Living Democracy: The Big Picture
Today’s problems are too deep and interconnected to be solved from the top-down. Solutions require the ingenuity, experience and values of all of us. That’s the insight shared by more and more regular citizens across the planet. They’re letting go of the failing notion that democracy is merely a set system of government, something done to us or for us—what we call Thin Democracy. They are saying by their action that democracy is what we do! It is an enlivening culture in which the values of inclusion, fairness, and mutual accountability show up in a wide range of human relationships. So—and here’s the vital part—its values apply just as much in economic life or in cultural life as in political life. And that means we don’t have to leave the best of us at home — our values, our creativity, our voice — when, for instance, we enter the workplace.
We call it Living Democracy because it is about the way we live together: In essence it means infusing the power of citizens’ voices and values throughout our public lives and removing the power of money from governance. Rest assured, Living Democracy isn’t a new fixed “ism,” blueprint, or utopian end-state. It continually evolves, incorporating new experience.
[A]ctive liberty, the principle of participatory self government, was a primary force shaping the system of government that…[our Constitution] creates.
—Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer
The transition is underway. Democracy is becoming a way of life in our communities, schools, workplaces and more. We can each take part. Our latest works highlighting the emergence of Living Democracy include:
Hope’s Edge: The Next Diet for a Small Planet, chronicling Living Democracy emerging in social movement worldwide.
Getting a Grip: Clarity, Creativity & Courage in a World Gone Mad, Frances’ latest book recommended in a New York Times feature as a must read for the 2008 presidential candidates.
Democracy’s Edge: Choosing to Save Our Country by Bringing Democracy to Life, chock full of stories of Living Democracy in the the U.S.
Visit the “SPI Books” section of this site to learn more and order these books.
Click here to download our free simple guide, Doing Democracy: 10 Practical Arts: DoingDemocracy.pdf
What is “Living Democracy”? What is “Thin Democracy”? Download our guide: ThinDemocracy-LivingDemocracy.pdf
Learn more, read samples, and find helpful resources at the Democracy’s Edge website.
Stay Connected!
Frances on Fox News Challenges Burger King’s Global Strategist
Watch Frances on Fox News. “In this clip I argue that Burger King’s new ad campaign not only uses poor people to enrich the company but reflects a flawed business model — one that’s turned the Whopper into the Hummer of the food industry. Burger King executives, I suggest, could learn from the fate of the Hummer makers now on their knees in Washington and go for a savvy business model.”
— Frances
Events with Frances & Anna
Hear Frances on Radio Nation
Imagining a new New Deal, with Howard Zinn, Frances Moore Lappe, Andrea Batista Schlesinger, Eric Schlosser and...FDR himself. Plus: Ennis Carter. Click to listen.
Take a Bite out of Climate Change
Your fork has more to do with the climate crisis than you may know. Learn! Act! Eat! Check out the “Bite blog” and more resources.
The Small Planet Fund
The 7th Annual Small Planet Fund Gala, December 10th, was a huge success. We celebrated the Coalition of Immokalee Workers at the famed Colors Restaurant, and raised more for the Fund than in any previous year. Connect and learn more.
“Getting a Grip: Clarity, Courage, and Creativity in a World Gone Mad”
Check out Frances’s video introduction to her award-winning new book.
Read a review of her book!
Democracy’s Edge
Read about Frances’ book Democracy’s Edge and find stories of living democracy emerging.
