Rep. Donna Edawards, D-Md - PDA Board Member (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

A few weeks ago, I had the honor of speaking at PDA’s 5th birthday and Medicare’s 44th birthday at the same celebration, hosted by my friend, fellow activist and PDA Board Member Andy Shallal.

PDA has spent five important and productive years battling every day for progressive policies like Medicare for All, ending the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and pushing for serious solutions to climate change. PDA has always emphasized an “inside/outside strategy,” working directly with key members of the Congressional Progressive Caucus to strengthen our efforts in encouraging the House Democratic Caucus to embrace progressive issues and values for the American people.

That’s a strategy I advocate, and it’s one of the reasons I’m so proud to join the PDA Advisory Board.

There’s another reason, too—one that goes to the heart of PDA’s electoral work. When I ran my “long-shot challenger” campaign the first time, and again when I pulled my upset the second time, PDA stood up for me. In fact, I consulted with key PDAers before I even started running, to plan out what became one of the signature victories of our progressive movement. Not everyone stood up with me, especially the first time around—but PDA did—another big reason I’m proud to join the PDA Advisory Board!

A decade ago, I founded and ran an organization fighting domestic violence, then led a group pushing for pro-democracy reforms, then became the director of a progressive foundation, prior to becoming a Congresswoman. I have met and worked with a lot of activist organizations during my career. It’s why I’m impressed by the PDA community’s tenacity and commitment.

I look forward to working with you in building our progressive movement and passing legislation that addresses the crucial issues for which PDA works so hard.

Sincerely,

Congresswoman Donna F. Edwards

Rep. Donna Edawards - PDA Board Member (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)