About
About Our Blog
Welcome to ‘By the People’
Whether you know us through the Jane Addams School, Public Achievement, or our efforts with the City of Saint Paul to renew the democratic purpose of education, we are the Center for Democracy and Citizenship. All of our work is grounded in the belief that a healthy democracy requires everyone’s participation, and that each of us has something to contribute.
It is our intention that this blog, By the People, will keep you informed—and inspired to get involved—with real-life stories of civic engagement that works, reflections on democracy, and suggestions and examples of how policy makers, elected officials and citizens can work together to solve public problems and build the common good. The name of the blog comes from President Abraham Lincoln’s famous speech at Gettysburg, where he described a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.—Abraham Lincoln
Gettysburg Address, November 19, 1863
We hope you’ll help the blog live up to its name, and add your own perspective and ideas by posting comments. We’ll occasionally feature guest bloggers, and are interested to hear your suggestions for topics and useful links. This is our way of keeping you connected to the work that you have something to add to—so don’t forget to join us.
CIRCLE – A nonpartisan research center studying youth civic engagement and civic education.
National Coalition for Dialogue and Deliberation
PAunite.org (Public Achievement in Eastern Europe and Eurasia)
Public Achievement Northern Ireland
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