Liberty Tree | Local Democracy

Underlying society, and superior to constitutions are equality, and certain unalienable rights, inherent in all people in virtue of their very humanity, and it is only when this democracy is a living idea in the community that it can become a living fact in the state.

~ Racine Advocate, 1854

Liberty Tree's Local Democracy Program works with elected officials, political parties, and community organizations in the United States to democratize local governments and to unite them as agents of democratic change. This program prioritizes the growth of strong participatory cultures in local government, implementation of democratizing policy reforms at the local level, and the emergence of an alliance of democratic local governments as a force in national politics.

Organizing Resources

Community Wireless Resources

Resources for communities pursuing municipal wireless.

Analyses of Participatory Democracy Elsewhere

Articles by country, analyzing participatory democracy initiatives.

Local Democracy Associations and Organizations

A collection of groups and organizations working on issues related to local governance and local democracy that we hope you'll find useful. Check back frequently for updates.

more organizing resources >

News

ACLU Defends Local Democracy Activist

Date: March 18, 2009

TED GLICK: Rev. Wright and Rev. Pinkney

Date: April 11, 2009

PAN-AFRICAN NEWS WIRE: Appeals court to hear Pinkney defense

Date: May 24, 2009

more news >

Take Action

Act Now to Bring the Troops Home!

source: United for Peace and Justice

Iraq Town Halls: Stop Funding the War

source: IraqTownHalls.com

National Days of Student Action

source: Students for a Democratic Society

more take action >

Events

Peer to Peer EXTRAVAGANZA for Youth Jobs

(April 30, 2008)

Students from youth organizations across the city are going on strike to demand city funding for youth jobs.

RETREAT: Community Organizing for Deep Democracy

(August 7, 2009)

Announcing our 2009 "Community Organizing
for Deep Democracy" Retreat

DC STATEHOOD GREEN PARTY: Rally and concert for DC STATEHOOD

(April 1, 2009)

Rally and concert for DC STATEHOOD: Wednesday, April 1, 6 pm on the
Capitol's west steps in Washington, DC

more events >

Publications & Talks

COLERIDGE: Keeping Public Assets Public

(March 13, 2009)

"Several factors are driving business corporations to push for corporatization of public assets. For one, many elected officials are willing suitors. Faced with crumbling infrastructures following years, if not decades, of neglect and massive budget deficits due to economic recessions/depression, local and state public officials are looking for a near-term cash infusion. Selling off some infrastructure is preferred to raising taxes and/or service fees."

CHIEF COUPER: Seven seeds for policing

(May 5, 2009)

David Couper is the former police chief of Madison, Wisconsin (1972-1993). He is now an Episcopal priest. This presentation was given in 1994.

MANSKI: The New U.S. Democracy Movement

(October 9, 2008)

If the people are generally progressive, and the system is the problem, then a movement to establish rule by the people – a democracy movement – could be the solution.

more publications & talks >