Doris Day Quotes

People underestimate the impact they can have on the process through contact with legislators. By being part of an organized group in an area that you have an interest in, you can multiply the impact of your own ideas.

'Unlikely Brothers' talks about the importance of citizen action and shows why and how we can make a difference.

There is nothing beyond the reach of ordinary citizens doing the daily work of democracy, and no problem too great to tackle with the power of active citizenship.

I have seen the times when the grassroots has moved the Congress. We listen way more often to our constituents than the lobbyists. And the grassroots are going to have to do it.

I liked the give-and-take of a policy discussion in the community, with citizens. I didn't know that even took place, frankly, but I never dreamed it would be an enjoyable thing to do.

The Constitution would not actually be a live enterprise without lobbies because that's the way one petitions for the redress of grievances.

Policy makers do the right thing only if the public makes as much noise as possible.

I want Americans to realize that we are the owners of this country, and that one person can make a difference.

Scepticism and cynicism about politics is so great that one of the best counters to it is what you can do at a local level.

I want to be the kind of elected official who not only pays attention but who acts on behalf of people - just average people. Fancy lobbyists get to tell their story, but the average person doesn't.

We don't get a more responsive government unless we start to systematically run organizing campaigns to change the way government works.

I've always been an activist, so my participation in community outreach and helping is just a natural extension of that.

Music must awaken people to do their duty as citizens and act.

Having an understanding of what's possible also makes me redouble my efforts to fight those who stand in the way of doing the things that my constituents and the country would want to get done.

We cannot imagine democracies without a vibrant civil society.

I'm always trying to invite citizens to participate in the process of public decision-making.

The thing about local government is they want to hear what local people think, but for the most part, their systems are so long, dull and bureaucratic that people only get involved when there's an issue they really care about.

You put these politicians in office, but then you've got to tell them what you want them to do. And it's intimidating to most people. I was intimidated by it. I mean, calling my senator or writing my senator? I'm like, what do I say? What do I do? But we're showing people that the political process is actually less intimidating than we think.

A true patriot would keep the attention of his fellow citizens awake to their grievances, and not allow them to rest till the causes of their just complaints are removed.

This is essential that we have a resurgence in democratic participation. And I don't mean big-D Democrat, I mean small-D democrat. I mean getting involved in your neighborhood, your community. This is no time to say, "I'm not into politics." This is a time to go headlong into the welfare of this nation.

I am raising my voice as a citizen of the country. I don?t want to enter politics.

Development seems to have become the agenda only of government. It is seen as a scheme. That should not be the case. Development should be everyone's agenda. It should be a people's movement.

It is one of the great goals of my administration to invigorate the spirit of involvement and citizenship. We will encourage faith-based and community programs without changing their mission.

It was you readers who really came through, proving once again that when the American people decide to "get involved" in a problem, it is best not to let them have any sharp implements.

Democracy works when people claim it as their own