About ProgressMass

We know that not everyone has access to research-driven messaging tools for their work in progressive causes. ProgressMass provides communications and messaging strategies and support for progressive organizations on the issues that matter most to the people of Massachusetts.  We're a marketing department for progressive ideas, an ongoing campaign to promote progressive values.  We work year-round to challenge conservative misinformation in the media and make sure that progressive perspectives reach voters and opinion leaders.  ProgressMass can work directly with the public, as well as with the media, to advance progressive activities and issues, including exposing those elected officials who turn their backs on the hard-working families of Massachusetts.

Our Goals

ProgressMass utilizes online organizing tools and direct communications, collaboration, and action to build toward progressive solutions for Massachusetts. Our goals are to:

• Build a stronger progressive movement in Massachusetts. ProgressMass uses innovative, internet-based organizing and communications tactics to expand public support for progressive causes, organizations and leadership and enhance the capacity of the progressive infrastructure.
• Hold elected officials accountable. ProgressMass works to inform the media and the public when Massachusetts' elected leaders put special interests ahead of the public interest and the progressive values that benefit and create opportunity for us all.
• Win advances in progressive public policy. Working closely with and in support of other progressive organizations, ProgressMass offers concerned citizens effective strategies to make their voices heard on critical policy decisions that impact our quality of life.
• Generate traditional and new media coverage that incorporates progressive perspectives. ProgressMass works to generate news coverage that shines the public spotlight on progressive solutions to real problems.  We work with the progressive infrastructure and our extensive network of members to maintain a 24-7 rapid response media operation that challenges inaction on or obstruction to progressive policies.
• Increase civic participation and direct action. ProgressMass activates our members and ensures that the progressive voice is heard on issues that matter to Massachusetts. ProgressMass holds to the ideal that true democracy requires active participation, and we work to promote that participation in our Commonwealth.

Meet Our Staff

Michael Fogelberg, Executive Director

Starting out as a community organizer in Lowell, MA, Michael next worked as Executive Director at the Mass Tenants Organization in Boston, helped to launch renewable energy programs at Mass Energy Consumer Alliance, served as New England Regional Director with the League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, and consulted with national and Massachusetts voter engagement and issue campaigns.  As a Philanthropic Advisor, he created a national funding strategy for a Northeast family, directing resources to progressive campaigns, organizations and candidates. His experience and skills are in the areas of: advocacy strategy, planning and implementation; media relations, communications, and message development; voter targeting, engagement, and turnout programs; and, fundraising. His policy background is in environmental and energy policy, community development and affordable housing.  Raised in Minnesota, Mike graduated from Minneapolis Central High School in the same class as Prince (1977).  He has a B.A. from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1985) and a Master of Urban and Environmental Policy degree from Tufts University (1996). Michael is married and growing up along with his twins.

Mathew Helman, Communications Director

Raised in Framingham, MA, and a graduate of the Framingham Public Schools, Mathew has spent the last decade working in state politics and government, with a focus on communications.  Mathew received his B.A. in Politics in 2000 from Brandeis University in Waltham, MA, followed by a sojourn to our nation's capital to earn his Master of Public Administration degree from the George Washington University.  Mathew promptly returned to Massachusetts to work on former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich's gubernatorial campaign in 2002.  Mathew then spent time working in the state legislature, for State Representative Ruth Balser of Newton and State Senator Karen Spilka of Ashland.  After a tenure as Communications Director for the brilliant policy analysts at the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, Mathew worked on three consecutive political campaigns: campaign manager for State Senator Jamie Eldridge's successful first senate bid, deputy communications director for Attorney General Martha Coakley's U.S. Senate campaign, and communications director for Mac D'Alessandro's spirited primary challenge to Congressman Stephen Lynch.  In his rare minutes away from politics, Mathew enjoys pub trivia nights and rooting for Boston's big four sports teams.  Mathew lives in Melrose, MA, with his wife, Angela, and their two adopted rescue dogs, Canarsie and Ginger.

Kevin Clang, New Media Manager

Kevin was born and raised in Mansfield, Massachusetts, graduating from Attleboro's Bishop Feehan High School in 2006.  While pursuing a degree in Journalism from Elon University's nationally accredited school of communications in North Carolina, Kevin planned and ran concerts for nationally recognized artists for Elon's Office of Student Activities, served as the lead editor of a student Emmy award-winning sports television show, and was a frequent contributor to multiple sections of the school's Hearst Award-winning newspaper.  After graduating in 2010 Kevin immediately began working as a field organizer for a Congressional campaign in Pennsylvania, recruiting and managing volunteers.  He has spent the last year beginning a career in social and new media, creating, distributing, and evaluating online content for a variety of clients.  Kevin has also worked as a freelance journalist for many websites covering local government, high school and professional sports, and news pertinent to young adults in Boston.  When he is not working or reading about politics, Kevin can be found writing, watching movies, or spending time with his family and friends in Mansfield.