{"id":695,"date":"2021-04-21T20:02:18","date_gmt":"2021-04-21T20:02:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.americancanary.org\/blog\/?page_id=695"},"modified":"2021-06-14T14:09:52","modified_gmt":"2021-06-14T14:09:52","slug":"strengthen-democracy","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.americancanary.org\/blog\/strengthen-democracy\/","title":{"rendered":"Strengthen Democracy"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"has-text-align-center has-primary-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#de5b49\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-primary-color\">what is democracy?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>A system of self-governance in which citizens elect representatives to pursue their interest, and a system whose functionality relies upon the concepts of truth, justice\/the rule of law, and an educated populace.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#de5b49\"><span class=\"has-inline-color has-primary-color\">why is it important?<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the United States we rely on democracy as our system of government. Our democracy is created around the three branches of government, executive, legislative and judicial, each comprised of officials elected by registered citizens. It is further sub divided into Federal and State systems, providing for both centralized and decentralized power systems to impact daily life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-primary-background-color has-background coblocks-animate mb-0\" data-coblocks-animation=\"fadeIn\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h3 class=\"has-text-align-center has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"color:#de5b49\"><span style=\"color:#de5b49\" class=\"has-inline-color\">pillars of democracy<\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-background is-style-default\" style=\"background-color:#de5b49;color:#de5b49\"\/>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"zoomIn\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<h6 class=\"has-text-align-center has-quaternary-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"color:#de5b49\">justice<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<h6 class=\"has-text-align-center has-quaternary-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"color:#de5b49\">equality<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<h6 class=\"has-text-align-center has-quaternary-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"color:#de5b49\">freedom<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column\">\n<h6 class=\"has-text-align-center has-quaternary-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"color:#de5b49\">representation<\/h6>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:42px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-quaternary-color has-text-color\">These pillars &#8211; justice, equality, freedom and representation &#8211; are a set of ideals that democracy strives to stand upon. In the United States the following systems are constructed to allow for these pillars to stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed alignfull is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"What are the key features of a democracy?\" width=\"660\" height=\"371\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Qi-getj3JX8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:42px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"slideInBottom\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h5 class=\"has-text-align-center has-quaternary-color has-text-color has-custom-weight\" style=\"font-weight:normal\"><strong><span style=\"color:#de5b49\" class=\"has-inline-color\">1.<\/span><\/strong> Respect for Human Rights<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"has-text-align-center has-quaternary-color has-text-color has-custom-weight\" style=\"font-weight:normal\"><strong><span style=\"color:#de5b49\" class=\"has-inline-color\">2.<\/span><\/strong> Separation of power in government through multi-party systems and division into three branches<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"has-text-align-center has-quaternary-color has-text-color has-custom-weight\" style=\"font-weight:normal\"><strong><span style=\"color:#de5b49\" class=\"has-inline-color\">3.<\/span><\/strong> A democratice voting system<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"has-text-align-center has-quaternary-color has-text-color has-custom-weight\" style=\"font-weight:normal\"><strong><span style=\"color:#de5b49\" class=\"has-inline-color\">4.<\/span><\/strong> Respect for Rule of Law<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"has-text-align-center has-quaternary-color has-text-color has-custom-weight\" style=\"font-weight:normal\"><strong><span style=\"color:#de5b49\" class=\"has-inline-color\">5.<\/span><\/strong> Democratic Governance<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"has-text-align-center has-quaternary-color has-text-color has-custom-weight\" style=\"font-weight:normal\"><strong><span style=\"color:#de5b49\" class=\"has-inline-color\">6.<\/span><\/strong> Citizen Participation<\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-shape-divider alignfull has-primary-background-color coblocks-shape-divider-2418830230 mb-0 mt-0\" style=\"color:#de5b49\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-shape-divider__svg-wrapper\" style=\"min-height:100px\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 100 10\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" preserveaspectratio=\"none\" class=\"divider--wavy\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"m42.19.65c2.26-.25 5.15.04 7.55.53 2.36.49 7.09 2.35 10.05 3.57 7.58 3.22 13.37 4.45 19.26 4.97 2.36.21 4.87.35 10.34-.25s10.62-2.56 10.62-2.56v-6.91h-100.01v3.03s7.2 3.26 15.84 3.05c3.92-.07 9.28-.67 13.4-2.24 2.12-.81 5.22-1.82 7.97-2.42 2.72-.63 3.95-.67 4.98-.77z\" fillrule=\"evenodd\" transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 -1 0 10)\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-shape-divider__alt-wrapper\" style=\"min-height:50px\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-background mb-0 mt-0 has-no-padding\" style=\"background-color:#de5b49\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"fadeIn\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div style=\"height:27px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"alignfull has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#de5b49;font-size:36px\">what can I do as a citizen to strengthen democracy?