Welcome To Popular Democracy 🎙
By Erika Maye
Ever feel like the world is just moving without you, like you’re watching from the sidelines while the big decisions get made? Us too. But here’s the thing: real change doesn’t come from the top down — it comes from people like us, who are tired of sitting on the bench.
That’s why we’re excited to re-introduce ourselves as Popular Democracy, the new umbrella for our family of organizations! Our fresh new identity that’s about putting power back in the hands of everyday people.
Why We’re Here: Power to the People
We get it — politics can feel like a bad sequel to a movie you didn’t even like. But what if we told you the plot twist is this: we are the main characters, and we get to change the story.
For too long, Black, brown, and working-class communities have been left out of the decisions that affect us most. Popular Democracy exists because we’re done waiting for justice. We’re coming together as a nationwide force to turn the tide on issues that impact us all.
We’re taking the mic and making sure our voices and stories not only are heard, but also centered by those shaping policies. We exist because we believe in the unstoppable power of everyday people coming together. Our new look is all about amplifying the voices that have been ignored — the renters, moms, hard workers, wage earners, and students.
People who don’t come from the left or the right, but come from the bottom and are coming for the top. The people who keep this country running every day. This is about taking our power back and making it real.
Our Mission: A Multiracial Democracy Where We All Thrive
Picture this: a world where everyone has a fair shot — where your zip code, skin color, or last name doesn’t decide your future. That’s the world we’re fighting for.
We’re building a multiracial, popular democracy that reflects all of us and where everyone can thrive. That means:
- Housing Justice: Because the rent is too damn high, and everyone deserves a safe place to call home.
- Access to affordable healthcare: Because getting sick shouldn’t mean going broke.
- Environmental Justice: We need clean air, clean water, and a healthy planet for generations to come.
- Immigrant Rights: Everyone deserves to exist without fear, no matter where they come from.
- Community Safety: We advocate for safety through justice, equity, and investment in community resources.
- Economic Justice: Fighting for fair wages so we can all live with dignity, not just survive.
Our New Logo: A Mic for the People
Our new logo isn’t just pretty. It’s inspired by a microphone — a megaphone for the people because we’re here to turn up the volume on the voices that have been turned down for way too long. The dots represent one of our 50 grassroots organizations across 34 states and D.C. coming together to demand transformative change. We’re like the Avengers of democracy — only with less spandex and more action.
What’s Next: Mobilizing for 2024
The 2024 elections are our next big opportunity to build power in our communities. Regardless of who wins, we know one person won’t give us everything our communities need to thrive. We’ve launched iwillvotein24.com to invite you to join us in putting candidates on notice about the issues we care about and that we’ll be expecting them to address once they’re in office. It also has everything you need to prepare to vote, whether you’re figuring out how to register, learning about key issues, or just trying to get your friends to the polls.
Join Us in the Fight for Liberation
It’s time to break down the barriers that keep us out and build a democracy that’s got room for everyone. Here’s how you can jump in:
- Pledge to vote on issues at iwillvotein24.com. Commit to showing up for our communities in 2024.
- Download the visuals! Need visuals on the issues to get your friends and family to vote? Grab ’em from our issues page. Let’s flood the timeline — visit the link to download and spread the word!
- Get ready to vote for the solutions our communities need at ballotready.org
We’re done waiting. We’re done asking. We’re taking what’s ours — because when we fight together, we win.
With love, power, and a whole lot of hope,
Erika Maye
Chief of Communications
