Model and Methodology of Cogent

The political landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. In the past, voters typically identified strictly as Democrats or Republicans. Today, however, many are disillusioned with both major parties and instead register as Independents. We like to think of these Independents as “thinking voters.” Although there isn’t a formal Independent party on most ballots, they are an influential bloc that conservatives must focus on. Independents are pivotal, swaying 90% of elections. They aren’t entrenched in the extreme left or right ideologies but instead are balanced, often leaning towards social consciousness with a preference for justice, peace, and love. Yet, they also crave normalcy, steering right when faced with radical changes.

Acknowledging this trend, a group of conservatives, Cogent, has taken the initiative to strategize and develop materials that engage Independents in a way that promotes long-term cultural impact. Inspired by the historical efforts of William Wilberforce, they aim to create a grassroots movement that doesn’t rely on short-lived social media tactics but instead focuses on sustainable cultural influence.

Methodology

The approach mirrors the Wilberforce Method, named after William Wilberforce, a British politician and abolitionist who was instrumental in ending the slave trade. His strategy was simple yet effective: gather like-minded influencers to brainstorm and implement impactful strategies. This grassroots approach emphasizes peaceful non-compliance—a principle suggesting it only takes 3-5 percent of the population to shift cultural norms effectively using peaceful non-compliance. This can involve everything from resisting cultural trends that clash with American principles to non-compliance with unconstitutional laws while persuading others to adopt these peaceful forms of resistance.

Our Model

Here’s how you can foster change:

1. Form a Club: Start with 2-5 friends or family members who share your views. Discuss whether your club will operate anonymously and decide on roles such as networker, strategist, or educator according to each person’s strengths.

2. Choose a Name: This adds a sense of unity and fun. Our founding group is called “Fight Club.”

3. Regular Meetings: Meet weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly. During election periods, consider increasing the frequency of your meetings.

4. Set Goals: Whether developing talking points, educating others, or attending local meetings, choose activities that align with your club’s mission. For broader outreach, engage with and join local school boards, library boards, or faith-based organizations.

5. Keep It Fun: Enjoy the process and explore our guide for ideas to make your meetings fun and engaging.

The mission is to act. Just as the founding fathers used pamphlets and protests to ignite change, we must use reason and emotion to engage Independent voters. Committing to the long game is crucial, laying down a foundation for future generations. Using social media as a modern-day tool, maintaining decentralization in operations, and fostering close-knit relationships within clubs are essential for any cultural shift.