SAM has created the only political platform not based on rigid ideology or pre-determined policy positions. In fact, we reject that approach altogether.
Instead, our candidates rely on a process to inform their decisions — and to deliver results that do the most good for the most people.
Every other political party starts with an answer — regardless of the question. The result? We spend more time arguing than fixing things.
We’re changing that.
Our candidates rely on proven problem-solving principles to understand the challenges facing their communities, then work with you and with other leaders to develop a solution that delivers the most good for the most people.
Listen to and engage ALL key stakeholders (constituents) — which may require outreach to ensure that a diversity of groups and perspectives are heard — in order to understand and record the context, background, symptoms, scope and scale of the problem from the perspective of the people you represent. Gather and record data from all relevant sources.
We define the problem based on all the information we gather. We also define how we are going to evaluate potential solutions — so we know whether or not we’re on the right track. And because transparency is key, we publish these findings for everyone to see.
Gather ideas for solutions from many different sources, including constituents. The more constructive inputs, the better.
Work with colleagues in search of common ground and a “win-win” solution that delivers the most good for the most people. After consensus is achieved at a broad level, we’ll isolate and work through any remaining areas of disagreement. The goals and desired outcomes more important than positions.
Evaluate the success or failure of the solution based on real-life consequences — the quantifiable changes and observable experiences gathered in step 1.
Sometimes policies have unintended consequences, both good and bad. And when we see something that’s not working, we have to change it — we can’t just double down on a bad idea even if it’s well-intended. That’s why the goal is to keep evolving the solution until the problem no longer exists.
We believe candidates and officials should commit themselves to objective and verifiable standards of transparency and accountability. We’re refining the SAM Score (it’ll be ready soon!) to help you rate and track performance, and hold people — not just SAM candidates — accountable for their actions.
As soon as the SAM Score is finalized, we’ll need help scoring hundreds of people from all over the country.
In the meantime, feel free to explore our working criteria below…