At Sustainable Action Now, we understand that true sustainability extends far beyond environmental concerns; it encompasses the health and integrity of our social and political systems. A thriving future depends on ethical, effective leadership that is deeply committed to justice, equity, and the well-being of all communities. That’s why we are incredibly proud to spotlight and support the rise of a new wave of progressive leaders who are not just talking about change, but actively embodying it. These individuals are building movements from the ground up, proving that a grassroots approach is the most powerful path to reshaping our political landscape for the better. Learn more about our commitment to fostering future leaders and empowering community action in our dedicated Our Youth section.
Irene Shin: A Fighter for Virginia’s Families, Taking on the Status Quo
Irene Shin’s journey to Congress is a powerful narrative of resilience and unwavering dedication. As the daughter of Korean immigrants, she intimately understands the values of service, hard work, and integrity that families like hers bring to America. From an early age, Irene recognized that the promise of opportunity in this nation, for which her family sacrificed so much, wasn’t a given but a possibility—one that required a tenacious fight to realize and protect.
Driven by this profound understanding, Irene decided to challenge the established system. In 2021, she successfully ran for the House of Delegates, bravely taking on and defeating an incumbent who, despite their tenure, was perceived as ineffective in delivering for Virginia’s families. Her victory was a clear signal that voters were hungry for genuine representation. During her four years in Richmond, Irene has proven her mettle, consistently taking on powerful lobbies and entrenched interests—from the hospital and insurance industries to utility giants—and securing real, tangible results for the people she serves.
Now, Irene is boldly stepping onto the national stage, challenging a political system that, in her view, has become broken and unresponsive to the needs of everyday Americans. She is committed to doing things differently, refusing to engage in “business as usual” politics, which she believes is not only failing but actively dangerous in a time when governmental trust is eroded and critical services are vulnerable.
Irene’s progressive record in the Virginia legislature speaks volumes about her commitment to impactful change:
- She bravely confronted the overwhelming influence of the hospital lobby, insurance industry, and utility giants, not just fighting them, but winning battles to prioritize the public good over corporate profits.
- She successfully championed and passed Malcolm’s Law, a crucial piece of legislation designed to save lives from the devastating impact of fentanyl overdoses, demonstrating her commitment to public health and safety.
- She worked tirelessly to expand health coverage for pregnant Virginians, ensuring vital access to care for expectant mothers and their babies.
- In times of crisis, she acted decisively, stopping utility shutoffs during deadly heat waves, protecting vulnerable families when they needed it most.
This is the essence of real, impactful representation: a leader who stands up for her constituents against powerful forces and delivers concrete improvements to their lives. However, to translate this grassroots power to the national stage in a high-stakes special election, Irene is consciously rejecting corporate PAC money and funding from right-wing billionaires. She is relying instead on the collective strength of individuals—people like us—who believe in a fairer, more just political process.
Robert Peters: Bringing Progressive Fire from Illinois to Washington
Across the nation, in Illinois’ 2nd District, State Senator Robert Peters embodies the same progressive spirit and dedication to fighting for change. Robert is a proven advocate and a true fighter, having led critical initiatives on violence prevention, championed comprehensive criminal justice reform, and tirelessly worked towards real economic justice within Illinois. His deep understanding of community needs and his commitment to equitable solutions make him an inspiring candidate.
Now, Robert is taking his unwavering progressive fire to Washington, stepping up to run for an open seat in Congress. This is a critical opportunity to infuse the federal legislature with the kind of bold, principled leadership that is desperately needed.
Just like Irene, Robert is launching his campaign without the backing of a massive war chest or the traditional party machine. His strength lies in the collective power of grassroots supporters—a growing network of individuals who believe in the potential of the next generation of progressive leaders. This is where Sustainable Action Now sees immense potential and impact.
Building a campaign powered by hundreds, even thousands, of small donations—even just a dollar—sends an undeniable message. It demonstrates genuine momentum and widespread community support that can intimidate potential opponents, capture the attention of the press, and ultimately pave the way for victory. It’s about proving that the will of the people, when unified and organized, can overcome the influence of concentrated wealth and established power structures.
The Unstoppable Force of Grassroots Power: Investing in Our Future
Both Irene Shin and Robert Peters exemplify the core tenets of what Sustainable Action Now champions: the belief that true, lasting change emerges from the ground up. Their campaigns are not about simply winning elections; they are about fundamentally shifting the power dynamics in politics, ensuring that elected officials are beholden to their constituents, not to special interests.
By relying on broad-based grassroots support, these candidates are building movements that are:
- Accountable: When a campaign is funded by small-dollar donations from everyday people, its allegiance remains firmly with those people.
- Authentic: These campaigns reflect the genuine concerns and aspirations of communities, rather than being shaped by corporate agendas.
- Resilient: A wide network of dedicated individual supporters provides a strong foundation that is less susceptible to the whims of large donors or external pressures.
- Empowering: Contributing to these campaigns, even with a small amount, empowers individuals to actively participate in shaping their political future and supporting leaders who truly represent them.
Investing in leaders like Irene Shin and Robert Peters is an investment in a more sustainable and just future for all. It’s about ensuring that diverse, principled voices are at the decision-making tables, fighting for policies that genuinely serve the public good, from economic justice and healthcare access to criminal justice reform and environmental protection. These are the voices that will build the resilient communities and fair systems we need to thrive.
Will you join us in supporting these vital campaigns and help build the kind of grassroots-powered movement that cannot be ignored? Your contribution, no matter the size, makes a tangible difference in fostering the next generation of leadership and driving the sustainable action our nation urgently needs.
