State of the Re:Union would like to welcome our newest contributor to SOTRU, Garlin Gilchrist II. Hailing from Detroit, Michigan, Garlin created Detroit Diaspora, an active Detroit community network of people looking to stay connected. As a National Campaign Director for MoveOn.org, he currently resides in Washington D.C. with his beautiful wife, Ellen.

After graduating with degrees in Computer Engineering and Computer Science from the University of Michigan, he became a Software Engineer at Microsoft. By day, Garlin helped build SharePoint into the fastest growth product in the company’s history. On his personal time, Garlin sought out opportunities to connect his technical skills with community building efforts across the country.

This led to Garlin’s co-founding The SuperSpade: Black Thought at the Highest Level, a leading Black political blog. He served as Social Media Manager for the 2008 Obama campaign in Washington, and then became Director of New Media at the Center for Community Change.

Today Garlin works at the crossroads of traditional political organizing and online activism. He speaks before diverse audiences on empowerment in revolutionary new organizing spaces, increasing civic engagement & participation though emerging technologies and protecting civil rights in the age of the Internet.

Now, as the latest contributor to our website, Garlin lends his experience and sage advice, helping SOTRU continue engaging with and connecting community. Look for his first post next Wednesday.