July 19, 2007 2:07 PM

The Amazing Shrinking Liberal Job Market

Today, Alternet posted an interesting article by Adam Doster. "After College Ends, So Does Activism" is about the problem of a largely progressive generation entering the workforce without the demand for young workers in the progressive movement. Because of this sad reality Doster points out that "selling out" has become a "rational" choice for college graduates. Doster says:

Young organizers become contingent labor, susceptible to low pay, long hours, no benefits and no training in the real skills necessary to succeed in building local power. In some ways, the model cultivates a culture of deprivation; young people are taught to think that sacrifice is a prerequisite for progressive change and thus they tolerate exploitation for the sake of the movement. And because most organizations outsource these jobs, participating in this crooked system is one of the few avenues for paid work. "One could question," says Fisher, "whether Saul Alinsky, Ralph Nader or Cesar Chavez would have become successful at leading different aspects of the progressive movement if they came up through the model we have today."

On one hand, this is a real problem. Conservatives create avenues for their young activists. The Left is slowly responding, with great groups like Young People For. For several years, YP4 has been supporting and training college activists to become future leaders. This year, they've launched their Leadership Academy, placing recent grads in paid fellowships. Paid? Crazy, but true.

Then you have the progressive movement working to find the resources to change this culture of low-paid activism...at least by raising the issue. Chris Bowers' post on OpenLeft yesterday about bloggers with no health insurance is heart-breaking...and a call to action. OpenLeft is continuing in that vein today by celebrating "Blogosphere Day" and raising funds for partner organizations.

These are limited solutions, of course. But at least the discussion is going on.

And, of course, even people who take a "normal" jobs, for the salaries and benefits and security, don't have to betray their liberal values. In the current economic climate, it may be very difficult to create more high paying jobs in the progressive world, especially for entry level positions. However there are other ways to live liberally while working a regular job. You can always use a Working Assets phone plan or credit card. That way you are a progressive Robin Hood, funneling cash from Mr. Big Business to your friends in the progressive movement. You can also get into the cultural side of the movement by attending Eating Liberally.

Remember, there are many ways to be a liberal.