Politics has become a winner-take-all struggle for power. Win elections, suppress differing viewpoints, and punish political opponents.
However, there is another more inclusive approach to politics that is often found at the local level. Our goal is to promote inclusive policymaking through local resolutions, challenging the us-versus-them narrative in national politics.
When faced with a political system that embraces exclusion and marginalization, the best way to resist is to include.
We promote non-binding local government resolutions that call for giving everyone a say in the policymaking process. Here's how our strategy works.
1. Citizens take the lead
Citizens contact their local representatives and ask them to support a resolution on inclusive policymaking. A draft email template is available in the Get Involved section below.
2. Local representatives act
Elected officials pass a non-binding resolution in support of inclusive policymaking. A draft resolution template is available in the Example Resolution section below.
3. Inclusiveness spreads
As more local governments highlight inclusiveness, including others becomes a part of our political culture.
There are several ways to get involved and support inclusive policymaking!
1. Contact your local representatives
The best way to advance our mission is to contact your local representatives, such as city or county councilmembers. Here’s an example email you can use as a template.
Dear [Title] [Last Name],
I am a resident of [Town/City/County], and I am writing about the possibility of introducing a non-binding resolution to demonstrate our local government’s commitment to inclusive policymaking. This resolution is promoted by the Include Project, which seeks to highlight a more inclusive approach to politics to counter the exclusionary, winner-take-all mindset in our national political environment. An example resolution is available on their website at includeproject.org. Would you be open to supporting this type of resolution?
Thank you,
[First Name] [Last Name]
2. Share your successes
If your local government adopts a resolution on inclusive policymaking, let us know! Send us a link to the resolution on the local government website as well as any related news articles, and we’d be happy to feature the story on our social media.
3. Follow us on social media
Follow us at the accounts at the bottom of the page, and cheer on inclusive local governments!
Here’s an example of a non-binding resolution that promotes inclusive policymaking. The format for non-binding resolutions varies among local governments, and the example resolution may need to be modified to fit the format used by your local government. The example resolution is just one possible starting point, so feel free to make it your own or draft your own resolution from scratch!
A Resolution in Support of Inclusive Policymaking
Whereas, a winner-take-all approach to policymaking marginalizes political minority groups and undermines political equality.
Whereas, the members of the [Town/City/County Council] represent diverse constituencies and therefore have diverse perspectives and interests.
Whereas, although members’ interests may be opposed on some policy issues, members’ interests are not always in direct opposition, and there may sometimes be opportunities for win-win outcomes.
Whereas, elected officials can passionately advocate for their own policy priorities while also seeking ways to address the interests of other members.
Be it resolved that:
The [Town/City/County Council] commits to being an example of inclusiveness, for [Town/City/County], for [State], and for the country.
The [Town/City/County Council] intends to provide all its members with a meaningful say in the policymaking process, regardless of their political views or party affiliation.
This resolution is non-binding and does not create enforceable obligations. Nothing in this resolution should be construed to restrict members as they passionately work to advance their constituents' interests.
1. Does the resolution create any binding obligations for elected officials?
Nope! The resolution we propose is completely non-binding.
2. Will the resolution change how local government operates?
That’s up to individual members. Because the resolution is non-binding, members may interpret and implement it however they see fit. At a base level, members might make a greater effort to engage with their counterparts across the aisle to develop creative win-win policy options. More intensive forms of inclusion are also available, and our academic work identifies some ways to include a political minority group fully in policymaking while still protecting the majority’s interests.
3. Will the resolution change the national political environment?
We hope so. If local governments across the country embrace inclusiveness as an institutional norm, the impact will be felt on the national level.
4. Does inclusive policymaking mean compromise?
No. Inclusive policymaking just means that everyone has a say in government decisions. Instead of compromising, representatives can work together to identify outcomes that benefit everyone. It might not always be possible to find a win-win outcome, but at a minimum, inclusive policymaking means making an effort.
5. Why local government resolutions?
Our goal is to make supporting inclusiveness as easy as possible. Many local governments are already practicing inclusive politics, and a non-binding resolution is a simple, concrete way to highlight inclusiveness through an official act.
6. What happens next?
If the resolution is adopted widely by local governments, we may promote the resolution in state legislatures or work with interested local governments to develop more intensive forms of political inclusion.