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:27px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-shape-divider alignfull is-vertically-flipped is-horizontally-flipped coblocks-shape-divider-2418830230 is-style-hills mt-0\" style=\"color:#de5b49\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-shape-divider__svg-wrapper\" style=\"min-height:150px\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 1920 105\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" preserveaspectratio=\"none\" class=\"divider--hills\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><g fillrule=\"evenodd\" transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 -1 0 105)\"><path d=\"m1920 14.8827052c-116.23325 0-224.05162 88.3906828-395.09265 88.3906828-160.92196 0-254.53172-83.4344997-444.90735-83.4344997-154.297581 0-240.095847 39.6344097-367.66819 39.6344097-154.121863 0-198.902329-36.1223133-349.458242-36.1223133-144.878137 0-241.175717 80.8685493-362.873568 80.8685493 0-34.0793243 0-68.1494291 0-102.219534h1920z\"><\/path><path d=\"m1920 14.6612844c-116.11434 0-223.9659 88.8291396-395.06196 88.8291396-160.92415 0-254.54487-83.7874573-444.93804-83.7874573-154.317311 0-240.088941 39.8974838-367.565152 39.8974838-154.034172 0-198.792715-36.4840402-349.164477-36.4840402-144.965828 0-241.283139 81.1250467-363.270371 81.1250467 0-34.7474052 0-69.4948104 0-104.241457h1920z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-shape-divider__alt-wrapper\" style=\"min-height:50px\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Civic engagement means working to make a difference in the civic life of our communities and developing the combination of knowledge, skills, values, and motivation to make a difference in governance. It means promoting quality of life in a community through both political and non-political processes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Being civically engaged does not mean you have to march on Washington to demand change, but it does mean you are actively engaging within the local or state systems to help solve problems within your life and community.<br>Being civically engaged does not mean you have to scream at people you disagree with and\u00a0not allow them to express their\u00a0political\u00a0beliefs, but it does mean that you stand up for what you believe in and try to engage others in the merits of the causes you are fighting for.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:48px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-right\">&#8230;start by watching this<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"fadeIn\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"What is Civic Engagement?\" width=\"660\" height=\"371\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/x6bNwmrBPXI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:60px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-left\">now let&#8217;s reflect on&#8230;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"fadeIn\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-primary-color has-quaternary-background-color has-text-color has-background\"><span style=\"color:#de5b49\" class=\"has-inline-color\">ONE<\/span> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"has-text-align-center has-primary-color has-quaternary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-custom-weight has-custom-lineheight mb-0 pb-0 mt-0 pt-0\" style=\"line-height:2.25;font-weight:normal\"><strong>Civic Action<\/strong> or participation in activities such as volunteering or service-learning to help better the community ~ What are actions you could take in your own community?<\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"fadeIn\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"fadeIn\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-primary-color has-quaternary-background-color has-text-color has-background\"><span style=\"color:#de5b49\" class=\"has-inline-color\">TWO<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"has-text-align-center has-primary-color has-quaternary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-custom-weight has-custom-lineheight mb-0 pb-0 mt-0 pt-0\" style=\"line-height:2.25;font-weight:normal\"><strong>Civic Commitment<\/strong> or the willingness to make positive contributions to society ~ What problems would you want to commit to solving?<\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"fadeIn\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"fadeIn\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-primary-color has-quaternary-background-color has-text-color has-background\"><span style=\"color:#de5b49\" class=\"has-inline-color\">THREE<\/span> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"has-text-align-center has-primary-color has-quaternary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-custom-weight has-custom-lineheight mb-0 pb-0 mt-0 pt-0\" style=\"line-height:2.25;font-weight:normal\"><strong>Civic Skills<\/strong> or the ability to be involved in civil society, politics and democracy ~ What skills do you have that can help solve the problem?<\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"fadeIn\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"fadeIn\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-primary-color has-quaternary-background-color has-text-color has-background\"><span style=\"color:#de5b49\" class=\"has-inline-color\">FOUR<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"has-text-align-center has-primary-color has-quaternary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-custom-weight has-custom-lineheight mb-0 pb-0 mt-0 pt-0\" style=\"line-height:2.25;font-weight:normal\"><strong>Social Cohesion<\/strong> or a sense of reciprocity, trust and bonding to others ~ Who do you know who would care about your cause?