Worldview

Political 

Liberal democracies organize competitive political parties, free and fair elections, separation of powers, and the rule of law. They balance the private and public sectors, regulate the market economy, provide public services, and ensure human rights, civil rights, and political freedoms. The government establishes laws and regulations, enforces them with police power when necessary, and excludes people who refuse to play by the rules. 

The systemic reform movement supports liberal democracy, makes voting easier, pushes for lifetime equality of opportunity, and ensures that society meets everyone’s basic needs.

Everyone who promotes justice and compassion nurtures the Bottom-up System. However, when they discuss their actions as ways to change the Top-Down System, they expand awareness of how issues are interconnected and strengthen the movement. This long-term worldview helps sustain the movement over time and unifies diverse populations. 

The network of small teams builds bottom-up hierarchies with lower-level groups selecting representatives to higher-level bodies. Members vote on whether to approve compromises, focus on winnable short-term demands, and realize no victory or defeat is final. 

The movement promotes deliberative democracy, the official or unofficial use of randomly selected participants with equal power to recommend new policies on a particular issue. For instance, the Irish Citizens' Assembly regularly considers controversial, pressing questions, releases its report, and the government responds. “Deliberative Polling” invites randomly selected participants to review carefully balanced briefing materials on an issue, discuss them for a weekend, and then report on their opinions. 

Actions

The Purple Alliance. Systemic reform members initiated the formation of the Purple Alliance. This million-member grassroots lobbying effort backs new legislation supported by majorities of the American people. The Alliance periodically calls for its members to communicate the same message to its Congressperson on a top priority and winnable demand, organizes local public support for the measure, and joins demonstrations targeted at those who haven’t backed it. When it’s viable, the Alliance calls for nationwide work stoppages to build support. 

District Teams. The movement organizes self-governing teams with members who live in the same Congressional district. Team representatives meet regularly with their Congressperson’s local staff to become more informed about the official’s activities, recommend actions, thank them for support, and explore how the Congressperson might do more to support the movement. The team joins others to support alternate candidates in primary and general elections when needed. These teams regularly send representatives to regional and national meetings to evaluate their progress and decide on steps forward.

Community Dialogues with Elected Officials. District teams organize support for monthly two-hour community dialogues with local officials. A neutral moderator assures all participants honor the ground rules. Randomly selected constituents each have two minutes to make a statement or ask the official a question. 

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