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At the national level, there are claims being made by both leading presidential candidates that they are out to “save democracy.” While their opinions about how to do that differ wildly, my opinion is that the best chance for that really happening is actually at the local, not the federal, level.
Democracy thrives when citizens are actively engaged, and what better place to do that than in their own communities? Indeed, local governments play a crucial role in fostering democratic values, as they are the closest to the people they serve. When citizens are well-informed, engaged and involved in their local decision-making processes, they are more likely to trust and support their government. This trust is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy.
Tripepi Smith adopted a new vision statement this year for our firm’s role in the sector we serve:
To inspire effective civic engagement by being the most trusted, capable and intelligent local government communications firm in the United States.
A key word in that vision is “effective.” That word choice was intentional as we crafted the statement. It is centered on the idea that merely executing keyboard-enabled anger at fellow residents or government leaders is not effective civic engagement. Rather, informed discussion, agreed-upon facts and openness to changing course based on those discussions and facts are key criteria for having effective civic engagement. Such engagement should also result in a greater number of people being informed about the policy outcomes and choices being made by their local governments. Ultimately, engagement builds trust. Trust supports democracy.
If Tripepi Smith can achieve our vision, I think our partnerships with local governments could make a difference in preserving democracy by providing accurate, transparent, and timely information to the public we all serve. But we have a lot of work to do, and much of it will take place long after the General Election is over.
Until then, go cheer on your city or county clerk throughout this election process, stay open and engaged with your constituents both online and in real life and continue to support meaningful dialogue with each other. Those acts will do a lot to save democracy.
Onward,
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