Original draft of the Democracy 2.0 Declaration

This is the original draft of the Democracy 2.0 Declaration. Please leave the Original text section as it stands so it can be used as a reference. Please discuss its merits on the talk pages.

Editorial note and history
NOTE: Fifty youth leaders from across America composed this first draft of the Democracy 2.0 Declaration at the Democracy 2.0 Summit in Washington, DC on October 3, 2007. Mobilize.org intends this draft of the Declaration to be a springboard for discussion and editing. Mobilize.org will use the themes and ideas arrived at through the editing process over the next three months at Party for the Presidency.

This Declaration will be considered and amended by representatives of the Millennial Generation in Los Angeles, California, on December 29-31, 2007 in a gathering known as the Party for the Presidency. During the Party for the Presidency, delegates from all 435 Congressional districts will deliberate on the themes and ideas arrived at through the editing process on this wiki, with the expected net result of one or more actionable plans to be implemented by the Delegates and the other Mobilizers in each district.

Original text
Democracy is an unfinished project. It’s time we upgrade.

We, the Millennial Generation, are uniquely positioned to call attention to today’s issues and shape the future based on the great legacy we have inherited. Our founding fathers intended for every generation to build, indeed to innovate, on the American experience. We realize that as young people we are expected to be the leaders of tomorrow, but we understand that as citizens we are called to be the leaders of today.

We are compelled by the critical state of our present democracy to establish a new vision.

In a world often damaged by conflict and intolerance, we must commit to develop common ground through equality and open mindedness.

In a world often damaged by social isolation and materialism, we must commit to community at the family, local, national and global levels.

In a world often damaged by instant gratification, we must commit to creating sustainable solutions.

In a world often damaged by apathy and disillusionment, we must commit to civic participation and inclusion of all voices.

The present state of our democracy impedes opportunity for real change. We must connect the specific issues failing our population with their underlying systemic causes.

Our government seems unable or unwilling to adequately address our broadest problems, including economic inequality, America’s role in the world, and the effect of money on the democratic process. But we must remember, our government is only as effective as the sum of its citizens. Low civic participation means the most disadvantaged people in society are neglected and we overlook many potential solutions to our problems.

Our generation is telling a different story. We are uniquely positioned to foster community engagement through social networks of all kinds. It is our responsibility to use information and technology to upgrade democracy, transform communication and advance political engagement and civic participation.

We are social networkers, we are multi-taskers, we are communicators and we are opinionated. The informality of our generation breaks down traditional barriers and opens doors for inclusiveness and equality. Most importantly, we are leaders in a society that yearns for leadership.

It’s our democracy, it’s time to act.