Become a Democracy Delegate

The Democracy Delegates is the citizen-based, volunteer project designed and led by Alexander Moll at the Public Forum Institute dedicated to implementing a new national initiative. This initiative will consist of a regular series of citizen-led deliberative democracy assemblies interconnected all across Washington, DC and all 435 U.S. congressional districts to inform congressional policy-making. We seek support to better serve the public's need for places of inclusive, structured, fulfilling, and efficacious discussion and evaluation of policy. Volunteers help to work on plans for a unique series of open forums that meet regularly in every community with members of congressional staff.

The design intent of the project aims for a strategic alliance of hundreds of civic organizations, schools, entrepreneurs, think tanks, government officials, and individuals--each with specific shared responsibilities in synergy, including representatives working as a cross-organizational planning committee that govern and implement the project with local community members.

Deliberating with dozens of elected officials, including members of Congress from both parties millions could facilitate a great civic renewal of national proportions and make a giant leap forward in the history of democracy.  It will inspire many to become agents of democracy and transcend perceived divisions to make sound public policies.  This broader approach to governance will improve the quality and accountability of public policy as well as fortify civil society. This is democracy at its best; it is the next generation of public service: collaborative governance.

To confirm the feasibility of the Democracy Delegates national initiative prior to launch, the initial year of the project would consist of coalition-building, a national conference and a face-to-face forum series pilot project consisting of eight forums across the eight wards of Washington, D.C.  Currently, volunteers help with research, fundraising, and the strategic planning.

Our Vision of Volunteers and Civic Engagement 

The Public Forum Institute empowers volunteers to mobilize communities to establish participatory democracy by advancing the ability of citizens to regularly convene community assemblies that aim to provide an inclusive, coordinated democratic process for all citizens to build community, directly contribute to policy, and vote on all matters of public importance.  Volunteers work together to help develop programs, outreach, and fundraising for such civic education and activities.   

Join us to discuss and implement ideas of how to best further the experiment of local participatory democracy in America. Fill out the form below or contact the Director of Civic Engagement, Alexander Moll (202-421-6818) if you have any questions.

Why volunteer?

What’s it like to volunteer with the Public Forum Institute?  Each valued volunteer brings talents and perspectives that shape the story of the program.  Your volunteer role is tailored-made based on your talents and your story.  Once you sign up as a volunteer we offer professional training and opportunities to make a difference via citizen engagement.  This makes the experience of volunteering at the Public Forum Institute a rewarding experience. 

Volunteers acquire non-profit professional development experience in research in citizen engagement best practices, educational publication, outreach, web development, group decision-making training, communication, e-democracy workshops, community organizing, and fundraising as part of a larger mission to build community comprehensively and reinvigorate democracy all over the U.S.  Volunteers work in groups on coordinated projects to build coalitions of civic NGOs, foundations, and other useful partners in the planning of the national initiative.

Volunteering for the Public Forum Institute means you have an opportunity to save citizen-led local democracy and fulfill your own community’s need for participatory democracy.  When you volunteer, you can:

·     Make a meaningful difference in your neighborhood by building community and participatory democracy

·     Help citizens organize non-partisan public policy forums

·     Have flexible options and opportunities that fit your schedule

·     Build relationships and networks that last a lifetime

·     Learn the broad field of citizen engagement and deliberative democracy

·     Involve your family and friends

·     Gain professional non-profit experience

·     Win featured recognition in individual and group projects

Volunteer Activities

Strategic planning of the proposed national initiative with Alexander Moll, Keith Walker, Lucas Cioffi of DeepDebate.org, and Diana Dobrovetsky (left to right).

Web design of new forum series proposal as interfaced with new home website.

 Volunteer research and education.          Collaboration with Pablo at p-poll.org.

Sign up now

Next Volunteer Meeting

All meetings are open to the public and all volunteers. 

Key delegates are requested to attend. 

PFI Web Design Session

DATE:

Wedneday, October 29, 2008

TIME:

6:00p - 8:30p

AGENDA:

6:00p-6:15p | Meet in Lobby

6:15p-6:45p | Socializing + food and beverages

6:45p-7:00p | Overview of Democracy Delegates + national initiative proposal

7:00p-7:15p | Review of Democracy Delegates Work

7:15p-7:30p | Immediate Projects: Forums + Congressional Interviews

7:30p-7:45p | Teams and Tasks Scheduling

7:45p-8:00p | Q & A

8:00p-8:30p | Video presentations about public deliberation

LOCATION:

The Public Forum Institute
2300 M Street, NW, Suite 900
Washington, DC 20037

RSVP:

E-mail Diana Dobrovetsky

or call 224-622-6532

KEY DELEGATES:

Diana Dobrovetsky, Volunteer Coordinator

Lucas Cioffi

Erica Hall

Keith Walker

Tatiana Omeltchenko

Timothy Zork

Pablo Del Real

Joshua Miller

Kristina Brzezinski

Lani Hart

Lee Ayres

Mike Amato

Justine McCarthy

Deyon Johnson

Stephen Petrock

Jill Shah

Jennifer White

Justine Tye

Sara Morgan

Gene Johnson

Tai Davis

Patricia Janer

Richard Prosser

Esther Coleman

Jennifer Walsh

Joanna Hecht

Roya Crider

Marlena Worthy

Robert Reed

Ledell Brumfield

Heather Hoffman

Ariana Williams

Felipe Alonso

Hope Brown

Haroun Habib

David Noto

Frances Weil

Murtaza Kamal

Allison Hodges

Wayne Smith

Miki Litmanovitz

Amanda Pettengill

Evans Aine

Joaquin Batalla