Mario Champion for National Delegate for Obama, Texas SD-25.

Why I am involved in politics

• because politics matter.
• Initially, I was moved to organize and educate by Howard Dean. Dean's courageous honesty about the political process and the deep appeal and power of Progressive Values to improve society meant travelling to Iowa twice, New Mexico, Dallas, Houston and all over Austin as a grassroots activist for his campaign. For the last four years, I have devoted myself to understanding the political system while engaging, educating, organizing coalitions of the like-minded. It is important for people to understand that politics do affect your everyday life, and that the process wins the day more often than any merit-alone strategy. We have to be right, but also smart about how.
  
  If we believe in a living wage not a minimum wage, and that children deserve healthcare and that folks who are smart enough to go to college but cannot afford it should still be able to go because it makes for a stronger, more prosperous culture --one which more accurately reflects our shared ideals -- well, we need deep structural changes. And a big part of that structural change can only come from politics. The list goes on: no dumb wars, transparency in government ethics and finances to cut the lobbyist's corrupting influence, better public transportation, cleaner energy, fully-engaged prosecution of torturers and their shallow word-parsing defenses, fair tax policies that, per the Constitution: 'promote the general welfare,' and not just heed the next but more popular clause: 'provide for the common defense.' And on and on...
  
  As simple as that: politics matters.

How I am involved

• Technology and Community Consultant (aka 'netroots/grassroots'), Travis County Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign (2008),
• Building online tools to engage offline activism for and from Democratic clubs, campaigns, and issue groups.
• Executive Director, LatinosForTexas PAC (2005-2008),
• I believe Progressives' best hopes are in Uniting Communities with shared values and vision, and being far more strategic in our use of language and methods to help people see how being part of the political process improves everyday life, and is fundamental to the well-being of families, community and culture.
• Vice-Chair, True Courage Action Network (2007),
• "The True Courage Action Network works to strengthen ethical standards, accountability, and transparency in government and civic affairs."
• Founder and Developer, OnlinePhoneBanking.com (2005-2008),
• OnlinePhoneBanking.com enables Political campaigns, Non-profits, Issue Advocates, Fundraisers, and all manner of Grassroots organizers to Connect, Collaborate, Unite.
• Co-Founder and Developer, TrueBlueAction.com (2006-2008),
• Accessible and open Tools and Data for Progressive Activists + Candidates + Campaigns.
• Travis County Coordinator, Southwest Voter Registration Education Project (2004)
  
  
• Board Chair(1999-2004), Board Member (2004-2008), Salvage Vanguard Theater,
  
  
• Volunteer, Blockwalker, Iowa Scream attendee, and more. (2003) Howard Dean Campaign, Dean for America, Dean for Texas, Democracy for America, Democracy for Texas,
• Oh what a lovely long trip it's been ; )

Want to ask a question or let me know I have your support?

• Email me at mario.champion@texansforobama.com or txt/call 512-576-0824.