The power of networks

I'm getting ready to go to Atlanta, GA for the Election Verification Network's conference later this week. It's the ten year anniversary of this conference and network, which has grown into a wonderful community of people over the years. Activists, academics, administrators, elections officials - everyone involved is working toward a common goal of more secure and verifiable elections. We've made a lot of progress over the years simply by talking and listening to one another.

Over the past year and half, I've also had the opportunity to engage in another new network, the Future of California Elections. FOCE is a collective of county election officers, and civil and voting rights advocates working toward a common goal of improving and expanding voter participation in our state. It's exciting to think about the opportunities ahead that I feel confident will emerge when thoughtful people put their heads together and walk in the same direction.

Margaret Mead said to never doubt a small group of thoughtful, committed people could change the world, because really it is the only thing that ever does. I have found this to be quite true. EVN and FOCE are both manifestations of this idea. CVF itself is led by a small, wonderful group of board members who guide our programs and partnerships.

The fact is, we change the world every day simply by connecting people and information to each other.