<\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:78px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"slideInLeft\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h4 class=\"has-text-align-left\">self reflection exercise&#8230;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"slideInLeft\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h5 class=\"has-text-align-center has-primary-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#de5b49\">What are the <a href=\"http:\/\/www.americancanary.org\/blog\/?p=262\">values<\/a> that are essential to your life both on and offline?<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"has-text-align-center has-primary-color has-text-color has-background has-custom-weight\" style=\"background-color:#de5b49;font-weight:normal\">Make a list and then see how your actions online reflect what is listed.<\/h6>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:68px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"has-text-align-right\">&#8230;dive deeper into resources<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.humanetech.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Civic Engagement Guide<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.statevoices.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">State Voices<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5>&#8230;<strong>podcasts<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Listen to the Democracy Work Podcasts from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.listennotes.com\/search\/?q=%22Penn%20State%20McCourtney%20Institute%20for%20Democracy\/The%20Democracy%20Group%22&amp;scope=podcast&amp;only_in=author\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Penn State McCourtney Institute for Democracy\/The Democracy Group<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.listennotes.com\/podcasts\/democracy-works\/citizenship-patriotism-and-wZQ2MXryctE\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Citizenship, patriotism, and democracy in the classroom<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.listennotes.com\/podcasts\/democracy-works\/jonathan-haidt-on-the-yEIoW19-v4U\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Jonathan Haidt on the psychology of democracy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.listennotes.com\/podcasts\/democracy-works\/is-it-possible-to-overdo-7EAN5cgbmd1\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Is it possible to overdo democracy?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.listennotes.com\/podcasts\/democracy-works\/reason-in-politics-and-hope-dqVrcb6yOhX\/\">Reason in politics and <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.listennotes.com\/podcasts\/democracy-works\/reason-in-politics-and-hope-dqVrcb6yOhX\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">h<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.listennotes.com\/podcasts\/democracy-works\/reason-in-politics-and-hope-dqVrcb6yOhX\/\">ope for democracy<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-shape-divider alignfull coblocks-shape-divider-37111846186 is-style-hills mb-0 mt-0\" style=\"color:#ffde16\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-shape-divider__svg-wrapper\" style=\"min-height:100px\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 1920 105\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" preserveaspectratio=\"none\" class=\"divider--hills\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><g fillrule=\"evenodd\" transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 -1 0 105)\"><path d=\"m1920 14.8827052c-116.23325 0-224.05162 88.3906828-395.09265 88.3906828-160.92196 0-254.53172-83.4344997-444.90735-83.4344997-154.297581 0-240.095847 39.6344097-367.66819 39.6344097-154.121863 0-198.902329-36.1223133-349.458242-36.1223133-144.878137 0-241.175717 80.8685493-362.873568 80.8685493 0-34.0793243 0-68.1494291 0-102.219534h1920z\"><\/path><path d=\"m1920 14.6612844c-116.11434 0-223.9659 88.8291396-395.06196 88.8291396-160.92415 0-254.54487-83.7874573-444.93804-83.7874573-154.317311 0-240.088941 39.8974838-367.565152 39.8974838-154.034172 0-198.792715-36.4840402-349.164477-36.4840402-144.965828 0-241.283139 81.1250467-363.270371 81.1250467 0-34.7474052 0-69.4948104 0-104.241457h1920z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-shape-divider__alt-wrapper\" style=\"min-height:50px\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-background mb-0 mt-0 has-no-padding\" style=\"background-color:#ffde16\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<h4 class=\"alignfull has-text-align-right has-primary-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#ffde16;font-size:26px\">learn the basics of media literacy<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:30%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons aligncenter\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-primary-color has-quaternary-background-color has-text-color has-background\" href=\"http:\/\/www.americancanary.org\/blog\/media-literacy\">explore now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-shape-divider alignfull has-primary-color coblocks-shape-divider-2418830230 mb-0 mt-0\" style=\"background-color:#ffde16\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-shape-divider__svg-wrapper\" style=\"min-height:100px\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 100 10\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" preserveaspectratio=\"none\" class=\"divider--wavy\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"m42.19.65c2.26-.25 5.15.04 7.55.53 2.36.49 7.09 2.35 10.05 3.57 7.58 3.22 13.37 4.45 19.26 4.97 2.36.21 4.87.35 10.34-.25s10.62-2.56 10.62-2.56v-6.91h-100.01v3.03s7.2 3.26 15.84 3.05c3.92-.07 9.28-.67 13.4-2.24 2.12-.81 5.22-1.82 7.97-2.42 2.72-.63 3.95-.67 4.98-.77z\" fillrule=\"evenodd\" transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 -1 0 10)\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-shape-divider__alt-wrapper\" style=\"min-height:50px\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-primary-background-color has-background mb-0 mt-0 has-no-padding\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"fadeIn\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div style=\"height:27px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"alignfull has-text-align-center has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"color:#de5b49;font-size:36px\">what are ways to engage civically?