Our Mission
Democracy Matters (DM) empowers students by giving them a voice in politics, skills for life-long civic engagement and leadership, and the passion to create a just, fair, and inclusive democracy. Our non-partisan college and high school chapters throughout the country educate, inspire and mobilize other students to take action on a range of issues.
DM opposes threats to and attacks on democracy and democratic institutions. We fight to expand voting rights, defeat the power of big money in politics, and engage in social justice advocacy on issues from climate change, civil rights, gun violence and reproductive rights to educational funding, LGBTQ+ rights, economic justice, healthcare and more.
Our History
Democracy Matters was founded in 2001 by NBA basketball player, poet, and activist Adonal Foyle. With his parents, Joan and Jay Mandle who were college professors and life-long organizers, Foyle created a non-partisan organization that has built a national network of student chapters engaged in social justice activism.
DM’s staff, experienced in grassroots organizing and campus activism, trains and mentors student interns and chapter members. Monthly calls and an annual Summit bring student activists together to network, share best practices, and plan programming to build a democracy truly of, by, and for the people.
Our founder and president
“ I started Democracy Matters to inspire students to stand up and speak out against injustice wherever they find it. I know it will be a more just, inclusive and stronger country if we listen to them. Young people deserve a real voice in helping to create the future.”
Foyle’s commitment to student activism through Democracy Matters has been widely hailed in the press, including The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, USA Today and more. Adonal’s understanding of the power of students to make positive social change is the driving force behind Democracy Matters.
The NBA has recognized Adonal’s activism with their “Community Assist Awards.” His important work has also been acknowledged by The Greenlining Institute’s prestigious “Change Agent Award,” by the City of San Francisco’s “Sports Hero Award,” and by his induction into the “Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame”.
