Organizing for Action (OFA)

Organizing for Action (OFA) was established in January 2013 as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization. It emerged from the infrastructure built during President Barack Obama’s successful re-election campaign in 2012. OFA’s mission was to advocate for Obama’s policy priorities and mobilize grassroots support to advance those initiatives.

At its core, OFA aimed to empower individuals and communities to become active participants in the political process. The organization provided tools, resources, and training to help supporters organize locally, engage with elected officials, and advocate for policy changes. OFA utilized a combination of online platforms, social media, and offline events to connect supporters and foster a sense of community and collective action.

OFA’s work spanned a range of policy areas, including healthcare reform, climate change, immigration reform, gun control, economic inequality, and LGBTQ+ rights. It sought to mobilize supporters around these issues through campaigns, public education efforts, and grassroots organizing.

The organization relied heavily on volunteer engagement and utilized a network of local chapters and community organizers to coordinate activities. Volunteers were encouraged to engage in activities such as phone banking, door-to-door canvassing, attending local meetings, and organizing events to promote their policy priorities.

While OFA was initially closely aligned with the Obama administration, it underwent a transition after President Obama left office in 2017. It shifted its focus towards supporting and training grassroots activists across a broader range of progressive causes and campaigns. The organization aimed to channel the energy and enthusiasm of its supporters into ongoing political engagement and community organizing beyond any specific individual or administration.

Organizing for Action (OFA) has been involved in various initiatives and campaigns, and while specific successes may vary over time, here are a few examples of achievements attributed to the organization:

1. Advocacy for the Affordable Care Act (ACA): OFA played a significant role in mobilizing grassroots support for the passage of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. The organization conducted outreach efforts, held educational events, and engaged volunteers to advocate for the legislation. The ACA was eventually signed into law in 2010, expanding access to healthcare for millions of Americans.
2. Push for Climate Change Action: OFA has been actively involved in advocating for policies to combat climate change. The organization has supported initiatives such as the Clean Power Plan, which aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from power plants, and the Paris Agreement, an international climate accord. OFA’s efforts helped raise awareness and promote action on addressing the urgent issue of climate change.
3. Immigration Reform: OFA has been a vocal advocate for comprehensive immigration reform. The organization has mobilized supporters, conducted public campaigns, and engaged with policymakers to push for legislation that addresses immigration issues. While comprehensive immigration reform has not been passed at the federal level, OFA’s advocacy efforts have contributed to raising awareness and keeping the issue in public discourse.
4. Gun Violence Prevention: OFA has been active in advocating for stronger gun control measures to address gun violence in the United States. The organization has supported background check legislation, limits on high-capacity magazines, and measures to prevent gun violence in schools. OFA’s engagement has helped bring attention to the issue and fostered conversations on gun control policies.
5. Voter Registration and Mobilization: OFA has been involved in voter registration and mobilization campaigns aimed at increasing citizen participation in elections. The organization has worked to engage young voters, minority communities, and underrepresented groups to ensure their voices are heard in the democratic process. By encouraging voter registration and turnout, OFA has contributed to promoting civic engagement and democratic participation.

These are just a few examples of the areas where OFA has sought to make an impact through grassroots organizing, advocacy, and community engagement. The organization’s successes have been measured in terms of raising awareness, mobilizing supporters, influencing public opinion, and contributing to policy discussions and developments.

It is important to note that specific details regarding OFA’s activities and structure may have evolved or changed. For the most accurate and up-to-date information on Organizing for Action, it is advisable to refer to their official website or other credible sources.