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:27px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-shape-divider alignfull is-vertically-flipped has-primary-color coblocks-shape-divider-2418830230 is-style-hills mt-0\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-shape-divider__svg-wrapper\" style=\"min-height:150px\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 1920 105\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" preserveaspectratio=\"none\" class=\"divider--hills\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><g fillrule=\"evenodd\" transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 -1 0 105)\"><path d=\"m1920 14.8827052c-116.23325 0-224.05162 88.3906828-395.09265 88.3906828-160.92196 0-254.53172-83.4344997-444.90735-83.4344997-154.297581 0-240.095847 39.6344097-367.66819 39.6344097-154.121863 0-198.902329-36.1223133-349.458242-36.1223133-144.878137 0-241.175717 80.8685493-362.873568 80.8685493 0-34.0793243 0-68.1494291 0-102.219534h1920z\"><\/path><path d=\"m1920 14.6612844c-116.11434 0-223.9659 88.8291396-395.06196 88.8291396-160.92415 0-254.54487-83.7874573-444.93804-83.7874573-154.317311 0-240.088941 39.8974838-367.565152 39.8974838-154.034172 0-198.792715-36.4840402-349.164477-36.4840402-144.965828 0-241.283139 81.1250467-363.270371 81.1250467 0-34.7474052 0-69.4948104 0-104.241457h1920z\"><\/path><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-shape-divider__alt-wrapper\" style=\"min-height:50px\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"fadeIn\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"fadeIn\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"slideInLeft\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-quaternary-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"color:#de5b49\">VOTE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"has-text-align-center has-custom-weight\" style=\"font-weight:normal\">Register to Vote, help others to do so and Vote in All Elections.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.whenweallvote.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">When We All Vote<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vote.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vote.org<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockthevote.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rock the Vote<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spreadthevote.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Spread the Vote<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"On National Voter Registration Day We Look at America&#039;s Voting Problem\" width=\"660\" height=\"371\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Vu5syIiMQUI?start=29&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn about the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/us-news\/ng-interactive\/2019\/nov\/07\/which-us-states-hardest-vote-supression-election\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">voting restrictions<\/a> in place in your state.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Learn about the <a href=\"https:\/\/healthyelections-case-tracker.stanford.edu\/?campaign_id=9&amp;emc=edit_nn_20201028&amp;instance_id=23557&amp;nl=the-morning&amp;regi_id=68214507&amp;segment_id=42559&amp;te=1&amp;user_id=b9fa590330cd55ee91948b439701f4cf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">law suits taking place<\/a> across the country to protect our elections, tracked by the Healthy Elections Project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have friends or family that don\u2019t make a habit of voting, have a conversation with them about why. Remind them of the significance of this civic duty, and of each citizen\u2019s responsibility to bring life to our democracy.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure you\u2019re informed about how we as citizens can ensure this is a free and fair election:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.electiontaskforce.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.electiontaskforce.org\/<\/a>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Listen to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/podcasts\/809226212\/how-to-vote-in-america\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">How to Vote in America<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/choosedemocracy.us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/choosedemocracy.us\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/protectdemocracy.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/protectdemocracy.org\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Watch and host a screening of this short film on voter suppression in the 2020 election:&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.bravenewfilms.org\/suppressed?gclid=Cj0KCQjwit_8BRCoARIsAIx3Rj7EEHhBRy4Hq8R1s60A-6XHpiLrQDPzzoCIRZ2RN4dQRwbvaC41WV8aAjVREALw_wcB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.bravenewfilms.org\/suppressed?gclid=Cj0KCQjwit_8BRCoARIsAIx3Rj7EEHhBRy4Hq8R1s60A-6XHpiLrQDPzzoCIRZ2RN4dQRwbvaC41WV8aAjVREALw_wcB<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"fadeIn\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"slideInRight\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-quaternary-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"color:#de5b49\">CONTACT REPS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"has-text-align-center has-custom-weight\" style=\"font-weight:normal\"><span style=\"color:#de5b49\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.senate.gov\/general\/contact_information\/senators_cfm.cfm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Find your Senators.<\/a><\/span> Who are they? What do they stand for?