Let's make democracy everybody's business!

Humanity in Action staff members Antje Scheidler and Johannes Lukas Gartner collaborated on an op-ed for the Alfred Landecker Foundation. Their article “Let’s make democracy everybody’s business!” discusses activism and the preconception that it requires 24 hours a day. Rather than seeing activism as a full time commitment, they argue for a more approachable and widely applicable form of activism – one that everyone can engage in, regardless of their other time commitments. They hope that by letting go of this seemingly insurmountable barrier to “activism,” more people can get and remain involved.

The article also delves into the process of developing the Landecker Democracy Fellowship and the conscious decision to work with professionals. “They have the standing, the skills, the knowledge and the networks it takes to drive change in society… Take the Fellows’ passion and expertise, bring in diverse networks and experts, add a scholarship and seed money, and part-time activism can blossom.” Fellows are powerful examples of people who incorporate activism into their already existing lives. Whether it be working on medical misinformation while being a doctor or diversifying art and remembrance as a curator, activism can be molded to fit everyone’s lives.

Read the full article here.

Antje, the National Director of Humanity in Action Germany and the International Director of European Programs, and Johannes, the International Director of Strategy and Organizational Development, headed the Landecker Democracy Fellowship this past year. Along with the Alfred Landecker Foundation, Humanity in Action created this Fellowship to strengthen a new generation of leaders whose approaches to political and social challenges can become catalysts for democratic placemaking and community building. Read more about the fellowship here.