Reflections from BISC's Road Ahead Conference
Defending democracy and the importance of convening
As I write this, I'm still in Las Vegas, where the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center's (BISC) Road Ahead Conference just wrapped up. Words can’t fully express what this organization and convening have meant to me, but I want to try. It's a bittersweet moment, reflecting on the power of what I've witnessed while knowing this may be the last time the conference is held in Vegas.
But more than the venue, what struck me was the incredible community of passionate activists who gathered to strategize about defending and advancing democracy through direct ballot initiatives. In a time when our democratic institutions face unprecedented threats, this work has never been more vital. And it is just so inspiring to see.
My Journey with BISC
Most people who know me today do so because I founded GAIN Power, or as a mail consultant with Amplify Power, but few realize I helped launch BISC. My history with BISC goes back to 1998. I received a call from Mike Lux, who was with People for the American Way then. I was actually in Las Vegas when I got that call, too. He described a project PFAW had launched focused on supporting proactive ballot measures.
This resonated deeply with me. In 1995, I had worked on my first ballot measure campaign against an anti-gay initiative in Maine ("Maine Won't Discriminate"), and in 1996, I managed a proactive initiative for SEIU to regulate and create better standards for HMOs. What became clear during both experiences was the absence of any national organization supporting state-level ballot measure campaigns across issues.
Over 30 years in this work – which is hard for me to admit to – I've seen the landscape of direct democracy transform dramatically. As a direct mail consultant, I've had the opportunity to work on dozens of ballot measures across the country, from Maine to California, Colorado, Michigan, and other places in between. From marriage equality to healthcare, from redistricting to taxes, immigration to voting rights – I've tackled dozens of issues in even more states.
I love ballot measures because they are the purest form of democracy; we need that more today than ever. I'm so glad the progressive movement has evolved and embraced them more fully, and BISC deserves a lot of credit for this transformation.
The right was organized, coordinated attacks through ballot measures targeting every pillar of progressive politics – labor unions through "paycheck protection" measures, LGBTQ+ equality, environmental protections through "takings" initiatives, and affirmative action, taxes, you name it. Meanwhile, progressives had no coordinated response.
That's why I jumped at the opportunity when Mike and others like Will Robinson, Dan Barry, Roy Morgan, Dan Petegorsky, Earl Bender, Bill Comer, and Steve Rosenthal proposed creating BISC. I was honored to incorporate BISC and serve as its co-founder and leader in those early years, before proudly serving on its board for years and more recently as a consultant. And, shout out to Galen Nelson, the first BISC staff, even before me :-).
Today, 25+ years later, I'm incredibly proud to see what BISC has become under the leadership of remarkable women who followed me – Kristina Wilfore, Justine Sarver, and now Chris Melody Fields Figueredo. Last year, I was honored to present Chris with a GAIN Power award for "Transforming Democracy" because she truly has. It's worth noting that BISC was conceived by a group of white men – wonderful, brilliant, progressive visionaries – but literally all white men. The transformation from those origins to what BISC is today represents a profound and necessary evolution in our movement.
Why This Work Matters Now
Looking around the conference room this year, I saw a diverse assembly of people I didn't know – a testament to how far BISC has come. The organization has evolved from a small project to a powerful force in American politics, supporting progressive ballot measures across numerous states.
What's at stake couldn't be clearer. As Trump and his MAGA allies advance an authoritarian agenda, direct democracy offers a crucial counterbalance. The right-wing assault on voting rights, reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ equality, and economic justice demands that we use every tool available to protect our rights – and ballot initiatives remain one of our most powerful tools.
The evidence of ballot measures' effectiveness is all around us. Over the past few years, voters nationwide have overwhelmingly supported measures defending rights and direct democracy when given the chance. I've watched as minimum wage increases passed in states where legislators refused to act, as reproductive rights were protected through constitutional amendments. As formerly incarcerated people had their voting rights restored - all thanks to amazing progressive leaders in states and with BISCs support.
The Power of Convening
The Road Ahead Conference underscores the importance of bringing people together across geographic and issue silos. Watching organizers from Florida share strategies with those from Nebraska, or seeing policy experts collaborate with grassroots activists, reminded me that our movement is strongest when we learn from each other.
