the Goal

New Yorkers deserve the basic democratic right—enjoyed by most other Americans and in most of the country’s big cities—to have a direct say in our city’s future and the laws we live by. The right of citizens to propose and vote on laws is fundamental to democratic government around the country. Some of NYC’s lowercase democrats aim to get it for New York by amending its charter.

Be part of it. | How we’re going to do it. | Why we have to.

Given our democratic rights, it’s also time to bring them into the 21st century by creating a citizens’ forum which

• is accessible to all,
• serves as a library for all information related to proposals,
• allows communal deliberation and improvement of proposals,
• is a transparent and verifiable tally of citizen support for proposals, and
• is a costless way for good ideas to qualify to be voted on in the next election.

Such a forum will mitigate the influence of money and corporate media, and act as a civic and educational tool, rejuvenating our democracy.

Help draft the necessary charter amendment(s).