CPL Spotlight: Omar Woodard   Location: Washington DC Program: 2006 Pennsylvania Fellow Profession: Student at George Washington Fellowship Track:  Future Candidate

What personal values most shape your political beliefs?  

We are all interconnected. I've always believed that our destinies are intertwined, and that political leaders should think about the common good, rather than narrow, selfish individualism.

What does “progressive” mean to you?  

Being progressive at the superficial level means being results-oriented. Whether it is a conservative or liberal idea, if it works, let's do it. But at its core, being progressive means that government has a positive role to play in making our collective situation better than yesterday.

What motivates you to be involved in public service?    

I don't plan to become rich and go into philanthropy, so the next best way to make a difference is to be involved in the national discussion of where our community, our nation is headed. The main motivator for me is to give people more opportunities than I had to succeed. The best way to do that is through the political process.

What current leadership positions do you hold? 

I recently completed my term as Student Body President at The George Washington University, but I'm looking forward to serving as a statewide elected public official in the very near future. Currently, I sit on the Board of Governors of Girard College.

What advice do you have for other emerging progressive leaders?  

My advice is to take a step back and understand why you are progressive. Philosophically, what makes you a progressive? What are your values? And once you've figured that out, it'll be clear what steps you need to take to make Pennsylvania or Michigan or Arizona a better place to live, learn and raise a family.

...and about the Center for Progressive Leadership:

What did you get out of the Fellowship? 

I learned to think strategically about my political aspirations, but mostly I learned some valuable life lessons like long-term planning, the importance of cultivating relationships and other skills critical to having success anywhere, not just in civic life.

What have you been doing since you finished the Fellowship?  

Since the fellowship, I've begun to build my fundraising portfolio, raising money for numerous causes across the country. In addition, I've begun strengthening my social networks in Washington DC, Philadelphia and elsewhere to support my fundraising and philanthropic endeavors. The Fellowship helped me do these things in a systematic way.

Do you still keep in touch with any other Fellows? If so, how?   

I keep in touch usually over email, the listserv is extremely helpful as we have lots of us running for office or intimately involved in policy and nonprofit work. It is the best group of folks I could've ever met as a 22 year old.

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