In the 2013 local elections, Green Rochester candidates for Mayor and City Council included the creation of worker-owned businesses in their platform. While the ruling party won all of the seats, it turns out that we had some influence as in the beginning of February, City Hall announced that the $1.9 million Bloomberg Grant the City has received will be focused on worker-owned businesses. Of course all the money is going to hire consultants and administrators, but without actual Greens in office, that’s to be expected. 

The point is running for public office is not just about winning and losing. It’s about speaking truth to power. It’s about advancing ideas and solutions. It’s about conversing with people you normally would not in your daily life.

That’s why WE have to Occupy the Ballot in 2015. There are 137 races within Monroe County this year. Each one is an opportunity to further the issue and solutions you are already working on. It’s time for you to run for office.

“But I could never run for office”

This isn’t about winning elections. Not yet. This is about getting people talking about things that haven’t been talked about by our “representatives”:

*Climate Change
*Worker-owned businesses
*The end of tax breaks for corporations
*Child-centered education
*Inequality of income
*Systemic racism
*Feminism
*Police brutality
*Election reform
*and more…and more…and more.

You won’t have to fundraise. (but you can) 
You won’t have to knock on doors. (but you can)

Being on the ballot will give you numerous opportunities for free media attention to the issues you’re already working on.

These meetings are the continuation of people starting to come together to not only end the status quo, but replace it with policies that treat our earth and each other with the respect we deserve.

Be a part of this discussion:

*Friday, March 6th: Flying Squirrel Community Space, 285 Clarissa Street, 6:30pm.
[There are 2 more identical meetings about this]

This is one more (huge) step in transforming our community. Join us!