<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"has-text-align-center has-custom-weight\" style=\"font-weight:normal\"><span style=\"color:#de5b49\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/advocacy\/guide\/letter-email\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Write your Senators<\/a><\/span> to express your views on the upcoming impeachment vote<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"has-text-align-center has-custom-weight\" style=\"font-weight:normal\"><span style=\"color:#de5b49\" class=\"has-inline-color\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.americancanary.org\/blog\/use-your-voice\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">View a Sample Letter<\/a><\/span> You Can Use to Start or Scroll to Copy &amp; Paste<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore <a href=\"https:\/\/vop.org\/gallery\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Outreach Resources<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Check out <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eleventhreenow.com\/what-to-do-now\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">After We Vote<\/a> to learn what you can do to Demand Justice and Protect Democracy Now<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/advocacy\/guide\/letter-email\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">APA Guide to Writing to Your Representative<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.apa.org\/advocacy\/guide\/who-to-contact\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Who to Contact?<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.aclu.org\/writing-your-elected-representatives\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Writing to Your Elected Representatives<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"fadeIn\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"slideInLeft\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-quaternary-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"color:#de5b49\">VOLUNTEER<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"has-text-align-center has-primary-color has-quaternary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-custom-weight has-custom-lineheight mb-0 pb-0 mt-0 pt-0\" style=\"line-height:2.25;font-weight:normal\">There are countless ways to help out within our local communities. Start by identifying the skills, knowledge and expertise you bring to the table. Then work on understanding the problems within your local community and how your skills can help solve them.<\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"slideInRight\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-quaternary-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"color:#de5b49\">RUN FOR OFFICE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"has-text-align-center has-custom-weight\" style=\"font-weight:normal\">Who can run for office? You can!<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Our current representation does not reflect the diversity and complexity that is the American people ~ one solution to that is more non-white males need to run. Do you fit that Bill? Are you passionate about your local community, state or betterment of our whole country? If so consider running for office!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To see what seats are up for election in your area check out this helpful tool ~ <a href=\"https:\/\/www.runforoffice.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.runforoffice.org\/<\/a> <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"slideInLeft\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"has-text-align-center has-quaternary-background-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"color:#de5b49\">BE INFORMED<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"has-text-align-center has-custom-weight\" style=\"font-weight:normal\">Our ability to critically analyze and seek out the information necessary to make informed decisions is essential to maintaining our democracy.<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>As our lives continue to rely on digital technologies to deliver or news, entertainment and information our abilities to navigate online spaces and information is vital to our progress as a society. Without media literacy practices users of technology tend to find ineffective and inefficient pathways to the information they seek, getting trapped along the way by mis-information and online hate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Media literacy helps to break this cycle of inefficiencies and provide users with the proper understandings to harness digital tools to enhance the productivity, connectivity and civic engagement within their individual lives.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:78px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"slideInLeft\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h4 class=\"has-text-align-left\">self reflection exercise&#8230;<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"slideInLeft\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h5 class=\"has-text-align-center has-primary-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#de5b49\">Which online platforms enrich your life and democratic experience? <\/h5>\n\n\n\n<h6 class=\"has-text-align-center has-primary-color has-text-color has-background has-custom-weight\" style=\"background-color:#de5b49;font-weight:normal\">Which drain it and consume your energy and attention? Reflect upon the ways in which you engage with politics and democracy online.<\/h6>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:68px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"fadeIn\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<h4 class=\"has-text-align-right\">&#8230;dive deeper into resources<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/amp\/s\/amp.theatlantic.com\/amp\/article\/604213\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">America Is Now the Divided Republic the Framers Feared<\/a> article from The Atlantic<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We need political parties. But their rabid <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vox.com\/the-big-idea\/2017\/9\/5\/16227700\/hyperpartisanship-identity-american-democracy-problems-solutions-doom-loop\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">partisanship could destroy American democracy<\/a> article by Vox<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/amp\/s\/www.aljazeera.com\/amp\/indepth\/features\/disunited-states-partisan-politics-polarising-190801094457547.