We know that real change can only come from within. Democracy Centers harness community power to achieve meaningful change on issues of local importance.
Democracy Centers are in communities of color that have been historically marginalized and voter disenfranchised. In some cases, these are communities where politicians show up a month out of the year to urge for their vote without actually listening to voters' needs. This has created a deep sense of voter apathy where the phrase “my vote doesn’t matter” reflects people's frustration with our elected officials and the electoral process.
Democracy Centers are year-round, place-based community centers. Democracy Center leaders are from the communities in which they work. They understand their communities' needs and actively work to create real solutions. Democracy Center leaders show up daily, meeting people where they are, listening to their needs, and working hard to meet them.
They understand that this work is about showing people that their voice matters, not just their vote. They work every day to meet their community's needs by running food banks, providing warm clothing, giving people free tablets, providing people with critical medical resources, and more. They lift people's voices and, in turn, show them the power of their vote to solve those real problems.
Democracy Centers turn infrequent voters into voting rights advocates as people learn how to vote their power!
Are you currently working in your community and wish to partner with Center for Common Ground and take advantage of our resources and training to establish a Democracy Center?
Learn more about our Democracy Center program, and get in touch with us to start the conversation by emailing us at [email protected]
We will have a lot of opportunities for local volunteers to help with our Democracy Centers. Please sign up with us at Center for Common Ground so that we may contact you when opportunities become available!
And of course... your donation to our Democracy Centers is deeply appreciated!