How to Fortify Democracy in 2024: A Citizen’s Guide by Sam Daley-Harris
This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support! Members are invited to our next "Ask Laura Anything" virtual event taking place Thursday, 8 pm, January 24th, 2024. Check your inbox for the details. Any questions, please email us at info@lauraflanders.org
Civic courage — what does it look like and how can more of us embody it? In the lead-up to the 2024 presidential election, a study by Pew Research highlights a concerning trend among Americans: nearly two-thirds feel exhausted, 55% express anger, and a mere 10% report feeling hopeful about politics. Our guest Sam Daley-Harris believes we need advocacy organizations to train individuals to take bold actions — the sort that have an impact and leave volunteers feeling empowered and transformed. Daley-Harris is the founder of the anti-poverty lobby RESULTS in 1980 and Civic Courage in 2012. Jimmy Carter hailed the first edition of his book, "Reclaiming Our Democracy: Every Citizen’s Guide to Transformational Advocacy," as a “roadmap” for global involvement in shaping a better future. Kirkus Reviews praises the updated 2024 edition as "A handbook for aspiring activists that readers will find to be both inspiring and practical." A conversation to kick off election year, Daley-Harris suggests how to head off despair, and Laura shares some closing comments on citizenship and spaceships. Recorded at CUNYtv in NYC.
“Those who benefit from the status quo are perfectly happy with a large population who thinks nothing will get any better . . . Cynicism is obedience. If I'm cynical, I'm being obedient to the way things are rather than getting involved” - Sam Daley-Harris
Guest: Sam Daley-Harris: Founder, RESULTS & Civic Courage; Author: Reclaiming Our Democracy
Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.
Music In the Middle: “Losing Steam” by Salami Rose Joe Louis from her latest album Akousmatikous released on Brainfeeder Records. And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear.
The Laura Flanders Show Crew: Laura Flanders, Sabrina Artel, David Neuman, Nat Needham, Rory O'Conner, Janet Hernandez, Sarah Miller and Jeannie Hopper
FOLLOW The Laura Flanders Show
Twitter: twitter.com/thelfshow
TikTok: tiktok.com/@thelfshow
Facebook: facebook.com/theLFshow
Instagram: instagram.com/thelfshow
YouTube: youtube.com/@thelfshow
ACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel