Democracy Matters

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For the Irish Campaign group Democracy Matters, see Democracy Matters (Ireland).

Democracy Matters is an American non-profit, non-partisan grassroots student political organization that is dedicated to deepening democracy. Democracy Matters advocates for public financing of election campaigns and other pro-democracy reforms in order to get big private and corporate money out of elections and people back in. On-campus student chapters do outreach for education and mobilization.

Origins

The organization was founded in 2001 by former 13-year veteran NBA player and Colgate alumnus Adonal Foyle, with the assistance of his adoptive parents Jay Mandle (professor of economics at Colgate) and Joan Mandle (associate professor of sociology, anthropology and women's studies at Colgate).[1]

The NBA recognized Foyle for his commitment to democracy with nationally televised presentations of their “Community Assist Award.” The Greenlining Institute presented him with their prestigious Change Agent Award for his commitment to campaign finance reform. And he received the City of San Francisco’s Sports Hero Award as well as many other awards and commendations for his work increasing the civic engagement of young people.

Foyle’s commitment to Democracy Matters has also been widely hailed in the press, including in The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, USA Today, The Nation, Congressional Quarterly, Mother Jones, ESPN Magazine, the Chicago Tribune Magazine as well as numerous local newspapers.

Foyle is passionate about activating young people to be civically and politically engaged. In an op-ed piece, Foyle recounted the tremendous energy and creativity Democracy Matters students have brought to the work of deepening democracy.[2]

Raising awareness

Democracy Matters members raise awareness and educate others on their campuses and in nearby communities by organizing campaigns that link public financing of election campaigns to other important issues such as the environment, civil rights, foreign policy, and rising college tuition.

The slogans for Democracy Matters are Change Elections, Change America as well as Taking Money Out of Politics and Putting People Back In.

Public financing of election campaigns, similar to the successful state systems in Maine, Arizona and Connecticut also known as "Voter/Citizen-Owned Elections," or "Fair Elections" provide an alternative for a candidate to be publicly funded if she/he refuses to accept private donations from individuals or groups. This allows ordinary citizens, who lack the fiscal means, to run for office. It means that candidates can spend time talking with all voters, not just their big donors. And once elected, these publicly financed politicians are accountable to their constituents rather than to campaign contributors. Furthermore they can use their time working on issues important to the people they represent rather than spending many hours each day on the phone "dialing for dollars" or attending fundraisers.

Notable alumni

  • Adonal Foyle, Colgate, NBA basketball player
  • Daniel Weeks, Yale, New Haven City Councilmember

References

  1. ↑ Mandle, Joan. Why We Need Reform.
  2. ↑ Foyle, Adonal. "My Generation Is Far From Apathetic"

External links

Foyle press releases

Chapter links

Educational links

Related organizations

Press on Clean Elections

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