How can the next 250 years of democracy be built better for all of us? This summer, explore "The Case for Co-Governance" with us — a collection of voices and strategies showing us the power of working together to build and govern a future that can truly deliver the promise of out multiracial nation.
The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence finds democracy at a crossroads in the United States. How can we defend and reclaim American democracy, and how do we build new strategies and structures that can truly honor its unfulfilled promise of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” for all? Race Forward and Partners for Dignity & Rights are curating a narrative series from multiple voices looking at how co-governance can offer solutions to this question.
This summer, invited partners from around the country will share their experience and insights in response to our foundational arguments in “The Case for Co-Governance”:
Co-Governance Combats Authoritarianism
Co-Governance Builds Civic Trust
Co-Governance Helps Communities of Color Build Power
Co-Governance Delivers Better Outcomes for Everyone
Co-Governance is Proven: History and Practice Show it Works
Co-Governance Builds Legitimacy by Making Democracy Something You Do, Not Just Something You Receive
Some responding writers are practitioners doing co-governance on the ground in places across the country, while others are researching or writing about it from an ecosystem perspective or connecting it to important and relevant issues of our day. All responding pieces will be published across various media outlets and then reposted on this page to stitch together a full view of the collective writing.
We believe co-governance is essential to any blueprint for building a stronger democracy for our future, but we want you to be the judge! Read our foundational argument and decide for yourself if we’re making the case.
We encourage you to read and explore all of the different perspectives shared throughout this narrative series as we collectively determine how to live up to the values articulated in our nation’s founding documents: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.