Yesterday, I had the insightful opportunity of attending the annual Campus Progress National Conference in Washington, DC. Similar to YP4, Campus Progress recognizes, challenges, and celebrates the young progressives to bring out positive social change.

I've attended my share of "progressive" conferences. The night before, I usually think about what kind of people might I expect to be participating in this year's conference. Questions like, how do the conference planner select this year's participants, or what are the participants' respective experiences and interests with regards to the progressive movement, usually come to mind.

As I entered the Omni Hotel where the conference was held, and interacted with other participants, a majority of whom were still in undergrad, I began to recall my college days. I remembered what it was like to be surrounded by like-minded progressives who shared in my passion for addressing access to health care, affordable higher education, environmental justice, and other social concerns. I also remembered what it was like seeing the same faces at various campus meetings and events, wondering why some of us might have been on the verge of spreading ourselves too thin while subconsciously criticizing others for not stretching themselves at all and still having the audacity to complain when a social injustice hits close to home.

During the lunch plenary, we had the privilege of listening to and being inspired by Representative Keith Ellison of Minnesota. Rep. Ellison challenged us to "get Grandma involved in the Progressive movement." Say what? I concur with Rep. Ellison; yes, it's great to take some time out and meet with other young progressives around the country, but, how about moving beyond our progressive comfort zones and engaging in dialogue with those not already in our circles? In retrospect, I am grateful for having engaged in and build my progressive network of support as an undergrad. Nevertheless, the more entrenched I become in social activism, the more I recognize the need to connect with those who are less familiar with the movement, as well as with those who may have misconceptions about social activism/activists. I also understand that there is a fine line between talking with and talking to other potential stakeholders.

So, how do we begin to move beyond our progressive comfort zones and engage with the rest of the world?