DEMOCRACY CENTERS

Democracy Centers reimagine voter mobilization.

We know that real change can only come from within. Democracy Centers harness community power to achieve meaningful change on issues of local importance. 

Democracy Centers are in communities of color that have been historically marginalized and voter disenfranchised. In some cases, these are communities where politicians show up a month out of the year to urge for their vote without actually listening to voters' needs. This has created a deep sense of voter apathy where the phrase “my vote doesn’t matter” reflects people's frustration with our elected officials and the electoral process.

Democracy Centers are year-round, place-based community centers. Democracy Center leaders are from the communities in which they work. They understand their communities' needs and actively work to create real solutions. Democracy Center leaders show up daily, meeting people where they are, listening to their needs, and working hard to meet them. 

They understand that this work is about showing people that their voice matters, not just their vote. They work every day to meet their community's needs by running food banks, providing warm clothing, giving people free tablets, providing people with critical medical resources, and more. They lift people's voices and, in turn, show them the power of their vote to solve those real problems. 

Democracy Centers turn infrequent voters into voting rights advocates as people learn how to vote their power!

“The goal is to get people in our community thinking 'I feel empowered and that I matter. I can’t wait to make my voice heard and vote.' ”  - BJ Lark, Roanoke Virginia Democracy Center

Our Democracy Center Locations

Meet the Democracy Centers

Norfolk & Virginia Beach Democracy Center

The Virginia Beach/Norfolk Democracy Center strives to build community advocacy by reaching voters ages 18-30 and providing HOPE for change by listening to their needs. Change only comes when we use the power of the pen at the polls, and it's what we strive to achieve. One of the main ways we achieve this goal is to educate high school seniors, college students, and youth in these communities about the importance of civic engagement while providing the necessary tools to build and restore from within. This happens through collaboration with Faith-based Organizations through Community Outreach,  Youth Lead Events, Town Hall Meetings, and Community Forums.

Get Involved

Community Organizers

Are you currently working in your community and wish to partner with Center for Common Ground and take advantage of our resources and training to establish a Democracy Center?

Learn more about our Democracy Center program, and get in touch with us to start the conversation by emailing us at info@centerforcommonground.org

Volunteers

We will have a lot of opportunities for local volunteers to help with our Democracy Centers. Please sign up with us at Center for Common Ground so that we may contact you when opportunities become available!

And of course... your donation to our Democracy Centers is deeply appreciated!