Location: Nationwide
Website: democracycollaborative.org
Through our cutting edge research and our many diverse programs, The Democracy Collaborative works to carry out a vision of a new economic system where shared ownership and control creates more equitable and inclusive outcomes, fosters ecological sustainability, and promotes flourishing democratic and community life.
We are a national leader in equitable, inclusive and sustainable development through our Community Wealth Building Initiative. This initiative sustains a wide range of Advisory, Research and Field Building activities designed to transform the practice of community/economic development in the United States. We also host the Next System Project, ongoing intellectual work designed to connect Community Wealth Building to the larger context of systemic economic transformation.
Our staff and associates are involved in a wide range of projects involving research, training, policy development, and community-focused work designed to promote an asset-based paradigm of economic development and increase support for transformative strategies among community stakeholders, anchor institutions, and key policymakers. As the premier innovator and leading national voice in the field of Community Wealth Building, we are known for our research and advisory services, as well as informing public policy, promoting new models and strategies, and establishing metrics to advance the field.
Throughout this work, our mission is to catalyze the transformation of our economy, working to build community wealth and create a next system anchored in democratic ownership and based on:
Broadening ownership and stewardship over capital
Democracy at the workplace
Stabilizing community and emphasizing locality
Equitable and inclusive growth
Environmental, social, and institutional sustainability
Showing posts with label Democracy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Democracy. Show all posts
Monday, December 19, 2016
Friday, April 8, 2016
Right to the City
Location: International
Website:righttothecity.org
Through shared principles and a common frame and theory of change, RTTC is building a national movement for racial justice, urban justice, human rights, and democracy. RTTC seeks to create regional and national impacts in the fields of housing, human rights, urban land, community development, civic engagement, criminal justice, environmental justice, and more.
Right to the City was born out of desire and need by organizers and allies around the country to have a stronger movement for urban justice. But it was also born out of the power of an idea of a new kind of urban politics that asserts that everyone, particularly the disenfranchised, not only has a right to the city, but as inhabitants, have a right to shape it, design it, and operationalize an urban human rights agenda.
In the realm of ideas, a key resource and touchstone is “Le droite à la ville” (Right to the City) a book published in 1968 by French intellectual and philosopher Henri Lefebvre. In the sphere of human rights, this powerful idea was adopted by the World Urban Forum and elaborated into the World Charter of the Right to the City in 2004. Building from this powerful idea, international principles, and forward-looking grassroots organizing, the Right to the City Alliance was established in January 2007.
THE RIGHT TO THE CITY PLATFORM
Land for People vs. Land for Speculation:
The right to land and housing that is free from market speculation and that serves the interests of community building, sustainable economies, and cultural and political space.
Land Ownership:
The right to permanent ownership of urban territories for public use.
Economic Justice:
The right of working class communities of color, women, queer and transgender people to an economy that serves their interests.
Indigenous Justice:
The right of First Nation indigenous people to their ancestral lands that have historical or spiritual significance, regardless of state borders and urban or rural settings.
Environmental Justice:
The right to sustainable and healthy neighborhoods, workplaces, healing, quality health care, and reparations for the legacy of toxic abuses such as brown fields, cancer clusters, and superfund sites.
Freedom from Police State Harassment:
The right to safe neighborhoods and protection from police, INS/ICE, and vigilante repression, which has historically targeted communities of color, women, queer and transgender people.
Immigrant Justice:
The right of equal access to housing, employment, and public services regardless of race, ethnicity, and immigration status and without the threat of deportation by landlords, ICE, or employers.
Services and Community Institutions:
The right of working class communities of color to transportation, infrastructure and services that reflect and support their cultural and social integrity.
Democracy and Participation:
The right of community control and decision making over the planning and governance of the cities where we live and work, with full transparency and accountability, including the right to public information without interrogation.
Reparations:
The right of working class communities of color to economic reciprocity and restoration from all local, nation and transnational institutions that have exploited and/or displaced the local economy.
