I’m Brandon Straka, initially from O’Neill, Nebraska. I’m the founding father of the #WalkAway marketing campaign, a motion I began to encourage folks to go away the Democratic Get together and discover conservative beliefs.
After personally strolling away from the left as a result of what I perceived as rising radicalization and intolerance, I made a decision to make use of my platform to share this journey and assist others who may really feel marginalized inside their political communities.
What impressed you to begin the #WalkAway Marketing campaign?
It was a fruits of occasions and realizations. I felt a rising disconnect with the Democratic Get together, particularly round problems with free speech and ideological variety. The ultimate straw got here once I noticed associates and group members being ostracized for his or her beliefs. I needed to create an area the place leaving a political social gathering didn’t imply shedding a group, therefore #WalkAway.
How do you deal with critics who say #WalkAway is simply driving additional polarization?
I perceive the priority, however #WalkAway is about breaking down boundaries, not constructing them. It’s a motion geared in direction of fostering understanding and inspiring folks to assume independently, moderately than blindly following a specific political ideology. We try to interact in dialogues that many really feel they will’t have inside their very own political circles, which is a step in direction of depolarization.
What do you contemplate your greatest success with the #WalkAway marketing campaign to date?
Seeing the true influence on folks’s lives. Listening to the tales of those that felt that they had no voice and have discovered not simply their voice but additionally a group that resonates with them is extremely fulfilling. It’s not nearly altering political opinions; it’s about empowering people to talk up and interact critically with civic points.
Are you able to share an expertise that significantly moved you throughout your marketing campaign?
There was this younger lady who approached me at certainly one of our city corridor conferences. She was almost in tears explaining how a lot of a aid it was to discover a group of people that didn’t demonize her for questioning the mainstream narrative of her former social gathering. Her bravery and aid find a like-minded group actually touched me—it jogged my memory why I began #WalkAway within the first place.
What are your future plans for the #WalkAway marketing campaign?
We’re planning to increase our instructional outreach. We wish to host extra occasions, not simply in main cities however in rural areas the place political dissent can generally really feel unimaginable. Moreover, we’re engaged on creating extra video content material that may attain folks worldwide, sharing tales that media usually doesn’t inform.
What recommendation would you give to somebody contemplating strolling away from their political social gathering?
Do your analysis, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to take heed to differing opinions. The journey is private and may be difficult, however you’re not alone. There are a lot of on the market who’ve walked this path and located success in understanding their beliefs extra deeply. Finally, belief your self to make the choice that’s best for you.
