Perhaps the most venerable and widely quoted definition of democracy is “rule by the many”–as opposed to “rule by one” or “rule by a few”. It’s a workable definition, as far as it goes. But it’s just a beginning. For starters, it doesn’t tell us much about what “the many” need to be able to exercise effective rule. Flesh that out, and you arrive at another image of democracy. One group that’s taken a stab at doing so is PACE (Philanthropy for Active Civic Engagement). Its new “Democracy Primer” places “empowered citizens” at the center of democracy.
I don’t want to suggest that PACE’s effort is the final word on democracy. You might find another image of democracy, like one of the ones we’ve described in previous posts (use search box, above), more insightful or inspiring. But the PACE primer does have the advantage of highlighting the many processes, policies, and social factors on which “rule by the many” depends. Either they are nurtured or they atrophy.
The vision motivating EnCiv is that a productive, interactive, and enjoyable civic platform can have a positive impact on most (if not all) of the quadrants depicted in the PACE Primer.
As an individual citizen, so can you. PACE’s Primer suggests that all of its quadrants contribute to empowered citizens. To the extent that’s true, there’s no limit to where–or how–you can help fortify citizenship. In the proces, you’ll also be strengthening the other components of empowerment.
