Demystifying Democracy

An Educational Series brought to you by Common Cause Rhode Island

2024 Demystifying Democracy #1

I’m Just a Bill (Held for Further Study) (co-hosted with the Latino Policy Institute)

2024 Demystifying Democracy #2

Sunshine Week: How Public Records Shed Light on State & Local Government in Rhode Island

2024 Demystifying Democracy #3

Beyond Equality: Unpacking Equity and its Relationship with Legislative Work in Rhode Island

2023 Demystifying Democracy #1

Democracy, For Real: How a Bill Really Becomes a Law in Rhode Island (co-hosted with the Latino Policy Institute)

2023 Demystifying Democracy #2

All Politics Are Local: Understanding Municipal Government in Rhode Island (co-hosted with the Latino Policy Institute and Cranston Public Libraries)

2022 Demystifying Democracy #1

 I’m Just a Bill (Held for Further Study)

2022 Demystifying Democracy #2: Misinformation and Disinformation in Rhode Island Elections

A Sunshine Week Event: What’s the Future of Online Public Meetings in Rhode Island?

2021 Demystifying Democracy #1

What’s on the ballot? The seven bond questions in the March election

2020 Demystifying Democracy #1

I’m Just a Bill (Held for Further Study): Understanding the Legislative Process in Rhode Island

2019 Demystifying Democracy #1

Understanding the Rules of the Rhode Island House

2019 Demystifying Democracy #2

Learn from the Experts: How to use Rhode Island’s Public Records and Open Meetings Laws

2019 Demystifying Democracy #3

Who Draws the Lines? Understanding Redistricting in Rhode Island

2018 Demystifying Democracy #1

Understanding the Legislative Process in Rhode Island

2018 Demystifying Democracy #2

How to Testify at the General Assembly

2018 Demystifying Democracy #3

Understanding the State Budget Process

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Press

Op-Ed: Session offers a glimpse in leadership styles

News Clip

Op-Ed: Session offers a glimpse in leadership styles

Various issues are discussed, including APRA reform, LEOBOR, the state of the economy, differing leadership styles in the General Assembly, and the upcoming election cycle for Rhode Island elected officials.

Constitutional Conventions: a relic of old or a chance for reform? It’s time for voters to decide

News Clip

Constitutional Conventions: a relic of old or a chance for reform? It’s time for voters to decide

Rep. Robert Craven and Senator Dawn Euer are sponsoring legislation that allows Rhode Island voters to determine if they want to hold a constitutional convention to change or amend the Rhode Island state constitution. There is concern that a state constitutional convention could get out of hand with political polarization, while others argue it would be a welcome change for how government is run in Rhode Island.

Once the epitome of New England democracy, the Financial Town Meeting is fading in RI

News Clip

Once the epitome of New England democracy, the Financial Town Meeting is fading in RI

The appearance of Financial Town Meetings, generally used to approve a town’s budget with public commentary from voters, has declined in recent years. Many towns see this as an old, exclusionary way of running government that can easily be taken over by a small group or special interest.

Events


2024 Champions of Democracy Celebration

In Person

2024 Champions of Democracy Celebration

Join us for our biggest event of the year, the Champions of Democracy Celebration and Annual Meeting. This year in addition to celebrating our awardees, we will have special remarks by new Common Cause national president Virginia Kase Solomón on the state of our democracy.


The Guild, 461 Main Street, Pawtucket, RI 02860 US
5:30 pm – 8:00 pm EDT

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