Association "Democratic living"
Empowering democracy, combating loneliness
Goal: support communities which are:
- based on the “democratic relationships" principles and values
- non-profit and centered on common causes (environmental protection, minority rights, etc.), common interests (dance, games, sports, etc.), or common projects (education, share lodging, etc.)
- welcoming towards new members
Actions:
- Communication:
- List those communities
- Communicate about their events
- Communicate about their needs for staff (paid or unpaid)
- Practice exchange:
- Help improve their governance
- Help improve the facilitation they provide during their events
- Finances:
- Lend short-term money, for example for venues fees (if some voluntary members take the risks)
- Share equipments
- "Democratic living" events organization:
- to experience the “democratic relationships” principles and values
- to research about the “democratic relationships” theory
- to provide a place where staffs could meet and learn from another
Why this goal?
Here is a list of 5 big advantages brought by the "democratic relationships" principles and values:
- They allow for more depth in relationships, with less risks of exhaustion (using them, it’s easier to be authentic, to offer and receive support, and to take a step back if needed)
- They increase global efficiency (even if the decision-making processes are more complex, tensions and conflicts are more likely to be visible and handled)
- They increase the possibilities to develop strong interests in various domains of life
- They reconcile persons who thought their values were incompatible (for example: a person who is focused on freedom with a person who is focused on equality)
- They foster trust in other people (even unfamiliar people)
However, their weak spot is the risk of loneliness, because with these principles and values, the relationships tend to be moving and unpredictable (there is no predefinition of the place people hold towards each other, the relationships have to be actively built and maintained)... That's the main reason why the "democratic relationships" principles and values are constantly threatened by movements that encourage clannishness and withdrawal.
The association "Democratic living" is here to reconcile:
- the aforementioned 5 advantages
- and a lower risk of loneliness
Who are we?
For the moment, this project is being developed by Lila (Guilain in French)!
Of course, the association "Democratic living" will operate based on the “democratic relationships” principles and values.
Please contact Lila if you want to receive some news about this project, or if you want to support the launching! guilain{a}dem{point}li
