Public Access Democracy is a 501c3 non-profit working to bring ordinary people from all walks to the center of governance. We educate, advocate, strategize, and organize for a more effective, inclusive democracy through democratic lottery and deliberation.

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Most people agree that democracy is a good idea in principle, but in practice isn't working. The influence of moneyed interests has so distorted electoral democracy's functioning that it has become almost impossible to implement rational policies that benefit a majority of Americans. Public Access Democracy seeks to invest decision-making power in deliberative citizen groups chosen by lot -- just as juries are. It's not a plan to get money out of politics. It's a plan to get politics out of democracy. And everywhere it's being tried, it's working.

For example, all over.

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Democracy R&D

is an international network of organizations with the mission to promote deep democratic practices such as random selection (sortition) and deliberation.

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P.A.D. is aiming high. We want to transform political decision making in towns, cities, counties, states, and nations--by putting political power into deliberative citizen assemblies chosen by democratic lottery. We're starting local, by looking for towns and cities that are P.A.D. ready, or that have charters amendable by citizen initiative. We're gathering a core group of activists to begin the process. We can use your help! Click on the link to receive our newsletter, which will keep you in the loop.

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