Yes We HCAN!

In this vein it’s worth looking at Health Care For America Now (HCAN), a 501(c)4 issue advocacy organization of over 100 national and local nonprofit, political, faith and labor organizations promoting quality, affordable health care for all Americans through legislative action in 2009. Yesterday they launched their $40 million national campaign in 52 cities including 37 state capitols like Springfield, IL and Madison, WI. In addition to spending millions on advertising, HCAN plans to fund 100 organizers in 45 states. HCAN’s impact alone likely will not change the agenda - one to three organizers in each state isn’t a ton. But when you couple HCAN’s efforts with national efforts, like the health care components of the Service Employees International Union (SEIU’s) major 100,000 volunteer/$85 million general election/$10 million post-election accountability campaign, plus state efforts like the Illinois Single Payer Coalition and local efforts like the Chicago Single Payer Action Network, then HCAN represents a piece of a movement that really is a big deal. It’s worth following - and better than “following,” it’s worth getting actively involved.

It is an interesting concept, co-opt HCAN instead of letting them co-op us. Not sure if it could work.