ABSTRACT
The activists whose stories fill these pages are committed to the public good and are working in creative ways to pursue their visions of a better society. They share a widespread sense that the political system is broken, yet a hesitant hopefulness about the future of democracy. Most self-identify as “nonpolitical,” even as they do the work of the democratic public; they nearly universally demand increased participation, transparency, accountability, and more direct relationships between citizens and the government; and everyone deeply cares about making their community a better place to live. The active citizens of America believe they can make a difference. Most obviously, we saw this in their moments of celebration. When the Rhode Island governor rescinded an executive order that a civic group felt was harmful to immigrants, group members proudly proclaimed that they were directly responsible for influencing public policy and improving the lives of immigrants. We also noted their hope for political change in times of disillusionment, when people voiced such sentiments as, “We were duped! We thought the government was listening, and it wasn’t.” To feel “duped” by government, one must first believe, or at least hope, that a functioning democratic process is possible.
