Everyday Democracy Today
2:54pm Tuesday, 16th October 2007
During a conversation in the office the other day, we were discussing the place of Everyday Democracy in the current political climate.
If there's any doubt as to it's present day relevance, here's Barack Obama a few months ago, explaining his decision to run for the Democratic nomination. He outlines his belief in the need for a new American politics, and that political renewal can only be achieved through values very similar to those proposed in the concept of everyday democracy.
It would be really interesting to hear what other blog readers think Everyday Democracy means in 2007, and what the implications are.
If there's any doubt as to it's present day relevance, here's Barack Obama a few months ago, explaining his decision to run for the Democratic nomination. He outlines his belief in the need for a new American politics, and that political renewal can only be achieved through values very similar to those proposed in the concept of everyday democracy.
It would be really interesting to hear what other blog readers think Everyday Democracy means in 2007, and what the implications are.
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So it might be about facilitating easier and better ways for people to influence their lives together.
In general, democratic participation needs to make sense to our citizens and connect to their everyday lives and values. It needs to be worthwhile for them and make a difference in a way which is accessible. It needs to instil a sense of enthusiasm and hope, that by working with others towards this common endeavour, they can contribute to emancipating others by emancipating themselves (more participative public services, employee ownership, workplace democracy, etc)
To paraphase what someone said, if the people can’t dance, they won’t want to join the revolution.
Some examples here from European political movements.
Demos ought to be proud that "open source democracy" is now seen as a vote winner. At least we think so. Click here