Democracy Funding

“People everywhere long for the freedom to determine their destiny; the dignity that comes with work; the comfort that comes with faith; and the justice that exists when governments serve their people -- and not the other way around.” 

President Barack Obama, 2012

Throughout the world, democratic backsliding and systemic human rights violations have been on the rise, and have had severe impacts in our professional and personal lives. In recent years, less democratic and/or authoritarian regimes have sought immense power, and eventually succeeded in gaining popular support. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic had exacerbated social and economic inequalities— pushing the marginalized further to a place of fear and uncertainty. Defenders of democracy and human rights have been severely targeted for their work. The ‘New Normal,’ as the international community claims it, has become a more unsafe and insecure period for vulnerable individuals and groups.

Despite shrinking spaces and protracted silencing and fear, solidarity is what we have left to rise from the rubble. To preserve and enrich this collective value/principle, it is key to (1) identify and appreciate our lived experiences (milestones and struggles), (2) reach out to individuals/groups beyond our community who are challenged by current systems and norms, and (3) establish ways to connect and collaborate. 

Rationale

“(Solidarity is) a strategic coalition of individuals who are invested in a collective vision for the (present) and future”

- Lola Olufemi, ‘Feminist Interrupted’

The Obama Foundation Democracy Community of Practice (CoP) 2023 has committed to work towards “enabling democratic renewal by increasing meaningful participation of the people, particularly those living at the margins.” This proposed project aims to contribute to the fruition of this mission. It seeks to document and elevate narratives of human rights and democracy work, and highlight insights on ways to actualize solidarity, particularly in fragile areas of the world. 

At the end of this project, a book shall be produced to memorialize voices and discussions. This will serve as a reminder of our commitments, and as guidance for the fulfillment of our collective vision, mission, and purpose. 

Phase 1: Online Conversations and Documentation (October)

Democracy CoP members (3 at most) will be paired and engaging online with a non-Obama Foundation affiliated democracy/human rights activist/academic/defender (most of whom are based in the global south). Their discussion will be guided by these four questions:

1. How do you want to be seen? (self)
2. What has been your experience in working for human rights and/or democracy in your community and society? (lived experience)
3. What does solidarity mean to you? (principle and concept)
4. How can we make solidarity real to achieve milestones for human rights and democracy? (way forward)

At least ten one hour e-meetings will be held throughout October. Each will be covering a specific theme/topic*:

• Freedom of Expression, Misinformation and Media Freedom
• Freedom of Association
• Democratic Protest and Freedom of Assembly
• SOGIE-SC / LGBTQIA+
• Academic Freedom
• Authoritarianism and Militarism
• Shrinking Civic Spaces
• Refugees and Statelessness
• Human Rights Defenders (including Environmental Rights Defenders and Women Human Rights Defenders/WHRD)
• Children and Youth 

Discussions will be facilitated by an external consultant to ensure meaningful inputs and insights are brought about, harvested, and well-documented. 

Phase 2: Publication (November)

The consultant, in collaboration with project proponents, will be writing a 500-700-word article on each session. Upon editing, the articles will be collated in a book, which will be disseminated to Democracy CoP members and the wider Obama Foundation network alumni. A launch (hopefully, in conjunction with the International Human Rights Day) will be organized to celebrate this milestone, inspire greater solidarity, and realize further action from the Obama Network community. 

Proposed Budget

• USD 1,500 - External Consultant: Facilitator and Lead Writer (150 USD x 10 Days) 
• USD 1,000 - External Consultant: E-Book Designer (100 USD x 10 Days)
• USD 833 - External Consultant: Editor/Proofreader (83 USD x 10 Days)

Proposed Non-Monetary Support from Obama Foundation

• Foreword by the Obama Foundation (Nada)
• Wide dissemination of Output (Book)
• Online launch of the book

Contribution of Project Proponents

• Overall supervision of the project
• Zoom meeting hosting
• Coordination with participants and consultants

Project Proponents

Cornelius Damar Hanung - Indonesia - Obama Leader Asia Pacific 2023

Joel Mark Baysa Barredo - Philippines - Obama Leader Asia Pacific 2022