The Revolution Will Be Democratized - How the Working Families Party Uses Data and Tech to Fight for Change

We started this season by asking what’s the best way to create real change - inside or outside of the established system? But sometimes it feels like the systems we’re trying to improve are just too entrenched; it can be hard to imagine any approach being successful. And there might not be anyplace where that feels more true than in our politics.But Jennifer Knox, the National Director of Organizing and Tech for the Working Families Party doesn’t believe we have to be stuck with the system we have. WFP is a third party that recruits and runs their own candidates. But they’re also an activist organization that advocates for election reforms and supports major party candidates when they see it as the most effective path for change. In a sense, the Working Families Party is both outside and inside the system. And what’s more, they’re at the forefront of using better tech and better data to do the one thing that really matters in any election - win.We talk about balancing sweeping change with practical realities, Fusion Tickets, Ranked Choice Voting and how WFP responded when the major parties blocked their access to the main voter data platform — naturally, they built their very own from the ground up. Most of us can’t imagine a day when we’ll have more than two political parties in the U.S… but after this conversation with Jennifer, you just might change your mind.For more, check out Jennifer...On InstagramOn FacebookOn LinkedInAnd follow WFP...On XOn InstagramOn Facebook---At AnitaB.org, our mission is to enable and equip women technologists with the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to thrive. Through innovative programs and initiatives, we empower women to chart new paths, better prepared to lead, advance, and achieve equitable compensation. Because when women succeed, they uplift their communities and redefine success on their terms, both professionally and personally.​---Connect with AnitaB.orgInstagram - @anitab_orgFacebook - /anitab.0rgLinkedIn - /anitab-orgOn the web - anitab.org ---Our guests contribute to this podcast in their personal capacity. The views expressed in this interview are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Anita Borg Institute for Women and Technology or its employees (“AnitaB.org”). AnitaB.org is not responsible for and does not verify the accuracy of the information provided in the podcast series. The primary purpose of this podcast is to educate and inform. This podcast series does not constitute legal or other professional advice or services.---B The Way Forward Is…Hosted and Executive Produced by Brenda Darden Wilkerson.Produced by Avi GlijanskyAssociate Produced by Kelli KyleSound design and editing by Ryan Hammond Mixing and mastering by Julian Kwasneski Additional Producing help from Faith KroguleckiOperations Coordination for AnitaB.org by Quinton Sprull.Creative Director for AnitaB.org is Deandra ColemanExecutive Produced by Dominique Ferrari, Stacey Book, and Avi Glijansky for Frequency Machine Podcast Marketing from Lauren Passell with Tink Media in partnership with Coley Bouschet at AnitaB.orgPhoto of Brenda Darden Wilkerson by Mandisa Media ProductionsFor more ways to be the way forward, visit AnitaB.org