Background
John Hlinko
President and CEO, Grassroots Enterprise
Founder, DraftWesleyClark.com & ActForLove.org
As a youngster, John Hlinko never dreamed he'd grow up to
record a number one duet with country music legend Willie Nelson.
And indeed, it never happened. But Hlinko has become a highly
sought-after speaker on the subjects of Internet activism and
creative "buzz building." Drawing on a diverse background that
includes "stand-up comedian," "published economist," and "activist
agitator," Hlinko specializes in speeches that entertain, inform
and motivate at the same time.
Long recognized as an innovator on the grassroots engagement
front, Hlinko has received numerous awards for his work and been
covered by a range of media, including all the major broadcast TV
networks, CNN, Fox, the New York Times, the Washington Post, and
many others. He has also been featured as a grassroots expert in
numerous books, including “Power Public Relations” and “Getting
You 15 Minutes of Fame and More.” Hlinko has appeared on
television numerous times as a grassroots expert, including on
CNN’s “Crossfire.” In recognition of his work, the American
Association of Political Consultants awarded him its prestigious
“Rookie of the Year” Pollie, an award for excellence in public
affairs.
Hlinko was the founder of "DraftWesleyClark.com," one of the most
successful grassroots movements in American political history, and
the 2004 “Golden Dot” winner for “Best Breakout/Impact Internet
Movement.” Started in March, 2003, the effort generated nearly $2
million in pledges for a Clark candidacy, engaged tens of
thousands of volunteers, earned massive coverage in national and
international print, television, and online media, and most
importantly prompted General Wesley Clark to run for President.
Following the effort, Hlinko was named as the Director of Internet
Strategy for the Clark for President campaign.
Hlinko has also launched a number of other creative grassroots
efforts, including ActForLove.org, a dating site for activists
that urges its members to, “take action, get action.” In 1998, he
helped lead MoveOn.org, an anti-impeachment petition that
generated over half a million signatures, and started a movement
that has helped to redefine American democracy.
Hlinko holds a BA from Wesleyan University and an MA in public
policy from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
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