2023: Democracy

Learn More

To complement the first-person learning of peoples' lived experiences, these resources can help you explore various aspects of the system, from macro and micro perspectives. While it is not exhaustive, this list is here to help you begin further exploration and learning about various aspects of the issue.

• 5 Habits of the Heart That Help Make Democracy Possible (pdf)
• Healing the Heart of Democracy: The Courage to Create a Politics Worthy of the Human Spirit, book by Parker Palmer  - also available through W&M Libraries.
• You're More Powerful Than You Think: A Citizens' Guide to Making Change Happen by Eric Liu
• Democracy - Our World in Data and Global State of Democracy reports
• Listen to a democracy-themed podcast such as Democracy Works (NPR), Politics is Everything (Center for Politics at UVa), or The Land that Never Has Been Yet (Scene On Radio). Many more are available through The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts united around the goal of helping listeners understand what’s broken in our democracy, and how people are working together to fix it.
• The Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism
• The nonprofit Virginia Public Access Project elevates public understanding of politics and government by organizing and presenting information in ways that are easily accessible and free of partisan bias.

Take Action

Explore events, service and advocacy opportunities.

• Attend events highlighted by the Democracy Initiative at William & Mary.
• Know your elected representatives at all levels and connect with them through direct advocacy, town halls, and other public events.