Reclaim the American Dream
- info27725
- Aug 25, 2013
- 2 min read
Mission: To serve as an “informational gateway aimed at helping people who are upset about America today to get engaged in fixing our democracy and making our economy fairer at the local level, where people power still has clout.”
Founded by Hedrick Smith, Pulitzer Prize-winning former New York Times reporter and Emmy award-winning documentary producer, Reclaim the American Dream calls itself a “new kind of website” that addresses multiple reform issues, providing a broad range of information that citizens need to engage in grassroots civic action.
Current Democracy Work
Reclaim the American Dream positions itself as an entry point for citizens who want to get involved but are not sure where to plug in. Four of its seven topic areas focus on democratic renewal: a constitutional amendment, disclosure of campaign contributions, public financing of elections, and gerrymander reform. The website publishes well-researched briefings, state by state progress reports on actions currently underway, success stories from around the nation, and expert perspectives on reform. It also provides nationwide maps and reading lists, and can point you towards organizations engaged in reforming our democracy. Through the website platform Reclaim the American Dream, Smith and collaborators seek to offer “roadmaps for change.”
Recent Successes
As a “new kind of website” calling itself an “informational gateway,” Reclaim the American Dream uses inspiring Success Stories, such as the story of Maine’s adoption of clean elections, to show the public that change is possible.
Your Entry Points
Explore the web site’s handy issue profiles and progress reports, such as its profile and progress reports on public campaign-funding. Dig into their Tool Kits for ideas about how to get involved and spread the word that reform is possible and is happening.