The theater of Dionysus in Athens, circa 500 BC, where 17,000 citizens could share the same experience. Now, THAT is social media! No wonder it was the birthplace of democracy.
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Democracy is a system of government in which power ultimately rests with the people, who exercise that power directly or through freely elected representatives.
We tend to think of democracy as an idea that we learn in school and some of us practice every two or four years. It is often confused with personal liberty, offered up to justify a right, as in, “This is a democracy, so I have the right to _____________.”
Ideas can be inconvenient and put aside in order to “get things done.” But things put aside are things that can get lost and forgotten.
Neglecting democracy can allow a community to split into tribes. Tribalism encourages people to bond but not to bridge, to signal but not communicate, to react but not initiate. To turn a once-vibrant community into a ZIP code.
I created this website to present democracy in a non-political, non-polarizing way—grounded in everyday life and filled with constructive examples that show how democracy can be relevant and beneficial to everyone, not just an abstract or ideologically charged concept.
Drawing on my backgrounds in both documentary filmmaking and organizational behavior, this website utilizes video to explore democracy in action and highlights how it unites communities, allowing its members to thrive.
Join me as we explore the everyday ingredients that make democracy thrive. Like a good brew, democracy is created from simple elements—close to home and often overlooked. It begins with public places where people from different walks of life can meet, mingle, and form connections. Add a pinch of curiosity to spark conversation. Stir in leadership that invites participation rather than fears it. And finally, choose a place alive with diversity—where new people, new ideas, and new experiences flow in.
Together, let’s rediscover the social capital all around us—and see how it can be blended into a democracy that’s real, resilient, and relevant to our daily lives.
The Examples
(more coming)
The Potluck Jam
Every Monday, when the weather allows, people begin to emerge along the banks of the Hudson River in Kingston at stretch called The Strand.
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The Bridgiest Bar in Town
Every Friday evening, we went to Lia's Mountain View for dinner, a drink, and lots of people. We preferred the tap room, around the U-shaoed bar. That's where you meet...
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The Last Night at the Wild Hive Cafe
A place where NOBODY knows ypur name -- at first and then you are friends.
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It Takes a Play to Make a Community
We go behind the scenes (and scenery) to witness how, in the making of a play, a new community is also produced.
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The Best Community
There's a saying, "The best future is the one you make." Here a community is joining together to make its own future.
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Small Town Battles A Global Pandemic
A pharmacikst got some volunteers togetrher to give Vaccinations.
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It Takes a Community to Run a Railroad
The story of the Catskill Mountain Railroad is one of historical preservation, local tourism, grassroots railroading and political intrigue. What a combination! Take a look at this movie before we...
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