<p>The American rhetoric of liberty, justice, democracy and equality is inspiring, yet the reality of our society has never matched those stated ideals. Even so, American history is filled with examples of people working together to build the social movements that are necessary to make profound and positive systemic change&mdash;the abolition of slavery, women&rsquo;s suffrage, labor organizing, civil rights, ecology, global justice, and immigrants rights movements.</p>
<p>The foundation for all of these efforts was a commitment by ordinary people to demand and create for themselves changes in their own lives and in their own communities. After all, we have the most power where we live, work and play.</p>
<p>The <strong>Local Democracy Conference </strong>will showcase the latest examples of communities that are creating a new way of making and implementing decisions. We will convene participatory workshops and panels to share best practices attendees can take back and implement in their communities.</p>
<p><strong>The Participatory Budgeting Project is the principal convener of the Local Democracy Conference.&nbsp; Contact Maria at mariahadden@gmail.com for more info.</strong></p>
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<a href="https://democracyconvention.org/democracy-convention-2013-registration">... style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="background-color: rgb(0, 128, 0);">If you haven&#39;t already done so,&nbsp;</span></span><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="background-color: rgb(0, 128, 0);">be sure to register</span></span><span style="color:#ffffff;"><span style="background-color: rgb(0, 128, 0);">&nbsp;now!</span></span></strong></a></h3>
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Full Conference Agenda Below:</h3>