Paying lip-service to a set of values is easy. Living by them is hard.
Forward Party candidates not only espouse the Forward Party’s values but embody them in the way they live their lives, run for office, and govern once elected. Below are statements reflecting your pledge to uphold Forward values and act in a way that demonstrates them.
Respect for the Rule of Law and the Constitution
I pledge to ground all of my work in the Constitution and rule of law, accept the results of elections barring contrary evidence verified in a court of law or by a Constitutional officer responsible for election oversight, and ensure all people are equally subject to and protected by the law. This means respecting the confines of my office, partnering with other offices appropriately, following judicial decisions and answering valid subpoenas, supporting due process, and amending laws and constitutions only via defined, accepted mechanisms.
Support and Strengthen Democracy to Elevate the Voters’ Voice
I pledge to support innovations that strengthen democracy and elevate the voice and will of the voters and make elections secure and easy to vote in for all eligible voters, all while striving to represent all of my constituents.
Use Data to Drive Collaborative and Effective Solutions, Regardless of their Ideological Source
I pledge to use data to form the basis for determining the effectiveness of proposed solutions, and to make sure policy is enacted only with defined, measurable outcomes defined for the long-term health of our communities.
Build from the Bottom Up, Not the Top Down
I pledge to work for community-oriented, consensus-driven solutions based on communication with my constituents and in concert with any other elected official of any affiliation who is willing to engage on that issue in good faith.
Opportunities to demonstrate these values include:
Treat Everyone with Respect and Dignity
I pledge to approach others with respect for the dignity that lives in each of us. My policies and campaign will seek to elevate and empower people to seek their unique version of the American Dream. This means running a positive, issues-based campaign with a positive vision for my community, and never engaging in personal attacks or threats, or dehumanizing individuals or groups.
Act with Ethics, Integrity, and Compassion
I believe that, as a public servant, I have a duty to act in a way that is beyond reproach. I pledge to conduct myself in a manner consistent with the highest ethical standards.
Opportunities to demonstrate these values include:
Our party is committed to supporting individuals who are passionate about driving positive change and reshaping our political landscape.
Below are ways that we’ve supported leaders in the past, and will continue to do so in the future. Leaders who are committed to the Forward Party—its principles and values—have seen our passionate supporters show up for them during campaign season.
The following list highlights ways that we have, in the past, supported Forward leaders, within the confines of all relevant local, state, and national laws:
Public Endorsement and Support:
The Forward Party has publicly endorsed and supported prior leaders, highlighting the aspects of their campaigns and platforms that align best with our values.
Forward Communications Guidance:
The Forward Party has a lot of experience in speaking with voters about our unique approach and mission. We have provided this guidance, on a general level, to leaders who are interested in talking about the Forward Party.
Grassroots Community Connections:
Connectivity is key to success. The Forward Party has relationships with reform groups and grasstops leaders across the country. They have enjoyed meeting leaders we have endorsed and supporting their campaigns.
Volunteer Support:
The Forward Party’s members are dedicated and passionate, looking for opportunities to support public servants who are representing their constituents well, and fighting for solutions to our biggest problems. Forward leaders have seen these volunteers phone bank, knock doors, and get out the vote in their campaigns.
Involvement in the FWD Community:
Forward has hosted well over a thousand events at the state and national level. We’ve asked Forward leaders to attend these meetings to meet with and speak to our supporters. We’ve also hosted campaign events for Forward leaders, where allowed by local regulations.
National Communications Support:
Our national press team regularly reaches out to publications to write stories about Forward’s activities. We’ve frequently connected them with leaders who identify as Forwardists to provide interviews.
Effective Digital Media Channels:
Forward leaders of all types have been highlighted on our social media channels, through messages, infographics, and even live discussions.
National Influencer Support:
The Forward Party has many nationally prominent members, including co-Chairs Andrew Yang and Governor Christie Todd Whitman. Forward leaders have frequently engaged in public conversations with these individuals, through social media, online events, and other channels.
Remember, you are not alone in this journey. The Forward Party is committed to your success, providing the necessary tools, support, and resources to help you become an effective advocate for collaborative, effective, community-driven solutions.
(Note: The national Forward Party, the Forward State Party, your campaign, and sitting government officials are regulated by government ethics and campaign finance laws, and all support is contingent on whether an analysis of these laws shows that such support is allowable.)
