Our democracy was founded on the principle of “one person, one vote”, but it’s no secret that many Americans feel their vote doesn’t count. From the overwhelming influence of big money in politics to restrictive voting laws, barriers are disempowering Americans and pushing us away from participating in the political process. The result is a system that does not accurately reflect the interests of U.S. citizens. We know that it’s time for fundamental reform to ensure that our government is truly run by the people and for the people.
That’s why I’m excited to share this event with you. This April, a huge movement for government reform is taking place down in Washington, D.C. and across the country. Here’s the announcement from the organizers, Democracy Awakening:
Democracy Awakening: April 16-18
WHAT
In April 2016, more than 200 organizations representing a diverse array of movements and hundreds of thousands of people are coming together to demand a democracy that works for all of us – a nation where our votes are not denied and money doesn’t buy access and power. Join us as we converge upon Washington, D.C. for an array of actions, including demonstrations, teach-ins, direct action trainings, music, a Rally for Democracy, and pressing for a Congress of Conscience through non-violent direct action and advocacy. Together we will build a nation that is truly of, by and for the people.
WHY
American democracy is premised on the fundamental tenet, “one person, one vote,” but since the very beginning, we’ve had to fight for every voice to be heard and every vote to be counted.
Today, we’re fighting for change on many fronts – for action on climate change, racial justice, workers’ rights and fair pay, safe food and water, health care, peace, immigration reform and improvements in education. But an array of barriers are keeping regular Americans shut out of the political process, from restrictive voting laws suppressing the voting rights of people of color, seniors, students, and low-income Americans, to a campaign finance landscape that allows big money to increasingly shape elections and the policy-making process.
For both money in politics and voting rights, the U.S. Supreme Court has eviscerated laws that once protected the voices and votes of everyday Americans. And for both issues, Congress has solutions in front of them, but has so far failed to act. And now the Senate is blocking fair consideration of the nominee to fill the Supreme Court vacancy, including timely hearings and a vote by the full Senate.
It’s time for us to come together and claim a democracy where every voice is heard and every vote counts equally — in other words, a democracy that works for all of us.
It’s time for a Democracy Awakening.
That’s why we are mobilizing. And that’s why we need you to join us.
If you’re interested in this event, check out http://democracyawakening.org/. They’ve got all the details on who’s endorsing the movement, the agenda for the weekend, and how to get down to D.C. You can also check them out on Facebook and Twitter.
At VPIRG, we’re proud to stand up for honest, transparent government that reflects the will of the people, not just billionaires and powerful corporations. We hope that you’ll stand with us and join the movement down in D.C.!
P.S. Before the Democracy Awakening is Democracy Spring. Their journey starts on April 2 at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, PA, and from there, they’re marching down to the Capitol for a week of sit-ins and demonstrations inspired by the women’s suffrage movement, civil rights movement, and other watershed nonviolent direct actions starting on April 11 to build the momentum for the weekend of Democracy Awakening. Check out more info here: http://www.democracyspring.org/