3 .  Democracy and Community

Democracy relies on healthy, inclusive communities where all are able to participate in shaping their future, yet many communities are fractured. The work of this focus area will amplify individual and community voices, promote mutuality, encourage collective action, and enhance democratic engagement.

Goal: Strengthen community voices, mutuality, and collective action for greater citizen engagement and influence over local problem-solving and government. 

Strategies:

• Support local projects where people work together to improve their communities and experience the benefits of collaboration firsthand.
• Build social awareness of structural barriers and inequities that undermine the sense of community and limit collective action and citizen participation.
• Strengthen mechanisms for people to influence local government.