How can the next 250 years of democracy be built better for all of us? This summer, we explored “The Case for Co-Governance” — a collection of voices and strategies showing us the power of working together to build and govern a democracy that can truly deliver the promise of our 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 curated a narrative series from multiple voices looking at how co-governance can offer solutions to this question.
Local and national partners from around the country shared their experience and insights in response to our foundational set of six arguments in “The Case for Co-Governance.” Check out the conversations and published articles below!
Kick-off Conversation
Recorded as part of Race Forward’s “DemocracyIs” Campaign.
Responses to “The Case”
Responding writers are a combination of local practitioners doing co-governance on the ground across the country and national leaders supporting its growth and impact throughout the ecosystem. We encourage you to read and explore all of the different perspectives shared.
We Can Strengthen Democracy By Championing Co-Governance
By Candace Moore, Race Forward’s Vice President of Place, Policy, and Power
Fighting Americans’ Civic Trauma Will Require a New Approach to Governance
By Niketa Brar, For the Many Strategies
Funding Power, Not Just Programs: A Conversation on Co-Governance
By An Interview with Giridhar Mallya and Brooke Tucker, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
From Community Challenges to Solutions: How Co-Governance Leads to Better Results
By Rachel Pate, Christina Cordova-Herrera, Lyric Griffin and Cynthia Avila, Chicago United for Equity and Chicago Office of Equity & Racial Justice
Co-Governance and the Next 250 Years of American Democracy
By Liz Sullivan-Yuknis and Anna Canning, Partners for Dignity & Rights
The next 250 years won’t be built in Washington
By By Delishia Porterfield, Local Progress Black Caucus Co-Chair & Council Member At-Large in Nashville, TN
This Juneteenth let’s build systems to protect those most impacted by harm
By Candace Moore, Race Forward
Sharing Power And Lessons in Co-Governance From The Bronx
By Sandra Lobo and Evan Casper-Futterman, Our Bronx