Democracy is a form of government in which all eligible citizens have an equal say in the decisions that affect their lives. Democracy allows people to participate equally—either directly or through elected representatives—in the proposal, development, and creation of laws.

We believe in authentic democracy where everyday people join one another on the basis of equality and concern for the common good to make collective decisions and take positive action. Participatory democracy encompasses emergent methods for engaging broader groups of people in the vital work of self-governance.

You didn’t see me on television, you didn’t see news stories about me. The kind of role that I tried to play was to pick up pieces or put together pieces out of which I hoped organization might come. My theory is, strong people don’t need strong leaders.

– Ella Baker