Democratic Futures Prize Category
Submit
your original short fiction imagining a positive future for
humanity that foregrounds the potential of democratic governance
—and actionable steps to get us there.
Democratic institutions, values, and civic organization struggle to keep pace with a rapidly changing world. They face opposition from authoritarians and entrenched interests, and skepticism from those who live with their failures. Modern networking, information-gathering, and decision-making technologies offer new ways for people to collectively participate in decisions at all levels of society. Global society faces crises that transcend borders. If we are to survive and thrive through the coming technological, environmental, and economic upheavals, we need to develop solutions in ways that gather input from—and benefit—everyone.
Democratic futures go beyond incremental reforms of electoral systems to reimagine the mechanisms of both representative and direct forms of democracy, and the societal structures needed to enable them. They follow the principle that decisions made for a society should be made by the members of that society, balancing broad-based input with protection of rights. History has shown the imagination required to expand—and the dangers of trying to curtail—who gets input and how, and what rights are protected for whom.
Some key features of democratic futures:
Democratic institutions, values, and civic organization struggle to keep pace with a rapidly changing world. They face opposition from authoritarians and entrenched interests, and skepticism from those who live with their failures. Modern networking, information-gathering, and decision-making technologies offer new ways for people to collectively participate in decisions at all levels of society. Global society faces crises that transcend borders. If we are to survive and thrive through the coming technological, environmental, and economic upheavals, we need to develop solutions in ways that gather input from—and benefit—everyone.
Democratic futures go beyond incremental reforms of electoral systems to reimagine the mechanisms of both representative and direct forms of democracy, and the societal structures needed to enable them. They follow the principle that decisions made for a society should be made by the members of that society, balancing broad-based input with protection of rights. History has shown the imagination required to expand—and the dangers of trying to curtail—who gets input and how, and what rights are protected for whom.
Some key features of democratic futures:
There are ways for people to learn about, debate, and come to conclusions about major issues.
People have some method of agreeing to the structures of decision-making, if not always the outcomes.
There are limits on what those in power can do, how long they can hold that power, and how they can hold onto it.
MISSION
Why?
We're looking for previously unpublished short fiction that:
Incorporates positive visions of democratic futures at any scale – local, national, or global.
Shows how we can shape democratic futures for the public good.
Inspires and empowers us all to imagine and create the futures we want.
Gives us a north star, and ideas for how to move towards it.
Brings to life the complexities, tradeoffs and paths of action to maximize human flourishing.
Contest Rules
Guiding Questions
RESOURCES & LINKS
Resources & Links
We have collected some relevant research and ideas to help you think about collective self-governance stories and futures. This is not required background for participating in the contest, but inspiration and jumping-off points for those who'd like to learn more.
- Democracy 2076 Democratic Stories Research | Data on narratives about democracy and governance, and the types of heroes that appeal to different populations
-
The Protagonist Problem | Alternatives to individual heroes
♡ SPECIAL THANKS TO DEMOCRACY NOTES ♡
The Democratic Futures Prize is made possible by Democracy Notes.