This convening uniquely brings together people from different states, issues, and skills – funders, organizers, consultants, policy experts, and more. The conversations happening in hallways and over meals often prove as valuable as the formal sessions.
In one particularly powerful session, participants explored how to counter state interference with ballot initiatives. We discussed how even when measures like Florida's recent reproductive rights amendment win majority support (57%), they can fail to meet artificially high thresholds like the 60% supermajority requirement. These anti-democratic tactics demand innovative responses, and it was inspiring to hear strategists from across the country share their approaches.
The Heart of BISC: Its People and Community
I want to give a special shout-out to all the BISC staff – affectionately known as the "BISCuits" – whose tireless work made this conference possible. Their attention to detail, warm hospitality, and deep knowledge created a space where everyone could learn and connect.
I'm also grateful to all the organizations and firms that sponsored the happy hours and events after the conference each night, helping to bring us all together in meaningful ways beyond the formal sessions. A special thanks to Fieldworks’ Chris Galloway and Lew Granofsky, who hosted the most fantastic dinner at the Bellagio – a tradition I’ll miss. These community-building moments are invaluable to our movement.
I also love hanging out with my favorite consultants here—many of whom are competitors I don’t get to work with or see often, but genuinely respect and adore. I’m looking at you, Erica Walters, Trish Hoppey, Natalie LaBlanc, Josh Grossfeld, Scott Simpson, Leticia Martinez, Joe Lestingi, and more.
Thank you, too, to all the funders of BISC and all the progressive ballot measures—we couldn't do this work without them. Their belief in the power of direct democracy and their willingness to invest in this strategy have made countless victories possible.
Rumor has it this is the last Road Ahead in Las Vegas, and if true, we'll all miss it here a lot. I will follow BISC anywhere, but Las Vegas has created some important traditions and a community that will be hard to replicate elsewhere. Where else can you ride a zipline, a Ferris wheel, see a show, eat amazing meals, and so much more that Vegas has to offer? There's something special about this place that has facilitated deep connections and strategic thinking over the years, while we all get to have magically fun moments.
I often got emotional at this conference, listening to speakers talk about their work fighting for their communities. The passion in the voices of those working for abortion access and healthcare, marriage equality, and economic justice was impossible not to be moved. These aren't just policy issues; they're deeply personal fights for dignity, autonomy, and human rights. Hearing directly from the people on the frontlines of these battles reminded me why this work matters so profoundly.
I love that Chris says, "We must make ballot measures love letters to our people." And our community has done just that. When we put rights into state constitutions, raise the minimum wage, and expand healthcare access, these are tangible expressions of care for our communities. They're declarations that we see each other, value each other, and are willing to fight for each other.
Looking Forward: The Power of Diversity in Action
The BISC Road Ahead conference today is one of the most diverse convenings I've ever attended. This year's room was packed with many first-timers alongside veterans like me who have been doing this work for decades. But the diverse room is only part of the story—it reflects the diverse communities impacted by the policies BISC fights for.
Direct democracy has advanced so many critical causes, from minimum wage increases to reproductive justice and abortion access, from voting rights to paid leave, from redistricting reform to LGBTQ+ marriage equality. BISC under Chris's leadership is a big part of why. The organization's commitment to its Declaration of Equity and Accountability (DoE) embodies this evolution, recognizing that true victory requires more than winning at the ballot box. It requires centering those most impacted by the issues we address.
Our actual road ahead won't be easy. The 2024 election results and current political climate present formidable challenges. But as I prepare to leave Las Vegas, I feel hopeful, inspired by the session leaders, the important topics covered, and most of all, by the commitment of everyone present.
BISC is uniquely positioned to defend direct democracy in the challenging times ahead. The fight for direct democracy is intensifying, but the energy, expertise, and solidarity I've witnessed at this conference make me confident that we're ready for future battles.
I'm so grateful to those who attended and worked for justice, equity, and opportunity for all, who use ballot measures to right wrongs. And for anyone else reading this, remember that ballot measures are incredible vehicles to create the world we want to live in when the leaders we have refuse to act.
I'm proud to have played a role in BISC's founding and to remain close to this vital organization today. In these dark times, ballot measures can be a beacon of light, and BISC is helping to ensure that light continues to shine. We need this deeply in today’s dark times for our country.