The right to support and build solidarity between cities across national boundaries, without state intervention.
The right of rural people to economically healthy and stable communities that are protected from environmental degradation and economic pressures that force migration to urban areas.
Website:righttothecity.org
Through shared principles and a common frame and theory of change, RTTC is building a national movement for racial justice, urban justice, human rights, and democracy. RTTC seeks to create regional and national impacts in the fields of housing, human rights, urban land, community development, civic engagement, criminal justice, environmental justice, and more.
Right to the City was born out of desire and need by organizers and allies around the country to have a stronger movement for urban justice. But it was also born out of the power of an idea of a new kind of urban politics that asserts that everyone, particularly the disenfranchised, not only has a right to the city, but as inhabitants, have a right to shape it, design it, and operationalize an urban human rights agenda.
In the realm of ideas, a key resource and touchstone is “Le droite à la ville” (Right to the City) a book published in 1968 by French intellectual and philosopher Henri Lefebvre. In the sphere of human rights, this powerful idea was adopted by the World Urban Forum and elaborated into the World Charter of the Right to the City in 2004. Building from this powerful idea, international principles, and forward-looking grassroots organizing, the Right to the City Alliance was established in January 2007.
THE RIGHT TO THE CITY PLATFORM
Land for People vs. Land for Speculation:
The right to land and housing that is free from market speculation and that serves the interests of community building, sustainable economies, and cultural and political space.
Land Ownership:
The right to permanent ownership of urban territories for public use.
Economic Justice:
The right of working class communities of color, women, queer and transgender people to an economy that serves their interests.
Indigenous Justice:
The right of First Nation indigenous people to their ancestral lands that have historical or spiritual significance, regardless of state borders and urban or rural settings.
Environmental Justice:
The right to sustainable and healthy neighborhoods, workplaces, healing, quality health care, and reparations for the legacy of toxic abuses such as brown fields, cancer clusters, and superfund sites.
Freedom from Police State Harassment:
The right to safe neighborhoods and protection from police, INS/ICE, and vigilante repression, which has historically targeted communities of color, women, queer and transgender people.
Immigrant Justice:
The right of equal access to housing, employment, and public services regardless of race, ethnicity, and immigration status and without the threat of deportation by landlords, ICE, or employers.
Services and Community Institutions:
The right of working class communities of color to transportation, infrastructure and services that reflect and support their cultural and social integrity.
Democracy and Participation:
The right of community control and decision making over the planning and governance of the cities where we live and work, with full transparency and accountability, including the right to public information without interrogation.
Reparations:
The right of working class communities of color to economic reciprocity and restoration from all local, nation and transnational institutions that have exploited and/or displaced the local economy.
The right to support and build solidarity between cities across national boundaries, without state intervention.
The right of rural people to economically healthy and stable communities that are protected from environmental degradation and economic pressures that force migration to urban areas.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
EUROCITIES
Location: European Union
Website: www.eurocities.eu
Created in 1986, EUROCITIES brings together the democratically elected local governments of 134 cities including cities in the European Union (Full Members) and cities in other European countries (Associate Members). Membership is open to the municipal governments of cities which are recognised as important regional centres with an international dimension, and normally having at least 250 000 inhabitants.
EUROCITIES works along 3 complementary strands of activities:
The city of Warsaw is currently the president of EUROCITIES.
EUROCITIES members benefit from taking part in trans-national projects, research activities, policy seminars and workshops with regard to a wide range of urban issues and challenges.
Through networking cities can learn from each other by sharing knowledge, exchanging experiences, comparing different approaches, testing innovative solutions and analysing best practices. Alongside the advantages for the participating cities, these thematic activities also provide a sound and solid basis for the development of EUROCITIES policy positions and proposals.
EUROCITIES is committed to working towards a common vision of a sustainable future in which all citizens can enjoy a good quality of life.
