Vision for the Future

Our Voices Heard envisions a nation in which all citizens from children to seniors have the tools to participate fully in the democratic process at the local, state, national and global levels. By continuing to lead the fight to eliminate remaining barriers to civic participation, we will promote greater social and economic justice to enhance the quality of African American life.

In a healthy democracy, citizens have the information and skills to participate effectively in civic life. When citizens understand how government works and how to make their voices heard, they are more motivated to get involved. How is civics taught in our schools? Do people understand how to make government work for them?

The first test of a healthy democracy is voter turnout. Our system is founded on the principle of "consent of the governed." This principle is weakened when fewer than half of all eligible voters are making decisions that affect everyone. We encourage the participation of all voters in our community.

Our goals are to reverse the decline in minority voter participation and to reduce the gap between minority voters and the general population in terms of their participation in the American democratic process. To achieve these goals, Our Voices Heard administers programs and provides services to increase civic education activities of national Black organizations; develops autonomous nonpartisan voter coalitions in local communities; and creates a climate which encourages greater civic participation.

A democracy garners its strength and credibility from the full participation of its citizenry. Today politics is dominated by obscene amounts of money and 30-second TV spots. We can do better. Through old-fashion neighbor-to-neighbor organizing Project Vote seeks to transform the disenfranchised into a citizen's army ready to do battle at the ballot box for themselves and for their families.