REIMAGINE our DEMOCRACY
When we reimagine our democracy…
We imagine all levels of government working for and with the people in an authentic partnership that centers the engagement of communities, particularly those that have been historically marginalized -- including Black, indigenous, people of color; immigrants; youth; those with disabilities; and those who identify as LGBTQIA+, non-binary and gender non-conforming.
We imagine sustained partnerships between elected leaders and communities that increase transparency and accountability in elections and beyond. We imagine sustained democratic engagement through structural reforms that break down traditional barriers to information and access, and that build trust and foster participation. We believe that robust and dynamic public education is critical for an engaged citizenry and we imagine new models that make it easier for young people across the country to have a voice in our democracy. We imagine public structures and processes that create opportunities for shared power in decision-making and that authentically center those most impacted by those decisions. We imagine ensuring that voting is accessible to all - including immigrants, young people and those currently and formerly incarcerated.
In order for our democracy to work for all of us, it must include all of us. From making it easier for those without wealth and connections to represent constituents in government to engaging local residents in land use decisions to enshrining resident rights in city charters and limiting monied interests’ influence in government, local communities are fighting to ensure that our democracy is truly reflective and representative.
Here are ten examples of the work already being done, laying the foundation for a more just and equitable future:
the work continues.
As we continue this work, we must constantly ask ourselves what we can do, and we must ask and engage with our constituents and communities to meet the needs they have.
Our framework seeks to answer these questions and pushes us to continue asking ourselves about what we want our future to look like:
How can local governments share power with the community in decision-making bodies?
What types of institutions, processes and structures can be laboratories for innovating new practices of community and civic engagement and power building?
How do we rewrite legislative rules and structures to rebalance structural power inside of government to increase participation and input?
How do we rebalance power in our democracy, including in election financing, away from the wealthy few and towards the many?
How can we restructure civic engagement and learning systems to center those who are intentionally excluded from the decision-making process - including immigrants, people who were formerly incarcerated, and young people?
additional resources
Public policy can be a tool for advancing equity and justice. Here are additional resources from the Local Progress policy book that address a range of ideas and issues that are essential for creating thriving communities:
KEEP EXPLORING
Dare to Reimagine showcases more than 50 policy wins and organizing efforts across 22 states and DC that are moving us towards a more just and equitable future.