Constructing a Democratic Party for the People
Centered America is a non-profit organization created to reform the Democratic Party’s messaging in a way that reconnects with communities and voters across the aisle. Now more than ever, people feel underrepresented by the Democratic Party. We have to change that. We have to step out of our comfort zones to educate, empathize, and open our arms to everyday Americans—not by backing down from our values, but by finding common ground to bring all people into the conversation and fight back against Donald Trump.
We owe it to those who came before us—who bled and fought for our fundamental freedoms—to fight back against the wealthiest individuals in the world who seek to own our democratic processes, our Constitution, our rule of law, and our attention. Now is not the time to blunder into hesitation. Now is the time for a methodical and strategic course of action that unites us—not just to create a social statement—but to ensure that the Constitution prevails and that people of all communities in America are protected.
THIS LAND IS OUR LAND
People aren’t born inherently racist, born with prejudice, or born with a desire to crumble the freedoms of certain marginalized communities. We grow up learning our ideals from our parents, our guardians, and our leaders. We grow up genetically carrying the weight of generations before us.
There’s no doubt that America is rooted in racism, misogyny, and exploitation, but over the course of American history, fundamental rights and freedoms have always prevailed. We, as American people, have broken the cycle over and over again, constantly pushing for progress and working to escape the darkness of our past. Suffragettes won the right to vote, civil rights activists tore down segregation, and disability rights advocates fought for accessibility and inclusion. These weren’t just wins for one party; these were wins for the American people at large.
This land is our land by right. It has always been the land of a continued fight for progress. It is not to be governed by one party, and it is not to be ruled by the few. Our neighbors, our families, our workers, our teachers, our veterans, our artists, our farmers—deserve to be fought for and seen as people, even if they have been subject to weaponized fear, propaganda, and manipulation by those at the top. We all have a duty to protect each other, even if that means we have to lead others to safety. We have the moral and ethical responsibility to open our arms with empathy to those who disagree with us and to those who have been unfairly misled in a political climate designed to separate us. Whether Democrat or Republican—this is the will of the American people.
THE PLAN TO MAKE AMERICA FOR ALL
If the Democratic Party wants to reclaim its role as the party for the working class, we have to stop talking at voters and instead listen to them. We have to resonate with their anger, frustration, and fear and be able to represent them—not by disregarding our values but by effectively engaging with people outside of our own party. We have to see the right side of the aisle as people with concerns who are worried about losing control of the world they once knew. Even if we know that they don’t need to fear things like immigration, the LGBTQ+ community, or diversity in America—they truly feel like those progressive changes mean losing something instead of gaining something greater.
Conservatives are conservative, but their concerns about certain policy issues do not stem from their core beliefs; they stem from what they are told and who they grow up with—just like us. But now more than ever, the political landscape is shaped in a way that divides us. It is our job as Americans and as those with progressive values to welcome them into progress and into a better America. We have to stop turning the right side of the aisle away and start to invite them to be a part of change.
HOW WE CAN GET IT DONE
Speak to People, Not at Them – Every American deserves to feel like their struggles are understood. We can’t just state policies; we have to make sure people can understand them and connect them to their daily lives and struggles. They have to know that Democrats will fix it. We can’t flood them with empty promises like Donald Trump. We have to tell them we will fix it and then actually show up and do it.
Get Rid of Elitism – Democrats have to realize that change does not come from the top down but actually comes from the bottom up. We won’t get anything done by waiting for Democratic leaders to do what we know should be done. We have to do it. Real change starts with grassroots movements, with organizers knocking on doors, and with leaders who don’t just rely on think tanks but who sit down with everyday Americans and listen.
Stop Shunning Republicans – Democrats have to stop assuming that all people who vote differently are ignorant or hateful—we have to recognize that years of misinformation, economic hardship, and institutional neglect have created disillusionment with change, not loyalty to Donald Trump. There are always going to be extremists or a loud minority of people within either party, and we have to understand that those individuals are not the majority. The majority voted for Trump because of what he promised America so strongly. They just want America to be great.
Own Patriotism – Democrats must own patriotism, not surrender it. We must own the Constitution, not let it be weaponized. We have to show our love for our country and our love for making change. We have to be the ones fighting for democracy. We have to lead the fight.
HOW YOU CAN HELP US RIGHT NOW
We’re in the early stages of building Centered America, and we need people who are willing to join us in our outreach. If you want to help change the direction of our politics, here’s how you can get involved:
Become a free or paid subscriber to support our growth. As we apply for 501(c)(4) status, we need support and funding to:
Create digital media campaigns that compete with conservative influencers.
Fund flyers, advertising, and outreach materials.
Support grassroots organizing efforts.
Help shape the message. If you’re a writer, content creator, designer, or excel at communication, help us craft messaging that is promising, hopeful, persuasive, and emotional. We need social media content, digital media, branding, and physical media to create effective outreach.
Break down policy for everyday voters. We need those of you who believe in our mission to translate complex policy into simple, effective talking points.
Respond quickly. We need those of you who believe in our mission to push back against misinformation and spread accurate, simple, and engaging counter-narratives in real-time.
Engage in your community. Talk about Centered America and our mission in barbershops, workplaces, churches, and local events. Share our Substack with friends and family. These things matter.
Connect us with potential donors. If you know progressive donors, unions, political organizations, or media outlets that align with our mission, please connect us.
Centered America won’t stop fighting for you, and won’t stop fighting to uphold our constitutional and democratic principles.
Keep fighting for our democracy, keep fighting for America,
Sharad & Gavin | The Centered America Team