EUROCITIES aims at achieving a European context where cities can be inclusive, prosperous, creative, and sustainable, with democratic and effective governance, and where all citizens can be provided with opportunities for participation in all aspects of urban life - including political, cultural, social and economic aspects.
EUROCITIES provides a strong voice for cities in the European Union, and actively contributes to the development and implementation of European policies, legislation and programmes which are relevant for cities.
EUROCITIES is an important partner for dialogue with the European Commission, both on the political level and on the technical level. EUROCITIES also maintains close contacts with the Committee of the Regions, the European Parliament and the Member States.
The Brussels office carries out policy, project, human resources, finance, administration and communications work.
An executive committee, made up of twelve elected representatives, manages the business of the organisation. This is currently led by Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, mayor of Warsaw and president of EUROCITIES.
The executive committee meets at least three times a year and oversees our annual work programme, internal rules and budget, as approved by the annual general meeting (AGM).
Important decisions relating to the network are made at the annual general meeting (AGM), which is held during our annual conference. Each member city is represented at the meeting.
The 2012 annual conference took place in Nantes on 7-10 November 2012 (www.eurocities2012.eu) and the 2013 conference takes place in Ghent on 27-29 November 2013.
Our day-to-day work is conducted through six thematic forums and a number of related working groups in which our members can participate. Forums monitor developments in specific policy areas, addressing issues and coordinating activities. They also set up and monitor working groups, and draft EUROCITIES position papers. Each forum meets two to three times each year and elects its own chair and vice-chair.
The executive committee also has working groups on cross-cutting themes such as governance, neighbourhood policy and climate change.
Website: www.eurocities.eu
Created in 1986, EUROCITIES brings together the democratically elected local governments of 134 cities including cities in the European Union (Full Members) and cities in other European countries (Associate Members). Membership is open to the municipal governments of cities which are recognised as important regional centres with an international dimension, and normally having at least 250 000 inhabitants.
EUROCITIES works along 3 complementary strands of activities:
The city of Warsaw is currently the president of EUROCITIES.
EUROCITIES members benefit from taking part in trans-national projects, research activities, policy seminars and workshops with regard to a wide range of urban issues and challenges.
Through networking cities can learn from each other by sharing knowledge, exchanging experiences, comparing different approaches, testing innovative solutions and analysing best practices. Alongside the advantages for the participating cities, these thematic activities also provide a sound and solid basis for the development of EUROCITIES policy positions and proposals.
EUROCITIES is committed to working towards a common vision of a sustainable future in which all citizens can enjoy a good quality of life.
EUROCITIES aims at achieving a European context where cities can be inclusive, prosperous, creative, and sustainable, with democratic and effective governance, and where all citizens can be provided with opportunities for participation in all aspects of urban life - including political, cultural, social and economic aspects.
EUROCITIES provides a strong voice for cities in the European Union, and actively contributes to the development and implementation of European policies, legislation and programmes which are relevant for cities.
EUROCITIES is an important partner for dialogue with the European Commission, both on the political level and on the technical level. EUROCITIES also maintains close contacts with the Committee of the Regions, the European Parliament and the Member States.
The Brussels office carries out policy, project, human resources, finance, administration and communications work.
An executive committee, made up of twelve elected representatives, manages the business of the organisation. This is currently led by Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz, mayor of Warsaw and president of EUROCITIES.
The executive committee meets at least three times a year and oversees our annual work programme, internal rules and budget, as approved by the annual general meeting (AGM).
Important decisions relating to the network are made at the annual general meeting (AGM), which is held during our annual conference. Each member city is represented at the meeting.
The 2012 annual conference took place in Nantes on 7-10 November 2012 (www.eurocities2012.eu) and the 2013 conference takes place in Ghent on 27-29 November 2013.
Our day-to-day work is conducted through six thematic forums and a number of related working groups in which our members can participate. Forums monitor developments in specific policy areas, addressing issues and coordinating activities. They also set up and monitor working groups, and draft EUROCITIES position papers. Each forum meets two to three times each year and elects its own chair and vice-chair.
