Deep Engagement for Progressive Change at Scale

In 2019, Open Progress began the Messaging Lab, a 501(c)(3) program  in response to learnings from our more than 26 million texts sent in 2017 and 2019 across 41 states. In millions of person-to-person text message exchanges, we observed the effects of the hate-based propaganda driving wedges between us all across America. 

Open Progress’ Messaging Lab is developing expertise in using text messaging to incite meaningful conversations that build support for core progressive issues such as:

  • defeating the climate crisis

  • and defending reproductive rights.

  • healthcare as a human right

  • common-sense gun safety reform 

 States Where Opponents Of Key Progressive Issues Outnumber Supporters (Registered Voters)

The map above shows the states where party-independent models indicate that voters who oppose an issue outnumber voters who support the issue.  Progressive success here will rely on shoring up soft support, flipping soft opposition, and converting the genuinely undecided.

National predictive models about American beliefs highlight 33 states where fear messaging can determine ballot box outcomes. Opponents are fanning the flames of hatred and prejudice to install policies to not only control women’s bodies but also make America a less tolerant and more dangerous place for everyone.

We’ve partnered with issue experts to design programs to combat these fear messaging and implement strategies for deep canvassing for long-term positive outcomes.  Without any countering to fear messaging leads to failure at the ballot box and ultimately to failures in policy. What’s at stake are the laws and policies that will define America for the next generation.

OUR PROGRESS:

The Open Progress Messaging Lab has already begun work on immigration and reproductive justice and looking across the country to begin conversations that will dominate our political landscape. In Maryland, we chose 4 counties in Maryland where immigration had been salient in the recent 2018 November general elections, in most cases involving the sheriff's race and whether the candidates supported participation in ICE’s 287(g) program which provides financial resources and training support to deputize local law enforcement to conduct federal immigration actions. In some cases, counties had voted in support of local police involvement and in others they had voted against. In Kentucky, in partnership with #VOTEPROCHOICE, we began conversations with an open-ended policy question focused on the recent abortion ban in Kentucky. In 2020, we worked with vote.org to engage & activate voters of color in several southern states, many of which traditionally faced barriers to casting their ballots. 

In 2021, we launched Let’s Project, a Messaging Lab initiative to spread fact-based information to communities regarding COVID-19 vaccinations. The goal was to reach out to hard-hit, systemically underserved, areas of the US and help the most vulnerable get access to the life saving COVID-19 vaccines. 

We will be leading research work on the following subjects: abortion, climate changes, gun safety, and health equity, and voting rights. If you are interested in supporting our work, donate today. If you are interested in partnering with us, please contact us here.