In many countries, democracy is currently under attack. In today’s special edition, we compiled ten stories that show ideas and approaches to strenghten democracy and a constructive political culture.
Why you should talk to people you disagree with about politics
Rachel Wahl has spent the last decade studying conversations between people who disagree about politics. Here she explains why it’s important to have these conversations and what to pay attention to.
The Washington county gathering place bridging political divides
For more than three decades, a group in this politically diverse town has been meeting to talk about politics. While open to all, the conversations are mostly attended by older adults who value the opportunity to have their beliefs challenged face-to-face. Historically, the group leaned liberal, but last year members made a concerted effort to invite Republicans to the table.
The platform boasts a comprehensive, accurate, and continuously updated database encompassing every politician in the nation. From the highest echelons of the presidency to the grassroots levels of local school boards and rural special districts, Citizenly provides unprecedented access to political information.
Millennials are highly underrepresented in US politics, but change is coming
Run For Something is a recently founded organisation that only works with political candidates under 40. It’s founder, Amanda Litman suggests that more young people should be represented in government, and here is why.
“Elect Her” initiative moves to boost female political representation in the UK
Women make up only 35% of UK governmental officials. Elect Her, founded in 2016, offers training, financial support, and resources to help women navigate and succeed in the political system, leading to significant increases in female candidacies and elected officials.
South Australia introduces bill to ban political donations from elections
The state’s electoral amendment bill announced on Wednesday night will ban electoral donations and gifts to registered political parties, members of parliament and candidates. In exchange, the state will provide funding to allow parties and candidates to contest elections, run campaigns and promote political ideas.
Politicians who deliberately lie could be forced from office in Wales
Proposals designed to restore trust in politics would criminalise the making of false statements to win votes. Radical changes suggested by the Welsh parliament standards committee would also make candidates in elections liable to criminal prosecution for making any false statement to win votes.
Four countries recently demonstrate democratic decline can be reversed
Data from Brazil, Thailand, Poland, and Zambia showcase once more the possibility that a trend of autocratisation in democratic countries can be stopped and the tide turned in the direction of democracy.
How grassroots activism transformed child abuse laws across the US
While policymaking typically involves collaboration among various groups, sometimes it takes a single person to drive real change. Erin Merryn, a social worker from suburban Chicago who herself survived childhood abuse, became that catalyst. Her advocacy has led to the passage of Erin’s Law in 38 states, mandating child abuse prevention education in schools.
How to overcome polarisation and help strengthen democracy
Polarised and divisive politics are a danger to democracy, as people feel disengaged from the political process. Polis is a platform that seeks to heal this vertical disconnect between the elected and electorate.
