An Ordinary Person

Guidelines for Schmoozing

Guidelines for Schmoozing

OK I’m going out to try to meet and mingle with political types. Here are some guidelines I set up for myself to make sure that my encounters with people in person and online are productive. I recently realized the value of having such guidelines in my comments policy for my blog posts so I thought I’d set some guidelines up for personal contacts as well.

If you are a political type meeting me for the first time here is what to expect:

I’m inexperienced and somewhat politically unsophisticated in organized political activism

My inexperience may be an asset that I don’t have the baggage of jaded cynicism that can come with experience

I bring an “outsider” perspective of being a political Independent who is not aligned with either major party and feels no personal compulsion to toe a party line

Although an Independent, I veer left in many issues. I self-label as a “Populist Progressive”

I have a lot of energy and enthusiasm that I’m raring to channel in productive ways

I have skills in writing, editing, desktop publishing, graphics, web development, and a newly-minted master’s degree in communications I am wanting to apply and put to practice

I’m a veteran of many volunteer efforts and can do grunt work with the best of them

I am nice and play well with others

And here is what I am looking for in terms of what will make me want to get involved:

I’m looking to see examples of Progressive idealism put into action

I am impressed by concrete, measurable results

I respect political argument and perspectives. I respect words backed up with action consistent with those words more.

I respect a solid track record and a widespread reputation for good works

Anyone can take a position and spout off on any issue. I am looking for people who can and have made things happen in the real world

I am looking for good teachers and mentors

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