TOWARD CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY | |
|
“The remedy for our democracy deficit is to devolve as much power as possible to the local level. Many problems can be addressed only on the state, federal and international level, but the idea is that participating in local politics teaches citizens how to speak in public, negotiate with others, research policy issues, and learn about their community and the larger circles in which it is embedded. Like any other skill, the way to become a better citizen is to practice citizenship.”
~Aeon
| |
Thank you for being a part of our #BetterAncestor community dedicated to promoting equity and civic responsibility across generations. Together, we can create a more just world for all. For this issue, we’ll focus on how civic responsibility shapes our communities and steps to advocate for social justice in your community | |
Hypertrophy Belonging And Civic Muscle For Intergenerational Well-being
A New Era In Kenyan Protests
By: Marion Olang, WE in the World
"Belonging" and "civic muscle" have become buzzwords in the social equity space as key determinants of well-being. The critical question is how to strengthen this civic muscle. We know the only way to strengthen a muscle is through exercise, but the ambiguity lies in what this looks like and how much effort it requires, which is the focus for this issue of the digest.
‘We are neither trapped in inexorable tragedies nor free of moral responsibility,’
-Ostrom
| |
Recently, in Kenya, we saw the exercise of civic muscle through protests grounded in and powered by Article 1 of the Kenyan Constitution, which asserts that all power belongs to the people. These protests were notable for their depth and impact, largely due to civic education efforts conducted via social media in multiple languages to reach all Kenyans. Millennials and Gen Z leveraged their tech skills to dissect the Finance Bill and highlight-among others- issues such as extortion, over-taxation, and unrestrained public display of opulence among elected officials, all at the expense of the citizenry's well-being. The campaign was driven by hashtags and was especially vibrant on platforms like X (formerly Twitter).
Kenyans took to X spaces to voice their concerns, organize protests, fundraise for medical supplies and support families affected by police brutality. Individuals and groups contributed water, snacks, and even PA systems to support protestors, infusing art and pop culture into the protests, from street fashion to music. Songs like “Kudade” and “Anguka Nayo” became anthems of the movement. Protestors even boldly invited the president on X, calling him to accountability.
|  | |
This revolutionary movement marked a significant shift in the history of Kenyan protests. Unlike previous protests, which often involved stone-throwing, these protests featured participants armed with water bottles, placards, and mobile phones, both physically and virtually. The #RejectFinanceBill2024 campaign not only signified a revolutionary turn but also demonstrated a new level of organization and engagement by the public, amplified across social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok.
In this context, Lamarck’s theory of use and disuse is relevant. Had we not replaced emotive responses with civic education about the powers we hold as citizens, would we have changed the narrative around protests? Likely not. Although Kenya has had its current constitution since 2010, it wasn’t until 2024 that protests became more impactful. Despite any assumptions or gaps in the #RejectFinanceBill2024 movement, the focus remains on the collective power of a citizenry that understands and exercises its civic responsibilities. Kenyan youths demonstrated as much.
As a #BetterAncestor, the way to strengthen this muscle and pass it on to future generations is by exercising our civic duties for a fair future. Civic engagement is a muscle that needs to be worked regularly to grow, and this is a trait future generations can inherit and build upon.
|  | |
|
‘The future I imagine (on a good day) looks a lot like the world inhabited by our ancestors…’
Christopher Ryan, 2019
Looking ahead, Now more than ever, many young people are eager to register as voters for the 2027 elections and make their voices heard on the ballot. Exercising civic muscle may vary based on the context and motivations, but in the social equity space, it is crucial for citizens to take the lead. Being proactive, rather than reactive, allows us to drive the changes we seek by using the power we have to ensure our voices are amplified for our well-being and posterity. In my opinion, it is preferable that the citizenry holds the reins. WE (the citizenry) belong, WE have power, WE decide.
For me, this means knowing who my representatives are and holding them accountable, attending citizen assemblies (mostly on X), participating in community forums, and making my voice heard at the ballot box. How are you taking charge in your community? What excites you most about exercising your civic muscle as a citizen?
| |
|
Changemaker Spotlight
How To Mobilize Your Community Unlocking The Power of Collective Action.
| #ChangemakerSpotlight #WE4Equity #WEWINTogether #Equity #Change #realchange #betterancestor | |
|
Escape The Echo Chamber
An ‘echo chamber’ is a social structure from which other relevant voices have been actively discredited. Where an epistemic bubble merely omits contrary views, an echo chamber brings its members to actively distrust outsiders.
| |
|
Treat People As Citizens
Remarkably, many social scientists today do not share the belief that democracy is better than epistocracy. On the contrary. In recent years, numerous political theorists and philosophers have argued that experts ought to be in charge of public policy and should manipulate, or contain, the policy preferences of the ignorant masses.
| |
The Better Ancestor Community | As government representatives at the national, state, and local levels are back in session, Below are updates from organizations that continue to work tirelessly to promote equity and justice through policy advocacy and community engagement. | |
|
Check out insightful updates from CPD (Center for Popular Democracy)
Are you showing up to Facing Race? This is the nation’s largest multiracial, intergenerational racial justice conference. This biennially, one-of-a-kind space serves as a vital intersection where community organizers, activists, and movement makers converge to build power and strategies to advance racial justice. The conference provides attendees unprecedented access to resources, information, and collaborative opportunities geared towards advancing racial equity for all.
Join our community of Better Ancestor by Signing The pledge and commit to making the world better for our children and generations after them. We owe it to them. Share widely and contribute to a thriving world.
| |
|
Upcoming Events
26 Sep - Opioid Crisis in Focus: Election Year Insights and Solutions
Sep 26, 2024, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM EDT
| |
|
Leonard-Litz LGBTQ Foundation: LGBTQ+ Community Grants (New Hampshire)
Type: Foundation
Due Date: Rolling
Match Required: No Cost Share
Overview: The purpose of this program is to help LGBTQ+ people fulfill their potential by funding nonprofit organizations that advance the interests and well-being of the LGBTQ+ community through advocacy and with programs and services that meet the needs of LGBTQ+ people. Funding will be provided for life-affirming services that address one or more of the following focus areas:
- Health and wellness
- Crisis intervention
- Racial justice
- Advocacy and community engagement
- Social assistance and programming
Huntington National Bank: Charitable Grant Program (Wisconsin)
Type: Foundation
Due Date: Rolling
Match Required: No Cost Share
Overview: The purpose of this program is to contribute to the development of healthy, vibrant communities. Funding will support projects that improve self-sufficiency and quality of life, as well as advance social and economic equality, in communities served by the funding agency.
Support will be provided for projects in the following focus areas:
- Community revitalization and stabilization
- Community services
- Affordable housing
- Economic and community development
- Racial/social equity
| | | | |
