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By Rahna Epting
The first time I ever interacted with MoveOn was shortly after the horrific attacks of 9/11. I was in Law School in Portland, Oregon, and head-down in my books. I kept seeing out of the corner of my eye the news that then-President George W. Bush was escalating toward a war with Iraq. The words “weapons of mass destruction” were repeatedly being thrown around, and while I didn’t believe that I had the expertise or understanding about foreign affairs or the United States’ engagement on the world stage, I still knew that what President Bush was saying on the TV screen didn’t add up. But I felt too naive to do anything about it.
But then I got an email from an organization called “MoveOn,” inviting me to a march against war with Iraq in downtown Portland. The email deeply resonated with me, it was exactly what I had been thinking, and I figured I’d give it a go. I hopped on my bike and rode down to the march the next day. Low and behold, when I got there, the streets were filled with people as far as you could see. I no longer felt naive about my instincts; I felt righteous. I no longer felt alone in my protest; I felt part of a community. I no longer felt like I needed to be silent; I felt emboldened to make my voice heard.
That experience and the years thereafter, eventually leading to the United States pulling out of Iraq, made me realize that we not only have the ability to influence what happens on the national stage, but we have a civic responsibility, and that I am not alone in that cause. The power of collective action is real, and if we all engage, together, we have a shot at making an impact.
I’ve been a MoveOn member ever since.
And for the last 5 1/2 years, I have had the amazing honor of leading this incredible organization which today embodies the same principles that inspired me to become a member more than 20 years ago: Through collective power, organizing, and creative campaigning, we can have tremendous impact.
But the time has come for me to, shall we say, move on.
Earlier this summer, I informed MoveOn’s board of directors of my decision to step down as executive director and transition the organization to new leadership.
It was not an easy decision. I love this organization. I love our members. I love our staff. And most importantly, I love the collective impact we – all of us – have had over the last five and a half years.
And I still feel that same energy from that first rally in Portland every time I join a call, a rally, or a GOTV canvas with our members. However, I am very clear that it’s time for me to transition out and turn the page to a new chapter of my life and for MoveOn to do the same.
Over the past few years, our organization has seen tremendous growth, and I am confident that MoveOn is well positioned to work to try to stop Project 2025 and the MAGA agenda, to rebuild a winning coalition for the future, and to protect communities we know will be unjustly targeted by the incoming administration.
I am not naive. The road ahead is not going to be easy. Trump and his buddies have shown they have no bottom and will do whatever it takes to obtain power and enrich themselves. But I know that MoveOn and our members have played and will continue to play an essential role to lead this country out of the darkness and into the light. And as I prepare to hand over the baton, I am confident that the organization is stronger today than it ever has been.
Over the next few months, MoveOn’s board of directors will lead a search for my replacement. Once that person is in place, I will help in the transition and then transition myself back to where it all started for me – as an active MoveOn member with a love for her country and a commitment to always do my part and contribute to make it a better place for all.
I want to conclude by saying “Thank you.”
Thank you to all the MoveOn members. Thank you to all our allies and partners in the movement. Thank you to the amazingly talented and hard-working MoveOn staff. And thank you to the board for entrusting me with running this incredible organization for the last 5 1/2 years. You all made this the job of a lifetime. It has truly been an honor.
Onward!