Just as integrity, or corruption, starts with how each one of us lives our lives, so does democracy. That’s why I like the range of articles we offer you in this edition of the Beyond Elections newsletter.  

In another “sphere” of my life, I advocate for individuals in U.S. prisons, at the federal level. Prisoners who are residents of the District of Columbia are fortunate, because DC recently restored their ability to vote, even while still incarcerated (a right that is more common outside the United States). 

However, many of these individuals choose not to exercise this right, because in the disinvested neighborhoods they come from, elections are seen as shams – with officeholders and candidates only seeming to care during campaign time. 

It has become clear to me that we must show them (and their families) that democracy is real, beyond election time. But where do we begin, and how do we make it work for our particular context?

Living Beyond Elections

Beyond Elections will explore all aspects of participatory, deliberative and direct democracy, in an effort to inspire experimentation, share lessons learned and recognize the trailblaers who work so hard to bring these techniques to scale for the benefit of all. 

This series is supported by our Content Partner, People Powered. Since 2019, People Powered has acted as a global hub for participatory democracy. Together, we hope to amplify current models of participation in democracy and to lay the narrative groundwork for easier adoption of future initiatives. 

We hope you’ll become both a supporter and a contributor. Sign up for our Monthly Issue, and send us tips on who you’d like to see interviewed or which projects you want to know more about. 

In this second issue, we start with a big idea essay, penned by the co-executive director of People Powered, that proposes we adopt a more diverse perspective of what democracy can look like. Then, we feature the thoughts of Sue Charland on how to conduct more effective public listening sessions. Lastly, we also have two interviews. One explores how a Zimbabwe NGO worked with rural communities for participatory policymaking, and the other explores lessons that community-driven governments can learn from QAnon. 

Democracy starts with how we live our lives. What can you act upon in your own sphere? I bet you’ll find something in this Monthly Issue. Then tell us about it!