From the LWVUS Web Page
WHAT IS IT?
Making Democracy Work is a nationwide citizens campaign to revitalize our system of representative government to get people involved in Making Democracy Work again. Across the country, people and organizations from diverse perspectives are joining together to assess the civic health of their communities and to collaborate on strategies to bring about positive change. Similar efforts are taking place at the state and national levels, creating a comprehensive, multilayered initiative to engage people in the task of shaping better communities and a healthier democracy.
WHO IS INVOLVED?
The Making Democracy Work campaign was launched by the League of Women Voters in June 1996. It is beingimplemented at the community level by the organization's nationwide network of 50 state Leagues and 1,000-plus local Leagues. Each League is working with local partners to help ensure that the campaign:
* addresses issues of concern to the whole community,
* belongs in equal measure to all segments of the community,
* includes diverse perspectives in its goals and its strategies for change,
* is enriched by the talents, expertise and energies of the whole community.
HOW DO WE START?
The League and its campaign partners begin by identifying the aspects of civic health in their community that need attention. We are focusing on five indicators of a strong democracy.
Voter Participation The first test of a healthy democracy is voter turnout. Our system is founded on the principle of "consent of the governed." This principle is weakened when fewer than half of all eligible voters are making decisions that affect everyone. How can we encourage the participation of all voters in our community?
Campaign Finance In a healthy democracy, citizens have more influence on public policy than special interests. The near collapse of the federal campaign finance system in 1996 focused attention on the need for reform at all levels of government. How much does it cost to run for public office in our area and where does the money come from? Does our campaign finance system protect government "of the people"?
Civic Education and Knowledge In a healthy democracy, citizens have the information and skills to participate effectively in civic life. When citizens understand how government works and how to make their voices heard, they are more motivated to get involved. How is civics taught in our schools? Do people understand how to make government work for them?
Diversity of Representation Diversity among officeholders and policy makers contributes to the strength and vitality of our political system. It helps assure community-wide solutions to problems and builds confidence that the political process represents all voices equally. Do our government bodies reflect the rich diversity of our community?
Civic Participation Participation in civic life is the essence of democracy. Working together to resolve problems for the common good is the key to healthy communities and a strong nation. What are the opportunities for civic engagement in our community? Who is participating and in what ways? Are we working together to meet our community's needs?
WHAT WILL WE DO?
An assessment of these five indicators measures how our community is doing and where change is needed. Together we can seek change: we can set goals and develop strategies to reconnect citizens to the political process and resolve community problems. As part of a broader campaign network, the League and its partners are drawing on the success of other communities where citizen action is improving the health of democracy. Across the nation, community by community, We Are Making Democracy Work!
WANT TO GET INVOLVED?
Making Democracy Work is everyone's job. It needs the talents, voices and support of the whole community to succeed. Together, we can:
* increase voter turnout
* reform campaign finance
* expand civic education & knowledge
* enhance diversity of representation
* build civic participation
Join us today!
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, political organization that encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government and influences public policy through education and advocacy. For more information, contact the League of Women Voters of the United States or your local League.