In a world often divided by injustice and inequality, I proudly stand as a Progressive. To be a Progressive isn’t merely to seek change, but to believe in humanity’s boundless potential to improve, evolve and most importantly, uplift those who are most vulnerable among us.
Progressivism is the belief that we can—and must—do better. Rooted in the timeless pursuit of justice, equality and opportunity, it envisions a world that is safer, healthier, freer and more enlightened for all.
Perhaps it was in college that I first encountered our nation’s history and the profound idea that we’re governed by the law of progress. The belief that, despite our imperfections, society should evolve toward greater justice and opportunity resonated deeply with me.
From that moment on, I understood that Progressivism isn’t just a political ideology but a moral conviction—that we have a responsibility to shape the world in ways that reflect the potential for good within us all.
Consider how far we’ve come. Without Progressivism, we’d still be grappling with legalized segregation in schools, women would still be denied the right to vote, food would be served without inspection, medicines would go untested and highway speed limits would be nonexistent. Progressivism has been the engine propelling us toward a more equitable society, offering solutions to the challenges faced by past generations.
Progressivism throughout the years
Aside from being a political ideology, progressivism is a moral and spiritual ethos that calls us to engage in thoughtful and compassionate action. Born in Athens, the birthplace of philosophy, it found fertile ground during the Renaissance, flourished during the Enlightenment and came of age during the Industrial Revolution. Today, it’s carrying us into the digital age, in which technological innovation and social progress are vital instruments of change.
At the heart of Progressivism lies a simple yet powerful idea: We can always be better. This belief has been the driving force behind some of the most profound and lasting societal transformations in history.
America’s abolition of slavery
Progressivism has paved the way for humanity’s greatest accomplishments. It was the driving force behind the abolition of slavery, culminating in 1863’s Emancipation Proclamation and the end of institutionalized human bondage in the United States. Without Progressivism, slavery might still be entrenched in American society.
It’s important to recognize that Abraham Lincoln’s stance on slavery was deeply influenced by the Progressive movements of his time. Figures like Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison and William Seward pushed Lincoln to take bold steps towards emancipation and equality. Put simply, if not for Progressivism, there would have been no Civil War.
Women’s rights
Women’s suffrage is another testament to Progressive ideals. Thanks to tireless advocates like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Alice Paul, the 19th Amendment passed in 1920, granting women the right to vote. This monumental achievement completed American democracy and unlocked the full potential of half the population.
The end of racial segregation
The Civil Rights Movement stands as yet another chapter in Progressivism’s legacy. It dismantled segregation and fought for equality in schools, voting booths and workplaces. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Malcolm X carried the torch of Progressivism, which ultimately led to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
Workers’ rights
Workers’ rights also owe a great deal to Progressivism. Early 20th-century labour movements brought monumental changes to the United States: the eight-hour workday, child labour laws and improved workplace safety. These efforts laid the foundation for Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, Social Security, unemployment insurance and other critical safety nets.
Public health and safety
Progressivism also revolutionized public health and safety. In the early 1900s, Progressive activists fought for food and drug safety, leading to the establishment of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Their commitment to science, technology and public welfare dramatically increased life expectancy and public health standards.
Environmental conservation
Environmental conservation, initiated under Theodore Roosevelt, is another hallmark of Progressive achievement. Roosevelt’s establishment of national parks, forests and monuments preserved millions of acres of land for future generations. Today, this legacy continues with global efforts to combat climate change and protect the environment.
Progressives in the modern era
In the modern era, Progressivism champions LGBTQ+ rights, educational access and the digital revolution. It strives to ensure that technology serves humanity rather than concentrating power in the hands of the few. Progressivism isn’t just about laws and policies—it represents a fundamental societal shift towards equality and fairness.
Critics often misunderstand Progressivism, dismissing it as government overreach or a stifling of individual liberty. But Progressivism isn’t about control; it’s about opportunity. It ensures that all individuals, regardless of background, can thrive.
Progressivism is action. It drives change, opens doors and transforms ideals into reality. Every human being has the right to live with dignity and opportunity, and I’m proud to call myself a Progressive because I understand the profound impact of this word.
We can’t afford to turn back. As we move forward, let us embrace Progressivism’s bold vision by continuing to work together to create a world that is just, equal and full of possibility for all.
In the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt: “Progress is the victory of a better tomorrow over the inertia of the past.” Let us take that charge to heart, knowing that we’re all part of a legacy that will shape the future in unimaginable ways—if only we dare to move forward.
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image: George Payne