Reboot Ideas: Democracy Thrives in Light

Too often the fights for equity and justice ignite surprising and new altercations. Why are long-held allies fracturing? What are we not seeing? With Eric K. Ward, nationally recognized expert on authoritarian movements, and movement pioneer, Ilyse Hogue, Reboot Ideas illuminated the cracks where white supremacy, antisemitism and misogyny jeopardize our social fabric and help shape the multiracial, inclusive democracy that we strive for. This conversation was introduced by Reboot board member and strategy consultant, Brina Milikowsky. Taped Dec. 1, 2021 – Watch here.

Presenters

Eric K. Ward, a nationally-recognized expert on the relationship between authoritarian movements, hate violence, and preserving inclusive democracy, is the recipient of the 2021 Civil Courage Prize – the first American in the  award’s 21-year history. In his 30+ year civil rights career, Eric has worked with community groups, government and business leaders, human rights advocates, and philanthropy as an organizer, director, program officer, consultant, and board member. Eric’s widely quoted writings and speeches are credited with key narrative shifts. He currently serves as Executive Director of Western States Center, Senior Fellow with Southern Poverty  Law Center and Race Forward, and Chair for The Proteus Fund. 

Ilyse Hogue, President of Purpose, is a fierce advocate for justice and a leader, innovator and coalition builder across American and global progressive movements. A trained ecologist, she approaches social change from a systems perspective, looking to identify gaps and points of leverage at which to intervene. Ilyse most recently served eight-years as President of NARAL Pro-Choice America, during which she helped transform the legacy organization into a modern-day organizing and political powerhouse. In 2020, she co-authored the best-selling book, The Lie That Binds, on the history of the radical right, its authoritarian aims, and its reliance on white supremacy, misogyny and disinformation and produced the companion podcast featuring Loretta Ross, Wendy Davis, Stacey Abrams, Dahlia Litwick, Vanita Gupta and more. Prior to NARAL, Ilyse worked for MoveOn.org, Greenpeace, Rainforest Action Network, Media Matters for America, and the Friends of Democracy PAC. 

Brina Milikowsky is a political strategist and social entrepreneur whose experience and expertise sit at the intersection of law, policy, politics, and large-scale advocacy efforts.  She is a co-founder of the Voting Rights Lab, a campaign hub designed to supercharge the fight against election subversion and transform our voting systems.  Brina previously served as the founding Chief Strategy Officer at Everytown for Gun Safety, the nation’s largest gun violence prevention advocacy organization, chaired by Mike Bloomberg.  She is a member of the boards of GALvanize, NARAL Pro-Choice America, Reboot, Roosevelt Forward, and WorkMoney.