Our country is in crisis. Millions of Americans face a reality of insecure jobs, stagnant real wages, and a fear of falling further down the economic ladder. At the same time, disillusioned by a lack of accessibility, fairness, accountability and responsiveness in the political system, millions of people conclude that their voices do not count and their votes do not matter.

Conservatives appeal to these millions, often successfully, with promises of quick fixes while promoting divisive tactics that scapegoat targeted social and racial groups as the cause of economic and social problems. All too often this movement succeeds in setting the economic and political agenda of communities across the nation. There is and should be a better alternative.

Our country needs a progressive movement that can bring multiple constituencies to the decision-making table, put forward real solutions to these problems, and make our society work for all its citizens. Progressives must increase their efforts to build a powerful, organized political base, seize opportunities to redefine the nation's political agenda, and craft credible policy alternatives that respond to the reality of people's everyday lives. Northeast Action focuses on the following strategic areas

Train leaders. Provide training and support to engage many more people in community leadership and help them develop the skills necessary to make change

Build organization. Strengthen the ability of citizens' groups to help people win concrete changes to improve their lives by working together in collective action.

Win Campaigns. Support innovative issue campaigns on key issues-like public financing of election campaigns, universal health care, immigration reform and more-that advance democracy, opportunity, and freedom, and put control of public back into public hands.

Advance Strategies. Identify new strategies to advance progressive movement building such as worldview, racial justice, and year round voter engagement and move these initiatives in a coordinated way in our states and region.

Connect People. Build community across constituencies, states and issues. Provide needed spaces for support, joint learning and celebration