Democracy Strategy

Democracy Program Strategy

The Goal: Preserve and strengthen those values and qualities that are the foundation of a healthy democratic political system: honesty, fairness, transparency, accountability, competition, and informed citizen participation. Accordingly, the Foundation seeks to create political cultures in Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin that make it possible for more citizens, not just those who are wealthy and well connected, to run for public office; offer voters real candidate and policy choices at election time; protect voting rights; respect the independence and impartiality of the courts; promote the public’s right to know about government operations and decisions; guarantee the fairness and reliability of elections; and provides citizens with the information needed to make reasoned decisions.

The Joyce Approach

Support organizations and coalitions in the Midwest to:

• Contribute to the development and promotion of broad, multi-issue political reform agendas within the target states, including improvements in the laws and practices governing campaign finance, elections, redistricting, judicial selection, voting rights, and local news coverage of government and politics.
• Engage in activities necessary for effective advocacy—policy research and development, public and policy-maker education, coalition-building, news media outreach, and participation in official proceedings, including litigation.
• Work collaboratively with other reform groups, academic and legal experts, and policy makers to advance shared goals within their states and across the region
• Participate in activities designed to enhance their capacities in the areas of strategic planning, organizing, coalition-building, fund-raising, advocacy, and communications.

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