Growing up a good fist fight in the street was the way to go. It would clear the air and a truce is formed. Now today in my adult years, guns have taken the place of the knuckle bruising lockups that made men. Like many others, I am disgusted and disappointed in what is happening in our neighborhoods and in our communities.

No one and no neighborhood is immune to the gun violence that plagues our streets. Over the years, myself, I lost more than a hand full of loved ones to gun violence, and have been witness to dozens of others who have been victimized by violence. Most devastating to me, during a robbery in February 2003, my lover, friend and kindred soul of 3 years Ralph James Tucker, II gunned down, shot in the head, left lying in the frigid weather for hours bleeding to death, lying in a pool of his own blood and fluids.

I wanted to take this time to introduce you to the Minority Political Action Committee (MPAC). The Minority Political Action Committee (MPAC) is a state level, bi-partisan, political action committee founded by a diverse group of minorities and women, from Pennsylvania. We hope to create change by empowering minorities and women by expanding their sphere of political influence and linking them with leaders, organizations, and institutions that shape the policies that affect their future.

MPAC is attempting to make an M-PAC against the machine and their cronies. MPAC is looking to fill gaps that exist statewide, provide opportunity, a platform and a vehicle that drives emerging political leaders. Minorities and women are the two largest gaps that exist in political leadership in Pennsylvania. MPAC is increasing the influence, organization, awareness, & participation of minorities and women, within the Pennsylvania political & governmental processes.

APPLY NOW!

2007 Pennsylvania Political Leaders Fellowship
Developing the Next Generation of Progressive Leaders in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Political Leaders Fellowship is a part-time, 9-month leadership development program for working adults who represent the most promising future progressive leaders in the state.

The Fellowship combines four intensive aspects of training and development over the nine month program, including:

• Weekend Training Workshops Around the State
• Personalized Leadership Coaching Sessions
• Networking Events
• On-going Mentorship

During the program, you will participate in a series of intensive activities that will provide you with the tools, resources, and knowledge to become a more powerful and effective leader in your community.

The Center for Progressive Leadership is actively recruiting highly motivated leaders from a variety of backgrounds throughout Pennsylvania who will be ready within the next 3-10 years to:

Run for office – from local level to state or federal office
Run an organization – political, issue, or community group
Run a campaign – political, advocacy, or neighborhood effort

CPL is looking for emerging leaders – at an inflection point in their careers - who are eager to gain the skills, knowledge, and networks they will need to successfully reach a career in politics.

PA Springboards: A Key Step toward your Future in Politics

CPL offers emerging leaders throughout the state a two-day intensive Springboard training on becoming an effective political leader. Expert national and local trainers will sharpen your message development and delivery, campaign strategy, volunteer recruitment, and political fundraising skills.

Campaign to Elect Tony Payton Jr
179th District

Cannot Hold Him Down:

Progressive Leader Ignored by Political Power Brokers

The “Progressive Candidate” Tony Payton Jr of the 179th District has made it through a tough May 16th primary. This is the first time in history the Democratic Party endorsed a write in candidate and yet ignored Payton, a young, vibrant, visionary leader. Payton is a catalyst for change. Payton 25-year-old candidate for State Representative of the 179th District stated passionately that he wants “the opportunity to breathe new life into a dying community”.

Payton, a true heart, and a rising star in the makings, has articulated a plan of visionary leadership, yet he is ignored and disrespected by the political power brokers of the Democratic Party.

Dear Fellow Progressives,

Thursday, on May 18th, progressives across the state of Pennsylvania are joining together to learn how we can begin taking back the media in our state. The Center for Progressive Leadership is holding Media Impact Trainings at house parties across Pennsylvania to help progressives learn how to effectively generate coverage and media attention for our causes.

Find a house party and sign up to join one in your area...

From Wexford to Lansdale, there are house parties taking place all across the state. Join a house party taking place in your area and help learn how to generate earned media for your political events.

Learn more about the trainings...

The events are free of charge and you don’t need any experience doing media events or working on political campaigns. All you need is a passion for helping progressives generate more attention and media coverage for our events and campaigns. The details are:

Building the Next Generation of Political Leaders

The Center for Progressive Leadership is actively recruiting highly motivated leaders from a variety of backgrounds throughout Pennsylvania who will be ready within the next 3-10 years to:

Run for office – from local level to state or federal office
Run an organization – political, issue, or community group
Run a campaign – political, advocacy, or neighborhood effort

CPL is looking for emerging leaders – at an inflection point in their careers - who are eager to gain the skills, knowledge, and networks they will need to successfully reach a career in politics.

PA Springboards: A Key Step toward your Future in Politics

CPL offers emerging leaders throughout the state a two-day intensive Springboard training on becoming an effective political leader. Expert national and local trainers will sharpen your message development and delivery, campaign strategy, volunteer recruitment, and political fundraising skills.

At the end of this month, the Center for Progressive Leadership, the United States Student Association, Young People For and the top progressive youth organizers, activists, and leaders across the state are getting together for the Pennsylvania Conference for Young Progressive Leaders. Click "read more" below to find out why and get the details.