5 Organizations Encouraging Participation in Democracy
Democracy works best when large numbers of people participate, allowing the voices of all segments of the population to be heard. Organizations like the ones listed here encourage people to learn more about government, vote, and even run for office. If you're interested in strengthening democracy, consider supporting them. This video was made with Ezvid Wikimaker.
Groups That Help People Participate In Politics
| Organization | Mission |
|---|---|
| HeadCount | Use the power of music to register voters and promote participation in democracy |
| Generation Citizen | Empower young people to become engaged and effective citizens |
| Vote Run Lead | Equip women with the right know-how, trainings, and how-to’s to help them enter politics with a purpose |
| Veterans Campaign | Encourage, mentor, and prepare veterans for a "Second Service" in civic and political leadership |
| Artist Campaign School | Recruit, train, and support artists and arts administrators to run for elected office |
Issues With American Democracy
- Gerrymandering
- Money in politics
- Systematic racism
- Uninformed voters
- Unequal representation in presidential elections
- Media bias
- Voter suppression
Voter Turnout In Presidential Elections
According to the United States Census Bureau
| Year | Total Voting Age Population (V.A.P.) | Votes Cast | Percentage of V.A.P. That Turned Out |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | 140,777,000 | 77,625,000 | 55.1% |
| 1976 | 152,308,000 | 81,603,000 | 53.6% |
| 1980 | 163,945,000 | 86,497,000 | 52.8% |
| 1984 | 173,995,000 | 92,655,000 | 53.3% |
| 1988 | 181,956,000 | 91,587,000 | 50.3% |
| 1992 | 189,493,000 | 104,600,000 | 55.2% |
| 1996 | 196,789,000 | 96,390,000 | 49.0% |
| 2000 | 209,787,000 | 105,594,000 | 50.3% |
| 2004 | 219,553,000 | 122,349,000 | 55.7% |
| 2008 | 229,945,000 | 131,407,000 | 57.1% |
Facts & Statistics About Service Members & Veterans
- There are 1.4 million active duty military service members
- 14.4% of the active-duty force is female
- 5.1% of female veterans live in poverty
- 55% of women and 38% of men have experienced sexual harassment when in the military, which can lead to long-term effects such as PTSD
- 4.89 million veterans receive disability compensation from the VA
- 24% of veterans live in rural areas, 76% live in urban areas
- 47.1% of the veteran population is 65 or older
You Should Run For Political Office
In Depth
Americans take great pride in a system of governance that is composed of, operated by, and working for the ordinary people of the nation. But this democratic ideal is only a reality when average citizens participate in the electoral process. Fortunately, there are many passionate organizations fighting against apathy, offering encouragement, training, and support to those looking to get involved. In no particular order, here are five groups promoting active engagement in the day-to-day work of representative politics.
Starting off the list at #1 is HeadCount, a non-partisan organization that connects with potential voters through music and fun. They aim to promote democratic participation, among both young people and lifelong fans, by engaging with them at concerts and other venues. The core of their work consists of the street teams who help fellow attendees register to vote at events from festivals to Broadway shows. HeadCount works with hundreds of artists, who enable volunteers to come out and spread the word whenever they play near a major city.
To build enthusiasm for its work, HeadCount offers giveaways like VIP touring experiences to supporters, giving winners the opportunity to meet and mingle with performers. Artists from Bob Weir to Ariana Grande assist in promoting awareness about the importance of voting, and many also donate signed memorabilia for fundraising purposes. To aid HeadCount's mission, interested readers can make a charitable gift, join the registration effort as a volunteer, or help spread the organization's online campaigns encouraging democratic participation.
To aid HeadCount's mission, interested readers can make a charitable gift, join the registration effort as a volunteer, or help spread the organization's online campaigns encouraging democratic participation.
Up next at #2 is Generation Citizen, which seeks to inspire political engagement among young people, using a unique civics curriculum focused on action and empowerment. GC students have the opportunity to experience democracy first-hand, developing and implementing a plan to address an issue they care about. Each semester culminates in a Civics Day, in which the participants present their work to community members, public officials, and fellow students; in the process they reflect on their successes and setbacks, and consider ways to carry on their efforts in the future.
GC's Democracy Coach model brings in college volunteers to help lead their classroom programs, acting as mentors for their younger peers. The organization also offers preliminary training and ongoing support for teachers, enabling them to implement the curriculum in-house. They supplement their educational efforts with advocacy and policy work: producing informational resources, conducting research, and generating proposals, building the case for action civics as a staple of nationwide education. Those wishing to contribute to Generation Citizen can donate to fund the group's activities, while educators and college students can participate directly, as teachers and Democracy Coaches.
At #3 we have Vote Run Lead, which trains women to run for political office and win. The organization believes that a more inclusive and diverse government creates a stronger democracy, and to that end they offer practical resources to teach campaigning and leadership skills. With web-based guides and tutorials, covering topics ranging from fundraising with small donations to messaging on controversial issues, VRL aims to address the unique challenges faced by women and people of color who seek active roles in democratic governance.
The organization believes that a more inclusive and diverse government creates a stronger democracy, and to that end they offer practical resources to teach campaigning and leadership skills.
Staffed by veterans of local and national politics, Vote Run Lead targets the barriers that can make it difficult for female candidates to win elections, offering practical solutions and encouraging engagement in the democratic process. They share the stories of those who have used their resources to find success, and celebrate women who are challenging the political status quo. The organization provides in-person networking and training opportunities, in addition to its web-based tools. Vote Run Lead welcomes contributions, whether in the form of donations to their cause or help from volunteers.
#4 is Veterans Campaign, a non-partisan, non-ideological organization which trains past and present members of the armed services to prepare them for civic and political roles. It is founded on the belief that Americans with military experience are prime candidates for elected office, yet this potential is too seldom developed. The group addresses this shortfall with resources like workshops on campaign skills, or the Second Service Distinguished Speaker Series, in which veterans who have had success in civilian leadership share the lessons they've learned.
In partnership with the University of San Francisco, Veterans Campaign has developed the Masters of Arts in Public Leadership program, an in-depth course of study designed specifically for veterans and their families. They also offer specialized events like the Women's Leadership Symposium, which provides training for female service members and military spouses, helping them learn to take effective action in the public sphere. Supporters who want to help make America's defenders a stronger presence in the nation's political life can donate online or volunteer their time in person.
They also offer specialized events like the Women's Leadership Symposium, which provides training for female service members and military spouses, helping them learn to take effective action in the public sphere.
Capping off our list at #5 is Artist Campaign School, an initiative of Fractured Atlas. They offer training in the practical details of running for office, for artists and arts administrators across the political spectrum. With a teaching staff composed of experienced creators and veteran campaigners, they provide a two-day intensive during which prospective candidates develop a detailed electoral strategy.
Artist Campaign School is inspired by the belief that creative professionals are ideal candidates for office, with the innovative thinking, marketing savvy, and collaborative ability needed to be effective leaders. They aim to help develop those talents and pair them with knowledge of core political skills, such as fundraising techniques and voter targeting. The intent is to create an artistic community that is engaged, active, and prepared to change American politics from the ground up.