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Disunited States<\/a>: How partisan politics is polarising the US article by AlJazeera<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.journalism.org\/2020\/01\/24\/u-s-media-polarization-and-the-2020-election-a-nation-divided\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">U.S. Media Polarization and the 2020 Election: A Nation Divided<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>America\u2019s political system isn\u2019t broken. The truth is scarier: It\u2019s working exactly as designed. In this <a href=\"https:\/\/simonandschusterpublishing.com\/why-were-polarized\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">book<\/a>, journalist Ezra Klein reveals how that system is polarizing us \u2014 and how we are polarizing it \u2014 with disastrous results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.brookings.edu\/book\/divided-politics-divided-nation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Divided Politics: Divided Nation<\/a>. The United States is caught in a partisan hyper conflict that divides politicians, communities\u2014and even families. Politicians from the president to state and local office-holders play to strongly-held beliefs and sometimes even pour fuel on the resulting inferno. This polarization has become so intense that many people no longer trust anyone from a differing perspective.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:100px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-shape-divider alignfull has-quaternary-background-color coblocks-shape-divider-2418830230 mb-0 mt-0\" style=\"color:#6cefd1\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-shape-divider__svg-wrapper\" style=\"min-height:100px\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 100 10\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" preserveaspectratio=\"none\" class=\"divider--wavy\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"m42.19.65c2.26-.25 5.15.04 7.55.53 2.36.49 7.09 2.35 10.05 3.57 7.58 3.22 13.37 4.45 19.26 4.97 2.36.21 4.87.35 10.34-.25s10.62-2.56 10.62-2.56v-6.91h-100.01v3.03s7.2 3.26 15.84 3.05c3.92-.07 9.28-.67 13.4-2.24 2.12-.81 5.22-1.82 7.97-2.42 2.72-.63 3.95-.67 4.98-.77z\" fillrule=\"evenodd\" transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 -1 0 10)\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-shape-divider__alt-wrapper\" style=\"min-height:50px\"><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-background mb-0 mt-0 has-no-padding\" style=\"background-color:#6cefd1\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"fadeIn\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div style=\"height:27px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"slideInBottom\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull coblocks-animate\" data-coblocks-animation=\"slideInBottom\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:70%\">\n<h4 class=\"alignfull has-text-align-right has-primary-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#6cefd1;font-size:36px\">create <span class=\"has-inline-color has-primary-color\">mindfulness<\/span> in your media use <\/h4>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center\" style=\"flex-basis:30%\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons aligncenter\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-primary-color has-quaternary-background-color has-text-color has-background\" href=\"http:\/\/www.americancanary.org\/blog\/media-mindfulness\">learn how<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:59px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-shape-divider alignfull is-vertically-flipped has-primary-background-color coblocks-shape-divider-37112638395 mb-0 mt-0\" style=\"color:#6cefd1\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-shape-divider__svg-wrapper\" style=\"min-height:100px\"><svg viewbox=\"0 0 100 10\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" preserveaspectratio=\"none\" class=\"divider--wavy\" role=\"img\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><path d=\"m42.19.65c2.26-.25 5.15.04 7.55.53 2.36.49 7.09 2.35 10.05 3.57 7.58 3.22 13.37 4.45 19.26 4.97 2.36.21 4.87.35 10.34-.25s10.62-2.56 10.62-2.56v-6.91h-100.01v3.03s7.2 3.26 15.84 3.05c3.92-.07 9.28-.67 13.4-2.24 2.12-.81 5.22-1.82 7.97-2.42 2.72-.63 3.95-.67 4.98-.77z\" fillrule=\"evenodd\" transform=\"matrix(1 0 0 -1 0 10)\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"wp-block-coblocks-shape-divider__alt-wrapper\" style=\"min-height:50px\"><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>what is democracy? A system of self-governance in which citizens elect representatives to pursue their interest, and a system whose functionality relies upon the concepts of truth, justice\/the rule of law, and an educated populace.&nbsp; why is it important? In the United States we rely on democracy as our system of government. Our democracy is [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_coblocks_attr":"","_coblocks_dimensions":"","_coblocks_responsive_height":"{\"coblocks-shape-divider-37111846186\":{\"backgroundHeight\":{\"height\":50},\"shapeHeight\":{\"height\":100}}}","_coblocks_accordion_ie_support":"","hide_page_title":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.americancanary.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/695"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.americancanary.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.americancanary.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.americancanary.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.americancanary.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=695"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/www.americancanary.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/695\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":777,"href":"https:\/\/www.americancanary.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/695\/revisions\/777"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.americancanary.org\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=695"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}