As progressives, we are fundamentally trying to promote a progressive society - one whose members are free, safe, healthy, and well. Such a society is built on five critical pillars, without which the possibility of a progressive society becomes unlikely.
The first pillar is responsible stewardship. This means that society's leaders, especially government officials, see themselves as servants and caretakers of the people. While they may identify as part of a party, they do not serve the members of that party. They work for the people, in the interest of the people, and are accountable to the people.
The second pillar is public investments. In order for a people to be safe, healthy, and well, they need sufficient resources, support, and protections from their governing body.
The third pillar is a moral commitment to equality. Every person must be valued equally. Responsible stewardship is meaningless unless it applies to all the people, equally. This is what allows resources, supports, and protections to be distributed fairly and equitably to the people.
The fourth pillar is broad representation. Society's leaders cannot effectively serve the interests of the people if they have no means by which to listen to them. This requires a system in which the interests of all the people are represented.
The fifth pillar is informed engagement. This is the other component of broad representation. The people have a responsibility to hold their leaders accountable. Without such engagement, leaders not only lose touch with the voice of the people, but fall into the danger of focusing on their own political future rather than on the future well-being of the people.
These five pillars are essential to a progressive society and serve as the starting point for progressive action.