About DriveDemocracy

What is DriveDemocracy.org?

DriveDemocracy is a Texas-based organization initially funded through a generous start-up grant from MoveOn.org. Like MoveOn, DriveDemocracy wants to help ordinary people make their voices heard in the political arena. For too long the voices of ordinary Texans have been silenced by a system that depends on big money, influence peddling, and elite control of political institutions. DriveDemocracy wants to revitalize our democracy by creating new avenues for political involvement.

How was the initial start-up funding raised?

The grant from MoveOn.org comes from the remaining proceeds of MoveOn’s powerful Defending Democracy campaign, which raised $1 million in 2003 to educate voters about Republican U.S. Rep. Tom DeLay’s unprecedented mid-decade Congressional redistricting plan for Texas. DeLay’s plan disenfranchised millions of Texas voters by radically altering Congressional district lines. MoveOn’s leadership believed the remaining proceeds from the campaign should be used in Texas in ways that pay ongoing dividends to ordinary citizens.

How can you make your voice heard?

DriveDemocracy launched in April, 2004. The first issue to be tackled is to protect Texas schoolchildren from political interests who place their own power above the state’s responsibility to provide a quality education for ALL Texas students, not just those who happen to reside in wealthy school districts. DriveDemocracy will provide a variety of avenues for involvement on this critical issue.

In addition, DriveDemocracy solicits advice and suggestions from members as to what other issue priorities the organization should set. The organization is independent of all other special interest groups, and will involve members in strategic and creative decision-making.

Who runs DriveDemocracy?

In a very real sense, members will have a powerful voice deciding what issues the organization will become involved in. The DriveDemocracy team who will work day in and day out to make it easier for ordinary citizens to participate in politics includes Glenn Smith, author and longtime activist who helped manage MoveOn’s Defending Democracy campaign, and Nathan Wilcox, who has a decade of experience in designing and managing web-based advocacy campaigns.

How will DriveDemocracy be funded in the long term?

DriveDemocracy will keep basic operating costs to an absolute minimum. We will depend upon contributions from members in whatever amounts they can afford.

Does DriveDemocracy endorse any specific candidates?

As a non-profit corporation we are prohibited for advocating for the electoral victory or defeat of any candidate. However, we are looking for ways to educate and organize progressive Texans and increase their participation in politics. We are very interested in hearing of any grassroots initiatives in your area that you believe are worthy of support.