The executive committee also has working groups on cross-cutting themes such as governance, neighbourhood policy and climate change.
Tuesday, February 19, 2013
Meu Rio
Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Website: www.meurio.org.br
Meu Rio (“My Rio” in Portuguese) is an independent popular movement for and by the people of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Together we are building a more democratic, just and livable city. Our campaigns and tools will help empower all Cariocas to work together to improve the city we love as we prepare to host the World Cup and Olympics.
MY RIO meurio.org.br
This is our headquarter site, where you can enroll in our missions and receive instructions on the next goals to transform Rio de Janeiro. You are also located inside of everything that My Rio is doing on the streets, the large network and in our other tools. Want to be a change agent in Rio de Janeiro?
PRESSURE COOKER paneladepressao.org.br
In the Pressure Cooker, population and social movements can create their own campaigns of popular pressure. Because all the pressure is faster. The recipe is simple: you point a problem, calls other people who want the same change directly and presses politicians, businessmen and public officials, by email, Twitter or Facebook. If you want to transform the river you live near, start here.
TRUTH OR DARE verdadeouconsequencia.org.br
Know the game Truth or Dare? In these elections, we created one way for you to find your ideal Councilman and candidate to know what people expect from a good politician. In verdadeouconsequência.org.br voters collaboratively construct a questionnaire, send a questionnaire to candidates and compare the answers. After, our Truth or Dare will get you to the polls to vote. And this is just the beginning. We are always experimenting with ways of interacting and working on new transformation tools.
Website: www.meurio.org.br
Meu Rio (“My Rio” in Portuguese) is an independent popular movement for and by the people of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Together we are building a more democratic, just and livable city. Our campaigns and tools will help empower all Cariocas to work together to improve the city we love as we prepare to host the World Cup and Olympics.
MY RIO meurio.org.br
This is our headquarter site, where you can enroll in our missions and receive instructions on the next goals to transform Rio de Janeiro. You are also located inside of everything that My Rio is doing on the streets, the large network and in our other tools. Want to be a change agent in Rio de Janeiro?
PRESSURE COOKER paneladepressao.org.br
In the Pressure Cooker, population and social movements can create their own campaigns of popular pressure. Because all the pressure is faster. The recipe is simple: you point a problem, calls other people who want the same change directly and presses politicians, businessmen and public officials, by email, Twitter or Facebook. If you want to transform the river you live near, start here.
TRUTH OR DARE verdadeouconsequencia.org.br
Know the game Truth or Dare? In these elections, we created one way for you to find your ideal Councilman and candidate to know what people expect from a good politician. In verdadeouconsequência.org.br voters collaboratively construct a questionnaire, send a questionnaire to candidates and compare the answers. After, our Truth or Dare will get you to the polls to vote. And this is just the beginning. We are always experimenting with ways of interacting and working on new transformation tools.
Citizens Union
Location: New York, NY
Website: www.citizensunion.org
Citizens Union is a nonpartisan good government group dedicated to making democracy work for all New Yorkers. Citizens Union serves as a civic watchdog, combating corruption and fighting for political reform.
We work to ensure fair and open elections, honest and efficient government, and a civically‐engaged public.
We are New Yorkers from diverse backgrounds and political beliefs, connected to our communities and united in our commitment to put the city’s long‐term interest ahead of all special interests.
Principled and pragmatic, Citizens Union is an independent force for constructive reform, driving policy and educating the public to achieve accountable government in the City and State of New York.
We accomplish our mission through three entities:
- Citizens Union of the City of New York is a 501c4 organization that advances legislation to improve our government and political system, and conducts evaluations of candidates for city and state offices.
- Citizens Union Foundation is a 501c3 organization that conducts in-depth research on public policy, provides information to the public, and promotes public policy solutions.
- Gotham Gazette, a New York City-based online watchdog publication that covers city and state government, elections, environment, education, public safety, health, transportation and housing. Gotham Gazette is an independent publication of Citizens Union Foundation.
