GAIN Power is a community and media, marketing, professional development, and networking platform for the people and organizations that power Progressive Politics and our democracy.
Our Vision
GAIN Power envisions a democracy where positive, progressive politics is a respected and sustainable profession, where talented individuals from all backgrounds can build resilient, impactful careers despite the inherently cyclical nature of democratic work. We see a future where those who power our democracy are supported across the inevitable employment gaps between campaigns, elections, and administration changes, creating a more stable, diverse, and effective political ecosystem that can withstand transitions of power while continuing to advance progressive values.
Our Mission
We diversify, demystify, and democratize democracy work by providing comprehensive support that bridges the employment gaps created by electoral cycles and political transitions. In a landscape where thousands of talented professionals regularly face unemployment—regardless of electoral outcomes—GAIN Power stands as a vital connector across the traditionally siloed sectors of government, nonprofits, campaigns, party committees, voter education, and issue advocacy.
By supporting progressive professionals through the full arc of their careers—including during critical transition periods like the aftermath of elections and administration changes—we build a more resilient democratic workforce. This is especially vital in challenging political environments, such as the 2024 post-election period with widespread layoffs across federal government, contractor communities, and nonprofit sectors.
Through building this essential infrastructure, we inspire more people to make progressive politics a sustainable profession, knowing they will have support during the inevitable gaps and transitions that characterize this work. We counter the narrative that democracy work must be precarious, demonstrating that with proper community support, it can be a fulfilling, stable career path that creates meaningful change.
Who We Are
GAIN Power is a unique cross-sector connector for over 100,000 individuals and 6,000+ organizations across all 50 states working to power positive, progressive politics. Since our founding in 2020, we’ve grown into a vibrant community that brings together:
- Campaign professionals and strategists
- Advocacy changemakers and organizers
- Democratic consultants and vendors
- Civic engagement leaders
- Government service professionals
- Movement artists and influencers
- Progressive entrepreneurs
- Emerging democracy talent
Our name draws inspiration from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s vision that “Power properly understood is nothing but the ability to achieve purpose… Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice, and justice at its best is power correcting everything that stands against love.”
What Makes Us Unique
Unlike organizations limited by advocacy or electoral firewalls, GAIN Power serves as a neutral convener, talent developer, and infrastructure builder across the progressive ecosystem. This unique position allows us to:
- Connect stakeholders across traditionally siloed sectors
- Track and develop talent across the entire progressive landscape
- Facilitate knowledge transfer that would otherwise remain isolated
- Build shared infrastructure benefiting the entire progressive community
- Identify patterns and needs that no single organization can see
- Support professionals through electoral cycles and transitions
- Create sustainable career pathways in progressive politics
Our Core Values
- Cooperation and Collaboration: We believe that the most effective solutions emerge when we work together across traditional boundaries. Our community thrives through mutual support and shared resources.
- Convening with Respect: We create spaces where diverse perspectives are welcomed and honored. We recognize the expertise and lived experiences that each community member brings to our collective work.
- Collective Strength: We are fundamentally committed to the principle that we are stronger together. By building connections across organizations, sectors, and communities, we multiply our impact and resilience.
Our Programs
GAIN Power offers six core program areas that serve our community:
1. Professional Development & Talent Career Advancement
Our comprehensive talent ecosystem includes:
- Career Center and Jobs That Are Left platforms connecting talent with opportunities
- Professional Development Resources provides tools and training to advance careers
- A resume database of 7,900+ and 22,000+ active profiles connecting to thousands of employers
- Coming soon: The Talent Table,a collaborative initiative addressing recruitment and retention challenges
2. Convenings & Recognition
Our signature events bring the democracy community together:
- RootsCamp, the “unconference” for progressive professionals, brings together hundreds of leaders for in-person and virtual events.
- Powerful IDEA Awards, our recognition program celebrating excellence in democracy work through competitions, panels, and expos
3. Coordination & Collaboration
Serving as a central hub by:
- Facilitating cross-sector connections that break down traditional silos
- Creating spaces for intentional collaboration between organizations with complementary missions
- Coordinating collective responses to challenges facing the progressive ecosystem
- Building a community calendar that promotes events across the progressive landscape
- Developing strategic partnerships with aligned organizations to maximize collective impact
4. Professional Services Network & Directories
Supporting the ecosystem of service providers and organizations through:
- Consultant Corner offering networking, professional development, and tools for independent practitioners
- Democracy Directories with comprehensive, searchable listings of progressive organizations and consultants
- Connections between organizations and qualified service providers
- Resources to help identify partners for collaboration
- Visibility for both emerging and established entities within the progressive space
5. Media & Community Stories
Highlighting the work and impact of community members through:
- “Powerful” blog content featuring success stories and innovations
- Elevating diverse voices from across the progressive ecosystem
- Countering negative narratives about democracy work with inspiring examples
Our Commitment to Diversity
GAIN POWER is open to all Democratic & Progressive Professionals. We are especially intentional about recruiting and promoting Women, African Americans, Latinx, Native Americans, APIA, LGBTQI, and all underrepresented communities who comprise most of our electorate. We work to make the progressive ecosystem more inclusive, intersectional, and representative of the America we seek to build.
As Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley reminds us, “Those closest to the pain should be closest to the power.” We are dedicated to creating pathways that make this vision a reality.
The Challenge We Address
No resource is more critical to our movements than the people who run them. Yet the infrastructure to support these professionals through their entire career journey remains insufficient:
- Organizations struggle to find qualified, diverse talent
- The cyclical nature of campaign work creates significant brain drain
- Professionals lack community to learn from and grow with
- Building sustainable careers in a movement with cyclical hiring remains difficult
- Negative public discourse about politics makes recruitment harder
- Insufficient compensation and recognition drives talent away
- Systemic barriers limit diversity in our workforce
GAIN Power exists to address these challenges through a comprehensive approach to talent development, retention, and support.
Join Our Community
Whether you’re a seasoned campaign professional, an emerging leader, or an organization driving change, GAIN Power is your space to connect, grow, and make an impact. Together, we’re building a more positive, hopeful, and representative democracy that serves those who need it most.
Through our career resources, professional development offerings, and community connections, we’re creating the infrastructure needed for progressive professionals to thrive throughout their careers—especially during critical transition periods.
Join us in building power together.
