As we approach the end of this year, it’s easy to focus on what’s coming up, from the 2012 election to our comprehensive progressive agenda. But it’s worth taking a minute to think about what was a success this year. So here’s a roundup of Top Five Biggest Progressive Wins of 2011.
 
Honorable mention goes to the defeat of Mississippi’s “Personhood” Amendment
 
5) Same-Day Registration in Maine: Mainers elected to allow registration of voters on election day itself, making voting easier and more efficient. This is a big win for fair and inclusive voting practices that will allow for greater participation in the democratic process.  [Read More]

4) Anti-Immigrant Politician Defeated: Russell Pearce, former state senator from Arizona and one of the most avidly anti-immigrant politicians in the country, was voted out of office in a special election this November. Voters showed that they won’t stand for politicians who try to pass discriminatory policies. [Read More]
 
3) Parts of Health Care Reform Go into Effect: 2.5 million young adults who would have had to go without health insurance did not have to this year due to “Obamacare” beginning to go into effect. But that’s not all. Not only did HHS Director Kathleen Sebelius make the determination that birth control should be copay-free under new health care laws, but all well woman care and preventative care are also now without copay. [Read more here, here, and here]
 

2) Recalls for Workers’ Rights: The repeal of SB5 in Ohio and the recalls of Republican legislators across Wisconsin are shows of force for collective bargaining and workers’ rights. In these states we’re seeing continued efforts to make sure that elected officials are held accountable for their actions, and that they keep in mind the working people they are meant to represent. [Read more on SB5 here, and more on Wisconsin here]
 
1) Occupy Wall Street: Not only did the Occupy movement bring into the spotlight the value and success of community organizing, it also created a real dialogue about income inequality in this country. These conversations bring added accountability to lawmakers and corporations. After more than three months, the Occupy groups are developing more focused campaigns, including “Occupy Our Homes.” The movement as a whole, and all of its component parts, are a form of comeuppance for the socio-economic groups that have been left out of too many conversations. [Read more]