Democratic Culture
Democracy lives in culture, not just in laws and institutions
Culture is both upstream of institutions and within them. People inside and outside government need to care about democracy, believe it can work, and behave accordingly. Culture is everywhere and can mean different things. Democratic culture is made up of principles, norms and values — such as respect for human rights, integrity, and inclusion—that matter in society, in institutions, and in government. We nurture democratic values within and beyond institutions, supporting initiatives that embed the norms of democracy in daily life.
We put people at the center of democracy and help all people, including underrepresented communities, shape civic life. From the grassroots up, we amplify local voices, strengthen resilience, and promote cohesion over discord.
Ultimately, we help people believe again that democracy can deliver fairness, dignity, and opportunity for all—and that democracy belongs to them. People will only defend something if they care about it and believe in it.