In this episode of the Forward Party Podcast, the conversation centers on one of the movement’s most important guiding principles: service. From grassroots political organizing to military leadership and veteran advocacy, the hosts explore how civic responsibility, community engagement, and nonpartisan leadership can help strengthen democracy in a divided political environment.
The episode begins with a conversation featuring Bob Perls, chair of the Forward Party New Mexico and a former member of the New Mexico State Legislature. Drawing from decades of experience as an elected official, entrepreneur, nonprofit organizer, and diplomat, Bob shares the journey that led him from being a longtime Democrat to becoming a champion for political independence and reform. His story highlights how firsthand experience inside traditional party structures can reshape perspectives about the need for new political infrastructure.
Bob explains how the Forward Party has been building momentum across New Mexico over the past year. With an expanding volunteer network, professional organizers, and leaders from diverse backgrounds, the team has been working to secure ballot access while developing a sustainable grassroots presence across the state. He discusses the importance of empowering volunteers, building cross-partisan coalitions, and creating a culture where experimentation and innovation are encouraged.
Throughout the conversation, Bob reflects on how his time serving abroad as a U.S. diplomat shifted his understanding of American democracy. Seeing global perspectives on governance helped him recognize the challenges facing political consensus at home. That experience, combined with years of organizing around democracy reforms like open primaries, ultimately led him to help launch and scale the Forward Party’s presence in New Mexico.
Later in the episode, the podcast welcomes Sarah Czech, a U.S. military veteran and national leader of the Forward Party Veterans and Military Families Committee. Sarah brings a perspective on leadership, service, and the realities facing veterans and military families after active duty.
Sarah discusses the challenges that service members and their families face, including transitions back into civilian life, navigating healthcare systems, and finding stable community support. She emphasizes that these issues should never become partisan talking points, but instead deserve thoughtful solutions that put people before politics.
Together, these conversations reinforce a central theme: democracy depends on citizens who are willing to step forward and serve. Whether through local organizing, national advocacy, or military service, leadership grounded in trust and responsibility can rebuild civic confidence.
Key themes explored in this episode include:
The growth of the Forward Party in New Mexico and the strategy behind gaining ballot access
How Bob Perls built a volunteer team to expand grassroots political infrastructure
The importance of open primaries, voter choice, and independent political movements
Sarah Czech’s advocacy for veterans, service members, and military families
Why nonpartisan leadership and civic engagement help rebuild trust in democracy
The hosts also reflect on how service connects people across political differences. Leaders like Bob and Sarah show how community-centered leadership can open the door to a more collaborative political future.
If you enjoyed this episode of the Forward Party Podcast, be sure to follow the show on your favorite podcast platform and leave a review to help others discover the conversation. You can also learn more about the Forward Party, get involved with local chapters, and connect with the hosts through the organization’s official website and social media channels. Listeners are encouraged to share the episode and continue the discussion in their communities.