“Lobbyists and special interests have a lot of influence in Washington, and families often lose out. If we’re going to rebuild the middle class and restore economic security for families, we’re going to need to develop a strong voice. That’s why Netroots is so important and why I really appreciated the chance to be part of it this year.”
—Elizabeth Warren
Chair, TARP Congressional Oversight Panel
“Speaking at Netroots Nation made me hopeful for our country’s future. It was inspiring to be with so many people working for positive change in this country.”
—Phaedra Ellis-Lamkins
Green For All
“I attended Netroots Nation for the first time in 2009 on a scholarship from Democracy for America. Four days later, the experience, the panels, the people so fundamentally inspired me that I chose to run for the legislature. Irreverent, wicked smart, and fighting for the underdog ... I realize now, it will be a cold day in hell before I ever miss a Netroots Nation convention again!”
—Representative Ellie Hill
Montana House of Representatives
“Netroots Nation provided my organization with a unique opportunity to connect with the blogging community on a whole new level. It allowed us to meet and connect with bloggers face to face and form lasting relationships.”
—Julie Daniels
Women’s Campaign Forum
“As a first timer to Netroots Nation, I was impressed with the diversity of people and the urgency to connect with other progressive minds on a national level. I’m glad to have met so many new people whose ideas and opinions help shape my own.”
—Wendy Carrillo
2010 scholarship winner
“I loved how many people I met who weren’t from the coasts! Having done much of my environmental work in South Bronx which was a like “fly-over-state” as far as the Environmental Elites were concerned, I know that the best innovation comes from unlikely places, and NN demonstrated that through its geographic diversity. Bravo to the organizers for really getting all of America at the table!”
—Majora Carter
“Netroots Nation has become a fixture of my summer. A particular shout out to the Netroots Nation team for ongoing efforts to expand the base and diversify the pool of speakers. Netroots Nation is at the heart of the progressive movement. Always intelligent, provocative and raucous.”
—Tim Karr
Free Press
“Netroots Nation is a great event for new bloggers like me to learn investigative techniques and information sources. I loved the opportunity I had to network with the people I have admired for years now.”
—Carmen Cornejo
2010 scholarship winner
“Netroots Nation was incredible! The dialgoue and building that happened there has continued since I left and inspired myself and others to start an online group of progressive thinkers/activists of color. I can’t say enough about the experience!”
—Brandon Greene
2010 scholarship winner
“I had a really amazing time at Netroots Nation. From the speakers to the workshops, everyone was very inspiring and in turn has pushed me to want to participate in a higher level of civic engagement. To have so many like-minded people all in one place being able to share ideas and build with one another is truly an opportunity of a lifetime.”
—Daniel Matthews
San Diego Asian Film Foundation, Zero Divide fellow
“This was the best conference ever! It was like a full semester of grad school level training in four days! The speakers were inspiring, there were incredible networking opportunities, and the best practices shared there will certainly be put to good use. I recommend Netroots Nation 2011 to everyone with an interest in political and social justice issues in their workplace, local and international communities.”
—Robert R. Daraio
New York Broadcast Trades Council
“Netroots Nation is the best progressive event of the year. I am an old dog, have been in politics full-time for 30 years now and am not easily impressed, but this conference is the real deal. The plenary speakers are always top flight; the workshops tend to be well-constructed and useful; and the participants always include some of the most creative and exciting people in the progressive world. Plus the closing night dance party is always awesome.”
—Mike Lux
Progressive Strategies
“Netroots Nation was thrilling for me, as I got to get up close and personal with some of my favorite liberal crusaders. I came back with new information to help maximize social media tools for my candidate ... Came back fired up and ready to go!”
—Amy Storey
2010 scholarship winner
“It’s like a political rally, a think tank retreat and a non-stop party with your best friends all rolled into one. It's a celebration of the past achievements and future goals of the ever-expanding Netroots. It’s an event where progressive leaders and candidates come to hear, in person, what you have to say. You’ll leave the convention deliriously proud of how far we've come…and where we're headed.”
—Bill Harnsberger aka Bill in Portland Maine
Daily Kos
“I was like a kid in a candy store at Netroots Nation. It was a fantastic opportunity to network with progressive leaders, learn new techniques to advance progressive values and collaborate on common causes.”
Max Ellithorpe
2010 scholarship winner
“Netroots Nation is where the next bright stars of politics can be found and where the power players of right now are headed. It’s a no-brainer, can’t-miss, can’t-wait event that’s highly recommended if you are actively interested in public affairs and/or technology. Netroots Nation is one of the pre-eminent places to get insight into how the smartest Web 2.0 wizards and those who are watching them are shaping the future today.”
—Cheryl Contee aka Jill at Jack and Jill Politics
“While there is an abundance of invaluable information and insight into the important issues of the day available at Netroots Nation, the most valuable part of the experience is the opportunity to meet with passionate and productive fellow travelers. After just a few days in this environment you return home with a renewed commitment to the hard work of advancing the positive change our country needs.”
—Mark Howard
2010 scholarship winner
“Netroots Nation provides the best off-line way for bloggers and progressive activists to meet and strategize for their causes. It’s a valuable event for the attendees, presenters and elected officials because it provides a one-stop meeting ground that no other conference provides to the Netroots."
—Nicole Rivera
Democratic activist and organizer
“Netroots Nation may now be the most important annual gathering of progressives in the nation.”
—Simon Rosenberg
President, NDN
“Netroots Nation is the most accessible high-power conference you will attend any year. I always enjoy the conference, since it gives me an opportunity to talk with other like-minded people. I come home feeling energized and challenged.”
—Shayera Tangri
Five-year convention attendee