Citizens Union is also guided by a set of overarching organizational values that define our union of New Yorkers and the way we work:
- Independent of Any Political Party,
- Principled, Pragmatic and Problem‐Solving,
- Rooted in New York City,
- Representing Diversity in Political Beliefs, Community, and Backgrounds,
- Mutual Respect and Civil Dialogue,
- Honoring our Tradition of Standing up to Tammany Hall,
- Striving for the “Highest Common Ground” Policy Solutions and
- Collaborative with Strategic Partners.
The term “good government” means different things to different people and too little to too many. For Citizens Union good government in the City and State of New York is expressed through these values, qualities, and actions:
- Open Elections and Transparent Government,
- Accountability for Public Officials,
- Fair Process in Decision‐making,
- Efficient and Effective Administration of Government,
- Public Knowledge of Candidates, Public Officials and Policy,
- Reduced Influence of Money and Special Interests in Politics, and
- Public Participation in New York’s Civic Life.
Citizens Union finds common ground and uses the tools of public policy, public education and public engagement to:
- Reduce the influence of money and special interest power in politics and policy making,
- Improve voter access to, and participation in, the selection of candidates and elections,
- Foster accountability and openness in government to increase public trust,
-Make more information available, increasing access to public records and expanding public knowledge of government actions; and
- Provide leadership in finding the highest common ground needed to achieve effective solutions to issues of city and statewide importance.
Website: www.citizensunion.org
Citizens Union is a nonpartisan good government group dedicated to making democracy work for all New Yorkers. Citizens Union serves as a civic watchdog, combating corruption and fighting for political reform.
We work to ensure fair and open elections, honest and efficient government, and a civically‐engaged public.
We are New Yorkers from diverse backgrounds and political beliefs, connected to our communities and united in our commitment to put the city’s long‐term interest ahead of all special interests.
Principled and pragmatic, Citizens Union is an independent force for constructive reform, driving policy and educating the public to achieve accountable government in the City and State of New York.
We accomplish our mission through three entities:
- Citizens Union of the City of New York is a 501c4 organization that advances legislation to improve our government and political system, and conducts evaluations of candidates for city and state offices.
- Citizens Union Foundation is a 501c3 organization that conducts in-depth research on public policy, provides information to the public, and promotes public policy solutions.
- Gotham Gazette, a New York City-based online watchdog publication that covers city and state government, elections, environment, education, public safety, health, transportation and housing. Gotham Gazette is an independent publication of Citizens Union Foundation.
Citizens Union is also guided by a set of overarching organizational values that define our union of New Yorkers and the way we work:
- Independent of Any Political Party,
- Principled, Pragmatic and Problem‐Solving,
- Rooted in New York City,
- Representing Diversity in Political Beliefs, Community, and Backgrounds,
- Mutual Respect and Civil Dialogue,
- Honoring our Tradition of Standing up to Tammany Hall,
- Striving for the “Highest Common Ground” Policy Solutions and
- Collaborative with Strategic Partners.
The term “good government” means different things to different people and too little to too many. For Citizens Union good government in the City and State of New York is expressed through these values, qualities, and actions:
- Open Elections and Transparent Government,
- Accountability for Public Officials,
- Fair Process in Decision‐making,
- Efficient and Effective Administration of Government,
- Public Knowledge of Candidates, Public Officials and Policy,
- Reduced Influence of Money and Special Interests in Politics, and
- Public Participation in New York’s Civic Life.
Citizens Union finds common ground and uses the tools of public policy, public education and public engagement to:
- Reduce the influence of money and special interest power in politics and policy making,
- Improve voter access to, and participation in, the selection of candidates and elections,
- Foster accountability and openness in government to increase public trust,
-Make more information available, increasing access to public records and expanding public knowledge of government actions; and
- Provide leadership in finding the highest common ground needed to achieve effective solutions to issues of city and statewide importance.
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