Progressives are facing challenges in mobilizing citizens against the rise of right-wing populism and winning elections. The shift towards community financing, fueled by grassroots donations, could provide the necessary resources for these movements. Social media and digital tools have facilitated this change, allowing for small donations to support specific policy aims or social causes. In Europe, this approach is still in its early stages, with small donations accounting for less than 1% of total donations to party groupings. In comparison, grassroots contributions in the US have become a significant source of funding for political campaigns, with some cases seeing up to 78% of funds coming from small donors.
The success of grassroots fundraising in the US, particularly in campaigns led by Barack Obama and Bernie Sanders, demonstrates the power of engaging small donors in political movements. These donors play a crucial role in not only providing financial support but also contributing to the ground campaign efforts. By involving individuals in the campaign process, organizers can create a sense of ownership and impact among supporters. This approach has proven effective in changing the mainstream political debate and supporting candidates who may face funding barriers. By adopting similar tactics in Europe, progressives have the opportunity to mobilize citizens, counter right-wing populism, and shape winning campaigns.
Political crowdfunding has shown promise in various European countries, such as Italy, Spain, and the UK, where movements have achieved success through community financing. By encouraging small and regular donations, parties can expand their base and engage more citizens in the political process. This approach could give progressives the resources they need to compete effectively with the far-right and advance key issues such as social justice, environmental sustainability, and economic equality. The sporadic nature of fundraising efforts needs to be addressed to ensure sustained engagement and support from donors.
The author emphasizes the need for increased citizen engagement in European politics, drawing inspiration from the energy and campaigns of the progressive left in the US. By integrating practices such as community financing into party models, European progressives can build movements with widespread support and achieve positive change. The upcoming elections in Europe present an opportunity for parties to focus on community fundraising and grassroots engagement to counter the challenge posed by right-wing populist movements. By mobilizing small donors and volunteers, progressives can create momentum for change and secure victories at the ballot box.
The European Center for Digital Action (ECDA) co-directed by Mar Garcia Sanz, a former Spanish politician and political scientist, advocates for the importance of community financing in shaping the future of progressive movements in Europe. The shift towards grassroots donations, facilitated by digital platforms, provides a new approach to fundraising and citizen engagement, offering potential solutions to combat the rise of right-wing populism. By harnessing the power of small donors and cultivating a sense of ownership among supporters, progressives can build successful campaigns that resonate with voters and drive positive change.
