Daily Democracy

Hey gang. Sorry for being late this week. I went to Little Rock in search of silver linings and an attitude adjustment. It was delivered, medium rare, at Doe’s Eat Place. It’s amazing how a good meal with great people will fuel so much more than your body. Shout out to my life long dudes.

Democracy is the foundation for healthy communities, prosperous businesses, and impactful nonprofits. I know what you’re saying, and yes, here I go again. Hear me out, safeguarding democracy is not the work of politics, its mission critical to helping Arkansans earn more, learn more, and live well.

As you know, because you read each email from me start to finish, the 2023 Arkansas Civic Health Index highlights areas of strength and concern in the state’s democratic engagement. While Arkansas boasts high rates of charitable giving and community involvement, voter registration and turnout rates lag significantly. Weak democratic participation limits the ability of businesses and nonprofits to advocate for policies that address key issues.

Good news, according to Axios, Americans are volunteering again. 

Democracy is government by the people, right? If so, having people involved in doing the work and guiding the ship seems pretty important. I argue that volunteering is a muscle building exercise for democracy. It would appear that Americans have renewed their gym membership.

Silver lining of opportunity identified.

Organizations across the state—both for-profit and nonprofit—have a pivotal role in supporting democracy if they mean to address challenges, internally and externally, and ensure prosperity for all of us.

Connecting Democracy to Regional Progress

Attainable Housing: As highlighted in the Northwest Arkansas Council's 2024 report, rising housing costs are displacing workers and limiting opportunities for economic growth. Addressing this requires democratic processes that prioritize community voices in zoning reforms and housing policy decisions.

Workforce Development: Economic success hinges on aligning workforce development programs with community needs. Engaged citizens can push for education and training initiatives that align with the needs of local industries, creating a pipeline of skilled workers.

Healthcare Access: Regional assessments reveal gaps in access to healthcare, health workers, services, and funding. Engaged community members can make their voices heard and hold their representatives accountable in an effort to influence resource allocation and advocate for expanded services.

Get Down to Business

Empower Employee Civic Engagement:
Encourage employees to attend city council, school board, and other community meetings. Give them time off to volunteer with the community nonprofit of their choice.

Invest in Civic Education:
Partner with local schools or nonprofits to sponsor programs that teach Arkansans about civic responsibilities. Highlight the work of local nonprofits in associate communication tools to help your employees find their path to involvement.

Nonprofits Can Lead

Host Community Forums:
Create spaces where residents can learn about local and state issues as well as how nonprofit, including but not limited to yours, are making a difference in the community.

Advocate for Policy Change:
Engage with policymakers to support legislation that supports your mission. Grassroots advocacy efforts led by nonprofits can drive meaningful reforms.