Remember the Democracy Compact — the grassroots organization that was going to get out the vote in Rhode Island? Well, it did — big time.
In November 2000, for example, 55,000 new voters — those who had not voted in
1996 — went to the polls. Moreover, Rhode Island moved up to 14th
from 24th in the country, in terms of voter turnout.
Beyond Cash Donations: How New Forms of Giving Are Transforming Not-for-Profit Accounting
Evolving Funding Landscape for Not-for-Profits Not-for-profit organizations are being asked to do more with less,…
Learn More
Now the Providence-based organization has set its sights on playing an even bigger
stage — and making a long-term commitment to invigorating our democracy.
And the Democracy Compact is not forgetting its roots. The organization is establishing permanent office space in Providence. By early March, a permanent board of directors is expected to be in place.
Credit for the success of the Democracy Compact belongs squarely in the lap of its founder, Matt Brown, a Columbia University graduate now studying at Yale University Law School. Brown had helped to establish City Year in 1993, serving as its executive director from 1995 to 1998. In 1998, he traveled to South Africa to study the election system in that country.
“We are looking to expand this nationally,” said Brown. “We’re looking to go to four or five new states in January 2002 — to work for the November 2002 election.”
Brown’s success with the Democracy Compact’s efforts was built on a straight-
forward formula. He sought out leaders in the state from the business, education
and non-profit communities. He then convinced them to work for a common good —
regardless of their political affiliation.
“It was nonpartisan, a safe place to meet in terms of political participation,” said Brown. “People got excited about setting aside a narrow interest and setting a higher goal. What was new was that it was so inclusive. People really got inspired.”
The Democracy Compact had much to accomplish.
Brown calls the decline in voting in America “one of the most severe social and political problems of our time.” Since 1960, said Brown, voting has declined across all demographic, age, and race groups – except for the World War II generation.
In 1996, for example, fewer than half of America’s eligible voters actually voted, the first time that had ever happened.
So how exactly did the Democracy Compact make such progress in Rhode Island?
The organization formulated a detailed, aggressive, and attainable business plan and then followed through on every aspect of it. The key, said Brown, was a person-to-person outreach strategy.
“People who are not voting are deeply committed to not voting,” he said. “They have thought about it. So we had to change their minds, not remind them. It was about talking to people one on one. It was labor intensive, but it’s the approach that works.”
Brown recruited 1,500 Democracy Captains and engaged 500 volunteers. In a state where everybody knows one another, word spread. There were newspaper articles and television stories. A voter outreach campaign was held at 400 workplaces, colleges, faith-based organizations, high schools and community centers.
“There was a strong educational component,” he said. “There was depth to it.”
Businesses joined in wholeheartedly. For example, CVS and Bank Rhode Island displayed and distributed educational materials at all of their 75 stores and branches throughout the state.
For Jack Kramer, a senior vice president at CVS, becoming involved with the Democracy Compact was the right thing to do. The staggering statistics marking the decline in voter participation, he said, were appalling.
“As one of the largest private employers in the state, we have a responsibility,” said Kramer. “This is our home base, our headquarters.”
Kramer applauded Brown for his tireless efforts.
“He has the skills to motivate people,” said Kramer.
Kramer said the fact that associates at CVS’ 45 Rhode Island stores embraced the cause, made it that much easier to help the Democracy Compact.
“We could not have done it without them,” he said.
In fact, Brown had lots of help from the business community.
Other, behind the scenes help came from companies such as Citizens Bank, The Damon Company, Providence Energy, Tango USA, Banneker Industries, Taco, the Providence Journal, the Greater Providence Chamber of Commerce and the Newport County Chamber of Commerce.
RDW Group, of Providence, the state’s largest advertising and public relations firm, provided some pro bono work during the early stages of the effort. Phil Rivers, a principal at RDW, said it was a rewarding endeavor.
“I was impressed by the organizational efforts that took place,” said Rivers. “You never ceased to be impressed by the energy level, from the top on down.”
Brown isn’t slowing down. Now he is busy putting together a board of directors and selecting those states where the Democracy Compact can make a difference in upcoming elections. Brown plans to find a small state, and maybe a bigger one.
He’d like to find a traditionally Republican state — and one held by Democrats.
He is on a mission to invigorate Democracy.
“We want to show that this can work anywhere,” said Brown.
If Rhode Island is any measure — one gets the sense that it can.
