citizen can participate in the democratic process.  I’m proud to be an Independent.

Lowell Ward, Boston, Massachusetts

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From Jarell Corley, independent activist from Orlando, Florida:

Being an independent is a statement of conviction regarding our belief in the ideals of American Democracy. Washington is rampant with corruption, cronyism, and gridlock. These characteristics are the result of a two party system that places the needs of the Democrat and Republican parties above the needs of the American people. The upcoming National Conference of Independent Voters this March represents the momentum of a popular movement working towards replacing party controlled closed primaries with citizen-controlled open primaries. We want to take the power from the hands of the politicians and put it back into the hands of the people. If this story resonates with your innermost desires to fix American democracy, please register for this amazing conference.

To me, this conference represents the organization of a movement long overdue. This conference is an opportunity for Independents to learn that we actually share more in common than we have been lead to believe. Furthermore, I am looking forward to learning more about how I can get involved by organizing Independents in Florida. I am ecstatic to attend the upcoming conference and look forward to meeting activists from around the country as we come together one Saturday, for a common bond.”

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