About us
The purpose of Democracy Matters is to equip people with the skills to implement democracy effectively. We help people ‘see’ the system around them, understand how it impacts them and the people they care about, and give them the confidence to actively use their democratic skills.
Together we can make democracy grow, so it is big enough for all of us!
Democracy Matters is anchored in a broad definition of democracy, one that goes beyond politicians, their parties, elections and the media.
How we work: We educate early voters, elected representatives, and the teachers who inspire our future voters and political leaders. We create feedback loops between these three groups, to make our system of democracy stronger and more stable.
Our Vision
To grow democracy between elections.
This vision reflects the belief that democracy is not a static system or a process limited to voting day. Instead, Democracy Matters sees democracy as something that must be practised, tended to, and grown through everyday actions, relationships and shared understanding.
Democracy Matters aims to build democratic capacity across society — especially in the often-overlooked times between elections, when habits, ethics and trust are shaped.
The vision is rooted in a systems-thinking approach. It emphasises strengthening the relationships and feedback loops between three interconnected groups:
New voters (especially young people and new citizens)
Elected representatives
Teachers who inspire both
The idea is that by equipping these groups with skills, confidence and ethical leadership, democracy will become more resilient, inclusive and future-ready.
Our core principles
- Democracy is how we treat each other.
- Democracy is a skill each of us can learn.
- Democracy requires attention from all of us to be at its best.
- Kinship is the most important building block for a thriving democracy.
- In democratic communities, ethical citizens actively care for the most vulnerable.
- Accountability – each of us acts in the best interests of society: with honesty, integrity and transparency.
- Democratic decision-making means thinking about future generations – how will this decision impact them?
About the UN Sustainable development goals
Democracy Matters is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
- Peace, justice and strong institutions G16
- Quality education G4
- Reduced inequalities G10
- Life on the land G15
- Sustainable cities and communities G11
- Partnerships for the goals G17
Associations and certifications
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