“Being in a caucus means standing in solidarity with others committed to justice and collective power, it’s a space where our lived experiences shape strategy and healing."
Earlier this month, 25 local elected officials came together for Local Progress’ All-Caucus Leadership Retreat. The week brought together leaders from the network’s Black Caucus, Women’s Caucus, and Nuestro Caucus to build relationships with each other, find healing in this moment, renew energy, and strategize for the work ahead.
The Local Progress identity caucuses are a space for local elected leaders to build community, sharing best practices to advance racial and gender equity, while providing a space for care and collective healing and wellness. The retreat was the first time that leaders across all three caucuses have been in one space together, and this provided an opportunity for the caucuses to build community with each together, to build bridges across the intersections of our identities and strategize about the work ahead in 2026.
“There is no better way to advocate for your subsection or group of the population than to partner with others that are from the more marginalized communities that we serve. We put a face to the issues. Through Caucus collaboration we realize where we differ in our beliefs and purpose. However, we also see our similarities and can use those bridges to build stronger coalitions. Also, everyone is so special in these groups. It is refreshing to be around like-minded electeds. The feeling of combined power keeps me focused when I go back to my community.”
Members of each caucus spent 3 days together in different sessions: some within their caucus, some across the caucuses, some spaces for healing, some for socializing, and some for planning. Facilitators provided a space for Local Progress members to share struggles of governing, take a breath and recharge, and focus on collectively organizing moving forward. Conversations ranged from the joy of finding community within these spaces to the hard work of members trying to protect residents while sustaining themselves as well.
We’re living in a time when BIPOC, immigrants, women, LGBTQ+ people, and people with other marginalized identities are under threat for simply existing. Local elected officials are on the front lines dealing with direct attacks on their communities and attempts to erase culture and history. On top of dealing with this political environment in their official role, LP members also bear the weight of this personally. Many of our members are the “first” of their body – the first person of color, the first Black person, the first woman, the first immigrant, the first queer or trans person. The burden of the office takes an extra toll, and spaces like the identity caucuses allow local elected officials to share experiences with people in the same position and find a space for healing.
"As a new member of the Women’s Caucus Leadership Committee, it was wonderful to get to know the other leaders and to connect with all the caucus teams to share ideas, strategize, and lift each other up in this difficult time! I made new friends, learned a lot and am energized to help lead this year!"
We have also been working on officially launching the Pride Caucus for members and alumni who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️ If you are a local elected official and interested in getting more involved with our caucus spaces, learn more and fill out the form here!
“In the face of an impending authoritarian government, it’s grounding—and deeply necessary—to be reminded that we’re not in this struggle alone. Being in community with fellow members of the Black Caucus renews my strength and commitment. We only get through this together.”
